Inspiration for what I make comes from a lot of different places. A photo I found online, a magazine, a pattern I bought…I mean it can truly come from anywhere. It’s funny how and when I become inspired. Sometimes it can be as simple a seeing a color that sparks an idea. The inspiration for this gathered mini skirt came came from another blogger.
Most of the bloggers I follow write about lifestyle, clothing and sewing. This skirt idea came from a blog called Collective Gen (formerly known as A Pair and A Spare). It’s one of my favorite blogs and the woman who runs it Geneva Vanderzeil) is, in my opinion, one of the most creative people that I follow.
DIY Gathered Mini Skirt Pattern
She designed this pattern from scratch. It’s relatively simple and didn’t take very long to make. The pattern consists of a basic circle skirt with a combination elastic and drawstring waistband, and a ruffle.
You’ll need to do some simple math to figure out your measurements. Don’t worry I am terrible at math and I managed to figure it out. Geneva does a great job of explaining how to calculate size. You can check out her tutorial here.
Word to the wise. Her version of the skirt is very short. I think it measures around 15 in long. This might work for you, but I needed a little extra length so I added about 4 or so additional inches. I also ended up adding an extra inch to the waistband. You can see mine looks wider than hers. I didn’t intend to add as much as I did, but I wanted to be sure the skirt ended up being long enough.
You also need to sew two button holes for the drawstring. I don’t sew a lot of button holes but they are very easy. If you have’t sewn them before don’t panic you can do it. Just google how to sew a buttonhole and the model of your sewing machine and you should be able to figure it out.
DIY Gathered Mini Skirt Fabric
I bought the flamingo fabric about two summers ago at Joann’s. I used some of it to make a beach coverup, and the rest I stuffed in one of my many fabric bins. It embarrasses me to say I have a lot of fabric, stuffed in a lot of fabric bins but, that is a story for another post. Anyway, I had just enough of it left to make this very cute skirt.
How I styled My Gathered Mini Skirt
Because the fabric is on the bright side. I decided to pair it with a white t-shirt and white blazer. It helps tone down all the pink. The shoes I have had forever, and purchased them from Banana Republic. Considering they are pink I get a lot of wear out of them. I guess I wear a lot of pink ?
The clutch is vintage. I purchased it on one of my annual girl’s trips to Palm Springs at a great vintage store call The Fine Art of Design. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our trip this year for obvious reasons, which was heartbreaking, but hopefully the ladies and I will be back in 2021.
And last but not least the earrings. I went on a earring making bender last year, and these are by far my most favorite pair. You can check out the tutorial here.
Thanks for reading. I hope you all had a fun and safe 4th of July!
Photos by – Chloejane Photo + Film