If the skirt length is past your knees, it may be difficult to walk. Add a side or back slit to make walking easier. Try on the skirt to determine where the slit should begin. It should begin about 2" above the hollow of the knee.
For a side slit, release the lengthwise seam stitching to the determined length. Apply seam sealant to the crochet cut edges.
Finish the slit raw edges with a serger or zigzag stitch.
Press the seam allowance to the wrong side along the previous seamline.
Topstitch the seam allowance in place, backstitching across the slit upper edge to reinforce the seam (6).
For a back slit, lay the skirt on a flat surface with the skirt back face up. Locate the center back and mark the determined slit upper end. Draw a line along the center back from the slit upper end to the hem. Cut on the line, making sure not to cut the skirt front.
Cut a 1 1/4"-wide strip of coordinating straight-grain fabric twice the length of the slit, plus 1 1/2". For a slit that measures 10", cut the strip 12 1/2" long. Note: The strip can be cut from the trimmed upper pillowcase section.
Open up the slit and with right sides facing, pin the slit raw edges to the strip. Match the slit center with the strip lengthwise center and 3/16 from the edge. Extend the strip ends 1/2" beyond the pillowcase edges (7). Note: The slit and strip lengthwise raw edges meet at the outside ends and gradually slope from the ends to the center.
Stitch with a 1/4" seam keeping the strip raw edge even with the 1/4" guide on the machine (8). Press the seam toward the strip.
Fold the strip lengthwise so the raw edges meet, then turn in the short ends. Turn the strip folded edge down so it overlaps the previous stitching; sew close to the edge (9).
Fold one side of the slit to the inside again and press. Topstitch the turned-under edge in place, then topstitch across the slit upper end to reinforce (10). Note. This is the same technique used for sewing plackets on shirt sleeves with cuffs.
SOURCE
Vintage Soak is available from Threadpro at www.threadpro.com, (888) 355-7646 or (903) 887-2322 for $9.50 plus shipping and handling.
Pillow Play
Piece two vintage pillowcase fronts together so the design is on both the skirt front and back lower edge. If there is crochet edging, be sure to apply seam sealant to the cut ends to prevent raveling.
Add buttons or other embellishments such as fringe to the lower edge.
Add a ribbon tie. While wearing the skirt, wrap 2 yards of ribbon around the waistband and pin at the side edges. Tack the ribbon to the waistband with the sewing machine or by hand. Tie the loose ribbon ends in a bow at the front to finish. Trim the ends at a 45 degree angle so they won't ravel.
Use a king-size pillowcase to make a dress. Instead of a waistband, make the upper edge fit your upper chest. Add ribbon for straps if desired.
If it's difficult to find vintage pillowcases, make your own. Buy pillowcases with the embroidery design stamped on them. Hand embroider the design and either crochet or add lace to the edge before making it into a skirt. Look for them at your local craft or hobby store.
Make a funky apron. Determine the apron length as for the skirt and trim off the excess at the pillowcase closed end. Cut along the side edges to separate the front from the back and hem the upper and side edges with a double-fold hem. Cut ties from the trimmed excess and hem the edges. Sew the ties to the front panel at the upper side edges.
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