Refashion Runway: Velvet

The latest season of Refashion Runway is finally here! And we're kicking it off with a velvet challenge! This 90s crushed velvet dress had giant shoulder pads and was a bit too snug and too long, but I loved the color and the strappy details on the upper back.

I felt like this was just too much velvet for one garment, so I decided to cut it in half and make two different things. I removed the shoulder pads and the sleeves and then cut the torso from the skirt at about the waist level. Then, to supplement the velvet skirt portion, I pulled out an old refashioned top I never wear and salvaged the sheer polka dot yoke.

I joined the polka dot yoke to the velvet skirt and also replaced the polka dot collar with a velvet Peter Pan collar made from the extra sleeve fabric. Now I've got an adorable dress for fall date nights or a winter holiday party!

With the top half of the velvet dress, I finished the armhole edges and used more fabric from the old sleeves to make a bottom band to complete my shirt. I needed a cute high-waisted skirt to wear with my new cropped top, so I pulled out this autumnal beauty from the spring clothes swap, chopped off the bottom 6 inches, and finished the raw edge.

And there you have it! Another great outfit that will be perfect for autumn!

Feel free to visit me at CarissaKnits for more details and photos. Then go check out the other competitors' work at The Renegade Seamstress and vote for your favorite!