Step 1: Design

I was working on a new blouse project and found out the lace I ordered for it was arriving later than I thought. Instead of just waiting like a normal person, I figured I'd fill the extra week with a second sewing project.

This skirt was meant to be as easy as possible to make: every part is basically just a different-sized rectangle gathered in a different way. I'm also using a linen/rayon blend, which was expensive but easy to sew with.

Plan for skirt, basically 5 rectangles
The original skirt plan

Step 2: Sewing

Here are some WIP pics!

I thought this would be a simple process, but it turns out if you want to make a 3x rectangle skirt with 2 2x ruffles, your 3.5 yards of fabric basically multiplies into 30 yards of hemming. This took FOREVER

A pile of black fabric Hemming a ruffle
I used a lot of fabric
Interfacing inside the waistband Finished waistband with shirred back
Waistband with shirred back and interfacing in front to make it smooth
A ton of pins holding together a ruffle Finished skirt ruffle
It is very challenging to ruffle this much fabric in a small amount of space and I poked myself a lot with pins.

Step 3: Losing my marbles

Selfie with WIP skirt: it just has the waist, body, and ruffles with no bows
Me making sure it fit and realizing it doesn't

I put it on for the first time after days of sewing and realized it was too tight :''''''''). I thought the elastic would be way stretchier than it was, but then I realized I actually had to learn how to properly install a zipper. I was feeling VERY LOW at this point.

Step 4: Done!!!

Installed a zipper (it's fine....I hope no one looks too cloesly at it), added a bunch of removable bows, and the skirt went from being depressing to looking great!!

It unintentially matches the axes femme hoodie I bought years ago and never knew what to coord with, and I'm so happy with it!

Flatlay of final black skirt with a waist bow and several smaller bows above two ruffles
Flatlay of skirt
Selfie with skirt worn on body Selfie with skirt worn on body
Final skirt with an outfit!