DIY project - Leather detail skirt

My favorite black skirt has shrinked a little bit and I can only blame my washing machine for that... Other reason could be that I put on weight but I would rather stick to the first option :).

... so as I couldn't wear that skirt any longer, I decided to enlarge it with a piece of faux leather and make it even fashionable! If you want to make something similar below is the guide for you, enjoy! 

What you need: piece of leather - real or faux, a ruler, fabric chalk, scissors, sewing machine and of course some skirt with zip closure in the back

STEP 1: measure your skirt length and cut a strip from leather in exact length, the width depends on how much you want to enlarge it. I kept the same width along the whole  leather strip as my skirt has an elastic waist belt. 

STEP 2: Cut the opening for a zip into the leather piece. 

STEP 3: Carefully rip the stitching as pictured, including stitching around the zip 

STEP 4:  Use pins to fasten the zip and leather and sew it together using zipper sewing foot. 

STEP 5:  Fasten leather strip along both sides of skirt fabric and sew through 

TADA! New leather detail skirt :) 

Skirt tutorial - remake a wide & long skirt into thinner & shorter skirt!

I  kept myself busy with remaking this never worn skirt last weekend. I think I got it as a present few years ago. I don't remember from who eerrrrrrrrrr...but it was somebody who thought I am much taller and wider! I didn't want to bin it so I kept it for a couple of years in my wardrobe. I owe few pieces like this skirt which are only hanging  there waiting for their time to show up and be wore... Well, this skirt wishes have just came true! 

Instructions:

1. Turn the skirt inside out and put it on. Mark the skirt with a chalk or insert pins vertically along the sides. Adjust both sides equally to the desired tightness. In this case I marked skirts 1 inch from each side. 

2. Ensure the skirt fits your hips and belt comfortably. Hold the skirt tight and sit down. Ensure that you can sit comfortably. 

2. Sew along each side edge.  Remove pins as you sew! 

3. Cut the extra length off of the sides and bottom and then re-hem.