An Over-All Makeover

 Hello Refashion Co-op. It is the middle of a hot summer where I live. I decided shorts were the only way to go. These over-alls were cute but the distressing on the legs was too much for me. I used some small applique pieces to cover those spots and I shortened the legs a bit as well. To see more go to I Can Work With That.

"Vintage" Beachwear

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I made some beachwear from a thrifted dress. I wanted a vintage look but obviously this isn't really vintage. But it was fun to make. 

Before and after. 

I separated the top and the skirt. I used the skirt to make these shorts. Check my blog,

  I Can Work With That, to see all the how-to details.

Asymetric top from (old) shirt and scarf

 

The weather has been really good here for weeks now. It's only may but it's like summer started early this year. But with the weather in the Netherlands you just never know, it may very wel rain throughout june and july. However the past sunny days inspired me for a (early) summer refashion: an asymetric top. I promise it's an easy one, if you're thinking of trying it yourself, it wil take you around 2 hours!

So here it goes...

Choose a t-shirt with enough stretch in the neckline elastic, because the first step is to pull the neckline over the shoulder, under the armpit. Then pin all the way down until from the neckline. Try to pin a straight line en let it blend fluently into the side seam. If you don't have a dress form you can place a few pins while wearing the shirt and finish pinning after you've taken it off (well, you cán try pinning it all if you want, but ouch....:))

Next, stitch along the pins with a large stitch size so you'll be able to gather the seam. Make sure the length of the gathered side is about the same as the length of the other side, measured from below the armpit to the hem. Satisfied with the length and fit? Then stitch the seam again en cut off the sleeve etc.   

You need a small open space in or under the necklline elastic to pull the scarf through. You can cut a hole if you want a easy solution, but I chose to open the seam between the neckline elastic and the shirt en made an 'eye' opening. To decide the exact spot, I recommend wearing the shirt and then pin where the bra comes out. 

And let's not forget the scarf! I was happy to find one that matched the color of the raspberry on my shirt. Found it on a small flea market nearby, the morning before I started this refashion, right on time!

Hope this sunny refashion inspired you to try it yourself! 

For a detailed explanation of all the steps, incl the gathering and how to make the 'eye', you're welcome to visit vermaakster.blogspot.com. Until next time!

Maxidress to Bubble Skirt

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I loved the sunflowers on this sundress. The maxi length was fine but it gave me an idea, what if I made a bubble skirt? I thought it would be pretty simple so I gave it a try. (Spoiler- It was very simple.)

Before and after.

The yellow sunflowers were so cheerful. Sometimes we need a little cheer. This dress was it for me.  

Here is the simple secret to this refashion. I turned the skirt in and under. I clipped it to the waistband seam at the bottom of all that smocking and sewed them together. 

My new bubble skirt makes this dress a lot of fun. Thanks for reading along, for more details and pictures go to I Can Work With That.

 

 

(too tight) Dress to maxi skirt

I bought this dress in a summer sale for €15, knowing that it wouldn't fit. It was a small S size, almost XS (nothing to do with me eating too much chocolate easter eggs:)) but I really loved the petrol colour. It may seem strange, but I saw potential: an affordable maxi skirt in a beautiful color. That was a challenge I couldn't resist:).

In case you were wondering... the tailor's dummy on the left is in my size and as you can see the dress really is too tight. On the right you see the beautifull back with gathered elastic. I wanted to reuse the top edge for the waistband. A quick solution with a complete elastic waistband wouldn't work since I wanted to keep using the buttons. 

After measuring the length of the skirt I cut off the top. Then I took off the edge of the top. The combination of elastic with a front hook and eye fastening was perfect for my new waistband. It was a little to long for my waist, so I would have to take it in.

The fastening at the front made it possible to keep using the buttons as you can see on the picture below. Unfortunately I hadn't realized that there could be too much strain/pressure on the hook and eye on the inside. I was afraid the fabric would tear. That's why I added another supporting band on the inside, also with a button-opening. 

Not one but two waistbands!

I may have underestimated creating a solid waistband, but I'm still happy with the result. Still loving the petrol colour!

If you're interested in the complete making off, and/or the unexpected tear I discovered (and how I fixed it), you're welcome to visit vermaakster.blogspot.com. Until next time!