Thanks for reading, Nicole! I would have to say that the skirt usually only takes me a couple hours start to finish. They really aren’t very time consuming at all. Really, the only thing that takes time is hemming the bottoms of the top and bottom skirt because each one is about 80″ of sewing. That can take a little time to do. It isn’t difficult, just takes a while to make it all the way around those bottoms.
For a 24 months size, I’d probably do around 10″ long for the under layer and 7″ for the top layer. Around a 3T, I make about 12″ long on the under and 9″ on the top. It really depends on how long you want the skirt to be. I like them around or slightly below knee length. I once made a 10″ long one for my daughter when she was around a size 24 months and it fit her until she was almost in a 3T. Technically, she could still wear it, but it’d be awfully short!
The green and blue paisley is my ironing board cover. I got it from TJ Maxx, but here is one just like it. I also found a very similar fabric at Joann’s at one time, but it was slightly brighter. Here it is.
My sewing machine is a BabyLock Crafter’s Choice. They’ve made several that are pretty much the same as the Crafter’s Choice. I’ve really liked it. I do also have a BabyLock serger. I have the Lauren serger, which is one of the lower end of BabyLock sergers, but I have found it easy to use and not too intimidating!
I can completely understand about loosing your creative spark. As a mom, you get busy, so the first thing to go are those little things you enjoy. I love sewing and don’t get to sew as much as I’d like to, but at least I have little ones to sew for! I’m glad you are enjoying my blog and enjoying making things for your little ones. One day, they’ll remember your passion for creating special things just for them!

Second, I would like to make matching skirts for my 5 year old (almost 6, wears a size 6, quite tall for her age) and my 18 month old (wears size 12-18m, but nearly fits a size 18-24m, which is so exciting because she was a tiny preemie!). What length do you recommend for the layers of the younger ones skirt? Your measurements above will be fine for my older girl, but not sure where to start for the little one.

Third (OT)- in several of your photos above, there is an incredible greenish/blueish paisley-looking material underneath your working project. What is that? Is it a fabric? If so, would you be willing to tell me where I can get some? Those are my absolute favorite colors, and what a GORGEOUS print!!! Heck, I’d make a twirly skirt for ME with that print! Hehehe

And lastly- what kind of machine are you using? Obviously I can see it’s a Babylock from the photos, but what model? It looks very similar to mine! Do you have a Babylock serger as well?

Finally, I just wanted to thank you! I’m stuck in the winter blues right now. My sewing/embroidery machine and my serger have been sadly collecting dust for months. I used to have such a passion for my sewing and used to sew like a mad woman on a daily basis. I’d almost forgotten what joy it brings me, and what a wonderful way it is to refresh and recharge the Mommy in me. I’m blesses to have come across your site today and I just wanted to say thank you for inspiring me to find my passion again.

Nicole

(you can email me if that’s any easier to answer)