I Thought You Were Dead!

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She was already showing signs of a life well lived when I discovered her in a thrift store, but I still wanted her badly and handed over my four bucks to take her home.

A couple of years later, it happened.  Too much love and she was falling to bits.  I had to make the decision to either pull the switch or amputate.

I decided she was worth the effort.

Voila!  Transformation complete, she was now a one-shouldered 1950s floral frock.

Now I believe in the resurrection of the frock!

How was this miracle performed?  

Method:

At purchase, there was some serious wire-coathanger wear on the right shoulder and small underarm tears, both of which worsened quickly with wear despite my loving mending.

So I unpicked the facing from the neckline. 

Unpicking is really important as you need all the seam allowance you can get.

Press the neckline and seam allowance open, then use tailor's chalk to mark your cutting line from the top of one shoulder to the opposite underarm.

Try it on in front of a mirror, wearing the strapless bra you plan to wear with it if you need one.

Adjust the chalk lines, remembering to give yourself enough seam allowance.

Cut.

Machine sew a new facing along your new neckline using bias binding and hand sew closed. 

Important:  This re-fashion only works on dresses with a fitted bodice that hugs your torso.

Worn out 1950s dresses are a good choice as they fit close to the body.

Good luck!  

More pics here!