Thursday, March 1, 2012

Dress Transformation - From Dowdy to Decent!


  I have a respectable dress that my dear mother gave to me last year.  It's a perfectly good dress but it's very.....matronly.....


Very respectable.....

Without the jacket...
Yawn......

I cut straps off and a little from the arm holes.

I stitched around the armholes to
prevent raveling and made a
1 inch seam at the top
to thread the neck tie through.


I made a tie for the neck
with some old fabric I had.
Then with the same fabric, I
sewed triangular pieces under
the edge of the shortened hem.
For a final touch, I gathered the
skirt slightly at the right knee.






























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It's not high fashion but I think it's something that I will wear now!

I challenge you to find something in your closet that you don't like and make a few alterations.  I am far from a great seamstress and if I can up cycle an outfit, then anyone can!

16 comments:

  1. Ha. You've never seen me sew. ;-)
    But you are definitely gifted and have an eye for what you want something to look like. :)

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    Replies
    1. That's funny Linda! Thanks for the encouragement. I really enjoy "making over" clothes! Fun, new hobby!

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  2. You go girl... that is cute. I have several things in my closet that could so use a redo! Your just cute as a bug and your new version I think looks more like you :O)

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Texan,

      I know you are a gifted seamstress! You probably could blow me away with your creations. Have a great night!

      Delete
  3. I love the color! I had to chuckle- I love the finished product but I actually like the 'before' dress as well- does that mean I'm showing my age??
    Judy

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    1. No, Judy, You just have refined taste! It was actually a very nice dress (probably expensive too, knowing my mom) but I just felt like I was swallowed up by it with the length and all!

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    2. I've got to try something like this on some blouses I have in the closet.
      You really inspire me to try and redo a few older things.
      Thanks.

      Delete
  4. wow! Looks so good! Wonderful job!

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    1. Thank you Laurie! I really appreciate your words of encouragement!

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  5. I think it looked like it was, you look silly.

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  6. I meant to say , it looked better like it was, mayne taken up a little,

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    Replies
    1. Anonymous, It's okay, I appreciate your honest opinion! And I probably look silly because I AM silly! LOL! Thank you for taking the time to give me your feedback. I really do appreciate all constructive criticism!

      Warm wishes from Kansas!

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  7. wow, i mean it, wow - you really have a special talent here - can't wait to see where it takes you - peace

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    Replies
    1. Ruth,

      Thank you so much for your encouragement! I don't know that I have a special talent, but I sure am having fun doing it!

      Have a great day!

      Delete
  8. Love it! I am not a seamstress - I once hand sewed a jumper for my daughter (out of ruffly curtains - she was 4) because I was so afraid of my sewing machine!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Paula, thanks so much for your visit and your kind words! That's so cute, "afraid of your sewing machine"! I can understand though. Last year the timing on my machine got off due to a jam and I was so frustrated! I finally fixed it thanks to some very helpful information I found on the internet. But I still cringe everytime I begin a project and I find myself saying a little prayer each time that it works for me...

      Have a great day!

      Delete

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