While I’m a transplant to the South, there are some things I absolutely adore about living here.  Grits, warm weather, and friendly people all make the top of this list.  Some of you might be surprised to learn that I also have a thing for southern fashion.  I know…it’s a little odd, as it’s not really my look per se, and when I wear these more southern-y things, I’m pretty sure I look like a Barbie whose head has been ripped off and replaced with another doll’s entirely.  :)

Seersucker is one of these southern fashion staples that remains timeless and stylish all at once.  When I found this seersucker house dress, I was quite excited!

I’m excited. I swear.

I had to give away the last seersucker piece I remade a couple of years ago, and I’ve been looking for a good replacement ever since.  :)

To get started, I grabbed my seam ripper and got rid of those sleeves!  Temps have reached triple digits here, and I’m not about to be any more clothed than I need to be!

Buh bye!

Then, I closed up those armholes!

Whirrrrrr!

Next, I chopped off a bit of length from the bottom.  Usually, I save this step for last, but I knew I wanted a cute little match-matchy sash for my new frock, and I ran the risk of not having a long enough sash if I did this choppage after taking my new dress in.

Chop!

I put my dress on my form and started the whole taking-in/reshaping process.

Sad to see those pockets go. :’(

I chopped off that extra fabric with my pinking shears, then got to work on my new hem.

Pin!

Stitch!

When I tried my dress on, I noticed some rather frightening gappage on the lower part of the front placket, soooooo…I stitched it down!

Whirrrrrr!

For my last lil trick, I folded that bottom scrap under twice, pressed it, and pinned it.

Prepping a new sash!

Another whirrrrrr!

Did I say, “my last lil trick”?  Because I have one more to share with you!

Some of my more observant readers might have noticed that I’m sewing on a new machine!  I’ll share more about that at a later time, but in the meantime…looooook at what it can do!

Oooooooooooooh!!!!

My new seersucker number kept me fresh and cool all day!

Ain’t it cute?

My new dress enjoyed an afternoon wine tasting, followed by a little more wine!

Gotta try ‘em all!

Happy winos!

Mysterious Jillian is full of mystery!

Cheers!