Recently I bought a skirt on the sale rack of Anthropologie.
I really like it, but it is just a tiny bit too short and I feel a little uncomfortable wearing it. I have a couple other skirts that rarely get worn for the same reason.
As I was thinking about this skirt, I recalled seeing some cute slips that have a bottom edge that is made to be seen, poking out from under a dress or skirt. I started brainstorming a way to make one, since the ones I have seen are $25+.
The thought of buying the silky slip material and making one from scratch didn't sound very appealing...where would I even find that fabric, I have no idea... and then it came to me.
Thrift store granny slips!
So I snuck out the other afternoon and found a few at Salvation Army and they were 50% off! Bonus. The good thing about granny slips from the thrift store is that they are super cheap, and can be made smaller VERY easily. So what started out as a large sack, was easily transformed.
And the options are endless! My trim is just sewn on straight, but you could gather it for a ruffly affect, sew layers of smaller lace onto a strip of fabric, dye the lace, use more than one color of lace, use tulle, etc. The only thing for sure is that you want the trim to be super wide, for when you bend over.
(Don't Laugh-I know this is a ridiculously unflattering picture)
OK, you can laugh
but know your behind looks like this too when you bend over....
and who knows what is showing?
Is this motivation enough to get sewing one of these babies?
**Oh, by the way, if you already have the trim ready to go, this is a 20 min project, max. Just my style.**
Want to make one?
Materials
Half Slip
6"+ wide trim
I'm not laughing, I'm not... okay, I am a bit, but partly because I remember having these slips when I was a wee girl, including ones that were pinafore style (presumably so that when I was scrambling about in the thing it didn't slip down lol) My mother will be thrilled to know that 25 years down the line, they're back in fashion ;o)
ReplyDeleteHehe thanks for the giggle - that looks fabulous with all those skirts - the trim really makes them pop...great idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't I think of this? I love the idea.
ReplyDeleteoooh, I LOVE it!!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
ReplyDeletehttp://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-lace-trimmed-layering-slip/2011/08/01/
--Anne
Love it! I think I have a dress I could use one of these under, too.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! And I am laughing out loud (really) because my husband thinks I am crazy as that is my test for skirts! I bend over and pick up a toy to see if it is an acceptable visual for those around me. Ha!
ReplyDeleteI love this, especially with that pistachio colored skirt...and btw, I NEED those shoes!!! =)
ReplyDeletehttp://manicexpressionsdesigns.blogspot.com/
GENIUS!!!! I am doing this ASAP! I am SO tired of finding "JUST too short" dresses and skirts and this will solve a TON of issues, especially as I get MORE pregnant and everything seems to get shorter...lol. Thank you for the amazing tutorial!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to use a "granny" slip from the thrift store!
ReplyDeleteI have a box of these from my aunt-in-law in a rainbow of colors! Now I know what to do with them. I am so excited!
ReplyDeleteIngenious and hilarious!! http://bellesbazaar-heather.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI love this! I actually think the picture of you bending over is perfect, because if you can't bend over and you have kids, you probably can't wear that skirt anywhere! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove it!
ReplyDeleteThis is SUCH a great idea!
ReplyDeleteBrooke
www.TheAnnessaFamily.blogspot.com
I just found your blog and I am loving every post. Thank you for the ideas. I am posting them in Pinterest immediately!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I must do this immediately, or have my sister who actually sews do this for me. Thanks for your great ideas!
ReplyDeleteI love this concept. I always find things that are just a little too short and get mad I can't wear it.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea. I have old granny slips that are my own. Well they were still used in the 80s and early 90's. Anyways, this will also be great for some of my daughter's dresses that are too short for some occasions. lol
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I love the slip with that green number and your red shoes. What a pretty idea!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great idea! I'm going to have to raid my Grandma's closet next time I visit her. She's always trying to pass stuff on to me which I gladly take, but slips will be a new one!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I could certainly use this on a couple of my dresses!
ReplyDelete~JamieS
That is such a great idea! I absolutely love it! I'll have to try it.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!! Thanks for sharing But all those skirts you show you would still need to wear a slip with them. See the silhouettes of your legs through skirts are not a good thing
ReplyDeleteSO SO cute! I really want to make a few of these! I even have a few old granny slips I could likely transform;)
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea... but I'm having so much trouble finding the wide trim - any ideas?
ReplyDeleteChristina,
ReplyDeleteI would find some pretty lace and sew overlapping rows onto a 6" wide strip of fabric. Then sew on the whole thing. You could stick with the same lace, or even layer different laces. I think I might try that for my next one!
This is great I can't wait to learn to sew so I can make one.
ReplyDeleteI think these are just beautiful! Linked them today along with these weird biker short things from Modcloth.com. They're very skin tight and lacy, and while I like the idea that I could wear a miniskirt with them on a hot day and not feel exposed, they still kinda' look very underwearish. If I could somehow combine the friendlier look of your slip with the shorts I saw on modcloth, I'd be set... but I'm not sure if it's possible!
ReplyDeletejust made this! it was my first ever sewing machine project. thanks for inspiring me to learn to sew. it turned out great and is going to expand my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI definitely have some dresses/skirts that could use a bit more length! Though I don’t have a sewing machine, myself I may just gather the materials and ask the MIL for a favor. Thanks for the great tute!
ReplyDeleteShared your link to this on a post I wrote this last week on tailoring your wardrobe. Very cute underslip extender!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic!... just this last Sunday as I was tugging at my skirt to get to to spread out I was thinking "hmm, I really should add some trim to the bottom of this skirt... gosh but I don't want to limited on what I can wear with it..." You have solved this predicament!!! thanks for the tips :D
ReplyDeleteI love anything to help "modestify" an outfit! Thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI'm suddenly sad that I just got rid of a few not quite long enough skirts. Thanks so much! Great for my girls too, who grow like weeds and whose mother would like for their skirts and dresses to last longer!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but I laughed! That is just too funny, but thank you for being real! I love this idea, especially going to the thrift store!
ReplyDeleteGreat minds think alike! I was all set to make one from scratch, but because of you I'll be able to make it quicker, simpler and cheaper!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant! I love it!
ReplyDeletelove this! just a quick question... how much trim did you use, a yard or 2? and where did you find it?
ReplyDeletejust so i have an idea...
thanks
ranaebroadhead@gmail.com
genius!! seriously- brilliant. i have made and worn one and am pretty sure i'll wear it every week from now on to church :) thank you!! just wanted to let you know i posted about it here-
ReplyDeletehttp://vievesscrapbooking.blogspot.com/2011/09/skirt-slip-genius.html
Great idea...would never have thought of this on my own. Thanks for taking time to put this tut and all your other tuts togeher and sharing them. I'm getting sooo much information on your blog. Thank you, thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI had been thinking about what to do to add length to some of my girls dresses/skirts to make them a bit more modest. I had just come to the conclusion I could make an underskirt, with the lace trim so I wasn't having to alter the actual clothing and one would go for several different dresses and skirts… then I mentioned this to a friend yesterday and she told me about your idea! I LOVE it! I went out this morning to a thrift store, not expecting much, and I found 5 or 6 slips all for under $4.00 so I bought them and they are in the laundry, and now i just need to get some lace trim that is long enough/wide enough to look fabulous under the various different skirts and dresses. Thanks for the tutorial!
ReplyDeleteOh my word! This is the best idea I have seen in a long time! Awesome!!!!!! I have got to make one for my daughter and myself! You should market this.
ReplyDeleteLove it!!! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThis is a fantastic, QUICK, idea. I've been wanting a ruffled petticoat to go under some of my skirts - I think I'll just take your slip idea and add a few layers of gathered, raw cotton muslin. I like that fray you get from the unfinished edges too!
ReplyDeleteSo, excited! Hope I can find time enough away from the shop...
I like this idea. I added lace to a barely too short dress, but this is a lot more versatile. @thehappyhomester, I made some shorts out of black slip material (tricot) and put stetchy (lingerie) lace on the bottom, and wear them under a shirt dress. It looks awesome, and because it's black it doesn't look like underwear. I've also worn them under skirts when i'm going to be more active. I have plans for pink ones too.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. I have many skirts and dresses that just need an old fashion slip with a modern twist.
ReplyDeleteSeriously...where did you get your trim. I love it and can't find anything that is close! So I compromised and got eyelet....not my fav but better than not wearing my beloved dresses.
I really like this idea.
ReplyDeleteJust goes to show you that nothing is new under the sun.A version of your slip is part of the traditional Mayan costume in the Yucatan called el terno hupil
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Terno_t%C3%ADpico_de_Yucat%C3%A1n.jpg.
The embroidered huipil(blouse/tunic) is worn over a slip with a lace edging.The lace edgings are incredible ranging from eyelet lace to pulled thread embroidery. Even the everyday huipils have pretty lace edged slips.
regards,
Theresa
Hmpf!! This granny never quit wearing slips. 'Bout time you young-uns caught up.
ReplyDeleteGranny Gladys
This is such a great idea! I'm constantly finding adorable dresses/skirts that I love, but are simply too short. (I am 5'10!) I'm definitely going to be making this!
ReplyDeletetaylorandchandra.blogspot.com
Where did you find your trim?
ReplyDeleteAaaaaand I die. Simple, perfect and fabulous.
ReplyDeleteWhere did you get that super cute trim?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this!! I have been looking for a white skirt to go under some of my other skirts and was having NO luck. This is the PERFECT solution!! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteI am so doing this! I find so many cute dresses I do not buy because they are to short...I like my knobby knees covered!!
ReplyDeleteI'm really tall 5'11", and I have a terrible time finding short skirts that are long enough. I'm going to tuck this away in my idea box--Thanks so much! :)
ReplyDeleteWow!!!! I soooo needed this idea for my too short slip. It is fab. TY!!!! I'm totally pinning this so my friends will come here too. Clever!!!
ReplyDeleteGREAT idea, totally pinned!
ReplyDeletepinned!
ReplyDeleteLove this idea! My long legs have so much trouble finding skirts that make it to the knees. Stylishly short skirts are so not appropriate for someone on the back side of 40! What do you think about finishing the edge of the slip and then having interchangeable lace etc edges? You can use snaps, hooks, buttons or even velcro. One neutral colored slip base with many colored edge pieces to coordinate with any skirt!
ReplyDeleteThat's a fabulous idea! You need to make one then send a picture for me to post!!
Delete:)
Thanks for this great idea. I pinned it for sure. I've been watching the thrift stores for slips and nightgowns because I want the stretch lace that so many are made of. I don't find many slips, but there's no reason to limit this. Cut the bottom from a t-shirt, sew in a casing and thread elastic in it. You have the beginnings of a great slip that will be SO much more comfy in summer than tricot or nylon. ANY source of lace, eyelet, or even a really gorgeous border print from a skirt or dress would work to finish it.
ReplyDeleteI love yours! I recently made a few after seeing them online for $30+...where did you get that eyelet???? it is so nice and thick in width, that's what I am having a hard time finding:(((
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea!
ReplyDeletegood blog ... so really informative blog....
ReplyDeletekurta
Just a thought?? What if you put velcro on the slip bottom and velcro on different trims and you could change the bottom edge depending on the skirt style???
ReplyDeletesuch a great idea!! thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI just shrunk my daughters Easter dress. She has crazy long legs. I was in a panic. Your fabulous tutorial has saved the day! A quick trip to Goodwill and JoAnns and the problem will be solved!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Going to thrift store now! Thanks
ReplyDeleteWhy are slips for "grannies"? You have to wear a slip if the fabric of your skirt is light and the sun is shinning--unless of course you want everyone to see through your clothing. Now I know why I see this so much. Great idea though for the too short dress.
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! So cute, and awesome for when things are just a little on the short side.
ReplyDeleteOne thing, though. It drives me crazy when tiny gals take all the bigger clothes and size them down. I know, I know, first come, first serve. But it's already hard enough to find decent things in bigger sizes without tiny tots taking them first. Just a thought.
Anyway, super cute idea!
I'm a novice to sewing, what is the "stitched trim" called, I googled it at Hobby Lobby, Micheal's, and Joann's. I might just need to know the lingo, is it a "lace" or a trim? What do I ask the ladies for when I get to the shop?
ReplyDelete