Project Jumper

Well dear readers, I am so excited to share this post with you all today!!! 

I finally managed to capture some pictures of my newest creation.

Over the winter break (yes, that long ago, I know) I was finally able to make a small dent in my pile of sewing projects, this skirt/jumper being one of them, so without further adieu, here we go......

I have had this checkered fabric forever, but as my life has been so unwilling to open up in order to sew anything I never was able to sit down and brainstorm ideas. However, I finally got that opportunity before school started, and this is what I created. 

First of all, I have really been wanting to make a jumper for awhile and after running across some delightful ensemble on some lovely bloggers who donned some terrific 50's circle skirt, I decided "Why not just combine both ideas" and voila my 50's checkered circle skirt / convertible jumper was born. YAY!!

Sweater: Express (hand me down); Skirt: me made; Shoes: Neutralizers (Thrifted)

I absolutely love this fabric! Checkered prints have always been a favorite of mine, and this particular print with its red, pink, purple, and hints of silver stripes was particularly lovely. However, I didn't actually have a 50's circle skirt pattern to use, but that is when you improvise off of an old dance skirt pattern that you already have. :) 

The checkered fabric proved to be thinner than expected and very clingy, so I decided (as dreadful as it was) to add a lining underneath. This was my first time adding a lining to a skirt (I like taking the easy way out) but I am so glad it worked, and it actually helped add a little bit of body to the skirts shape. 

One of my favorite things about 50's circle skirts is that they are so full!! You can wear them as is, or you can have fun and add a petticoat underneath which always looks marvelous!! I have also always loved the fitted waist of these styles; what with the full skirted style and the delicate waistband, it gives an elegant air to the piece. 

And as I said before, I made the skirt convertible between being a circle skirt and a jumper! How did I do this? Well, I simply added two buttons in the front and back (hidden on the inside of the skirt mind you) and made a pair of straps with buttons holes and there you have it, a jumper (though my sister thinks it looks weird, hehe). 

I was pretty excited with my finished project! Oh, and I was super excited that one of may favorite sweaters happened to be the same lovely shade of purple/lavender that was in the skirt. However, while this sweater might go, I actually made a purple blouse from a 1940's reproduction pattern to accompany this ensemble, but as you can see it was not photographed (sorry). However, I am sure it will be featured on the blog sometime.

That is all for now, but I do hope you dear readers enjoyed this post and anticipate more "Project" post to come in the future. 

Have you ever made a convertible piece?

What has been one of your recent projects?

Would you like to see more "Project" posts in the future?