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...

...and especially the black piped accents up top...

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

...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...

...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.

I called in for replacements!

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.

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

...pinned the edges to prep for a new 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!

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

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

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

I can't wait to wear this one again!!

Cassandra Marie's NDAD Creation

This project that Cassandra Marie submitted is so amazing!!

I love following your blog and seeing you take some of the most atrocious clothes and remake them into adorable and wearable outfits has inspired me to do the same for myself and my family.  I've remade a couple items, but this is the one that I'm most proud of!!  Going through my fabric bins (yes, bins) a few days ago I stumbled across two old pajama tops my husband was gifted and never worn.

I thought they'd be perfect material for pajamas for my 10 month old son because he has grown out of almost everything we have and, well, money is tight. The less money we spend the better!

I agree with that CM!!  Let's see what she does...

I took an old pair of my son’s sweat pants, folded them in half and traced on the sleeve of the pajama top, using the existing arm seam as the outer seam of the bottoms.  I used the shirt cuff for the ankle cuff on the pants - less sewing, yay!

I pinned and sewed them together keeping in mind my sewing lessons from a Home Ec class I took about 12 years ago. (You know, most schools don't even offer a Home Ec class anymore!) 

Then I folded the top over about an inch and sewed a tube for the elastic to slide through, put the elastic in and sewed the ends together.  Voila, an adorable pair of flannel pajama bottoms for my son! 

Pants in action!!

I plan on making him a top to go with them, but I know I'll butcher that so...no pics :)

I can't even begin to say how much I adore this project!  Not only is it completely adorable, it's SO resourceful.  I just see how quickly all my friend's kids grow, so I can only imagine how fast clothes are outgrown.  This is a perfect way to use those pieces that aren't getting any love and making them into things that can be worn constantly!  You have enough leftover to make another pair when your son gets a little bigger too.  Way to go Cassandra Marie!

Danielle's NDAD Creation

I thought this dress was such fun when I saw the before shot!  It's always such fun seeing what everyone does with their pieces because I always have my own idea in my head before I go through all the photos.  Here's Danielle's story...

I've resolved to not buy any new clothing in 2012 as a way to ore intentionally examine my fashion consumption habits and to motivate myself to finally learn how to sew and upcycle out-of-style vintage dresses into modern pieces.

I love that you're joining the upcycling family, Danielle!  Here's her fabulous before...

Look at those sleeves!! Let's see how Danielle transforms this one!

This horrendous, lacy, sequined, chiffon bridesmaid dress is right out of the late 60s!  

Danielle removed the sleeves, sequins, and chiffon on the top of the dress and shortened it to make it the perfect party piece!

I love that the bow stayed intact!  That's my favorite part of the dress - the fab waist!  Thank you for sharing your piece with us Danielle!  I hope that the upcycling continues...