Sunday, January 31, 2016

From "Too Much" to "Just Right"

What's up, team?

Today I bring you a classic: the ole 'dress-to-shirt' routine!

Found this dress half off at Goodwill. In addition to being too long, it's got some other issues. (Oh hello Leon, what are you doing there?)

Unflattering boob ruffle...

Strange hem ruffle that was falling off in multiple places...

Plus, as a maxi length dress, the bold print was just WAY too overwhelming to look at. So I marked and snipped.

I carefully cut off the boob ruffle, which caused the fabric in that area to come loose 

NBD, we'll just zig-zag that back down!

New hem...

I tried a new-to-me jersey trick that I read about turning the tension all the way down on your machine, so it doesn't cause waves and bumps

It worked great on the zig-zag, but not on the straight stitch. While the hem wasn't ripply, it did come out like this. I didn't bother to redo it, because you can't really see it, but if you try this trick, ONLY use the loose setting for zig-zag!

I ripped the ruffle off the bottom, cut it in half, then cut one of THOSE halves in half...

Did some pinning, and some sewing...

Tadah! Front...

And back!

MUCH cuter as a top! And the ruffle made nice pseudo-sleeves. For all you folks up to your eyeballs in snow wondering why in God's name I basically just made a tank top; it's been sunny and in the 60s here for weeks. And I'm not saying that to make you jealous; I can't stand it! Bring back my winter! I'm not ready for spring!!!

See you next time!

~Illy

5 comments:

jennifer elliott said...

Snow schmo. You can wear it under an open sweater or cardigan. Much better as a top.

Unknown said...

Jennifer you have a point. Plus, I'm a warm person, so layers are basically a must for me LOL. Thanks for the comment!

Carissa said...

That pattern is much, much better in smaller quantities. Great job!
And I know what you mean about the weather. It's been in the 70s here the last few days, which would be lovely in April or May. Not January. Ugh.

-Carissa
EOD

Unknown said...

Carissa, I'm glad you feel my pain! Everyone always looks at me like I'm crazy for not wanting May weather in February. I think I must be destined to live in Alaska or something. And thanks for the comment! I actually wore said top this weekend and it was very comfortable and stylish :D

TheRefashStash said...

Beautiful refashion!

-TheRefashStash