Yet another "Modding a skirt" thread...

[zorba]

No doubt this would cause certain people on GS to have an apoplectic fit - but I need some advice on modifying a skirt.

A dance sister gave me a very full, black skirt with a purple flounce at the bottom. It needs new waist elastic, and is actually a bit too long on me (!!!). Neither of these issues are a problem, even for a neophyte sewer like me. But after I take care of this, I want to make it into the mother of all "Gypsy" skirts. The black fabric is some kind of satiny stuff, pretty rugged and non-stretchy. I don't know what its called, but I've seen this fabric used on lotsa skirts. Would it be OK to simply sew panels (and trims) directly to it? Or is that a "Bad Idea (tm)"?

I know this will increase the weight - but that's what I'm looking for besides looks. I tried a dance sister's skirt recently that was VERY heavy - it twirled like a dream...

[BoiseShan]

Personally, I wouldn't add anything to the skirt. But only because it limits your options. Panel skirts and such can be layered on top of the big skirt so you can change up the look every time you wear it.

[Rosette]

Sure, do it! For the best "twirl enhancement," concentrate your added weight toward the bottom of the skirt.
Rosette

[Rosette]

Well there you are! Simultaneous responses, one saying "Do it!" The other saying "I wouldn't do it."..l;,

[mahsati]

My response is firmly between the two other responses :)

I would say to keep any panel skirts on their own casing separate from the skirt for versatility, but if you want to add trim and weight to the hem of the skirt to add more flying power - go for it!

[Linnyg]

Do it. It won't hurt it. If you WANT to be able to change it up, go for the seperate idea tho.

[antimony]

I wouldn't sew panels directly to the skirt, my thought is that having different stiffness in different parts of the skirt is going to cause it to move funny. It's probably going to be fine during a spin, but it might move oddly going into the spin and when you stop, since different parts of the skirt will have differing amounts of inertia.

If you want panels, I'd wear them as a separate item overtop the original skirt. If you want to add weight to the original skirt, I'd sew beading near the hem (or even discretely sew a handful of small curtain weights evenly around the skirt on the underside where the ruffle meets the body of the skirt.)