Happy third night of Hanukkah! I was very excited when Charm Patterns reached out about doing another Hanukkah collaboration as part of their holiday extravaganza this year. You may recall that 2 years ago, I designed Hanukkah appliques for them. This year I proposed a tutorial for an LED skirt that you can add to spice up just about any skirt — even one you’ve already made or a ready to wear one. The version I did was very Hanukkah focused, but this could be used for any celebration!
I also put together a YouTube video tutorial to help people make their own and follow along with the written tutorial. The written tutorial was released yesterday in the Vintage by Gertie magazine which is sent digitally to all of their Patreon subscribers.
For my demonstration dress, I used the Charm Patterns Maria bodice with the Charm Patterns free circle skirt pattern. For the LED underskirt, I used the Charm Patterns Stanwyck skirt which is also a circle skirt, but has gores so that I could cut it out of less fabric.
The fabric I used was some gorgeous navy blue sparkle mesh from Secret Spark lined with their coordinating satin. For the bodice, I did the 3/4 sleeve, but I didn’t line them for a little bit of variety, leaning into the mesh aspect of the blue sequins. I also often find the sleeves a bit restrictive but since the mesh has some elasticity, it made it quite comfortable and perfect for winter events.
One of my favorite features of the dress was how I decided to finish the neckline with a bias binding strip. I love how clean it looks and I will definitely be doing this finish again.
One of my goals with this dress was to create something that was both classy and fun. And I think I managed!
I used some of the leftover satin for the belt. I didn’t want a front closure because I didn’t want to distract for the main focus — the LEDs — but I wanted something a little bit more interesting than just a standard belt. Using a shorter version of the belt pattern piece, I created a faux bow and I love that it adds just a bit of interest, while still being mostly flat and therefore not uncomfortable to sit in.
The LEDs and overall idea for the skirt was inpsired by Hanukkah candles. In that theme, the embellishment on the front is a stylized chanukiah done with glass rhinestones from Planet Rhinestone.
I actually made the petticoat I’m wearing under it as well. And of course there are pockets.
While normally I would go into depth about the how’s and why’s of making it, I encourage you to go watch the video where I share everything and link to all the materials.
I had quite a bit of fun making this and making the video. Hopefully it helps people sparkle just a bit more this season. And of course, it was wonderful having the opportunity to collaborate with Charm Patterns again!
