The Costume Archives #2 - Hitch & Bustle Victoriana Tiered Skirts

Stitching ruffled skirts

I have been stitching tiered ruffled skirts since back in the 70s (yes, I am that old!) and as part of my costume project, I made several Victorian inspired upcycled skirts.  Using one skirt as the "foundation" layer (the pink skirt above has a crinkle cotton underskirt in plum) I then stitched gathered layers onto that to create the tiered effect.

Stash buster extraordinaire

Of course Victorian inspired clothing is a real stash buster because of the quantities of textile required.  In general, I upcycled at least 3 skirts into each ruffled creation.

Applique Flower Detail

As these skirts were definitely costume pieces rather than every day wear, I allowed myself to get carried away with the details such as the applique flowers and the ribbon suspender hitch belt above which can be used to create a bustle or hitch effect.

Read more about the skirts and lots more photos, including my Lucy Locket pocket skirt, over on my blog at karenvallerius.co.uk.

Happy stitching everyone.
Karen x