Hi! I’m back!
I feel like I’ve been having to say that way too much lately. I’ve done a lousy job of posting here, as I’ve had a lousy time creating anything. I’m in a major creative funk, you guys. :(
I’m trying to slog my way through it, but it’s really tough. I’m used to being able to create new exciting things without having to try very hard. But lately, when I look at my refashion rack, I don’t see endless possibilities for fun and play. I’m struggling to see the awesome frock hiding in the frump these days, and that sucks. I’ve taken breaks. I’ve been working on other creative projects and find myself struggling just as hard with those.
The last time I was in a creative crisis of this magnitude, I started my 366 Day Project.
Maybe it’s time to do that again…
I really don’t know. Seriously…if you have any advice, it would be most welcome.
Anywho…we’re starting to get a few warm days here in SC, so I thought I might lighten my dour spirits with this fun little number:
Fun, yes?
I like those fun little dots and the tiered skirt could be really terrific. But I am so completely and utterly over sleeves, okay?
Wave buh-bye, little sleeves!
I hemmed that top raw edge…
The old tuck ‘n pin!
Whirrrrrrrrr!!!!
I put it on my dress form, and saw the top part was going to be waaay to baggy and saggy to work for what I had in mind. Soooo…I took in a smudge front he back.
This also removes that now-functionless zipper!
Okay, so that top edge is closed up, but so what? It’s still not going to stay up that way, now is it?
I know what I said about hating sleeves, but I thought they might come in handy after all!
Do you see where I’m going with this?
I took one of the sleeves, and pinned it to the front and back of my new dress like so:
Inside-out front!
Inside-out back!
I stitched the sleeve down, then used my pinking shears on the back section to trim off the extra fabric.
Check it out now!
Not too bad!
I wore my cute new dress for a fun brunch spent sharing photos from a recent vacation with my favorite people! :)
The cruise may be over, but our fondness for delicious slushy beverages remains!
Erin is up to no good…
…which is why she’s friends with me! :)
Close-up of the front…complete with really awkward facial expression!
Thanks for bearing with me as I try to get my mojo back. I promise I’m not quitting this blog…just trying to get re-inspired. You’re awesome for tolerating me. :)
Life was easier in paradise…*sigh*
Cheers!
Hey. It’s not easy being a dog with a blog!
Hi! This is going to be my last post! Mom is finally coming back tomorrow! This guy who’s been taking care of me has been really nice and all, but I miss her and her silly sewing projects and bad music (Who listens to New Wave in 2014? Just sayin.)
This week’s final Reader ReFash is by Kasia!
Hmmmmnnn.
I’d like to share my perfect Valentine dress with you.
I adore crushed velvet-especially in black-yet I have never managed to score the perfect crushed velvet dress: fitted at the top and with a full skirt. But I had these two in my wardrobe: number 1 is my (slightly dated and rather unflattering) graduation dress and number 2 is a thrift store find that to me looks more like a tunic and shows far too much cleavage for my liking. So here’s what I did: I picked the little sleeves of no1 and completely deconstructed no2. This left me with what I needed: a straight tube, two sleeves and a full skirt. I attached the sleeves (which cost a lot of patience!). Then I measured where I wanted the waist in my new dress to be, marked it with a safety pin, then pinned the skirt and stitched it. Now I have THE perfect dress! Totally V-day worthy!
Sassy! Mom would approve!
This week has been really fun, but I’ve gotta admit…I look forward to just being in Mom’s pics again. :)
WOOF!
Oh hai.
Yep. It’s still me. Still Dougie Doug blogging for Jillian as she sits in a tropical paradise sipping fruity cocktails. Did I mention she’s left me with this weird guy who reads Faulkner and is trying to discuss The Sound and the Fury with me riiiight now? Dude. I’m trying to write this blog. And I also happen to be a dog. Just sayin. Mom’s friends are so weird.
Today’s Reader ReFash comes from Laurel in Saskatchewan!
I have been planning this refashion for a long time. My “go to” place for thrift shopping is Value Village here in Saskatchewan. We do not see many deals for a dollar and I am quite envious of your thrifting opportunities. I am a consummate bargain hunter.
So much, in fact, that much to the chagrin of my fellow travelers, my last trip to the Gold Coast involved stopping at several thrift stores along the road between Florida and New Orleans.
I took 19 $1 ties back home in my suitcase. They made beautiful purses. Only the weight restrictions kept me from buying so much more.
I found these two T-shirts at Value Village and I am sorry I don’t have them on in the picture, but my goal was to make them into a dress. I loved the fading colors and the South Seas Vintage Club logo on the striped shirt. I did an intensive search for a complimentary shirt and finally found this Puerto Vallarta orange.
The plan for two shirts simmered in the back of my mind for months until the week before we were leaving for … ironically and oddly …….Puerto Vallarta! I decided I needed a new dress for the trip.
Cut and Cut.
More cutting and placing. I call it sewing by the “seat of my pants”. No pattern!
Pinning. Checking. Repinning.
The top and the bottom.
I added a pocket and my favorite accessory, buttons.
My serger made contrasting edges.
I used your idea from The Jersey Dress from old Ts
…and cut the hem and neckline from the orange shirt to use as edge binding for the armholes and pocket top.
A most excellent idea! Thank you!
I find if I stretch the binding as I sew it, the armholes don’t bulge at all.
Front and back.
…and now for the fun part!!!!
Wow!
I want to go to here!
I really really like this, Laurel! I especially love the “sewing by the seat of your pants” technique. Thanks for the shootout to my mom! When she gets back, I’m going to try to talk her into making a dress like yours! It’s awesome!
WOOF!
