Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts: Learn how to make 24 different skirts from 8 basic shapes

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Giveaway- A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts: Learn how to make 24 different skirts from 8 basic shapes

Leave a comment in today’s post by February 23, 2017 and you are in the running for this great sewing how-to book filled with actual patterns and step by step tutorials.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

All the techniques, clear step-by-step artworks, and patterns you need to make 24 wonderful skirts

INCLUDES THREE FULL SIZE PATTERN SHEETS

UK DRESS SIZES 8 TO 26

US DRESS SIZES 4 TO 22

24 DIFFERENT SKIRTS FROM 8 BASIC SHAPES

Follow Wendy Ward’s tutorials to make a wide range of stylish skirts. From 8 basic shapes—circle, A-line, stretch pencil, wrap, bubble, tailored pencil, front-opening, and culottes—you will learn the skills to make variations that have pockets, color blocking, gathers, ruching, darts, and much more. All the basic techniques you will need are also explained, so you’ll feel confident with essentials like inserting zippers, attaching waistbands, gathering, pleats, making buttonholes, and adding linings. There are also handy hints and tips on how to take measurements and on choosing the right fabric. Skirts are the perfect first garment for beginner dressmakers, and there are some really simple designs here—the jersey pencil skirt is just two pieces of fabric with an elasticated waistband! So arm yourself with this book, some fabric, and Wendy’s sewing wisdom, and you’ll be on your way to updating your wardrobe with unique skirts that are a perfect fit.

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Comments

  2. I love all skirts but have always had a difficult time getting them to fit just right. I would love to learn from this amazing skirt tutorial book. ?

  4. How fun! I’ve sewn lots of mini and maxi skirts, almost always out of very forgiving knits. I’d love to learn more and this book looks like just the way to do it.

  11. I would love to win this book – after having 5 boys, I have 9 granddaughters and this would be amazing to have. Thank you

  13. I would really appreciate this book. I just started sewing and am looking forward to broadening my horizons!

  16. I have been looking for skirt patterns for teens. It’s very hard to find any patterns that will fit teens.

  18. I am learning how to sew again and my daughter wants too learn. This book would be great to sew again with.

  19. Oh how I would love to win this book!!! I wear and make 1 style of a skirt and I would so love to make a different style…

  25. What an interesting book to have. Time to spruce up my wardrobe. We can always use help in sewing clothes.

  28. To make one of these skirts would be great. To make one from shapes that make it that easy would be awesome!! Thank you for the giveaway!!

  34. This is exactly what I have been looking for to sew skirts for my daughter. This would make two people happy at my house. Well, maybe three — my husband would like us saving money too!

  38. Always looking for the”perfect” skirt pattern. If I win this book, I know there’s bound to be several I can work with.

  40. I am such a skirt and dress person. Even when I’m hanging around, it makes me feel put together. What an awesome book and giveaway!

  41. Would love this! I wear skirts all the time but have only made one myself! Thanks for the chance to win!

  42. Oh! This looks awesome. I got a sewing machine for Christmas and definitely want to learn to make me sone skirts. This looks like the perfect book for that. Thanks so much for the opportunity!

  43. The denim skirt that is featured in this post is just what I’ve been looking for. Love the look

Have you read?

How To Make A Milk Carton Village – A Recycled Craft for Kids

Ready to turn your recycling bin into a colorful, miniature village? Grab those empty milk cartons and let’s create a town filled with tiny houses, shops, and even a school or bakery! This craft is perfect for kids of all ages and encourages imagination, storytelling, and eco-friendly creativity.

 What You’ll Need:

  • Empty milk or juice cartons (washed and dried)

  • Paints or markers

  • Paintbrushes

  • Craft glue or glue stick

  • Scissors (adult supervision recommended)

  • Colored paper or old magazines

  • Bottle caps, buttons, or plastic lids (for windows or decorations)

  • Sticks, straws, or skewers (for flag poles or chimneys)

  • Optional: glitter, stickers, washi tape, cotton balls (for snow or clouds!)

 Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Clean and Prep the Cartons
Make sure your milk or juice cartons are washed and completely dry. Remove any plastic lids or caps and keep them for decorations!

Step 2: Plan Your Village
Decide how many buildings you want to make. Each milk carton becomes a house, shop, or whatever your imagination dreams up. Arrange them side by side or in a circle like a real village square.

Step 3: Cut Out Doors and Windows
With the help of an adult, carefully cut small door and window shapes into your cartons. You can also glue cut-out shapes from colored paper if you’d rather not cut into the carton.

Step 4: Paint and Decorate
Use paint or markers to bring your buildings to life. Make brick patterns, colorful siding, or roof tiles. Let each child choose their own theme – rainbow bakery, monster house, fairy home, or tiny fire station!

Step 5: Add the Roofs
You can paint the top pointy part of the carton like a roof, or glue on cardboard triangles to create overhangs. Want to add a chimney? Glue a straw or cardboard roll on top!

Step 6: Make Flags and Signs
Cut small flags from recycled plastic or paper and tape them to straws or sticks. Glue your flags to the rooftops. You can even create tiny signs for each building – “Toy Store,” “Library,” or “Super Cat’s House.”

Step 7: Build Your Village
Place all the finished buildings together on a large piece of cardboard, tray, or table. Use bottle caps for stepping stones, cotton balls for bushes or clouds, and draw roads with marker.

Step 8: Play!
Now that your village is built, use little toys, action figures, or LEGO people to live in your new town. Create stories and adventures—your Milk Carton Village is officially open!

 Learning Bonus:

This craft is not just fun—it also teaches recycling, fine motor skills, creative thinking, and storytelling. Plus, it’s a great group activity for playdates, classrooms, or family craft nights.

Let your kids’ imaginations run wild—and remember, no two villages need to look the same. Each one tells its own story!