1--how much fabric do i need?
i don't know. :D it all depends on: 1) how big your waist is; 2) how long you want your skirt to be; and 3) how wide your chosen fabric is. the best way to figure out how much fabric to buy is to first figure out the dimensions of the pieces you will cut and take that information with you to the fabric store. you may find that you have to actually make more than one seam in order to get the size of skirt you want--if you choose a narrow fabric, you might have to make two half circles, or four quarter circles, instead of one whole circle.
2--how do i cut the circle for the skirt?
the same way you do it on paper: you have to do some math. the quick-and-cheap way is to divide your waist measurement by three. that is your diameter--the measurement across a circle (the measurement around a circle is the circumference). 1/2 that figure is the radius. make a little compass with a string and your ruler and draw your circle/half circle on your fabric using the radius for the distance. measure down from that line the length you want your skirt, then draw another line. if you are at all unsure about your figures, you should try this in a piece of scrap fabric first.
3--can i use XYZ fabric?
potentially, but not necessarily. some fabrics are too bulky and make the wrapped section very unflattering. some fabrics have a distinctly different wrong side, so you have to decide how you feel about that because many wraps will show both sides of the fabric. if you choose a fabric that has no stretch you will have to make your dress in such a way that you can get in and out of it, by adding a zipper, buttons, snaps, large gathered waistline, etc.
4--i can't sew. can i pay you to make a dress for me?
i'm sorry to disappoint you, but i do not make clothing for sale. you are welcome to print out one copy of my instructions so the seamstress of your choice can make a convertible dress for you. and if you are ever in the market for an opera costume, let me know.
