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Re-fashioned Color Blocking Tutorial -- Episode 02

Hey everyone!

It's time for episode 2 in our new series of Re-fashioned! Hope you enjoy this as I’m going to show you how to use color blocking to lengthen a garment. You can use this technique on a blouse, skirt, or even a dress! Hey, be creative its fun! This project is really Pinterest inspired…color blocking is very popular right now so let’s take advantage of it and use it to re-fashion! Ready? Here it is...

I have a short pencil/straight skirt that I thought could use more length so I had a goal of making it 4 inches longer. 

Here is basically what I used to do this project:

Rotary cutter and mat, scissors, thread, ruler/straight edge, thread, scrap fabric for skirt (I needed something around ½ yard), and my skirt of course. 

First, I cut off the hem of the skirt just simply straight across. 

Then, I needed to determine the measurements of the fabric block to attach. The width of the bottom edge of my skirt was 19 ½ inches. Since, I wanted to add 4 inches before I cut off the hem, I needed to now find my new length that I wanted. So, after cutting the hem I now wanted the skirt 5 ½ inches longer. To make the mathematics of this the easiest =) I thought that I could graph ½ inch seam allowance in the best. I can do math but let’s say that algebra was my better subject. Ha! Not real sure why though, guess letters make more sense than numbers. Maybe I stare at the numbers too long. LOL Anyways, my new piece measurement came to 8 ½" by 20 ½".

Time to cut! ...(for some reason this step makes me nervous every time I try a new idea)… 

I cut it just on one short edge as opposed to making it two pieces, since I didn’t need a whole lot of material. Then, I sewed the one short end ½ inch from the edge. Pressed the seam open then I finished all the raw edges on my serger. You can also do a finish with a zigzag stitch as well. 

This picture only shows the overlock stitch on the short edge but you will need to do this on all the sides as well as the bottom edge of the skirt or whatever garment you’re adding to.

Now it’s time to attach the two together and make that "color blocking look"! Yes, I feel like this skirt is going to look completely different! Hooray to be almost done! This technique is so super easy and f-a-s-t! (gotta love that last word!)

With right sides together I pinned the block piece to skirt carefully aligning finished edges and making sure that the amount of added material matched up to the skirt piece. I don’t want any puckers when sewing them together. Now taken to the sewing machine and stitched ½” from the edge and off we go! 

Just about to finish but first you’ll want to press the seam open that you’ve just made. Topstitch if you want then, hem. I have 2 inches to hem but that’s what I wanted. Press your hem to make it easier when you take it to your machine. Pin the pressing in place, topstitch. 

Then, WAH LA! You are done!

Mine turned out terrific and I liked the results. Hope that this episode has inspired you! Share your results below and tell us if you have any questions or creative ideas using this technique. 

God bless you all and have a lovely week!

With inspiration,

Maggie Elizabeth

New Pattern!

New pattern is now available! Little helper Apron Pattern includes 3 child sizes and is available in printed format and PDF! 

It's for boys too! Alternate view is shown below. Adorable, practical and sweet perfectly describes this Little Helper Apron pattern. Three sizes included to fit most children. Make it for a young girl or boy with the different variations included. 

Girls' version includes cute ruffles and a heart applique and boys' version includes pockets and a neck tie applique. In just a few short steps you can have an adorable apron for your little helper! Head on over to our website to shop this pattern as well as our other great designs! Would also make a great gift! Shop today!