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Short Sleeve to Long Sleeve Dress Refashion

Mother of the Beige Dress Refashion
A Polyester Flowers No Sew Dress-to-Top Refashion

The other day, I woke up, took a shower, and then donned my refashion for the day.

Just one problem…It was a little chilly out, and my arms were NOT going to be happy as-is.

Time to take this dress from short sleeved to long sleeved!

refashionista Short Sleeve to Long Sleeve Dress Refashion before
This is what I look like fresh out of the shower.

I began with removing these guys.

removed shoulder pad
Luckily they were just velcroed in.

Then I made a chop.

cutting off bottom of dress
Chop!

That bottom scrap is about to become my new sleeves!

I cut that bottom part open.

cutting bottom scrap to make sleeves
You shall be my sleeve!

I cut one sleeve out, making sure it was the same width at the bottom of the short sleeve (plus seam allowance).

Then I used that sleeve as a guide for the second sleeve.

cutting sleeve from bottom fabric scrap
Gotta make ’em match!

Then, I pinned and stitched a seam down the length of each future sleeve.

Whirrrr (x 2)!!!!
Whirrrr (x 2)!!!!

I pinned my sleeves into the existing sleeves.  

Yes…I could have used my seam ripper to remove the existing sleeves and put in completely new sleeves, but I thought this would look more interesting.

I kind of like it when you can see the story behind my refashions. 🙂

pinning sleeve add-on into existing short sleeve
See?

I stitched my new sleeves in, using two rows of stitches.

sewing in new sleeves
It was a challenge, but it worked!

When I was done adding my sleevage, I still wasn’t quite happy with the fit of my frock, so I took it in just a bit.

pinning side seam of dress
Just a smidge!

I stitched each side down, and then gave my new dress a new hem!

sewing new hem in dress
hemmmmm…

My new dress had a great day at the Soda City Farmer’s Market!

Short Sleeve to Long Sleeve Dress Refashion after
With a pint of IPA!
Short Sleeve to Long Sleeve Dress Refashion after side view!
Sleeve side view!

It was a lovely day!

Checking out some sweet vintage wear!
Checking out some sweet vintage wear!
Melissa, Erin, and Jillian
Gotta have friends!
Short Sleeve to Long Sleeve Dress Refashion after with handbag
Tres chic, no?

So…for all of you who have been asking me to show you how to add on sleeves…here’s one way!

Cheers!

refashionista Short Sleeve to Long Sleeve Dress Refashion before and after
Mother of the Beige Dress Refashion
A Polyester Flowers No Sew Dress-to-Top Refashion