Here Comes The Refashion

Last year I typed up a post on a bridesmaid dress that needed a little attention. Well, like any super fancy dress it was domed to sit in bridesmaid dress hell unless............

  As I looked at the lovely print and felt the soft material, visions of a swingy summer skirt came to mind.  So with a pair of sissors and some elastic I set out to refashion this dress.  It will not sit in closet for years collecting dust or end up at the Goodwill donation store.  No no, I have plans for you dear dress.  After much cutting, sewing and measuring we had victory!

  A summer skirt that works! (I have yet to find a top I love with the skirt, but hey it is still very much spring around here.)  Love it! I have a feeling that this skirt is going to get lots of wear.  I love its movement and the big print is perfect for the warmer months.  Hurray for new life breathed into an old dress.

Upcycled Chic

 I know that the Oscars are far over, but I am so taken with Ms Firth's dress. Her dress is from Vogue's Green Carpet Challenge and it is beautiful.  The dress is eleven different dresses rolled into one beautiful gown.  The sacrificed dresses come from charity/thrift/vintage shops that were in the area of The King's Speech. Every single part of this dress has been recycled, upcycled, and repurposed. 

It is amazing.  Honestly, is shows some real talent and creativity on behalf of designer Gary Harvey.  I think I may have to add this piece to my inspiration board. 

In Awe

 Has anyone else seen this blog? Seriously, I am so impressed with Melissa has done! She has a super inspiring summer quest. 21 dresses in 21 days.   It is so fun to see her sketch and create her amazing designs.  You can read her confessions and inspirations here.  Some great ideas from using pillowcases, sheets, and those tops that are sitting in the closet.  Or you can just purchase them from her shop.




For a little inspiration of your own, check out some of her designs (her pics) below...

January Sewing Is Done!

I finally finished the dress.  In plenty of time to wear to grandma's 90th birthday party!!  I promise to have MUCH better pics of the dress at a later date.  In the meantime, you will have to settle on what I could do, while two little rug rats took turns playing fashion photographer.

Now, onto the deatails.  I used simplicity pattern 2925 view A.  It was a pretty easy pattern to follow.  I did leave out the ties but may add them on later. I also changed up the neckline just a little.  I made bias tape out of the material I was using and decided to use that on the neckline instead.  Otherwise everything went as written. The material was a drapy blend of rayon with 2% spandex for some stretch. Love a little give in a dress.  So nice when sitting. I have stated before and I will say it again.  A mom must have pockets! They come in handy when you least expect it.

Overall I like how it came out.  It would make a VERY comfortable dress if done in a more casual fabric.  Could see another one of these or a little different version being made in the future.  Will try and  post pics from the party and of the entire outfit put together.