Thursday, November 5, 2009

My First Refashion

We had our second sewing night at my house this week (we being me, my sister, and Jorja- missed you Lynette!) And the plan this month was to do a refashion, inspired by Alexis at mymamamadeit.blogspot.com (check out her site, she has such great ideas, especially for little girls!)
Here is the before:

It's not terrible, but it's not fabulous. It's knit, which I was disappointed when I got it in the mail because I thought the fabric was more silky. I retrospect I should have just sent it back but I did not. The skirt was too full, the neckline uninteresting, and because of the long sleeves it just didnt seem to work with my boots (I wear my boots too much, but it covers the white legs- you would think living in Vegas I would see the sun more). Anyhow, I wore it once or twice, but because of those complaints it's been in my closet, unworn, for over a year. So, with some inspiration from mymamamadeit, this is the final product:

I used the fabric from the sleeves and a bit off the sash to do the ruffle. I slimmed down the skirt to more of an A-line. I hemmed up the sleeves and gave them a little inverted pleat to make it a bit more interesting. There are things I would do differently now that I finished it, but overall I am still pleased to have given this dress new life! What do you think? Is the giant ruffle too much? Am I a girl that can pull off a big ruffle? If you think not, don't tell me!
I think I may be somewhat obsessed with the refashioning thing now, and with sewing in general. It's my creative escape since all my other avenues have fallen by the wayside.

For anyone who is interested, I am having a couple friends over on November 18th to teach them how to make the cute aprons we made last month. If you are, just let me know and I will tell you what you need!

14 comments:

Melissa Summers said...

Holy cow I love what you did to the dress. It is so cute. I would totally but it if I say it in a store. The boots look great with it.

Jena said...

That is fantastic!! I completely adore the refashion!!!

Kellie DeMille said...

Wow what a change! You are a woman of many talents!!

Jessica said...

I LOVE it. You are very talented!

Rachael said...

I love it!!! What a great idea and you are talented with an eye to make that! WOW! I am impressed!!!

Robin gut my favorite title is Grandma said...

Good job!!!!

Jossie said...

LOVE IT!

Sarah said...

Wow! Very impressive. You can definitely pull off a big ruffle.

Megs said...

Amazing job! I LOVE the ruffle. I wouldn't have given the "before" dress a second glance, but you've made it into a fashion statement! Do you watch Project Runway?

Angie said...

It came out incredible! You sure did a great job, love the way it looks now.

Steph Kjelstrom said...

very nice and impressive!

Salinda W. said...

I love it, so talented. I would probably just thrown the dress to a thrift store, but then wow.... you inspire me.

Lynette said...

Oh my! So much cuter! You are amazing!!! I am so looking forward to next wednesday:)

And hey, on my giveaway, you should still enter, if you win and don't want another session, you can give it away to someone!! Fun little Christmas gift maybe:)

The Liljenquist Family said...

Okay, so I am sort of envying your talent right now. That is a fabulous dress! And I think the ruffle is great on you!