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No-Sew ’70s Housecoat to Dress Refashion

How to Add an Elastic Waist to a Dress: A Drastic Elastic Refashion
Mod-Inspired Brunch Dress Refashion

I find so many ’70s housecoats when I go thrifting!  I really liked this one with its lovely green flowers!

No-Sew '70s Housecoat to Dress Refashion Before
Mrrrrrrrrphmrrrrrrphmrrrrrr!

Yikes!  That turtleneck!

There was also a good bit of damage on the sleeves.

holes in sleeves
Holey Moley!
more holes in sleeves
I can only assume the previous owner of this frock was mauled by an animal of some sort…

I’ve been working on a really exciting holiday project (It’s gonna blow your mind dear friend) that I can’t wait to share with you guys.  It involves a LOT of really tedious sewing.

All that to say, I felt like taking a lil no-sew break today!  🙂

Chops happened!

removing sleeves and bottom hem
Bye damaged sleeves!

I turned this dress so the back was the new front & unzipped it a bit so that turtleneck became a funky collar.  

That very bottom scrap turned into a sash for my waist.

Not too shabs, I must say!

No-Sew '70s Housecoat to Dress Refashion After
Are you green with envy over how easy this rehash was?

My new dress enjoyed a laid-back day that consisted mainly of hanging out with friends and a tasty dinner.  🙂

No-Sew '70s Housecoat to Dress Refashion After with Sweater
Yay! Layers!
Jillian and Erin
Hi (again), Erin!

Cheers!

Refashionista No-Sew '70s Housecoat to Dress Refashion Before and After
How to Add an Elastic Waist to a Dress: A Drastic Elastic Refashion
Mod-Inspired Brunch Dress Refashion

41 thoughts on “No-Sew ’70s Housecoat to Dress Refashion”

  1. If you ever feel like refashioning this already totally cute refashion, you could chop off the sleeves, turn the zipper to the back again to take advantage of the turtleneck (or refashion the neckline to make it wider and lower, more of a funnel neck), take in the sides for a slimmer (and beltless) mod A-line dress, and rock it with those same boots….

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  2. Do you find that these housecoats have bust darts in them? I would think that would feel weird to have the extra fabric on your back. I love refashioning vintage clothes though. I feel like they were made so much better.

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  3. Nicely done. Since you said jersey does not fray, I admire how you were able to cut such a straight line at the hem. Sleeves can always be cuffed, but not a hem.

    Nice tights and boots too. They match the dress perfectly!

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  4. You are so inspiring. I look forward to everything you do. I am 67 years old and had a stroke 10 years ago. I used to be a seamstress and now can’t sew so good. When I see what you do I am so proud of you.

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  5. Super cute and I have to tell you that I did my first ever refashion today inspired by your blog! I was going through my closet to get rid of clothes I don’t wear and stumbled upon a shirt that I’ve only worn a couple of times. I loved the fabric, pattern, and the shape of most of it, but being a broad shouldered gal, the fluttery sleeves did me no favors. I don’t sew AT. ALL. (it’s on my “learn someday” list) Anyway, I realized that this particular top had raw edges left all over the place so it must not fray. I grabbed the scissors, chopped off those sleeves and made it a cute sleeveless number that’s infinitely more flattering on me! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  6. Love this find. Ps. You’ve inspired me to only thrift and refashion in 2015.*

    *shoes, socks, underwear, bras are exempt and may be purchased NEW as needed.

    Reply
  7. LOL! I LOVE your blog! I can’t sew a stitch…but you always make me think I could! Luv u…and your quirky fashion sense!
    Patty Mishler
    “The Epicurean Explorer”

    Reply
  8. Love it! But as a child of the 60’s whose mother wore a few of those housecoats, I think the zipper goes in the front anyways. 🙂 Love what you to see the housecoats refashioned!!!!

    Reply

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