The dress was so small on her back then that I had to tie a ribbon on the straps to get them to stay up. This was before I learned how to sew. :)
A few years later when both her and her sister had grown out of the dress, we cut the shoulder straps off and made it a maxi skirt.
Now the waist is too small for both my girls, so it's time for the next stage in the life of this dress. Instead of cutting off the ruched area, I decided to use it as my new waistband. Not only did I save some of my precious elastic, but I saved the existing pockets that my girls just adore. They love being able to collect leaves, rocks and flowers and put them in their pockets. Mental note: check pockets before washing!
To create my new waistband, I cut a small slit in each side of the ruched "waistband." I then measured and 1.5 inches from the top of the waist all the way around, using pins as a visual guide for where I would eventually sew.
I sewed the faux elastic waist with a lightning stitch, and although it looked great, the skirt was still missing something. So I went to my stash of goodies, and found a scrap of ribbon I have had for YEARS. It complimented the colors of the skirt, is one of my daughter's favorite colors, and it is sparkly.
I call that a WIN-WIN-WIN.
I tied a pretty bow and seared the ends with a lighter. I then marked the front/center of my skirt with my favorite sewing pen and sewed it on.
Here it is! Five years old, handed down twice and refashioned three times!
The girls just loved it! Thanks for reading.
8 comments:
Heavens above: you turned this cute and obviously veeeery seriously loved garment into quite a 'jumping jack' of a thingy ^^ + admirations + :-D !
All thumbs and toes up for your rescue ideas!
Yet: please don't forget to make a will to make sure which of the girls is finally inheriting it ;-) !
If their love and understanding continues as currently, they might even take turns with this 'job' ^^ + ;-) !
LG, Gerlinde
N.B.: Please don't be offended by my cheeky writing-style; admiration definitely always prevailing!
I am not all offended by your cheekiness! Thank you so much for the kind words.
The girls have been fighting over the skirt already, even though the waist is still to large for the littlest sister. As to who to give it to for inheritance--I could always cut it in half and sew something for each of their babies with it. :)
P.S. While reading my post, replace the word "ruched" with "shirred". I'm such a rookie. :)
I love the story of this dress turned skirt twice over :) Way to keep giving life to a well-loved piece!
Andrea EOD
:-D :-D :-D
Mooooore thumbs (and toes) for your answer !
LG, Gerlinde
Awesome!!
Thank you for the kind words ladies!!!
I love these transformation over the years. My daughter has a similar style dress that she loves, so I'll keep this in mind for next summer!
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