skirtcafe.org

I bought a dress but I dont like it. I looks like I'm attending a Christening with such a long skirt. So I've cut the skirt off at the knee and added a ribbon hem
There might be just enough surplus to make some short sleeves unless anyone has a better idea?

I think some short sleeves or a collar might look good, might make it more clearly a dress with a nice two colour scheme rather than looking like a tank top and skirt.

Seb wrote: ↑Mon Sep 22, 2025 7:19 pm I think some short sleeves or a collar might look good, might make it more clearly a dress with a nice two colour scheme rather than looking like a tank top and skirt.

I've making some sleeves but I need to learn tow make sleeves. I'll post with some sleeves when theya are on.

Try just pinning them on with safety pins first, it does look quite good without the sleeves I think too.


I found with sleeves it was easier to sew them in before closing the seam on the sleeves if you want a flat seam between the torso and sleeve. When I closed the sleeve(into a tube) first I always ended up with them a little to large so I had to gather them down a little to make them fit, sloppy measuring being the probable culprit.

The more I look at the 1st picture with the dress on its own, the more I prefer it to the second picture with the polo shirt. I would pin any sleeves on first before going too far.

Thanks Seb and Mouse. I jumped straight in and sewed the sleeves on and they don't work . Theres a big wrinkle on the front and I was surprised how much material was needed to close the arm hole at the back.
I have some unpicking to do before I try again, with pins.

I tried to make the sleeves with the material I had but it wasnt enough. So I have a new plan. I have an old shirt that I never wear, I might upcycle the sleeves onto the dress.
Here's roughly what it would look like.
Or i could buy a thrift plain black shirt?

Barleymower wrote: ↑Tue Sep 23, 2025 7:36 pmI tried to make the sleeves with the material I had but it wasnt enough. So I have a new plan. I have an old shirt that I never wear, I might upcycle the sleeves onto the dress.

Check where the seams are on the "donor garment" are and compare those with the target areas on the bodice of the dress, If the seams on the donor are inside the armholes of the recipient garment then you have a chance; if it's the other way 'round, abandon hope on this particular experiment -- although the contrast of the sleeves to the bodice is rather attractive.

For edification, read up on pattern-making and you'll find out just how devilishly complex patterns have to be in order to transform the 2-dimensional fabric into a 3-dimensional garment that can actually be worn. You definitely jumped into the deep end with this project!

I've done that Carl and they match so I sewed the arm on. It has pulled the sleeve up slightly and it no longer goes around my forearms. Problem for tomorrow but all in I think its going to work.

One of the things that the pattern-books all recommend is to cut a bit generously so there;s room to actually move in the garment. Skin-tight does not work well with non-stretch fabrics.

And, "If at first you do not succeed, try again!" (Also, "There is no such thing as a "failed experiment". It can always be used for reference as what not to do next time.)