This summer has been super busy but I couldn’t resist joining in the #restylingexchange2018 hosted by & Participants got matched up and mailed something off to someone else to refashion for them.
So, mailed me the yellow dress with some notes on her style & size and I got down to sewing!
So baggy. Miriam is similarly sized to me (but much taller!) so I used myself as a rough guide for fitting. Hopefully it works out! I loved the unique neckline and front, so that became my starting point for making the garment over.
Ta-da! I worked partially with a pattern and partially winged it. The base pattern I used was the* from Patterns for Pirates – I used it last for a merino wool hoodie that . After reshaping the sleeves & bodice with the pattern, I just fumbled along for the other bits. I share the steps that I took below- let me know if you think seeing “in process” photos where I’m trying something on and mulling my options would be helpful too. More than anything, I hope to inspire other people to dig something out of their closet or hit up Goodwill and make something over (see my , if you need more inspiration!).
Want to pin this refashioning tutorial for later,
Want to make your own? Here are the steps I took!
Supplies
- This is the* from Patterns for Pirates
- Garment to be refashioned, that is either already raglan sleeves or has enough material to cut out and start from scratch
- &
- Hand sewing needle
- Coordinating thread & sewing machine
- Scissors
Steps
Step 1- I cut carefully up the side seams of the sleeves and bodice. I initially tried to make the garment work like this, but it was still too baggy, so I then cut up the raglan seams as well, just leaving the neckline intact.
Step 2- Here you can see the intact neckline, and using the raglan pattern to recut the pieces. Obviously it is not an exact science when part is still attached.
Step 3- Using the bodice pattern piece to cut it out. Here you can see the curved bottom; once I basted these seams back together and tried it on, I decided it distracted from the front detail and cut a straight hem instead.
Step 4- Sleeve chop! Never forget that you can’t add length back on, but you can always take more off. Then I sewed everything back up together properly, pressing seams.
Step 5- Here you can see the straight hem I added on. I have a coverstitch or could’ve added a double row, but decided I’d leave a large hem that could easily be let out and re-sewn if Miriam needs more length.
Step 6- After playing with a few different sleeve options, I decided I liked the look of a chunky cuff. This material is a thick ponte-esque polyester and didn’t press well but I tried, and then added a few hand stitched tacks to hold them up.
Last step, and this is an optional one, I added my own custom label! I can’t remember the company I bought mine from, but there are lots of well reviewed options .
I hope Miriam loves it; it isn’t a color or fabric I’d choose for myself but I had fun with the creative challenge!
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