The Striped Dress

Hello Readers. This was a quick project. It was more alteration than refashion.This dress caught my eye at a clothes swap and I loved the stripes and yellow band at the bottom. It was in great shape and the length and elastic waist were all great for me. It was too large through the top though. I couldn't wear it like this.

I put the dress on my dress form inside out. I pinned the sides to get the upper portion to fit better. It needs to be tighter but not too tight. This whole dress has a loose fit that I love. I used my sewing machine and made new side seams. I sewed through the lining and outer fabric as well. I moved the new seam in about an inch and a half. I angled my new seam out at the waist and ended it in the elastic at the waist. The gathered waist will hid any imperfections where my new side seams meet the elastic.

Once I made the upper half fit better it raised the waist to match my real waist. The top has a comfortably roomy fit but the arm holes are not too big or too low now. I left the skirt full. Who doesn't love a full twirly skirt? I added a belt for fun. It was great for wearing to church.

*** BONUS TRACK ***

I found this nightgown long ago and the eyelet lace was pretty. I just don't like big night gowns like this. If felt a little bit too Victorian to me. (Extreme, head-to-toe coverage.) It was almost a costume.

If you could handle all that fabric smothering you as you sleep, there's more! I mean how do you sleep with this huge collar in your face? It is almost like angel wings. No, I can't sleep in all this.

You might see a simple nightgown, but I see this.

I marked where I needed my new seams. I used the skirt and part of the bodice to make a pillowcase. I removed the skirt and smoothed it out because it was gathered at the waist. 

 I re-attached the skirt to the bodice to make it long enough for a king size pillow. I love the eyelet lace as trim on bedding.

Thanks for reading, now go make something fun for yourself.