You guys rock! You gave me so many great ideas yesterday that I don’t know what to do. I love that you all see the potential that I see in that flower garden of a dress.
I’m still considering all the possibilities, but I did another makeover yesterday that I think you’ll appreciate.
Ninety-nine cent black linen dress + thread from Sarah’s sewing box + seersucker scraps from this shirt = My favorite before & after ever.
BEFORE:
AFTER:
For this project, I removed the bodice, narrowed it, and made it a trapezoid (using bias tape along the armholes). I then cut off the slitted part of the skirt, gathered the waist a little, sewed on the top part, and hemmed up the bottom. I made 2″ bias tape from black and white seersucker and sewed it together for the tie at the top.
Easy-ish! :)
Thank you, husband, for taking the “after” pictures. :)
September 9th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
That’s too cute!!
September 9th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Ok, it helps immensely to be adorable before and after, and I’m not talking about the dress!
September 9th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
I don’t know, hon, the “Homeless Russian Grandmother” look in the ‘before’ pic was kind of awesome.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I agree with Kelly. You’re one my mother would refer to in saying “she could wear a potato sack” (and still be adorable). Although, black linen is much more comfortable than burlap. If Evan is so taken with the Before, seems like you need thick black stockings and sensible shoes to complete the look.
September 9th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Love it! What a cute dress :)
September 9th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Great job! It’s amazing how the frumpy before dress made you look so much bigger than you actually are. You are a tiny person and the after picture shows off your cute figure. It’s a lesson to all of us to beware of what we’re wearing!
September 9th, 2009 at 11:21 pm
Wow is right! You did a fabulous job. Love it!
September 9th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Such a cute dress! So simple yet so sweet, love it!
September 10th, 2009 at 12:58 am
i really want to do this sort of thing! you are so inspirational! been trying to repurpose thrift finds…honing in on improving my sewing skills first! any advice for a newbie?
September 10th, 2009 at 6:13 am
It came out great!!! What vision!
September 10th, 2009 at 6:26 am
wow for sure, my sister just bought a similar style dress from Country Road (in Australia) I think it was over $250.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:17 am
SO cute! I’ve seen so many similarly-styled dresses for big $$$. So simple and fab. Thanks for sharing!
September 10th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Wow, that is completely adorable. Makes me wish I had more time to get my alteration projects done!
September 10th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
I agree that this just may be the best refashion yet. I love it! It’s amazing how much inexpensive yet beautiful and high quality fabric there is hiding in old clothing. Your projects are so inspiring and give me ideas left and right! I’m working on an idea for remodeling a good quality shirt that’s been hanging in my closet that I never wear, and I have plans for making a shrunken sweater into a couch pillow.
September 10th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
so cute! great diy!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
Can I just say that you are amazing? I’m so glad I found your blog.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:31 pm
FAB! Want it. Want it. Want it! Makes me wish I could knew how to sew!
September 18th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
This would be a fabulous piece to wear to an event at your alma mater! You know, b/c I’m biased and all…haha.
January 14th, 2010 at 11:29 am
This is simply adorable! I love your whole site. You do such great fashion transformations.
Kudos, girl!!