We’re in the middle of a full-on heat wave at the moment, so I’ve been spending most of my time lolling about in the house in my PJ’s alternately trying to lure Suki on to my lap, or shoving her off because she’s so hot!
Towards the end of last week I ventured out to Chapel St to visit American Apparel which is always somewhat like visiting the set of Fame.
Trips to AA can always be a bit iffy. Between the Hypercolour T-shirts (not even a good idea the first time around), the Borat one-pieces (should be criminalised) and the tie-died spandex leggings (srsly?) the gems can be a bit difficult to find unless you peruse the website beforehand then visit the shop With A Mission.
This time I wanted to see whether their Interlock Pencil Skirt was all it was cracked up to be.
For me AA’s always been one of those go-to places for basic t-shirts and layering tops – I’ve never ventured into the skirt-and-dresses departments because, frankly, on the hangers most of the clothes seem to have been made for preschoolers.
Man oh man, does that jersey stretch.
It was snug, and figure hugging, and comfortable to boot, but I still left the shop empty-handed.
See, the thing I least like about American Apparel is that they have tickets on themselves. The skirt was basically a tube of jersey with a waistband sewn on. It wasn’t even hemmed. The cut of the skirt seemed to have less to do with the genius of the designers, and more to do with the stretch capabilities of the fabric and I thought I’m damned if I’m going to spend $52 on a rectangle of cotton blend when I reckon I could make it myself in a better quality fabric. So on the way home I bought a metre of Ponti fabric from Clegs ($17) and an hour later I had my own AA-inspired (hemless) pencil skirt.
It was basically a case of:
1. Wrap fabric around self
2. Cut fabric so it fits around widest part (hips)
3. Sew sides up
4. Use a bit of the left over fabric to wrap around waist (making sure it’s not so tight one can’t wriggle self out of)
5. Fold over and sew to make waistband.
6. Sew waistband to skirt
7. Cut hem at desired length
8. Wear
I’m pretty pleased with it, actually!
Well done, you! It looks great and I’m wagering the ponti fabric is a hell of a lot more curve-friendly than the AA jersey!
Genius!
It looks great.
I am a bit obsessed with AA Deep V Tees and buy them for a FRACTION of the cost on ebay – even with shipping from the US, super bargains.
That skirt looks awesome. I need to get sewing lessons, asap.
But I’m also loving that top from Target – is it still in stores?
You look hot Bella – well done!! And I don’t mean 40+ degree hot either lol!!
Ziz xxx
Very cool! I wish I had more time to sew!!
FAN BLOODY TASTIC!
just to let you know I finally got the black portmans skirt with the ruffles YAY for me!
are you kidding me lilli? that skirt is HOT, HOT, HOT! you should open up your very own etsy store!! =D
i love that you just jump in and have a go, maybe i should get around to attempting some skirts, they can’t be that hard right??
Hi Frumpy – yeah the ponti’s a little more forgiving on the dimpled thighs, heheh. Another reason I thought I’d DIY!
Thanks, Erin!
Georgie Love – I totally agree about the AA Deep V’s being the t-shirt of gods. They’re such a lovely soft fabric, too. Yay for eBay! I tried to find the skirt there, but alas…
Hi Sarah, I bought the top earlier last year and it was in the clearance section, so I’m not sure it’d be worth the trip 🙁 Sorry! I’ll keep my eyes peeled though, and if I find it I’ll do a CP for you if you’d like.
Thanks, Ziz! Gawd know's it's been so stinking hot the last few days that it's been a challenge to wear anything beyond the bra & knickers, lol!
Mummabee, I think the only excuse I have is that I was on holidays, and the only little-person I have underfoot is Suki (though admittedly, that was hard enough – what with her chasing the threads and all). Usually – especially with the totally negligible price of $52 – I'd just cave, and buy it!
Thanks, Sarah-Jo! I'm so glad you found the Portmans skirt, too! Do you love it?
Bec, this skirt was so insanely easily to make… Definitely give sewing a whirl – I usually buy pretty cheap fabric, that way I've got nothing to lose if it's a disaster, lol!
Actually, Melbourne girls, while I think of it there's what could potentially be an amazing Vintage fabric sale at Camberwell market on the 29th of March. It promises "1000's of metres of original fabrics from the 1930's to the 1970's. Cottons, silks, barkcloths. Dress lengths and by the metre available. Vintage Vogue Patterns and Sewing and Craft Books"
I bought the jeans in dark blue AND the black, a couple of tops, but alas no dresses.
Loving this skirt and how easy it is. Simply Divine! xx