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Easy DIY Tunic Dress Refashion

How to Remove an Elastic Waistband from a Dress
A Subtle Gamecock Refashion

It has been raining here in Columbia.  For days and days.  

When weather forecasts predicted some flooding over the weekend, I packed a bag and fled to a friend’s place (which sits at a higher elevation than mine) to wait it out.  

I knew I’d be feeling a little stir-crazy from days stuck inside rather than hanging out with friends.  So, when I packed, I only packed refashionables!  

I figured it would be a good excuse for a challenge, as well as a boredom buster.  🙂

I just knew this 80’s dress would make a perfect comfy DIY Tunic Dress!

refashionista DIY Tunic Dress before
What do you think?

The dress is nice and warm, and I like those big batwing sleeves.  

It’s meant to be of generous fit, but even so, it was still too big for me.  I didn’t like the length either.  

DIY Tunic Dress before
I dig the wingspan!

I saw this one becoming much shorter and paired with leggings for a cozy stay-at-home outfit.

Of course, since I wasn’t at my house, I had to complete this refashion with much fewer sewing supplies than I’m used to and without a dress form.  

Oh well!  It’s all a part of the challenge!

First, I eyeballed this frock and decided I wanted to take it in 1.5 inches on each side.  

I figured this would make the hips more fitted, but still leave the top free-fitting.

It took a little creative thinking, but I managed to measure and pin each side.

measuing side seam with construction measuring tape
You’ll have to do!

With the dress turned inside-out, I pinned my side seams.

To complete this refashion, I had to rely on an old (more travel-friendly) pal.

Brother Sewing machine
Hey guys! Remember me?

That’s right!  It’s my old sewing machine!  The one that started it all!  

sewing side seam
A slightly clunky whirrrrrrrrr!

Each side got stitched down, then I removed the excess fabric.

cutting off excess fabric
Snnnnipping with my second-best scissors!
removed fabric on floor
Leftovers!

Next, I chopped off a bit from the bottom.

removing bottom of dress
Chop!

A quick hem followed.

measuring and pinning bottom hem
Measure & Pin!
Sewing hem of dress on sewing machine
A final whirrrr!

After a good press, my new dress was ready for a day of lounging in style!

DIY Tunic Dress After
Cozy, yet sophisticated!

This dress could easily be belted, but I actually like leaving the waist free.

This is also a flattering look for women who are more of an apple shape, as it plays up your legs, while the full sleeves help give balance.

refashionista DIY Tunic Dress After from above
Staying high and dry!
refashionista DIY Tunic Dress after with umbrella
Sort of.

Douglas seems to be handling the downpour just fine.

douglas sleeping on couch
Sleepy puppy!

Cheers!

refashionista DIY Tunic Dress before and after

 

How to Remove an Elastic Waistband from a Dress
A Subtle Gamecock Refashion