I am the worst packer in the world, friends! In preparing for my trip to visit my friends in Philly, I completely failed to pack properly. In my carry-on, I packed one sweater and a few sundresses.
Oh…and one other thing…
That’s right! I’ve invested in a mini sewing machine to take with me on my travels so I can refashion on the go!
Here’s my review of the Janome Sew Mini.
The day was sunny and bright, but a bit chilly. I needed some sleevage…STAT!
Heather knew exactly where I needed to go!
This is the Philly AIDS Thrift…probably the BEST thrift store I’ve ever been to! They have a great (and surprisingly inexpensive) selection, a super-friendly staff, and the money raised goes to a great cause!
I also like the funny messages the staff puts on each of the price tags:
Of course, I prefer to refashion items that cost $1 or less.
A lot of you guys have been asking where I find such items. I like to think I have a sixth sense…a bit of a psychic power if you will…
I chose this $1 dress to refashion:
I love the black, the warmth, and the pockets. But that neck was awful and the dress isn’t quite working for me…yet!
I got to cutting! First those shoulder pads had to go!
More snipping followed!
That neck had to go, too!
Since I cut off part of the zipper at the neck, I needed to stitch each of those edges down, so the zipper pull doesn’t just slide off.
I used part of my cut off hem as a sash to cinch the waist of my sweet new dress!
My new dress was perfect for a lovely sunny day with Heather, Evan, and Mudcat!
My friends live near South Street, where a fun street party was a happening. 🙂
While wandering about, we ran into this fabulous person from Philly AIDS Thrift! 🙂
My first (and certainly not last) visit to Philly was a blast! I hope you get a chance to visit and go thrift store shopping in this fun city oh so soon!
Cheers!
this is my favorite one so far. might just have to go to Goodwill tomorrow and try it for myself
This is my fave refashion yet!! Love love love it!!!
GREAT REFASHION!!! Looks great on you too. Does TSA really check what we are carrying on the plane? I love the sewing machine. You are too cute. Philly looks great.
Jillian come back!!! I have read the entire blog in 3 weeks, now what to do with my time?
Haha! Easy answer: Refashion something! 😉
Hi! Your blog is great! I love refashioning dress and I made some attempt… but your results are incredible! I’ll come back here! bye!
i just love your blog. thank you for the wonderful inspiration! :-)!
I Love This!!!!!!! Great Job!
I was at the South Street festival too! I love the refash. I also find it funny that while you were a bit chilly, we were quite warm!
Cute LBD. Great pictures. You have a fun site to visit. Maybe sell something to fund European vacations with great refashioned.
Maybe I can sell a kidney….;)
Looks good . We’re coming to Philly in Sept . Your photos are nice and we’re so much looking forward to it .
Thanks! I hope you enjoy your visit as much as I did!
The dress is beautiful and so is the city. You are such an inspiration.
WOW! I love, love, love the remake! From a dumpy dress to a chic and versatile LBD. What a stunner – and the styling is even sweeter.
I’m with the crowd about your mini sewing machine – I’m also interested in hearing more about your mini sewing machine – the brand, the features, etc. I bought a mini sewing machine, and I’m not a big fan of it because it just does one stitch and it doesn’t automatically “feed” the fabric forward.
Awesome! You should do a review on the mini machine, I’m curious what you think of it.
I definitely will! Let me use it a bit more before I give my official opinion. But I will! 🙂
I love it! If I ever get to Philadelphia I’m totally going to hit up that shop, it looks incredible. I can only dream about those kind of prices!!
Lookin’ good! Also, this post really makes me want to go to Philadelphia!
It was such a fun place to visit! You really should!
AWESOME REMAKE. I NEED A MINI MACHINE LIKE YOURS…WHAT BRAND IS IT?
doh…sorry, caps lock was on but Honestly, I’m too lazy to redo it. (Plus I’m at work and looking at your blog on the sly. Couldn’t wait to see it!)
🙂
This dress has a black widow allure, but I love the fact that it’s so easy and fast . You are a big inspiration!
http://etheea.wordpress.com/
Thanks for sharing all of the great pics from Philly! 🙂 I’m going to have to add a trip there to my bucket list! Oh and fab’ job on the refashion! Super cute! 🙂
~Jen
http://www.diaryofamadmama.wordpress.com
So fantastic! I LOVE how your dress turned out! Fun pictures of the murals too!
Very nice project! Like the gutsy attitude that exudes from your face. Makes me want to take scissors and cut away…no fear!
Love Philly! One of my favorite cities in the US! And the dress is awesome! Of course after you refashioned it!
Xo
Zhenya
http://beingzhenya.com
So cute! I can’t believe they let you fly with those scissors. They freaked out when my 4 year old brother tried to fly with safety scissors. That was nine years ago, but still!
I LOVE this remake – you did such a lovely job! Man, I may have to make a trip down to Philly this summer and visit this thrift store! Looks like a blast!
xoxo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
Another great job! You are fearless 🙂
I *love* AIDS Thrift! Every time I go back home to Philly I try and hit it up. Great job on the dress.
You are so amazing and such an inspiration. Have you thought about teaching a summer camp to foster care kids? I bet it would be a HUGE hit and can’t you just imagine all the young girls you would inspire…
That’s a great idea! I’m currently talking with my county library to try and get a program set up that would be open to the community. Not sure if it will be a youth program or not, but maaaaaybe it will be! 🙂
Finally! something with sleeves. 🙂 Very chic
Loved it before & after ….
LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE it! I especially love it paired with that necklace – which happens to be about the same as your thrift store friend’s necklace. 🙂
Haha! My blue necklace was ANOTHER $1 find from that same shop! 🙂
I came here to comment on the SAME THING!
Absolutly love it!!!!! Amazing!!! You are one of a kind!!!!
LOVE what you did with this simple black dress, Jilly! And you’re in my hometown, gf! Rock it out!