Monday Remake!

When I laid eyes on this dress at the Goodwill in NC, I knew I had to take it home!  I loved the fabric, the bold coloring…

BEFORE

…and especially the black piped accents up top…

Piping love!

…however the piece was just unflattering.  The waist was too big…

No shape!!

…and the length was less than stellar, however I saw the potential in this piece!  Time to get this dress on the hot list!!

I began with the waist.  There was elastic in there already and when I opened the seam to reveal it…

Remove that elastic!!

…it was old, gross, and crumbling at the touch.  I decided to get rid of it all and pulled out the entire bit of elastic that was there.

Disintegrating in my hands!!

I called in for replacements!

Replacement elastic, here for duty!!

I measured my waist with the elastic, pinned one end of it down to the right edge of the waist’s seam to hold it in place, and then guided the other end of the elastic with a safety pin through the space.

Weaving through with a safety pin!

Once new elastic was put through, I trimmed the piece…

Trim Time Taylor!

…pinned the edges to prep for a new hem…

Pinned Hem!

…and then sewed my hem and waist elastic in place!  I also removed the shoulder pads after trying the dress on in the finished stage.  It was a last minute decision because they weren’t overly large, but gave a bit more height than I wanted!

Closing up shop!

With a little tightening and shortening, I think I have another favorite to add to my list!!

AFTER

I must say, changing out the elastic did wonders!!

Love the new shape!

I just love the bold color of the dress paired with the scattered/imperfect polka dots.  The pink and black combo is aces!!

This could be one of my new favorite pieces!

I can’t wait to wear this one again!!