March Plaidness pt. 2

So, I don’t know about you, but my NCAA Tournament bracket was busted in the 1st round when dang Michigan St. lost!  Despite this early loss in my work bracket competition, I still want to pay homage to the tourney with my second and final March Plaidness look. Take a look at my first run at March Plaidness.

Queue the too long plaid skirt:

I procured this skirt from ebay for $9.99, plus $3.45 shipping. I can hear you thinking, “Whoa, Jess, that’s a lot for one old skirt.” .Well, this skirt is an authentic Pendleton Woolen Mills skirt, see:

They are local and practically THE authority in all things wool, so I just HAD to make it mine! However, I guess it turns out I didn't know what "virgin wool" was like. It's a little weird. Feels a bit like a polyester/wool blend, but I can't argue with the tag.  Actually, I CAN argue with the tag. Can you see the size on this?  It says 12.  This is not a current size 12. So I guess, yea! for vintage and yea! that it actually fits. I would say the actual size is a today's version of an 8. Big difference.

All I needed to do was take the length up on this skirt, so it was cutting time!

As I've said before, a nice even lined pattern really makes cutting length easy! I just found the spot on my legs where I wanted it to hit and marked it. Then I went about 1/2 inch down to allow for the hem.

Here is the amount I removed, not a ton, but enough to update it:

Then it was time for hemming! I just folded and pinned along the pattern line.

I once again used the clear thread for this thick multi-colored fabric.

If you recall from the first March Plaidness, I refashioned a top to go with it. You know, this one:

I figured, why not use the same top with this second iteration.

Paired with my pointy black pumps, it was a great outfit for the first 70+ degree day of 2016 in Portland!

By the way, see that pocket I am using? It is actually a faux-pocket. I've never seen this before, but it is really just an opening where it buttons up, so it appears to match the actual pocket on the other side. When I stick my hand in the "pocket," I am actually touching my lower stomach. So weird!!

Final comparison:

May your day be filled with sunshine and purposeful pockets!

To see the extended version of this post, including the history of the skirt's tartan, check out my blog: www.hemsandhahas.com