Today’s dress is from the “Little Old Church Lady” collection. 🙂
Note those massive shoulder pads (the higher the shoulders, the closer to God?), that unraveling doily of a collar, and that uber-unflattering dropped angular waist!
I really have my work cut out for me with this one, folks!
Speaking of cutting…
I used the bottom scrap as a sort of obi belt, and put the dress on backwards (to give me a less stifling neckline).
Now I have a cute work-worthy dress in a lovely hue! 🙂
It’s very simple-looking, but I think that’s just fine, considering how this dress began its life!
Cheers!
Wow….time after time, you ARE the BEST!
This was my choir dress, down to the tacky doily collar, in junior high school (’91is). LOL! Who knew it actually had potential 🙂
So cute, love howyou “rescued” this dress 🙂
Wow. You made it so modern and attractive. It was pretty bad before. Great before and after.
Hi. I love this dress, but I think u shud try making a dress, and leave the collar on. I think it will be a new fashion statement. U shud give it a try. (:
I just found your blog through pinterest and I’m so enjoying going back and seeing your work! I am in awe! I had to leave a comment on this post because I kid you not this is my choir dress from high school. It made its way all the way from MS to you. I have to say I LOVE the outcome!
What about choppin’ that whole weird top part off, halter style? Ya know, the variation that has the front held up with a “draw-string” thru the very top edge, the ends tied behind the neck. (what the heck do they call that??) Oh, and keep the big ol’ sash–that is awesome!
PS. Super color–looks good on ya!
Collars are coming in style! keep it girl then it will be more modern vintage!(:
Just like the 90’s
But I haaaaate collars because they make me look like a little kid! 🙂
Hey you should put before and after photos side by side at the end so we can really see the difference without having to scroll up and down.
Just discovered your blog today and have been obsessively scrolling through many days worth! What a fun idea. This dress is one of my faves so far. Lovely colour, & creative repurposing 🙂
You are really special. Thanks for sharing that with me. Seriously. Really somethin’ special.
Interesting!! Your last move caught me off guard: I put it on backwards…. I would have never thought of that! 🙂
What an awesome colour! And lovely what you made of it!
I like it in theory but the fit around your chestal area leaves room for improvement. I would suggest turning it back around and changing the neckline some more. You can use any old fabric for a facing.
I agree with you (though I can’t say anything against Jillian for all her accomplishments and great eye, and all who she inspired), but technically you wouldn’t turn it inside out for a proper fit. She does this a lot, and it works because she uses lots of stretchy knits and such, but we are 3 dimensional, and our fronts are different than our backs. And though it’s much simpler to fit it inside out, the proper way is to fit it as you’d wear it, then transfer the marks to the inside, usually with chalk, then see it up.
Jillian often doesn’t fit her upper body as closely in non sleeveless dresses, and it’s s nice look on her, and a style choice left up to the designer. And I’m only saying anything in case someone else sees this that would like to know another way as well. You’d often put darts in it too, which is even more work, but they aren’t necessary. Just look at Jillian, she looks great!
If you want to know how, I’m sure there are plenty of free tutorials online, or you could splurge for a class, online or local. The cost, if you can afford it and use it, would pay for itself. I’ve seen some for as low as $15-25, on sale.
Sewing is a dyeing at and unappreciated, and it’s so good for people to understand how much work goes into an item they take for granted. Plus I’m sure it’s good for exercising or brains. Ha!
I look forward to your daily refashions, and I really like this one!
Wow – what an amazing difference! Love the sleeves and the colour too 🙂