KCWC - Poodle Skirt

You guys still chugging along with KCWC?  I started to get a little burned out yesterday, but swtiched patterns to the raglan tees and went for a hike, and I've got my mojo back again.

Last week my sister told me her youngest needed a poodle skirt, and asked if I could make it.  Apparently sock hops in kindergarten are a big thing? Anyway, I was told that pink and "sparkly somewhere" were requirements.  Here's what I came up with. Note: my models are really busy at school today, sorry!

(by the way, the duct tape?  my response to the new "cool" trend of using washi tape to hold garments up for photo ops.  washi tape would've failed me miserably in this case, and besides, I've always gone my own way.  I hoard my washi tape, too.)

Have you made a poodle skirt before? Great first "sewing" project. You just have to sew the waistband on.

Simplest thing ever, and so easy to make your own. A poodle skirt is just a circle skirt (many tutorials for this, but try MADE for a great one) that reaches anywhere between the knees and ankles.  Usually, they're made out of felt and have an applique of some sort on them.  Eons ago, I did my kitschy applique tutorial here.  Don't roll your eyes too much - I just started the blog then!

For my poodle skirt, I bought a yard and a half of hot pink felt.  A yard would have been enough (she's a short 4T) but I always play is safe with fabric purchases.  I drafted my circle pattern and cut it out.

Then I made the applique - I used black sparkly craft felt to trace a mini schnauzer, to look like my niece's dog.  I found a picture of a schnauzer online, printed it, cut out the photo how I liked it, and traced onto the felt with white tailor pencil.  Then I cut out with sharp scissors, and used Heat 'n Bond to apply it to the skirt.  Really easy - and you can do anything you want to - doesn't have to be a dog. Some of the "original" poodle skirts had hot rods and cats on them. Go your own way.

I had some blue sequin trim on hand, so I used fabric adhesive (Fabri-Tac, in this case) to glue it how I wanted it as a leash.  I spelled out my niece's name with the sequins too, and added heart gems (from stash) to make dots for each "i".

I embellished the little schnauzer with a heart button to dress it up, glued on with fabric adhesive.

For the waistband, I used a knit fabric that was heavy on the spandex and had a lot of stretch.  I cut it to about 2 inches shorter than her waist.  It's wide enough to contain 2 inch elastic in a casing, in case I have to modify the fit later - 2" + 2" + seam allowance.

Yes, my house really is falling down around me. This week has been a mad week of sewing and ignoring the chaos around me. Thanks Mr. Tupelo for being so patient with me!

Should you decide to make a poodle skirt, you should be able to find the felt at most bigger fabric stores in a rainbow of colors. I got mine at Hobby Lobby.  Total cost for this? About $10, not including things I already had on hand (Heat 'n Bond, glue, sequins, knit fabric).  So you should be able to do this for under $15, especially if you have a coupon.

Cheers to you for your great sewing this week at KCWC - I'm not sure I can do much more, or my kids will have no hangers left for clothes! Check out the sidebar to see what I've finished so far this week.