I think I mentioned this project before … I planned it back in october or november when I saw this nice one from ACNE at Pinterest. Buying was no option … 430$ for a (professionally) destroyed denim skirt – no way!
Famous denim skirt from ACNE
So I startet looking for a simple sewing pattern to create my own version. I found one in BudaStyle magazine 04/2012 … the Princess Seam Pencil Skirt. I traced it from the pattern sheet (size 36 … this was the smallest size available), cut the pattern pieces and tried to place them on an old pair of jeans my boyfriend gave me to do what ever I like with it. The german Burda patterns have no seam allowance included. But I couldn’t find a way to place all pieces on the jeans with enough space for the seam allowance between them. So the skirt became an U.F.O. (unfinished object) for several weeks. When I finished my peplum top I realised that last years sewing plans can come true in 2013 too … and I had another enlightenment … size 36 is to big for me anyway! I could just drop the seam allowance to easily grade it to a smaller size. I shortened all pieces as the final step of my SDA (skinny dwarf adjustment) and now all pieces found their place on the jeans.
The jeans and the cut pieces … finally
As I am a lazy stitcher I sewed all seams with my overlock machine. I looked at the almost finished skirt and just couldn’t imagine to destroy it to create the look of the ACNE skirt. I couldn’t see myself wearing a ripped skirt … not in 2013 
My plan was to decorate the skirt with a Ikat pattern. There was a nice little tutorial (I found on Pinterest, of course) on how to apply such pattern onto denim using bleach. I really like using bleach to decorate fabric … do you remember my swimming pool dress? Before I use bleach on the garment I always try it on a scrap of the same fabric. So did I with the denim. I tried different ways of applying the bleach … a nib, a brush, a spray can. I let it dry over night … well, there wasn’t anything happening! Finally I took a scrap of two differnt jersey fabrics to see if there is anything wrong with the bleach. The colour changed within seconds …
bleach on denim and jersey
I came this far. No bleach resistant denim could stop me at this point. A brush, thinned fabric paint and some hours of painting brought the final result. Not enough hand work? I did a blind hem on the lower edge by hand. To avoid to much bulk at the waist I finished this edge with a satin bias tape.
blind hem
bias tape on waistband
Finally I attached the exposed metal zipper and there it was: my denim pencil skirt with ikat pattern!
pattern battle: birch vs. skirt
the more casual version: the hi-low shirt over the skirt
There is only one garment left on my to-sew-list from last year: a blouse. Let’s see which surprises it will bring.
How about you? Have you ever struggled in the sewing process?
Thank you for stopping by!
Wow I love this – so much work, but it’s definitely worth it. I saw this on Burdastyle and just had to check it out in full!
Thank you! I totally agree with you. It was worth it
What an extremely lovely skirt!
Wow, that worked out brilliantly! Much better than the ripped version!! How many people have stopped you in the street and asked where you got that skirt?
I didn’t wear it in public yet
I just crossed the street to shoot the photos. I’ll let you when there are first reactions…
That’s really a brilliant idea. The skirt fits you perfectly and bleach decoration is what makes this garment unique!
that’s one fabulous skirt
and i love how you created your own fabric
This is so fab! The ikat pattern is really cute and the skirt fits perfectly.
I love everything about this project: perfect finishings, perfect style and perfect handmade ikat print!