Friday, August 29, 2014

Summer Isn't Over Yet.




Happy times at the pool.  "Throw me again, Daddy!"  This kid is a little fish.  Already swimming and growing up so fast. 

So... Surprise!  I actually finished a refashion, and here I am posting again this month.  Remember this dress? 


It's been hot and humid here - uncomfortable for Hawaii.  I've been wearing the most airy clothes I can find, and this refashion came at just the right time.  I started with this dress. 




This Tori Richard dress came to me through a consignment shop.  I found it on the rack with the tags on, and couldn't believe that it was only $20 (retailing for $125).  Then I tried it on and realized why it was such a deal.  There were holes on the bottom half.  When I showed the owner, she insisted on giving it to me for free.

I tried to wear it as is, but it wasn't so comfortable and a little loose in the bust. It was a prime candidate for a 60's style summer dress.


I used my 60's dress as a pattern and cut a V and armholes in the bottom section of the Tori Richard.


I then used the top part of the 60's dress to draw a pattern for the neckline and sleeves.


There wasn't enough fabric for two layers, so I used one of my husband's old shirts for the neckline and sleeve lining.  Can you believe he was going to throw it away?



I made the back pattern section a bit longer than the front so that the shoulders would hang nicely. 


I used what was left of the top to make the outer layer of the neckline and sleeves. 



Ugh!  Sometimes I don't think things through very well.  I cut two of the same piece.  I ended up having to sew scraps together so that I could cut another piece. 


Good thing it's a busy pattern. 


I added interfacing to the outer layer. 


In the next sections, you'll see that I stitched the lining to the outer layer.



I ironed them down. 


I then stitched the front and back together. 



And flipped them inside out.  


I sewed the front and back together at an angle. 


And sewed it to the dress. 


I added bias tape around the armholes and patched the holes.  Once I figured out the pattern, this dress was super easy to make.  I love it!!!



So much more practical. Oh!  And I got the DKNY slippers at a garage sale for $3.  Score!





May your remaining summer days be blessed.





























10 comments:

  1. Love it! Wish I was that creative.

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    1. Thank you. Check out this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/03/04/creativity-habits_n_4859769.html. You might be surprised to find out that you are more creative than you think. I'm glad you stopped by.

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  2. Wow! The new one turned out even better than the first one!!!

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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    1. I agree, JJ. Although I liked the maxi dress, there weren't many places I could wear it. My new dress is great for work. Thanks for stopping by. : )

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  3. love love love! you did it again!

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    1. Thank you! Now, I just need to make ten more, and my wardrobe is set.

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  4. You have talent! I love this. And I like that you improvised when you cut the wrong piece. I would give up right about there, but you made it work. There's a lesson in that!

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    1. I did almost give up, Jenny. But through my mistakes, I'm learning to be more resourceful. Thank you for your encouraging comments.

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  5. Wow, you've got some serious sewing skills, Trish! The dress looks fantastic on you and perfect for hot summer days. Hope your school year has gotten off to a good start. :)

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    1. As do you, Beth, thank you! My school year has started of wonderfully. I really love working with the teachers. How about your year?

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