Improving and Fixing my Favorite Skirt!

[@allisonwade4840]

Oh... thank you so much for the idea... I have two black wool skirts--each of which I am not in love with, but together can be perfect! One is a pencil skirt--long but just too narrow for my gait. The second is an A-line and I'm fine with it's fullness; the hem is a 37" and I prefer at least 40". I deconstructed the narrow one, reclaimed the fabric, and will use it to ruffle and extend the second skirt. Thank you SO MUCH!!! Delighted to combine the two for much improvement (the fabric in the narrow skirt comes from a US producer that charges $60 a yard for this 100% virgin wool--from my cold, dead hands).

[@winrycarver7701]

I am extremely photo sensitive, and a lot of sewing tutorials and videos use a lot of bright lights or white backgrounds. Watching you work, I'm never afraid that I will need to suddenly look away. This, on top of your presentation style is very soothing. Thank you for making these videos.

[@KristineVike]

Oh my gosh, I am the same! I always found it painful when movies went all white. I was actually a little nervous of the one clip of sunlight reflecting on the scissors for that reason. But I am so glad we can come together here for some relief. ❤️

[@caragarcia2307]

​@@KristineVike I thought that you had a problem with glare because of the tint in your glasses. I always hated when the volume was either extremely high or low in movies. Either it's so low and garbled I don't know what they are saying or so painful I don't care what they are saying.

[@lesleyharris525]

Nice to see you can enjoy this video, I have a similar problem, rapid movement triggers vertigo, I know don't watch TV but slow video is great and I learn something too. ❤

[@dahlia_day]

I really like the ethos of this video. A lot of times KZbinrs or sewing influencers will finish a garment and then detail what didn't quite work out "oh, the sleeve doesn't quite sit right, so next time I'll change it in this way." That's all good and well and we all learn from each project. But personally, I like to go back periodically and improve makes, both recent and older. For instance, I made a skirt and the buttonhole was wonky and the zipper rippled, and I recently redid them. It took a day or two and now the garment is virtually perfect. So too with knitting and crochet. I've been going back to older sweaters to add ribbon behind floppy button bands and changing the buttons to better quality/prettier ones. We don't always need to make new garments when we learn better techniques. Sometimes we have hidden gems in our closets that we can use those improved techniques on to make them glow.

[@MajaPlejada]

I have to say, you are one of the most enjoyable creators in the costuming space. Your videos make me warm and cosy on the inside. Keep doing the great work!

[@KristineVike]

That is so sweet, thank you! In enjoy being the content equivalent to a nice, hot cup of tea. 🥰🫖

[@karenmelzer8878]

The ruffles make the skirt even more beautiful than before - even if it was already a beautiful skirt.

[@KristineVike]

Thank you! I am especially pleased that the hem is now so much more straight than it was. 😂

[@kateplee]

I think the original skirt construction video was the first of yours I watched. What a lovely update to your wearable cat bed. 😂

[@KristineVike]

Wearable cat bed. I love that. 😂 But also, what an amazing coincidence!

[@ladyjusticesusan]

Wearable car bed, OMG LOL! Perfect … I mean, purrrfect!!!

[@LisaOuwersloot]

There is an easier way to level your skirt without another pair of hands. Put on the skirt (or dress) and stand next to a table/kitchen counter/something solid+stable that sits somewhere around hip hight and in easy reach of your hands while standing. Use the table to mark a straight line all the way around with chalk or whatever you use to mark. Then measure how much lower you want your hemline to be and take off the skirt. Then measure down from the line you made with the table to where you decided your hemline should be. Mark that line. That is your hemline.

[@svenjaj.3520]

Thanks, I will definitely try it!

[@linr8260]

Soot just barely looking up as the skirt gets rotated was adorable haha. It's a shame about the ribbon, but hey, think about it, since you still have some of that fabric, if you ever want to make a matching top/cape/accessory, it would be a great accent for that!

[@Tvianne]

Or something like a vest/shoulder warming? I'd like that!

[@KristineVike]

I am sure we will find a use for it in some future endavours!

[@keiranbbb]

I’ve said it before but I will say it again, I just love everything about this channel, from your focus on sustainability to the soothing video style to your loving patience with Soot, just love it all. Thank you for another video! ✨🪡🧵

[@KristineVike]

I am so glad you enjoy them! 🥰

[@tetchedistress]

I loved the not disturbing the sleeping dragon part. 😊 Also, thank you for showing how to take 2 skirts and making them work.

[@KristineVike]

All must carefully work around the sleeping dragon. 🐉

[@tetchedistress]

@KristineVike Absolutely, sleeping dragons are very very important and their rest is prime.

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

I found one of my dragons sleeping in a basket of clean fabric yesterday and did not know the rule about not disturbing him. I'm not sure if I want Titan to know this rule, as he was somewhat amenable to the idea of finding a more suitable bed (mine).

[@jennifercongdon4583]

Thank you for this wonderful video. And thank you for honoring Soot for her chosen sleeping space. Showing love for animals is needed on social media where we witness very disturbing visuals of mistreatment of animals. I love your peaceful manner.

[@KristineVike]

I am so happy we can share this kind of peaceful co-existing. Sometimes there are deadlines, and I just have to work around her. But usually, we find a solution. 🥰

[@ailouyie]

This spring I'm going to take apart the waistband of a skirt for the 4th time because I still don't like it. While I am annoyed at having to do it again, I'm also greatful that I CAN fix it myself and will be happier afterwards. Also, I have learnt more about sewing from the experience which will save me a bunch of stress in the future.

[@KristineVike]

That is such a great attitude, I very much agree! It may be a bit frustrating to fix things again. But at least I can!

[@stephaniedesmond8329]

Isn’t it nice to see that even she can have to rip things apart and re-sew them? It really can happen to anybody!

[@Tvianne]

The swish is strong in this one! Good job! 🎉

[@KristineVike]

We do love a good swish!

[@AllTheHappySquirrels]

The finished skirt is so beautiful! 😍 The fact that you were able to work in extra dragon glitter while remaking it is such a nice touch.

[@KristineVike]

You are so right! We are very lucky to have such a generous dragon, willing to share her glitter. 🐉✨

[@stephaniedesmond8329]

This video takes me back to when I was in school and got a job in a fabric store, and made a heap of skirts just like that to protect me from a much colder town than I’d grown up in. I had to do that same thing a year later! Fortunately, I had a very patient boyfriend to do the hem marking for me. We won’t talk about how long ago that was. 😅 I still think you did a great job on the original.

[@KristineVike]

Thank you! Living is learning and I do enjoy always improving and trying new things. 🥰

[@jr3wx]

This is such a smart diy hem marker! I'm making a note of this and the other ideas folks have shared in the comments. And it's so so thoughtful of you to consider those of us who can't easily ask someone to come over and help. I'm in a period of pretty significant social isolation while I'm dealing with intensive medical stuff and your videos were already among my favorites even before this very kind shout out.

[@KristineVike]

I am so happy it brightened your spirit! And I agree on good suggestions from other community members. I am especially curious about string rubbed in chalk. We know they used that to build houses back in the day. I am intrigued. 👀

[@Tasha_Russia]

Thanks for the interesting video. I love all types of needlework. It’s very nice to see how tenderly and lovingly you treat your cat (or cat). I apologize for my English, I am using a translator. Greetings from Russia.

[@KristineVike]

Thank you. I find it very easy to love animals, they are so sweet!

[@Tasha_Russia]

@@KristineVike I completely agree with you. We took our cat with us on vacation. We love traveling with our family by car with tents. Our cat traveled 30 thousand kilometers with us. Last summer, my son fell ill with allergic asthma. Doctors forbade keeping a cat at home. We have been looking for a new home for the cat for a long time. We found good people who took our beloved cat. It still hurts that I betrayed her. But the son was choking. I had to give the cat away. I hope she has forgiven us. That is why I am very pleased to see your love and care for your cat. Our house now lacks small animals. I bought a transparent bird feeder that sticks to the glass of the window. Good luck with your sewing and creative success.

[@samanthahayman4539]

I have read, but never tried, that you can stretch a thread/string across a doorframe, coat it in chalk and use this to mark a hem. That said, your wedge between books method worked better than I thought it would. The refreshed shirt looks lovely, and I enjoyed watching you work on it. I regret my tendency to just not wear clothes that don't work out the way I had hoped, I'll try to remember you when I must accept that the garment still needs work.

[@KristineVike]

It is so tempting to just let them lie and not fix the issues. I did have to work up my courage a bit to fix this one too, but we can do it!

[@karlahovde]

Wow, what a great improvement! I especially love the bottom ruffle. I would use a long wool skirt like this so much. Definitely adding it to the project wishlist.

[@KristineVike]

They are quite simple to make too! Do recommend! Plus you get very popular with felines if it’s a wool one. 👀

[@dr.prepper1982]

The ruffle on the bottom was a nice addition. Great job. Thank you for sharing.

[@sharonwerner2419]

I often find my self going over me made clothing to correct fit issues, often making small improvement .Now I seem to make the same style of dress over and over . Bodice can now be made into shirt/blouse pattern and skirt pattern can be varied .

[@GaraksApprentice]

It feels appropriate that I'm pulling apart old clothes so that I can reuse them in various ways while watching this.

[@KristineVike]

Absolutely, 10/10, love to see more reuse and repurposing!

[@kellybryson7754]

Beautiful. The ruffle changes the character of the skirt so much.

[@Hannah-pc7hg]

What a lovely skirt. Very classy, functional and beautiful. 😃

[@carolleeloodiva2071]

I also refer to my Tuxedo cats as my ‘house dragons’. :) I appreciate your delivery style and love your videos! Your ‘redesign’ of your favourite skirt turned out fabulously! It’s so beautiful!

[@dorteweber3682]

it looks great! Cat hair just makes it warmer. Everyone knows that.

[@KristineVike]

*nod nod* it is known.

[@CandaceCucheron]

Your video was so informative and yet calming in your quiet demeanour that I totally enjoyed the knowledge and expertise you shared. Thank you

[@ladyjusticesusan]

Kitty purrs!!❤❤ Now I want a skirt like this so much. I love it!!!

[@KristineVike]

Yes! Do recommend, they are very versatile!

[@sabimidz]

You could make the little dragon a sleeping mat from one of your old skirts 😍 i always enjoy your videos and the calmness of your voice 😊

[@944gemma]

I love your videos. I love everything about them. Your voice is soothing. Your choices are great. Your cat is precious. Keep them going friend.

[@KristineVike]

Many thanks! She is such a sweetheart, we really are lucky to have her. 🐈‍⬛

[@bohemiansusan2897]

Thanks for sharing. Over the years, I went back and refashioned clothes to update them or for new circumstances. The snow is piled high and now I want to be wrapped in wool. Your feline overlord is adorable! My black cat is named Sabrina. Still a kitten but she's a lt of fun. She sits on my conventional machine as I sew on the serger and switches to sitting on the serger as I sew at the conventional. She loves to point out with her paw where I need to put pins.

[@KatherinePugh-c4f]

Just started watching a few of your videos.wanting to make more of my own things again! Having seen this one I'm definatel going to try to unravel a really bulky cardigan i made myself and rek it into something that works better for now!! Thank you😊

[@TealCheetah]

Soot is very helpful!

[@KristineVike]

She is the best assistant!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

What an elegant and lovely soultionto lengthening finally-even skirt. Soot looks especially adorable amongst the ruffles

[@KristineVike]

It is hard to say no when Madam is so cute!

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

@@KristineVike I absolutely agree. My guess is most of your viewers would be delighted to watch you embroider a little flower or something while Madam rests cozily on your video project 🐱😂💖

[@janewhite3728]

Thanks Kristine - your videos are so informative and soothing.

[@KristineVike]

Thank you, I am so glad you find them so!

[@j.b.6709]

It looks fabulous! And your cat is adorable. I love how sweet and considerate you are with (her?) :)

[@KristineVike]

She is so sweet! Always wants to be where the action is. ❤️

[@FabiolaQuirogaRojas]

Que preciosos tus videos y creaciones!me encanta tu gatit@!coses muy bien gracias!!!!❤

[@armedvsokord]

I love your videos. I've finally ordered my migraine glasses thanks to your short video mentioning them. They should be here soon. I hope they help.

[@KristineVike]

I really hope they help you too, fingers crosed!

[@julestopper7553]

Just lovely.

[@josiesmith850]

Lovely video thank you 🥰also no cats were disturbed in the making of this video …wonderful! 😻😹

[@jennglow4647]

Very pretty 😀

[@KristineVike]

Many thanks!

[@esperansaloughran693]

Nice!

[@WitchOracle]

Please please please where are your shoes/slippers from? I have some similar ones that are falling apart and yours look so much sturdier!

[@KristineVike]

They are from a Danish brand called Glerup! Really heavy felted wool slippers. And they come in either natural rubber or leather soles. I LOVE them! Reduces the need to darn my socks significantly, and the rubber makes me feel very safe/no slipping when carrying things! ❤️

[@WitchOracle]

@@KristineVike the ones I have are leather soles and the stitching is coming undone and the leather soles are a little slick for me, so it was the rubber soles that caught my eye! Thank you so much! Also I love how the skirt turned out!! My black kitty Noctua was curled up on me and he started purring when he heard Soot!

[@grem-mlem]

How does sewing over pins work with the treadle? I feel like interrupting the treadle's momentum to remove the pins would take forever.

[@KristineVike]

I don't typically sew over my pins. I've tried a few times, and it is usually okay but it damages the pins on occasion, which I would rather avoid.

[@lornapenn-chester6867]

I hope your cat appreciates what a fabulous slave it has! 😂❤

[@janyreboux8701]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lynn858]

Soot Dragon. ❤

[@KristineVike]

🐉

[@wendyhutchins945]

I love the sound of your machine. It washes over me.

[@KristineVike]

She is a very reliable friend. I’ve been so lucky to find her in such good working order!