Maxi Skirt tutorial

My very first piece of clothing for myself:) I have been wanting to make myself a maxi skirt for ages and today I finally succumbed. I must admit that I was terrified to even cut my fabric because the little red creature on my left shoulder was screaming that I couldn't do it. So, I kept my fabric for days. Last week, I plucked my courage and went to work.. It ended up being one of the easiest things I have ever done..

Fabric: here for $9/yard
Yardage: 1 1/2
Color: Charcoal
Fabric description: Its called ponte roma - the best knit fabric ever. Its medium weight so its perfect for winter. Its very smooth, soft and has a nice stretch and resists wrinkles.
Level - beginner (very easy)

1. Fold your fabric in half (hotdog style) - My fabric was 54" wide and 58" long. When I folded it hotdog style it was 27" wide and 58" long.

Since my waist is 36" long around, on the diagram, after the fabric is folded it will be 18" long. Add an inch for seam allowance going from waist to bottom of skirt.

2. At the top of your fabric, make room for the elastic band. Mine is 1" thick, so I folded my fabric 1/4" then 1 1/4" to make room for my band. Then sew but leave room to stick the band in and out. Don't add the band now. We will do it at the end.

3. At the bottom of the fabric, fold 1/4" then another 1/4 then sew.

4. Refer to diagram above, sew the 2 pieces of fabric together from the 18" mark to the very bottom of your fabric as shown. Then stick the elastic band at the top using a safety pin. Sew the 2 ends of the band together. Stitch the gap shut - you are done.