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A Very Merry Christmas (in July) Dress Refashion

Under Da Sea
I've Gotta Have Some of Your Attention: From Long Sleeve Shirt to Strapless Top

I have no idea and am willing to accept any and all theories as to what the purpose of the below garment is supposed to be. 

christmas in july dress refashion before
What am I????

Scary eh? 

This green and red hazmat-grade viscose green and red housedress features massive sleeves, a less-than-flattering length, and no breathability whatsoever. 

Usually, I would cringe at its color scheme.  However, this worked perfectly for the Christmas in July party I was going to at The Whig. 

This thrifted frock was going to need a lot of help before it was Christmas In July-worthy. 

First, those sleeves had to go! 

My arms were gonna need some fresh air. Snip and Snip. 

removed sleeves from dress
We’re ugly and you won’t miss us.

Now I needed to take the top of the dress in. 

I decided against taking in the bottom part because it had pockets!  Wonderful pockets!  I also thought a slightly poofier skirt would actually look nice and festive for the evening. 

But, back to the top. 

I took it in 3″ at its biggest part and tapered down to take it in 2″ by the time it got to the waist. 

I drew this line in chalk and then pinned as you see here. 

pinned side of dress
it’s just plain old chalk, y’all.

I then put it through my sewing machine, sewing along the chalk line. 

I did this for the other side as well. 

Now, on to those armholes! 

pinned arm hole
Pin, then sew!

More pinning.  More sewing.  I decided to use my merriest red thread on this dress to make it even more Christmas-y. 

Now…time to deal with that skirt! 

As I said earlier, the length was horrible.  I wanted it to fall mid-thigh.  As I cut, my sweet little kitty, Edith decided to help out. 

cutting bottom off dress
I don’t have opposable thumbs, so I’m not very helpful.

Once the skirt was hacked, I folded the raw edge under about an inch and then folded it under AGAIN. 

This fabric was fray city, and I didn’t want a messy seam to ruin my night. 

sewing bottom hem
Gimmie some thread!

Once the new hem was sewn, I was almost done! 

There was just one more, VERY important step. 

I needed to iron all of my new seams.  ALWAYS do this!  It’s the step that will give your piece that “finished” look. 

pressing bottom hem of dress
a most “pressing” matter.

Now that my seams were looking spiffy, all I had to do next was make a sash out of the leftover fabric from the skirt to hide that elasto-waistband. 

And that’s it!  I now had a dress that was ready for some holiday cheer! 

I actually wore it all day yesterday.  This is definitely a “makes me feel pretty” dress that I am quite taken with. 

A Very Merry Christmas in July Dress Refashion after
Feelin’ Holly and Jolly.
aaron and margey
my guardian angels!
coloring book and candy on table
Yay! Presents!
Jillian and margey
Touched by an Angel
A Very Merry Christmas in July Dress Refashion after
Cheers!

Cheers!

refashionista A Very Merry Christmas in July Dress Refashion before and after
Under Da Sea
I've Gotta Have Some of Your Attention: From Long Sleeve Shirt to Strapless Top