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How to Sew a Skirt to Get the Job: Interview Attire

May 16, 2014 by AllFreeSewing

We’ve all been there. You’ve got a job interview coming up and you have no idea what to wear. First of all, relax, you’re smart enough for the position and if they can’t see that then you don’t want to work with them anyway!

Second of all, instead of using your precious pennies on a new skirt, save some money and learn how to sew a skirt that you’ll look and feel comfortable in. Half of the hurdle of an interview is overcoming your nerves, and with these free sewing tutorials you’ll be notably more confident in your ability to put your best foot forward.

1. Anthropologie Ruffled Skirt Tutorial

For the girl who likes a little bit of flair and not just a straight edged pencil skirt, learn how to sew this Anthro-inspired piece.

Anthropologie Ruffled Skirt Tutorial

2. Mulberry Style Paperbag Skirt

If you’re not the world’s best seamstress, consider this easy DIY skirt to get a whole new look that will make you look chic and fabulous.

Mulberry Style Paperbag Skirt

3. Ruched Pencil Skirt

Certainly one of our favorite finds of late on the big, bad, worldwide web, we think this alternative take on the typical pencil skirt is fabulous. Many thanks to 2nd Story Sewing for sharing it!

Ruched Pencil Skirt

4. The Charlotte Skirt

A low-waist skirt can still take a tip or two from the good old days. We love how this sewn skirt tutorial involves a asymmetrical ruffle along the hem for a clean but fun look.

The Charlotte Skirt

5. Ruffled Peplum Skirt Tutorial

Go atypical when you learn how to sew a skirt by placing the ruffles at the waist instead of on the bottom hem.

Ruffled Peplum Skirt Tutorial

6. Anthropologie Work Skirt

For a lengthening accent, sew a ruffle down the length of your sewn skirt. We love this Anthro knock-off that shows you how to make this charming piece.

Anthropologie Work Skirt

7. How to Make a Scalloped Front Skirt

One of the earliest projects hosted on AllFreeSewing, this scalloped skirt is still a favorite. Learn how to sew a skirt that’s completely classic by following this tutorial.

How to Make a Scalloped Front Skirt

8. Knit DIY Pencil Skirt

There is always this classic solution to your wardrobe woes. You might be the type that feels great in a classic, uncomplicated piece, and that’s exactly what this sewing tutorial provides.

Knit DIY Pencil Skirt

Whether you’re learning how to sew a skirt for an interview for yourself or a loved one, these tutorials are a sure bet to boost your confidence. If you’re looking for more types of skirts, check out our updated collection of fave pieces right here. We’re wishing you great luck in your upcoming interview!

What did you wear to your first job interview?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: DIY sewing projects, free skirt patterns, how to sew a skirt, sewing professionally, sewing tutorials, Skirt

Sewing for the Movies: Costumes in ‘The Help’

August 25, 2011 by AllFreeSewing

Kathleen FarrisKathleen Farris is a costumer from Memphis, Tennessee who has created countless costumes for theater productions, concerts, ballets, operas, and films over the past three decades. I recently talked to her about her latest work on the set of the recent film The Help, which was released in August 2011. This week, I’ll show you a behind-the-scenes look at the costumes she made  for the character Elaine Stein, played by Academy Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen.

Based on the novel of the same name by Kathryn Stockett, The Help  tells the story of three women striving to change the rigid social restrictions and racial discrimination that gripped Jackson, Mississippi in the 1960s. On set in Greenwood, Mississippi, Kathleen sewed as part of Academy Award-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis’ creative team, whose primary objective was to create a diverse collection of historically accurate and stylistically unique costumes for Stockett’s distinctive cast of characters.

Image courtesy of DreamWorks Studios

Over three and a half months of filming, Kathleen created, sewed, repaired and altered over 400 costumes for the entire cast. She primarily worked on the costumes for the characters Elaine Stein, Elizabeth Leefolt and Mae Mobley Leefolt.

Kathleen takes particular pride in her work sewing costumes for Elaine Stein, played by Academy Award-winning actress Mary Steenburgen. In the film and the book, Elaine speaks to and publishes a novel for Skeeter, one of the three leading ladies. A female editor working in New York in the 1960s, Elaine is a seasoned professional and a woman before her time.

Professional costumers like Kathleen create costume patterns to match the personality of each character. “Everything [Elaine Stein] wore had to be on the cutting edge of fashion,” Kathleen explains. “She is smart and professional, a woman who would shop in Paris, a woman of high income and title.”

Mary Steenburgen as Elaine Stein

This production photo shows Steenburgen dressed in one of Kathleen’s creations, a checked green business suit made of a tweed-like wool. The design and material for this suit pattern are befitting of a 1960s progressive businesswoman.

Mary Steenburgen as Elaine Stein
Kathleen also made the skirt and finished the blouse for the costume above. The knot of pearls complements the pearly buttons on her blouse, suggesting high status and wealth. The pencil skirt pattern is made of navy blue wool.

Kathleen says her favorite costume she made for the movie was a set of pajamas for Steenburgen’s character, made of a two-ply, buff-colored silk with pink trim. “They were just so completely luxurious,” Kathleen gushes. Steenburgen liked the pajamas so much that she actually kept them after filming ended!

If you see the movie, look for Kathleen in the credits! She’s listed as the Stitcher. Next time, I’ll feature Kathleen’s work sewing costumes for the character of Elizabeth Leefolt, played by Ahna O’Reilley.

What do you think of Kathleen’s artistry? Have you read the book or seen the movie? I will be in touch with Kathleen, so post any comments or questions for her below, and I’ll answer them in the next post.

If you like the dress and skirt pictured above, check out these great vintage sewing patterns from AllFreeSewing.com!

  1. The Pinwheel Skirt
  2. 50’s Headband
  3. Waistband Bow Skirt
  4. Retro Orange Flowered Apron
  5. Vintage Sheet to Maxi Dress

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: costumer, costumes, films, kathleen farris, kathryn stockett, mary steenburgen, movies, professional costumer, Sewing, sewing professionally, sharen davis, The Help, theater

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Full Project Tutorials

Simple Crochet Granny Squares

Crochet Granny Squares Video Tutorial

Mikey, from The Crafting Crowd, demonstrates in this 17 Minute Tutorial the full process of doing a circle center granny square. The square in this video is matching the Bumble Berry Pie Afghan that he has just finished in August 2011. He used Bernat’s Mosaic Yarn throughout the afghan and it looks absolutely stunning. Start […]

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