I want to add some beading or lace or something to take away from the monotony of it. I'm thinking of doing something either along the neckline or just above the seam between the bodice and the skirt. What do you think?
Anyway, this sewing project got me thinking that now that I've got a machine, I should do something with several pieces in my closet that I haven't worn lately and could use some change. Some of these things I've had for several years and just can't bear to throw them out because they're still perfectly (or mostly) good. I've got a few ideas of what I can do with them, but I could use some suggestions for most of them.
This first one has been a puzzle to me. I love the dress (it has pockets!), but it tends to be on the short side, so I always feel a little awkward wearing it. Probably the simplest solution would be to add something to the bottom, but what, exactly?
This one was a bridesmaid dress. It had a matching belt with it (I'm such a spaz that I lost that before the wedding. Oops.), but it also suffers from being on the short side. Curse my awkward body size. Dress buying is so difficult. Anyway, I'm thinking of turning this one into a loose, flowy top.
This is a fun dress. It also has pockets (more dresses and skirts should come with them, I think). The top part of it fits awkwardly (I bought it a little big to get it long enough) and the ruffle around the neck has always been a little weird, and hard to iron (a necessity because it doesn't look good otherwise). This one I'm thinking of chopping off the top and just keeping the bottom as a skirt. It would look cute with a gray top, right?
This one was also a bridesmaid dress. I haven't worn it since, since it's too dressy for any thing I do. It could use a nice overhaul to dress it down for more common use (such as church). I have no ideas for this one.
This one is fun, but doesn't fit in several ways. I'm thinking of just making a dress for Anne.
I wore this one on Sunday and was a little surprised that it seemed to be shorter than when I wore it previously. Did I have a growth spurt when I was pregnant? Anyway, this one is difficult and the only thing I can think of is to add something to the bottom perhaps some blue to make the blue in the skirt stand out.
This one might almost be a lost cause. It was in style 10ish years ago when I bought it, but it certainly isn't anymore. It also has a large hole in the front (you can't really see it here), which I have darned before, but it tore again. I think the fabric was just too delicate for it. Any ideas here?
I've got these tops to work with also. I don't know what to do with them, but I don't wear them much nowadays.
As you can see, I need some inspiration. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Testing....
ReplyDeleteJust a few questions first: How much do you like to sew? Have you done much alteration? What styles do you like? Is it just that they are short, or is it that you prefer prints instead of solid colors? Do you like things more structured or prefer loose and flowing? Depending on what you like, my ideas might be too crazy or not something you would like--If you don't absolutely love the colors & textures of your dresses/skirts/blouses in the first place, altering them just might not be worth it.
ReplyDeleteGreen dress: Lace collar, or a similar material collar (someone said peter pan, & that could work, but there are lots of styles of collars) it could be a solid color (white. black..etc.) or it could be a print with a color that matches or color(s) that blend well. I'd add a band or ruffle at the hem and/or a sash. Or you might leave it as it is and wear a long necklace or a pretty scarf with it.
Pink dress: I would find a print of the same kind of material with similar/matching colors. I would add a band or ruffle for the too-short hem (at least 2 inches) Then I would add a band of the same a the waist (just inside the current waistband by 1/2 to 1 inch) this could be a sash. Then I would trim the sleeves and neckline with the same material (bias if it is not knit)-narrow (1/4 or 3/8 inch or so).
Red (green?) dress: I'm lazy. If I ever took the sleeves off, they would never get back on again. I would certainly make them cap sleeves if I could do it without removing them from the dress.....
Purple dress: I think it would look great as a top/tunic!
Yellow polka dot: If it will fit over your hips, I think the skirt idea is a good one. I would cut off/through the shoulders and see if it fits over your hips. Extend the seam under the arm up and then gather/elastic the waist area. That would be the easiest.
Blue dress: I think it would look cute with a bolero or jacket in a jazzy matching/complimentary print, and matching hem band (not ruffle) (attached under, so it looks like an underskirt). Maybe a sash. Make sure you find something that looks good with the satin-type material (if it isn't satin also).
Dress for Anne: I think this is a good idea. Some people say large prints are 'too big' for small children (I'm not one of them). I don't know if this print would be 'too big'. Actually I think it is better to make sure the colors are good for her.
Brown skirt: I would absolutely add a blue band at the bottom. Make sure it matches the design color and that it is a similar material to the skirt. I think I would attach it underneath, too and maybe not ruffle it at all. Easier to say if I saw the skirt on you. :)
White long skirt: I would use the bottom part of this to make a sassy skirt. You could gather the waist (and use elastic) but there is enough material that you could make a waistband if you wanted. You might be able to make a peasant-type top to go with it (or instead of the skirt). You could leave it white or dye/tie dye it.
Snowflake top: If you are adventurous, you could scoop the neckline... but I haven't ever done anything like that with a button up top. You could also take the cuff off the sleeves and make them a flutter sleeve.
White (lace?) top: I would make loose long sleeves (with or without a cuff) out of chiffon (white or a light color/print) and a matching draped collar (something like a cowl neck, but even longer?)