Dress to Sweatshirt

 Hello Readers. Sometimes when I am at clothes swaps or getting hand-me-downs I find something that I really like but it does not really like me. Like this purple dress. 

This dress was by a sports brand and was supposed to be moisture wicking and it was super soft. I just did not think it was flattering on me. It was fitted around the hips and stomach. It really clung my mommy tummy and it was loose on top. And these sleeves are super long on me. It made me feel out of proportion. Why would I want to wear a dress that did that? The fabric was so great though, I knew  I could do something with this.

 I decided to cut the skirt off...but not all of it. I left a few inches as a waistband. 

The skirt was actually 2 layers of material. You can see I cut the inner layer of the waistband shorter than the outer layer. 

I connected the 2 layers together along the cut edges. 

Here is a view from the inside of the waistband. The connected layers won't ever show from the outside. By cutting the inner layer shorter it made the outer layer turn under and into the shirt.

From the outside the sweatshirt looks like that waistband was always there and not something I just came up with one day in my sewing room. 

I had to shorten those sleeves. My arms are really short. I made these sleeves a 3/4 length. You might not need to shorten the sleeves. You probably have normal adult length arms, you can skip this step. My arms are really short, sleeves are always too long on me.

What about that skirt piece that I cut off? I stitched those cut edges together and I had an tube.

It was a perfect infinity scarf. Winter is coming, I will want a scarf on cold days.

What will I wear with it? How about this casual denim skirt?

This skirt just needed a little reshaping. The length was decided for me based on that cargo pocket. I did not want to lose or bother to move the pocket. #lazysewing I just cut and hemmed the skirt on the bottom after making the waist a bit smaller.

I was happy with my casual outfit. Is anyone getting dressed up anymore? Formal wear in 2021? No way!

Thank for reading along, now go make something fun for yourself. 

***Chickie's Year End Review-A casual top and a denim skirt are 2 of my favorite things.

A Sweatshirt & Matching Scarf

 Hello Readers. How are you? I did a sweatshirt update recently. It was quick and easy.

 I liked the color of this sweatshirt. I also like how they reversed the fabric and used it as a contrast on the sleeves. It was a little over-sized on me. I thought I could do something more with it.

Those sleeves were too long. I liked the color contrast and decided to keep some of it. I thought I would like even more of that reversed fabric somewhere on the shirt. I decided to make pockets and add them on the front of this shirt. 

Actual pocket sewing right here!

I also took in the sides of the shirt to improve the fit a little.

  The pockets added a little something to the shirt.  And the shirt was a great match for this infinity scarf my daughter made for me. It's cold enough for a scarf now.

The cool thing about the scarf is that there is a hidden zipper pocket that is large enough for a phone, wallet, passport, keys, or whatever you want. It is great for being hands free when out or traveling.

 If you like the scarf, you can check out more scarves and other items at her on-line shop Hope Makers Boutique. 

  Her business only sells from ethically sourced products that support ministries and charities. She said about her business: My biggest hope for this small venture is that it will communicate in ordinary ways a big truth: THERE IS HOPE. We can use our purchasing power to buy from brands that are intentionally set up to make a difference. THERE IS HOPE when your purchase of a necklace helps give a mother a job with safe working conditions that also allows her to provide for her children. THERE IS HOPE when you buy ethically sourced tea and gift it to a friend who needs a reminder they are not alone… Together we can be HOPE MAKERS.