I have always had a problem with the length of my hems. All the dresses that I LOVE seem to be cutting it just a little too close. So when I saw Jenny, my friend (and my girls preschool teacher) wearing what I’ll call an “underskirt” under her dress that was just so so cute, I knew I had to have one. She very kindly let me borrow it so that I could check out how it was made, and I found that it was pretty simple. So off to the local thrift store I went to try and find some pretty white fabric.

Jenny's Skirt

I lucked out (yet again, how I love Goodwill) and found a faintly striped white sheet and a beautiful embroidered sheer-y curtain that I thought would be perfect. (For those who are not into second-hand stuff, I am sure you could find something beautiful at Jo-Ann’s). What is nice about using a sheet, is that you can use the side that is hemmed already, cutting out some work.

I cut out a large rectangle out of the sheet and the curtain, then sewed the top of them together. I then sewed some pretty vintage lace along the bottom edge for a little added pop. Then I just sewed the back together, put in some elastic, and it was done. I made it in about 45 minutes.

Even after I let the hem out on this dress it was too short.

But I love love love this dress!

I think this is the perfect solution!

Since it was so easy, I threw together another one that was not quite as fancy, but just as pretty, I think. I used some more of the sheet and some eyelet trim that I had from another sewing project.

I love how it turned out. I always loved the old movies where girls had those pretty white eyelet petticoats peeking out, and wearing this makes me feel like I am one of them. Plus, I feel more comfortable in my dresses, they are interchangeable, and can be pulled up higher or down lower depending on the length I want. You can make them as fancy or modern as you like, in whatever color that you like. I think I might make black next.