A Cowl Back Conversion
When I found this frock on the 50 cent sale rack at the Goodwill near my house, I thought, “Wow! A dress I don’t even have to refashion!”
But then I looked a little closer…
Here. Let me help you out a bit.
Do you see the bizarre patched-up crotch hole? HOW DID THAT GET THERE? WHYYYYYYY? And WHY am I so terrified of the implications of said crotch hole? :/
*Shudder*
Step 1:
I don’t know about you guys, but I feel much better now!
So, I could have reattached that bottom bit to the newly crotch-hole-less bit, but the temps here have dropped, and I definitely need more shoulder coverage now!
But first, I needed to restitch the top of the elastic waist that had come undone.
Then, I had that bottom raw edge to tend to.
I used a straight stitch for this, but it was quite finicky with the weirdo stretchy knit of this fabric. I SHOULD have used a tight zigzag, as it would have saved me a bit of frustration.
I promptly reset my machine for the remainder of this refashion!
Now for that bottom scrap! First, I unpicked the hastily hand-sewn hem that was already in place. I commend the effort, but I wanted something a tad sturdier for my new top!
Then, I pinned a new hem for each side of the scrap.
Next, I stitched each hem down.
But now what? I’m going to be a bit chilly without some upper arm coverage, no?
I took that scrap and did this with it:
Then I did this!
I stitched down those parts I pinned at the front.
The back was left drapey. 🙂
And here’s my new top!
Amauri thought my new top was pretty swell too!
I had a blast wearing my new top at Soda City’s Oktoberfest!
Cheers!
106 Comments
Lisa Hamel
The top is much more flattering than the dress, especially for the low, low price of 50 cents!
My theory on the crotch hole:
The dress was once longer and much-loved. Then, the wearer got careless one night (most likely after drinking one too many daiquiri while spring breaking in Florida), and her beloved dress received a ghastly burn (most likely from a cigarette, but maybe from a flying bonfire ember). In desperation, the next morning, the owner, still slightly hungover, cut off just enough of the bottom to fashion a make-shift patch for her wounded garment. Her mind was clear enough to match up the pattern, but still foggy enough to think this was a workable solution. She threw the patched-up affair into her suitcase, gathered the rest of her things, and headed back to South Carolina, USC, and her masters degree in political science. In the cold, hard light of her tiny studio apartment, she knew in her heart the dress couldn’t be worn as-is, but guilt and love of what once was kept her from simply throwing it away. For months it hung in the back of her closet, sad and unworn, until it was finally bundled off to Goodwill with a pile of castoffs. Passed over again and again, it made it’s way from the dress rack, to the $1 rack, to the $0.50 rack. Then, when it least expected it–salvation! A feisty, creative, young refashionista gave it new life and a new purpose. The dress was now a top, and it was finally freed of its crotch-hole shackles!
Yasmin Allen
That looks fantastic!
Sneza
Ha! I love that you have taken that which was strapless and given it straps! Because that is the total opposite! lol
LeeLee Annie
Love it !!! You have quite an eye..this is so much better than the original item..I keep looking at the goodwill racks for a print that will catch my eye but you definitely have a talent for recognizing hidden gems !!
Jenny Lynn
How do you come up with such creative solutions and make something so cute? I am in awe of your talent to do so.
Upcycled Clothing Tutorials
I think this one is a two-fer refashion. You can wear it backwards for an entirely different look.
Robin
Hey! Who you callin’ a crotch hole? HA HA Just kidding! You are so cute and creative. I love your blog!
Desarae
LOVE this! Awesome job- totally going to do this in the future.
Carlye Knight
This is one of your best ones yet. I love how you just go for it. I’m learning to loosen up in regards to restyling, and your blog has been quite helpful.
My first comment here and I’m gushing. Forgive me.
Nancy
This is adorable! I’ve been stalking your website (I guess it’s not stalking if you intend it to be read eh?) for several months now. I’ve been sewing for years, mostly home decor lately, but you’ve inspired me to 1.Buy a dress form of my own (and fit it to my body…shudder) 2.Try several refashions of my own! Maybe I’ll muster up the courage to send you some pictures at some point! Now this will sound very “stalkery” but I’d really like to hang out and drink wine with you sometime! Don’t worry, I live FAR away in Michigan! 😉
Sarah McCracken
I love this idea! what a creative and unique fix for such a weird problem! situations like that are the exact reason why I taught myself to sew
SewLady
Brilliant! You’ve inspired me to try something similar.
Mary
Well done! Really cute. Keep up the creative vibe…
Hannah
Great save! Also just wanted to tell you I did a good bit of sewing over the weekend (X-mas presents) and said “whirrrrrr!” in my head every time I used my machine.
tmcnamara227
Hi! I have been reading your blog for over a year and a half now. I have to say–I love what you do! I love that you are unafraid to try new things and then share your works of art with the rest of us. Sometimes the hardest part of being an artist is sharing your creations with others because it opens us up to critique–including the self-inflicted kind. 🙂
I have shared your blog and your refashionista motto with as many people as I can. I bought a sewing machine (something I never ever thought I would do) and taught myself how to sew on scrap fabric. Then I started shopping at the thrift store for nearly all of my clothes. I can’t tell your how much fun it is to walk into Goodwill with a $20 max budget and see what awesomeness I can come up with. I’ve also refashioned a lot of the clothes that I already own as well as my kiddos clothes. Sometimes my refashions end up looking amazing and other times they become fabric scraps for another project. Either way, I enjoy the journey and am glad that I am no longer so wasteful!
Someday I hope to share one of these refashions with you. In the meantime, thank you for the inspiration. Keep it coming!!!
Mary Ann Fitzpatrick
You outdid yourself on this one!! Gorgeous!!
RenataLaura
Gorgeous, flattering, creative = nice save!
Lillian
You are so blooming’ clever! Love that!!!
lindsayscalco
What an odd hole/patch job! Goodwill always has the good ones.
Og
Adorable! one of your best ever
Amy Jo Privett
That is adorable, love it!!
Erin
LOVE this one! This really shows off your creativity AND skill!
The Episcolic
I love this. A dramatic transformation, and so much improved!
Flo
Turned out terrific, great save! I’m still scratching my head on that “repair” job, don’t you wonder what that was all about??
Shannon Main
I <3 this one sooooo much!
Victoria
OMG that simply IS the COOLEST! I love it! And yeah the crotch hole creeped me out too! Great job Jill!
susan
When I started reading this post I was pretty sure I was not going to like it. Happy to be totally wrong. I am fairly top heavy and can’t wear all those strapless minis that look so cute on you, but this is an idea I will save!
MissChris, South Africa
Love this one! I have a dress I want to do the sleeves and cowl with (it is not becoming for older ladies to show too much skin you know!) and now you have shown me how!!
thank you!!
FMRox
I. Love. This. ! You have never done something like this. I’m going to steal it. You are brilliant!
Joyce
I love how you did the drape on the sleeves. I would never have thought of that.
Linda
Super super cute!
Charise Olson
Love how you did that sleeve/back cowl.
cljhansencheryl
Very cute, I love this one.
The Peppermint Journalist
This is a new favorite! I’m reaching for more coverage these days too with the cooler weather.
Neri Ann
this is sooo cute!!!!
Coley
F-ing Brillant! You are simply Brilliant!! Thank you for sharing your brilliance!! Love Love Love !!
Elissa Barber
Brilliant! Re-sell at a boutique for $30
nikki
Beautiful
Debbie
Love this one!! I will be looking at strapless dresses in a new light at the thrift stores from now on.
Jen from Ottawa
This is way cool.
Avery
Love the top, what you did with the neck line front and back is a clever idea. Every time I go thrifting I have you in mind. It never fails that I find a piece and think Jillian would love this to work on (always brings a smile to my face).
Sydney
IMHO, one of your best, most creative refashionistaings!! Absolutely ADORABLE!
afrugalspinster
spectacular!
Stephanie
Jillian I think this could be one of the best transformations you have done. It is awesome. Just to think that your new top was that ugly dress is beyond belief.
I love the way you look at things and make up something beautiful out of something no one would want except maybe for a Halloween costume. Keep it up. You give me encouragement that I might be able to do something cool.
tesh2008
Very cool!
Joyce Love
This is so cute – one of your best, Jillian! And personally I think the owl necklace is great with the top – goes great with the fall/Halloweenish theme. I’ve actually been on the lookout for an owl pendant thanks to you!
Brenda
That is so cute! Definitely, one of my favorites that you have done. You are so freakin awesome! And I love the owl necklace with the top! : )
Ruthie
Wow, this is definitely one of my favorites. I’ve never seen a top like this, but I love it!
dee
Wow!!
Great use of dress fabric for recycling to a cool top with jeans. Note :
did not like owl necklace with it. Suggestions, a heart or a beautiful cross necklace.
Anne
Absolutely lurrrrve this refashion. Probably one my faves to date.
Kim Stetson Allain
Just lovely!
Betty lacroix.
So cute. You are amazing.
Riff
swag. the hole was probably made in the clothes factory by some cutting machine, and this piece of fabrics should have ended in the rubbish. (i’ve been given clothes factory rags with similar holes on them). by the way those stripes are just fab’.
Nancy W.
I love this! It’s such a cute, stylish top. I’m not a fan of strapless…get tired of watching people constantly pulling their tops up ;))
laurpud
I’ve recently discovered your blog & have started reading all of them from the beginning (I’m up to Oct 2011!) & I have to say, this is my favorite so far! A\I’m also in my 50s, & I can’t just go around with a strapless top (bras are important at my age LOL)
This refashion though, I can wear with confidence. Thank you & keep up the great work!
Kim
You are SO clever! It would be hard for me to choose a favorite from your refashes, because they are all so good. But if I had to choose, this might be it. 🙂
Lauren in CO
Really, really cute. Always inspired by your ideas 🙂
Amanda Robert-Curry
Love it! One of my faves.
Charissa
This is definitely one of my favorites! Great job!
Michelle Swetland
One of my all time favorites! So dang cute!
nikki
I want it!!! So very cute and this is just wow no words anymore jaw on floor fantastic!
Tiger Lily
Like this a lot. Love the new neck style!
Leigh
I love how you did the straps and how it looks rounded in the back. It reminds me of the same cute idea you had with the elephant dress. I have been shopping around for a dress to do that to. It looks so cool!
jenny_o
So, so cute! And maybe the reason for the hole was a dropped cigarette ash – knit would burn through very easily – so shudder no more 🙂
Beth
Great one! Different and creative! I may try something like this…
Deb Marrett
That is adorable! Love it!
Denise
Wow I’m totally in awe of your vision! Would have never been able to come up with that in a million years.
Jo-Anne
Wow – this one looks really fabulous!!! Love it.
Angie
One of my favorites that you’ve done! You’re so talented! (On a side note I did my first refashion. Made a skirt for my daughter’s doll out of a shirt sleeve LOL! But hey at least I did it correctly after learning from your blog!)
Aureannie
Excelente idea.
realtor4life, Edith
good job, really turned out to be a lovely top, who knew you can do this from a ruined
kind of dress. You just do your magic to just about everyone of the garments you get.
Good for you that you are so tiny and you can just snap away at things… May be one day you find a friend who wears let’s say size 14 or 16 and you get two garments and
turn the two into a super sexy something for that bit larger person. Would love to see
what you would come up with. Have a lovely day… Edith
Marie1846
Wow this has got to be the best strapless recession ever!
Marie1846
Wow this has got to be the best strapless refashion ever!
Marcia
Well Done! The back looks fantastic. I agree with other posts in that I would buy this in a store.
tambra nicole
This refashion turn out so adorable! *Waves to you from the Texas Gulf Coast* The temps here are probably similar to where you are so I understand about the humidity and such. Looking forward to your next refashion.
Krista
This has to be one of my favorites. I bookmarked it to try out myself. I love it. I also agree that I can’t do strapless.
debbielynne
Awesome!
Chaka
Love!!
Modern Millie
Long time listener, first time caller.
Wow, that is a lovely transformation. Well done! Thanks for all the work you put into your blog, I really enjoy it. I’m a grad student and get so busy with work that I don’t have time for anything else…except reading your posts. Thanks for keeping me sane (well, saner). Best wishes.
richkasia2@yahoo.com
I agree with all comments. (I didn’t like the dress at all, so I’m glad you found the weird patch.) I can’t do strapless at all and sleeveless is sketchy since I have flabby arms. Love how the adding the top creates interest with the stripes going different ways. Can’t wait to see more with sleeves. LOVE your blog. I’m going to try it one day soon.
Sandra Swanson
Big improvement!
The Herb Lady
LOVE this one! Very creative and it turned out super-cute!
Pam
Very swanky refashion! Good one Jillian!
Debbie
Unbelievable. You are a visionary! I love the new top – it looks so cute in the front and back. Bravo!
Dana
Very nice Job,I do agree with blissinger on many of your previous redo’s. A lot of times you do not need for the him in the middle of your thighs. There’s an old saying sometimes the less you show the better you look.
debbierodgers @Exurbanis
Brilliant makeover. I love this top!
blissinger
This is one of the best ones I’ve seen you do. Frankly, I’m not all that crazy about strapless styles anyway (I’m over 50, so I have good reason), so I’m always looking for a way to alter them, even if it just means adding spaghetti straps. The cowl drapes nicely and is a great way to use leftover fabric.
Debbie Bickel
I love it! Great vision.
Fawn Mulcahy
I love this refashion… Totally in the Top 5 favs list!
Angi
I’ve been following you since your humble beginnings…I’ve loved a lot of things you’ve refashioned, but this just might be my favorite!!!
Mea
Definitely my fave! I wish I could see the “after” product while it is still the “before” product like you can do!
Taber
This cowl back shirt is possibly my favorite refash- well done!
Sue
Cutest top ever! What a great idea. Wish I could buy it.
versatilestylebytracey
Great job, this definitely is one of my faves from you!
Jennifer
Love it!
Clyde Robinson
As usual another excellent save 🙂 From fifty cent to marvelous!
Michelle
I looooooove this one. What an adorable top!
Shirley
Oh my gosh!!! How on earth did you come up with this?? I absolutely LOVE it. Would be something that would grab my eye in the store for sure! You have amazing vision and don’t even need a pattern…bravo!
Autumn
I absolutely love it!
Melissa
Oh wow!! Love it!!
Polly Knehr
Love it! Definitely need to keep this in mind.
Nancy Miller Rector
That was hilarious AND gorgeous. Ü
Lea
Love this. I’m 46, and naked shoulders are not something I do any more.
Jan Kummer
Oh I absolutely LOVE this!! GREAT JOB!! I see you have a new sewing machine?? LOVE the haircut too!
You are very inspiring and make my head spin with ideas! Thank You so much!!
Dawn Human
Really great job! I love this!
Reese
I think this might be I’ve of my favorite over yet. Cute and modest.