My Mother’s Attic: February
So My Mother’s Attic usually runs the last Friday of the month, however with February being short and fickle, it’s technically falling on March 1st. However, fear not…this just means there will be two this month. Enjoy this Valentine’s amazingness from Ash!
Much like last month’s post, I was very much inspired by the monthly holiday for my remake. This muumuu-esque red sweatshirt dress was a cozy piece my mother rocked in the early 80s.
BEFORE
Given its roomy girth, it was the perfect post-partum wardrobe item – and apparently was very on trend for its time. My mother relayed that she used to pair it with leggings and a baby stroller (I was born in ’83 – and now as a mom myself, I totally see the appeal of an ensemble like this. Oversized + forgiving = A new mama’s dream). But there were some holes in the hem, the collar was absurdly large…
Absurd!
…and I found that it was just too dang wide (even for my taste). But I loved that it was sweatshirt material (ideal for these freezing Vermont winters!) and the red was perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Partners in crime!
My youngest insisted in helping with the before photos.
Cut that collar!!
I then pinned the dress at a smaller width (which conveniently removed the holey hem). I sewed the new side seams, and opted to wear the dress in reverse (with the buttons down the back).
All pinned!!
To add an extra touch of holiday-flair, I followed this tutorial with a little white wool roving (to match the white buttons)…
Wool roving & cookie cutter time!
…and a heart cookie cutter.
I’m craving cookies!
I finished the piece and wore it just in time for Valentine’s Day!
AFTER
I paired it with some opaque black tights, black boots and my favorite belt.
Love the buttons down the back!
I was warm, festive and far more current than I would have been had I kept the floppy collar. I HEART this dress!
Cute & warm!
I HEART this dress too, Ash!! Can’t wait for next month!
To keep up with Ash online, find her over at Blog a la Cart and here on Twitter, Instagram, & FB!
