Wow, you guys. I’m overwhelmed by all of your kind comments on my last post! I’ll be honest…I was a little worried about bringing this blog back from purgatory.
Is it still relevant?
Do people even really read blogs anymore?
and the most insidious thought that I’m ashamed to admit I volleyed around in my brain for a long time:
I’m too old/not cute enough to be interesting as a fashion blogger anymore.
A while back, Brian and I went to see Beautiful – The Carole King Musical (the refashion is coming you guys, just bear with me for a sec). In it, there’s a scene where Carole’s practicing a song she had written. For those who are unfamiliar, she was a prolific songwriter/composer long before she released her first album. Someone in the studio asked her why she didn’t record any of her own music.
“Who wants to hear music from an average boring person?”, she asked (I’m paraphrasing as I couldn’t find the exact quote…sorry!).
“Other average people.”
Boom.
In a world *cue movie trailer voice* of fantastically good looking influencers whose contour game rivals that of the great masters, I aspire to just be authentic. Average. Kind of okay-looking. Because fashion and style are not exclusive to the rich, young, and gorgeous. We can all be fabulous, and that’s what this blog is all about.
It was hard, however, to feel fabulous in this 80’s pinktastrophe.
The color (I’m not a big pink fan). The sleeves. The terrible length. That awkward fortuny-pleated underlayer. There’s a lot to not like here.
Does anybody else enjoy looking at the brands/labels of older/vintage clothing? Because I do.
I did, however, like these pretty sparkly bits that reminded me of firsworks. Perfect for a New Year’s Eve party, amirite?
Alright. Time to get to work.
Since I knew I’d be dying this and was nervous about being able to get enough saturation in this 100% poly number (polyester is super duper challenging to dye), I removed everything I knew I didn’t want first.
I reached for a bottle of dye that I’ve had sitting on shelf for years (not kidding).
This was my first go with synthetic-specific dye, so I had no idea what to expect. Polyester usually doesn’t take much dye at all, so as long as I didn’t end up with a bright pink frock, I would be content. I figured the sparkly bits would probably keep most of their pinkness, but was okay with this.
First, I had to get a big pot of water to 180 degrees, as per the instructions on the bottle.
Then, I added the dye and the dress.
After 30 minutes of constant supervision/stirring, I could see a modest amount of the dye actually took, but that the dress was nowhere near the graphite color proclaimed by the bottle. But like I said before, this was not surprising.
I really liked how low-mess this dye was. Regular dye can take forever to rinse out/clean up, but that wasn’t an issue for this project. While I didn’t get the level of saturation I had hoped for, I was fairly satisfied.
After my dress was rinsed and dried, it was time to get to the actual sewing part of this refashion.
I tried it on, and saw I would need to take it in a smidge.
After I cut off the excess fabric, I got to work closing up those armholes.
I didn’t even have to bother with the bottom hem, as after removing that bottom layer, the over-layer’s hem was just fine!
After a LOT of pressing and steaming (the dye process made this dress SUPER wrinkly!), I was ready to head off to a New Year’s Eve party in style!
Brian and I had a great time ringing in 2020 with some of our favorite people!
I got lots of compliments from my friends on my new frock, and while some of them are probably quietly dreading hearing the phrase, “Can you take a picture of me for my blog?” over and over again, right now they’re being super supportive. 😉
Cheers!
When I get back to Columbia I plan to find
your sources of the great pieces you refashion. The sources here seldom reveal things I would refashion. You are a creative inspiration.
Love that you are back. YEAH!!!!!! Wonderful refashion so pretty and becoming on you. The original looks like a dress that Dorothy would have worn on the Golden Girls. Very fashionable and becoming on her character funny how fashions change. I like your update version so much. You are very talented and creative. SOOO GLAD you are posting again you brighten my day. Wonderful thoughts of healing sent your way(this is an older post I realize but I just found it).
So glad you are back! Enjoyed seeing your latest creation, you’ve got a great eye!
I’m so glad you started blogging again! I started following your blog just a few weeks ago when I noticed that I was Pinning a lot of refash ideas with pics of the same lady making goofy faces. 🙂 I had to check out the blog! And I’m so glad I did! I was doing refashions on my own for years, wondering if I was weird for doing so. I didn’t do anything too extreme because I’m pretty plain Jane when it comes to fashion. But your blog (which I went back to the beginning of and read every word like a fabulous novel!) gave me so much inspiration that I’ve started getting more creative and bolder with some of my choices. Thanks for the inspiration and the honesty and weirdness. I love it all!!
That pukey Pepto-Bismol-Pink was horrendous! But your dye job turned it into something exquisite. The hint of pink that still comes through is elegantly understated and the finished dress is charming. Brilliant makeover!
Welcome back!
I would love to see you share on dyeing and how to pick the right color dye . My daughter has a bright blue probably synthetic dress she loves but hates the color just too bright.
Was so pleased that you are back! You are still cute and relevant!
Glad you are back
First of all, LOVE this transformation. I’ve always wondered about the synthetic dyes. Also, please leave all self-doubt behind…it’s so last decade. ; ) You’re adorable, articulate, smart and fun and that’s an awesome combo at any age. I’ve followed you for ages and it’s great to see your new projects! Happy 2020!
You didn’t use a cooking pot, right? I mean, you’re not going to cook anything to eat ever again in that pot you used for the dye, I’m sure. Right?
I am thrilled you are back! I loved your blog back then and was sad when it went away. I think about it often. Welcome back!!
YOU HAVE BEEN SO MISSED! I love your posts! You are cute enough, in fact you are adorable.
Such a cute result. I’m kind of inspired to get out the old dye pot. Is the cut off skirt long enough to use as a skirt? Could be a cute pleated drop-waist if so.
Yay! I was so excited to see your post show up in my email! I volunteer at a thrift store and am always bringing things home to refashion – but I never get it done! Now with you back maybe I’ll be inspired to do something with the 3XL mens flannel shirt with horizontal stripes (think Native American Blanket).
I missed you, and your blog! However, I can see that you have accomplished a lot since I read your last blog, and am REALLY HAPPY about your marriage and the happy glow that your are now sporting! I hope that you will have time during the early days of your marital bliss to keep “refashioning”. I have been sewing for longer that I care — or dare — to admit, but really enjoy your “rags to riches” repurposing.
I’m so excited you are blogging again! I love reading your posts!
I’m so glad you are back!!!!
I’m over 50 and not as cute as I used to be but I still love to refashion and LOVE your ideas. Keep it up!!!
As always you are awesome. The dress was a success. Congratulations on your marriage.
Soooo glad to see you are BACK!!
YAY! So happy you’re back! I’ve been checking at least every month to see if you’ve posted anything. Congratulations! On everything! Looking forward to many more posts.
So glad you are back!
BTW- We might have to get used to looking less “young-cute”, but I think we get more comfortable in our own skin this way.
So happy to see your blog active again! I can’t wait to see what all you upcycle! <3
So happy to see you’re back, I love your posts and your sewing skills are soo amazing and inspiring 🙂
Omg! (Gush) it’s like picking up right where I left off with an old friend!! Valid concerns but none of them accurate! So glad you fought through them to bring your amazing refashions back to us!! You rock it girl!!!!
I’m so glad you’re back!!!! I’ve missed your posts so much. Awesome job with a dreadful dress, as always. You made it look amazing.
Im sooooooo happy you’re back! I love the content, the step-by-step process of everything you do. The funny pics and commentary and the simple format of the blog. It’s perfect, don’t change a thing.
I’m so glad you’re back! Love your blog and all your cool ideas!!!!
Mazel tov on your wedding, the new fur baby, and having the guts to get back to being YOU!! Who’s been majorly missed! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
This is so exciting! It’s like seeing an old friend again 🙂 love that you’re posting again and congratulations on your wedding!
So glad this is back! Excited to see what you do next! 🙂
I GASPED when I saw your blog show up again in my Feedly. Congratulations on your marriage and your new pup. Glad you’re back!
Yay!!! What an absolutely amazing surprise to get an email with a new post! This dress is amazing, as always. Also – Are you friends with Kristin Chirico, from Ladylike?!?
I’m really happy to see you post again. This blog was the main reason I started sewing at all. I’m 37 and don’t think I’m too old either. Age is relative anyway. Please keep on the good work!!!
I am so thrilled that you are back and sharing your sewing adventures with us again. As you can see from other comments, we really missed you!
You are totally relevant and appreciated! So happy to read that you and Brian began a new life journey. Love to read about your sewing and life adventures. Your creativity never fails to inspire me!
Congratulations and welcome back. You make a gorgeous couple.
SO GLAD you’re back! I’ve wondered where you were. And happy to see you’ve found the the one who makes your heart happy.
Love your NYE frock… and you are still cute as ever!
It’s great to have you back in my inbox 🙂
When you told us you were coming back I was happy to see you came back so quickly!!
I loved your New Year’s refasion. Simple lines with a lot of elegance. Can’t wait for the next one!
WELCOME BACK!!
Glad you’re back ! Congratulations on your wedding and happy new year.
Happy new year! Happy new husband! Fantastic you’re back xx
Pretty! Great words of wisdom! Be you and be happy! Welcome back!
I saw this in my email and I was so happy! You are still super cute! I’m so happy you are back!❤️
I’m so glad to see you back and happy with your husband.
I love this! I’m so glad you’re back!
Beautifully done, as always. You look adorable in the chic refashion, and the color (pastel blackberry?) is lovely. I am still reeling with joy at your return to blogging and your fabulous new husband. Will pounce on every post with grateful anticipation. Don’t waste any time thinking you are not relevant or young enough. You are. My favorite blog ever, forever!
Lady you were missed!!! So glad to see you back on. Congrats on the new fun additions in your life!! You are a treasure
So glad you are back!!! You have a great talent!
I love your transformations! Thank you for coming back; you’re inspiring!
You did a great job on your refashioned New Year’s Eve dress!
missed you, your blog and your fab refashions. Glad to have you back!!
How awesome to see you so happy! I have missed your blog. Keep up the inspiration.
So glad you’re back!! You amaze me with what you see in old, out-of-style clothing! You make it so stylish! All the snip, snip, whirrrrrr’s make such a difference!!! This dress is no exception! Incredible!!! Love your hair too!!
BACK WITH A VENGEANCE! You really shouldn’t worry about “not being cute enough” for a fashion blog! Fashion is what you make it, literally. That is what your blog is all about! And you are so very cute……
Mauve? Would call it mauve? The colour looks great on you (and so does Brian!). Your refashions are inspiring and I admire your spunk modelling the “before” pictures. I can’t wear polyester so I never wondered if it could be died. It’s good to know there is a special dye for it.
So glad you’re back!!
Keep on refashioning!!!
I love that you’re back!
I love that transformation! I didn’t know it was possible to dye synthetics. This has opened up a new world of possibilities. By the way ….. You are pixie cute and don’t forget it!
I somehow haven’t heard from you in forever!!!! And I am so delighted!!!! I am 75 years young (old) and I just love your blog. I don’t have a car so don’t get to thrift stores often, however I am planning to re-use old clothes – mine and second hand stores – more than buying new as a goal for forever!!!! So for now I read and look and soak up ideas!!!! Love you- please don’t quit!!!!
Your dress (frock) turned out to be very fashionable with the mutted grey color with the beads. I really like it. But most of all I am so glad you are back.
Came out really cute!!!
Oh my gosh you’re back! You have been such an inspiration to me since I found your blog when I was in high school. You’re amazing and this dress is amazing and we love you.
So glad that you are back! And congratulations!
I’m so pleased you are blogging your refashions again, I love them!!
SOOOOOO GLAD you brought your Blog back!!! I love it!!
Glad you’re back! Missed your sense of humor and refashions!
So glad you are back!! I really love your blog and amazing refashions. Happy New Year and Congratulations on your marriage!
super cute, glad you are back!!
Glad you are back. I hope to see more blogs in 2020, especially creative ones like this! One of your best!
super cute!
What an adorable finish, so cute on you.
Happy New Year
Catherine
Thanks for sharing!! I have missed your great blog and your amazing humor. I was so excited to see an update!
Glad to see you are back! It sure has been a long time. Keep up the blogs….. I love ’em…
I just loved this entire post so much! Your message, your creation, -you’re an inspiration! If only I could sew!
The color is perfect for your skin! The graphite color on the bottle would perhaps be too stark and not feature the sparkle as well.
As for your relevancy… a certain 40 yo+ lady in Texas can only aspire to be as chic, youthful, on-trend, creative, and inspirational as you. Keep it up at the pace that makes sense for you you and your life!
AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! WOOT WOOT!
Congrats on your wedding. I am so happy to see you back. Have a happy and blessed new year.
Great refashion to start off the New Year!
You are such a positive inspiration about life in general! So glad you’re back!
So glad you’re back! Good refashion on this one–wasn’t sure how it was going to work when I first saw the pic. 🙂
Congratulations on your wedding and winning the essay contest! And your return to blogging! I’ve missed your blog, too, especially as I think about doing more thrifting and adjusting — it’s so hard to find decent, fun clothes that fit but don’t cost a fortune. Welcome back!
YAYYYY!!! Congratulations! I’m glad you’re happy and I’m glad you’re back! I have always been inspired by your blog. I refashion with confidence because of you. I totally understand the need to take breaks from projects to attend to LIFE but I’m grateful that you are choosing to resume these doses of inspiration.
Yay! Great looking dress and inspiration. Thanks!
I love that your refashions are so (sew?) approachable. Although I’m not at a place where I’ll be doing major stitching anytime soon. You previously reminded me that I’m allowed to alter my finds so they work better for me: things like removing a weird bit from a shirt I otherwise like or dying a dress whose color I’m tired of. I rarely think “that’s too complicated for me” when I read your posts, although I often think “How is she going to fix that monstrosity?” You have an amazing way of seeing through the yick to the possibilities that I am still working on.
I’m SOOOOOOO HAPPY you’re back!! I learned to read my first “blog” when I found yours. The 365 days hooked me, I LOVE you! You look grand!
Welcome, welcome back!! Your blog is always a bright spot in my day!!
I was wondering where you were. Soooo glad you’re back. Keep the fashions coming!! Barb
So glad you’re back, I’ve missed you! You are still adorable,crafty, and authentic which is the main thing that draws me to the few blogs that I read – they seem real and I can relate. I can’t wait to see more refashions!!
So glad you’re back! I’ve missed you! (and new music from Carole King) Gorgeous frock! I still read blogs although I have for the most part abandoned mine. Seems like all the cool kids are blogging these days, but I don’t know that anyone wants to see that from me! Keep on thrifting and refashioning…you are inspiring!
I’ve heard mixed comments about Rit and like your result (and the dress!)so will go with it too – thank you
Just love your blogs! Is the only one I subscribe to. So good to have you back. Because of you I have modified most of my old dresses trying to get more wear out of them. Plus it is just plain fun to create and reuse old items.
Glad you’re back! You are an inspiration!
Really enjoy your blog. You have a fan in St. John’s NL Canada! So inspired by your work. And congrats on your wedding!
Hello! I’m so chuffed that you’re back. I’ve missed your refash posts – I was just wondering the other day why I hadn’t been getting any updates in my inbox and wondering if I’d accidentally unsubscribed. Also, congrats on your marriage! That’s such great news. 🙂
Btw, since you’re on the topic of dyeing – I have a 65% polyester 35% viscose black skirt that has faded a little. I’m thinking of re-dyeing it black. Would you recommend Rit?
Love your blog, please keep them coming!!
I gasped aloud when I saw your face pop up on Facebook feed! YAAAAYYYYY that you’re back! I’m wicked happy for you and your husband, for all the good that’s happening in your life. Great refashion, too. I still sew daily so I’m looking forward to more blog posts throughout the year. Blessings for 2020!
Carrie
I am so beyond excited to have you back!! I have been searching for a blog similar to yours since you were gone and I wasn’tsure IF you’dever come back. I was very unsuccessful. So i was jumping out of my skin when I got the email yesterday. Thank you for coming back!! You are very relatable and that is not something that can be forced or contoured. 😀 Congratulations on the handsome husband and gorgeous wedding!! And thank you for making my 2020 so much better already!!
IDEA: refashion clothes for your friends too since they are not as tiny as you are (and neither am I). I would love to see that! That would be awesome!
Love it… welcome back you were missed… congratulations on your marriage and a Happy New Year
I liked the transformation the dress.
Greetings from Edmonton Canada
Welcome back
Handsome hubby
Congratulations
Glad to see your posts again! I always loved the way you could take something and refashion it so well! Can’t wait to see more of your work! Blessings to you in the new year!
I started following you when I was forming a non-profit to teach sewing to the under-resourced. Our card reads: faith-based, non-profit, sustainable. I have always enjoyed how fun you make “upcycling”! I really love this one!! I have a fear of “dyeing” so you give me courage!! By the way, our non-profit is called New Creation Trades. Check it out!
Well, I think these all answer your question on whether you’re still relevant! I think even more so as people are waking up to how much clothing just gets thrown away.
As for being average or non-cute – I started following a blogger who, on paper, was cool and beautiful. I quickly unfollowed her – it was all words (about her) and no substance. With your blog, I get so many ideas, and laughs, along with cool and beautiful. What’s not to want to read!
PS you realise this article is on Pinterest already?
So many adorable things ! You ! Him! The frock ! What the crock ?!! Soooo frocking glad you’re back !
I would love to continue seeing your refashions. Please keep it up!!
So glad you’re back!
So cute! I’ve missed your blog. Happy New Year and welcome back! ❤️
Welcome back! We’ve missed you! It’s wonderful to see you so happy and I’m glad you found the love of your life. ❤ You did a great job on your latest refashion and I look forward to more!
Delighted that I had so many comments to scroll through to reach the bottom to leave a message. I read a lot of them. They say what I am thinking!! I missed you a lot,,, a BIG lot… I worried and wondered what was happening in your life and hoping things were doing well and that you were happy. I wondered about Erin… I was sad that your refashioning seemed to have come to an end. I do not see you as ordinary or average. You have a magic way with words, with sewing and with people. I hope you are able to continue with your posts. Yes… Thank you for coming back….
This reminded me of a dress Dorothy would wear on the Golden Girls in the before picture! Awesome transformation!
Welcome back! Congratulations on your marriage! Thank you for coming back and brightening my inbox!
Oh honey, you will ALWAYS be just perfect as a Refashionista! That awful dress you started with turned out darling in your capable hands. Happy New Year!
Authentic! Yes, that describes you very well. I smelled Pepto Bismol when I saw that pink! Beautiful after the dye bath. And, Jillian, here’s to an amazing and authentic 2020!
So happy to read this blog post!!!! You’re still such an inspiration and love the dress. Seriously. I have been inspired by you and this blog.
You’re back and imagine many of us are happy.
Love it! Glad to know the dye for poly fabric actually works- been wondering if it really did.
So very glad you are back!! Missed all of your wonderful ideas!!
Pretty re-work! I love the rhinestones too. Color came out nice!
Yes! You go girl! I loved binging through your posts back in 2014 and was thrilled to get an email about a new refashion! I was inspired to do some of my own refashions and may just be again now! Love it, keep it up!
Inspirational! From an Average Sewist (is that the term we use these days?). Certainly not *sewer*.
I am glad to see you back in action. You look happy, being married agrees with you. I have a few things in my closet to refasion hopefully they turn out half as good as yours.
Have a happy, healthy New Year.
So glad you are back! And your life is happy
I absolutely love the new refashion! I’m very happy you’re back online with the blog. You’ve been missed terribly. Thank you for coming back. You are an inspiration!
I’m really happy to see you are back. I always open your emails first and enjoy seeing how you can make a piece of clothing “new’ again!
Awesome! Love it!
Yaaaaaayyyy!! Welcome back…and, thank you for coming back!!
Congratulations! Your wedding looked wonderful. Glad to see you are back. I really like what your refashion of the pink dress. Fabulous!
I just love this blog and your creations! Keep them coming please.
Great frock makeover! So happy to have you back. I’ve missed you!
You are every bit as adorable as ever! I can’t wait to be inspired by your creations.
I am so glad you are back! I lived following your posts! Happy NewYear!
Thank you for coming back. There’s nothing like your blog. It’s grand to see you and your darling husband. Hope you enjoy your return to refashioning and blogging as much as I treasure your posts. Congratulations and best wishes to you and Brian. P.S. I’m so thrilled you’re back.
I love it
Yay!! So glad you’re back!
You and your dress are fabulous! So glad to have you back!
CANNOT BELIEVE I WAS THINKING ABOUT YOU THIS MORNING! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your blog! By the way, that dress is super cute and looks really nice on you! I have probably
not seen more than two items that I have not loved since you have been blogging. Welcome back…..keep up the good work!
Yay, you’re back! So inspired. Thank you and congratulations!
You’ve still got it!! Adorable! Glad you’re back.
I’m so glad you’re back!! Love your blog so very much!!
love the way it turned out. It looks so good on you. I would definitely wear the updated version.
YES! Love the remake, the color, and agree with somebody up the post list that the skirt can actually come in handy for something(obviously not in that pink, though.) Am I the only great-grandma here? Glad somebody else does scrap quilting. (I read every post. Love getting the feedback on your remakes. ) Been teaching sewing on vintage machines at county library, telling my groups about you. With so much paper thin poor fabric coming from Chine, it is great to repurpose good fabric into trendy updo. Thank you for coming back. (I’ve been on FB so much, I keep looking for the like button to put on the posts.)
Glad you are back, love reading your story and seeing your creations!
I’ll be honest, I don’t really read blogs anymore. But something about your blog tickles my brain. That’s why I was SUPER excited to see that you have returned. Those Insta posts are nice, but I needed descriptive, crafty, quirky, witty Jillian to come back with more fashion flair. Welcome home!
Always enjoy reading your posts, you are so creative. And congratulations!
You’re gorgeous, you’re fabulous, you’re relevant and this is ace. Refashioning is still the bomb.
Wow… Just… Wow… Not even close to the same dress. How you could see that icky pink dress could turn into to something adorable amazes me. I realize now how much I have missed your transformations. Can’t wait to see the next one!
Yay! I’m so excited you are back! I have been following you since 2012! You have inspired me to do many refashions for myself and my daughter! Then you went away 🙁 .. and no more inspiration. (Other than an ugly Christmas sweater turned to dress for the little) can’t wait to see what you have next!! Btw you’re still totally adorable and marriage looks amazing on you!
Cute! Glad you’re back! Congratulations on your wedding!
Welcome back! Congratulations on getting married and winning your wedding! So awesome! This dress is super cute and looks great on you. Keep up the good work, have missed your blogs.
Gooooooooooosh I missed you and your refashions and this blog – you’ve evolved in your life and your sweet funny quirky authentic familiar voice still rings as clear as a bell. This refashion is fantastic! I forgot how you would often incorporate dye. This is going to be all sorts of inspirational again, I can just feel it.
Don’t quit the blog, I love seeing your ideas for remaking cloths. I sew. Also you are adorable. Super cute. Congrats on getting married.
Greetings from Las Vegas. Glad to see you’re back. Missed all your inspirations. Congratulations!
So cute! A vast improvement on the original. As always looking forward to your next post. <3
Great refashion. Certainly didn’t like the pink “thingy”. You made it into a fun fun holiday dress. Anticipating many more from you.
Finally. I can be whole again. I really, really missed you!
Love the refashion! So glad you’re back!
Yea!!!! Glad you’re back; challenges me to up my fashion game…even when i don’t feel relevant or cute anymore…so thanks.
Looking forward to all the refashions to come 🙂
SUPER cute!!!!!!!! It’s like a whole new dress. So happy you are back!!!!!! Also for the record you basically are a supermodel with magic sewing powers in my eyes. 🙂
I’m extremely excited you’re back!!! I’ve gotten heavily into sewing since you stopped blogging the last time and I was missing your refashions. I do the YouTube thing because I can’t be bothered to figure out blog formatting, but I do enjoy reading blogs. Yours is a long time favorite. Happy New Year and congratulations on the marriage! Glad you’re doing well
you look great and yes you’ve still got it.
Love it! Well done and you look fantastic in it!
Not sure which I like better, the refashion or your hair! Looking fabulous!
Have so missed your blog posts, welcome back and congrats on getting hitched 🙂
First-You’re adorable and so is your hubby. Don’t shame yourself; you rock! Loved the refashion: thanks for sharing all your ideas and inspiration. Keep ’em coming!
Happy 2020!
Loved the re fashion! You still got it!
You’re adorable, he’s adorable, the dress is adorable! Missed your posts! Glad you’re back!
So glad to “see” you back- I so enjoy your posts. I still read many blogs, though admittedly via Feedly now vs unique site visits (though I usually follow truncated entries). Belated congratulations on your marriage too!
I missed your blog so much! I think your concept of reworking older clothing is even more relevant and I don’t think you are ordinary, I think you are real. Many thanks for inspiring me to rework and remake clothes that would ordinarily be thrown away. The possibilities are endless and you are Making a better and more creative world. Thank you for coming back.
All the best to you and your handsome hubby! So glad to see you back. From Salmon Arm, British Columbia, Canada.
Welcome back! Congrats on the hunk! I’ve missed your blogs and creations!!!
Love how that turned out, so glad it made the beading stand out more, you can really see the pattern of them now.
Love having your blog back
Love blogs, love yours. We’re never to old or normal to teach others. You’re in a new phase so use that! I’m starting a new phase of sewing and would love to know some basics on how to refashion this ever changing, hard to fit figure of mine. Best wishes!
You look great in the dress! Nice work! I’m always impressed how you can see the potential in a sow’s ear…
You make such cute stuff!!!!…I love it!!!….and you’re NOT too old or boring to do a vlog…keep up the good work.
Love the refashion of the pink dress. Much better after you revamped it. Great job!!!
So happy to see you back at it, I LOVE your redesigns.
So glad you’re back!!
I’m so excited you are back! I found your blog via pinterest pins & became obsessed with reading/pinning over the last 2 years or so. I wish I had found it sooner! You have the gift of gab that makes it such a fun read as well as a phenomenal gift to make all things beautiful. Super excited to see what you have in store for us this year. You are definitely inspirational ❤
WOW!! Amazing transformation!!
So good to have you back! I love seeing all of you amazing refashion ideas and have not found another blog, site, or pin that compares. Love this dress! Didn’t realize how much I’ve missed your quirky commentary, either. Yay!
I have a similar sentiment about being an older person in any bar that isn’t a pub. I feel frumpy and underdressed or like a cougar and completely overdressed. It’s like a math problem I can’t solve. But time and time again, I’ve proven that I’m a better dancer, and that’s 90% true because no one else is dancing. So there is that. No one else is teaching me to sew, and I’ve learned a lot of my dance moves from you.
Loved this one. I know the whole dye/complete refit is more work, but damnit if it isn’t great to see. Welcome back!
Amazing!
I bought a sewing machine at the end of the year because I really want to learn how to re-purpose clothes this year. I randomly thought what happened to the Refashionista blog that I loved and then I kid you not, like 2 days later there you were again in my inbox. I am so glad you are back. I really do love your work and am inspired to start my projects. Happy New Year!
OF COURSE we love you Sally Field! You’re funny, smart, inspiring. Congrats on the wedding and Mr. Brian Handsome!
Wow! As always a fabulous transformation. I was not seeing what you could possibly do with that dress, but as usual you made it beautiful. So glad you are back!
Very nicely done.
Welcome back!!! For me (and many of your fans, I suspect) blogs are not a beauty contest. Personally, I’m inspired by your creativity and ability to see and make new from old. Keep on truck in’!!
Love how the dress turned out,I have never thought of you as average :),you are so talented and creative and real,and super cute,so don’t sell yourself short 🙂
I’m so glad you’re back!!!! I think you are funny saying that you were worried about being too old, not cute enough…Wow, you’re perfect. Hoping to see more of you!! Have a wonderful new year!!
SO glad to see the new refashion! I have missed your blog for a long time now. Keep fixing up those “strange” clothes, okay? And yes, he IS handsome!
SO HAPPY you’re back!!!
Did you have any trouble sewing over the sequins/beading/fireworks?? I’m extremely hesitant to sew on any garment with sequins or beading- I’m afraid I’ll break the needle!!
Yay!!! So glad you are back. Good job on that dress too.
Yes, he’s pretty cute all right!
Great to see you back. You inspire me to try something new with my sewing. Congratulations on your marriage.
Welcome back from NC (howdy neighbor). Been missing you!
It’s amazing what you do! I’m an older (okay, old!) woman who loves to thrift shop and restyle but I don’t have your creative eye! Love your posts. Also, I would love to see you do more with sleeves. I no longer can do sleeveless – – – too much ugly flab. LOL.
Love your refashions. They can be accomplished! I especially love how you style them–real shoes and accessories that don’t require a truck bed full of money or tissue for the nose bleed from 5-inch “shoes.” Yes, we are real, and we love that you are too! Glad to see you back!!
I can hardly believe it is the same dress!
Wow! I love this post… Congratulations on your marriage – He looks like a great guy! Now… the dress… Good grief, Girl, you really blew me away with this restyle! From iffy pink to a soft neutral, no sleeves… and the gaudy lines of what looks like some kind of glitter turned into the fashion statement of this dress. I’d wear something like this in a heartbeat! Love your hair and your home… So nice to see you back! Blessings for 2020… not that you need it. You’ve always had 2020 vision… 🙂
In these days of zero waste you are an icon. So glad you are back: I was really excited to see your posts pop up in my email.
And that dress has a bit of a 20s vibe. Perfect for the new decade.
Keep refashioning and inspiring.
Yes!!! You’re back with the wit, the humor, the creativity and especially the honesty of a woman with a beautiful heart! Love the garment and your guts to take on the crowd.
I am so happy you’re back 🙂 Happy New Year!!
Welcome back! I’ve been so inspired by all of your work and a big part of that is because you put forth a real and authentic feel. Congratulations on getting married and finding the confidence to put your regular self out there! You’re regular just like all of us in that (y)our passions drive growth and skill and we become more than regular in our own special ways. Thank you for sharing your fashion journey with us!
Have missed you! You look so happy . Love your hair!
WOOHOO…..So glad you are back. Missed you FIERCELY.
So much fun watching your creativity come out. Missed ya. Great job.
I really like the simplicity of this refashion. It is something I can wear to work or at church or a party. It’s versatile. I like the way the color resulted.
I would LOVE to see you do a refashion fitting for the lady with the glasses that is in front of your Brian in the last group pic and to your left in the first group pic.
I’m so glad you’re back! And this dress is super cute as are you!
I love how you take something most people would pass by and turn it into something super cute! You always make me want to stop in Goodwill and try out my own sewing skills.
OMG this is amazing.
Very cute. I’m curious about that pleaty skirt though. Do you save things like that for another project? I was kind of partial to that thing and would have had trouble throwing it away!
So inspired! Glad you’re back!
So happy you’re back!
I am so, so glad you are back! Congrats on your nuptials.
You are the perfect person to blog. Funny, down to earth and beautiful. So happy you are back. Thank you.
I highly recommend reading Big Magic if you want a reboot or nudge on your creativity confidence. It’s by Elizabeth Gilbert (Eat, Pray, Love) in fact I think I’ll re-read it! Glad you are back!
1) Yes, your Brian is very handsome and you two make a beautiful couple
2) I’m so glad you’re back, you wonderfully creative, average, boring person you…and
3) Happy New Year!
It’s been so long I forgot how much I missed you when you stopped blogging. Welcome back. You are a breath of fresh air. BTW – The Jayhawks recorded a song called Boston Maid. I wonder if it had anything to do with the dress label.
I was so pleasantly surprised when your blog popped up yesterday after such a long hiatus. Love the sparkles! I would have been afraid those little buggers would have been irritating turned in at the armholes, but that’s just me. So fabulous! Congratulations on your marriage, and so glad Douglas is ok now!
I am so thrilled you are back! Please, please keep blogging – celebrate your success and creativity.
I am so happy to hear about your wonderful year! Congratulations! Yes, we normal, average people do enjoy blogs from other normal people! I truly enjoy your clothing makeovers. I love to sew, learned from my mom, who was a very talented seamstress. She made my wedding dress! (30 years ago, phew!) Glad to have you back, I look forward to your blogs. Back when you were doing the recipes, I showed my son how to make gnocchi from your recipe. Turned out great.
You’ve still got that refashioning magic!!
I don’t read your blog because you are young and cute, but because you are creative, interesting, a great writer, and willing to share. You can never be too old for this gig. I’m so glad you’re back.
Best wishes on your new marriage!!
I still read blogs! Please send them more than one way if you must, but I ❤️ Seeing these in my in-box!
Are you kidding me? You are still so dang cute. Every thing you do is relevant and you are so creative. Show it off!
Ahhhhh I’m so glad you’re back! I don’t even sew but I refashion all the time. Also—you look the same, if not cuter. And CONGRATS on getting married! You look so happy!
LOVE IT! looks great and looks comfortable to boot!
Ain’t gonna lie–I’m missing that ruffle. It’s got to fit in somewhere…
Love seeing you back! Cute refashion from frumpy to elegant!
I missed you! Welcome back, lovely to see you and your creations again x
Welcome back! We’ve missed you. Congratulations on your marriage. This dress transformation is fabulous.
SO glad you are back! And what a great first refashion.
I’m so happy you are back. I always like your blog.
Love what you did with the dress.
Wow! I love it! Great job and so glad you’re back! No pressure!
So glad you’re back! Looking forward to more inspiration! And BTW, you haven’t changed a bit and are as cute as ever!
The dress is adorable!!! So glad you are back, i really did miss you.
Yay!!! I am sooo happy to see you again…and congratulations on your marriage!
You are the reason I went looking for and found a sewing machine at an estate sale…my wonderful husband found vintage dress form for me as well. (We were just married this past summer, we’re both a bit vintage ourselves!)
Happy New Year to you and your precious husband…and welcome back!!!
Tonna Chavez Ott
Wow—what an absolutely amazing transformation! Looks like you ended up with a pewter colour. Which looks fabulous on you ❣️ I just need to figure out how to see the possibilities in a less-than-flattering thrifted garment
Hooray for your triumphant return! Your imagination inspires me! And YES! I love checking out vintage clothes and their labels! Can’t wait to see what you’ve got up your sleeve next!
So nice to see you back. Congratulations to you and your handsome guy. Great job on the pink dress.
Yay!! First, congratulations on your marriage! I’m so happy for you. Second, I was so surprised when your blog popped up again. I’ve missed seeing your refashions. Love the new dress! Looking forward to new refashions in the future.
I am so glad you’re back! I always loved your blog!
Hey, welcome back. I love reading your blog. Quirky, fun 🙂 Congrats on the wedding, always a fun day. Love the colour the dress turned into, the pink.. not so good. Do you find the rhinestones are hard to sew with (breaking needles etc) or do you scoot around them a bit? I’d probably use a binding from the dress so they didn’t scratch my arms (cause extra work is always fun ) 🙂
I’m so glad you’re back! Really great refash too!
I love the new color, very sophisticated. Glad to see you back.
I love the redo. The color actually is quite nice and can be paired with different colors (navy and black!). Love the sleeveless. Glad you are back.
So cute!
You have such a talent for seeing the possibilities. Great job!
So glad you are back!
Very interesting colour that wouldn’t expect! Turned out great!
So glad you’re back!!
Don’t give up, you are an inspiration for the slow clothing movement!
Cheers
Kathy
Gosh you haven’t aged one bit! Really missed your refashioning style and congratulations on your wedded bliss, I too am married to a big bearded man and they are the very best!!! Looking forward to seeing more of your adventures in life and sewing, you give me courage to venture out of my comfort zone and try to refashion things myself.
Love the dress, and have missed the blog!!
So great to have you back!!!
Very cute! Welcome back!
Congratulations! So happy to hear about your marriage and so, so excited to find you back in my email. Happy New Year!
Welcome back, I am delighted you are willing to return and share your creativity with us! I have enjoyed your adventures. Congratulations on your wedding, wishing you and hubby a wonderful life!
Definitely a *wow* makeover for this one.
I am so happy for you and your family. Thank you for giving us your blog. Because of you, i have also refashion most of my clothes and some for my 2 toddlers and my stepdaughter. Such an inspiration. Happy New Year and looking forward to more refashions 🙂
This turned out awesome!! Congrats on your marriage And so excited you are back, you are one of my fav blogs. Yes people still read them,,,
As my daughter would say “Very cutimus!”
I follow a lot of blogs, but to be honest I delete most of the ones I’ve subscribed to over the years without even reading them. But not yours! I’ll always be glad to have you in my inbox! You’re awesome 🙂
Your happiness has made you more lovely than over. I do enjoy your refashions!
So glad you are back. I have missed you. And… you are still a cutie
Girl please! You will always be super cute and relevant and talented. Thanks for coming back. Cute dress. We missed seeing you and your friends.
You are adorable! Happy to see what you’re up to again, thanks for sharing!
I am amazed at your ability to see something so different and make it happen. Glad you are back!
This is great! I don’t even know if I ever commented on any of your posts back in the day, but I’m happy you are back to it! And a good friend of mine from college was IN the musical Beautiful on Broadway!
I was waiting for the first Whirrr and/or Snip! So happy you are back.
Welcome back!!
WooHoo! You are back! Congrats on the wedding! Loved this refashion and can’t wait to see your next post! And I can’t stop using exclamation points! 😉
You are the first refashion blog that I came across back in 2011 and I am SUPER EXCITED you are bringing It back!
Missed your photos! Glad to see you back for 2020
Super cute party dress! I’m glad to see your posts again!
Ohhh! What a fabulous way to return! Love this re-fashion, loved the accompanying story, and, as always, laughed right out loud at all the captions.
Can’t wait for more! ♥️
What a difference! It turned out a really pretty dress x
Welcome back! I missed you and your refashions last year. As usual – the result was fantastic. Glad to see the fiber specific dye worked on the pink.
Absolutely do love your blog. So good to see you don’t do shapewear and fake tan!! You are the real deal!!!!!
I am sorry to say I didn’t think you could transform that pink thing into such an adorable dress. I don’t know why I doubted you. You’ve yet to let me down. And you’re still en pointe.
You are a lucky girl to have a wide circle of friends that are so faithful. Have a great 2020! The dress turned out pretty good. Looks like you could still take it in a big on the side seams.
SO GLAD YOU’RE BACK!
So happy to hear from you Jillian! You have been missed. Keep being you!!
Fantastic! I love your eye for things… you see what they can be instead of what they are! I’ve done this with a few beautiful play dresses for my little ones <3 thank you for breaking down and making refashioning look so much less overwhelming! It's so much fun!! Although I have yet to mess with and dyes…
You’ve definitely still got it! Looking forward to seeing more of your this-decade thoughts on what makes a good update.
Of course we missed you! This turned out fab and you look great! Looking forward to your bubbly posts in 2020. All the best!
You’re so cute and an inspiration! I’m going to tackle a leopard print coat/jacket that I love but hate the HUGE collar. So glad you’ve returned!
So much fun and a total new look from where that dress started! You always inspire!
Soooo glad you’re back! Love! Love! Love!
LOVE IT! FYI you are the reason I learned how to sew. I’m not quite as prolific as you, but I’m so happy I have the skills for some small refashions of my own. Working on a scrap quilt right now, but perhaps I should explore the world of dye….
Love it! You are an inspiration to many. I’ve even got my 16yo daughter loving to refashion clothes now too!
What a transformation! The dress looks fabulous and so do you! Inspiring.
We always called those “Mother of the Bride” dresses. So glad you’re back.
You’re looking more than okay, as always. So nice to read your blog again!
Well done You! You look terrific! I doubt most would have seen the potential in that dress. Looking forward to your next refashions.
Glad to see you back!
Yay!!! So so happy that you’re back!!Happy 2020
Yaaay! Welcome back! I missed you and your fun refashions. This is the content the internet needs at this trying time! Congrats on your marriage/wedding, was sad I couldn’t find the essay you wrote.
Welcome back!!!! Sending this to friends who have missed you!!!
Love to see that you are back!!
Welcome back! As much as it pains me when you butcher a pretty pink 😛 I still enjoy your refashion blog entries 🙂
So glad to have you back!
Greetings from Germany!
You’re still as cute as ever! Absolutely love the refashion! And sooooooo glad you’re back!❤❤❤
So happy you are back and you are as beautiful as ever! Question—did you give up refashioning during your time off or just took a break from blogging? Missed you though—-
Welcome back! Looking forward to seeing what you create next. Btw- I love that cameo ring!
I was running out of old posts. So glad you’re back, you inspire me! And still cute as ever! Oh, and congrats to the new married couple!
Oh have no fear! You’re still cute as a bug! And you still got the refashion touch!
So glad you’re back! I kept checking for new posts. Question: when you traded the sleeves for tank- like straps, did you remove the rhinestones? My armpits are getting irritated just looking, and I’ve never had luck getting rhinestones off cleanly.
Happy 2020, you look gorgeous!
Love your New Years frock!!! Brilliant So glad you are back!!!
So happy you’re back!! Love your blog!!!! Oh and congratulations to the newlyweds!
Was so excited to see your email yesterday. I love what you did with that pink frock. Happy New Year!
Thanks for blogging again. Looking forward to your inspirational before and after
Pictures!
Yeah! HNY! Glad to see you back recreating little gems! You’ve helped me see with new eyes when I walk into a thrift, looking forward to what’s next.