I found this vintage dress in one of my unpacked boxes weeks ago. The dress was in quite good condition beside the sleeves. They were ripped from its armholes. Just when I needed to be inspired for fashion project, I came across with Blooming Leopold's sewing Saturday's entry;
creating co-ord playsuit from a maxi dress. And the rest was history...
What you need:
A pair of scissors
Tailoring chalk
Tailoring ruler
Seam ripper
Elastic band
Pins
Thread (not in the above photo)
Safety pin (not in the above photo)
Sewing machine (not in the above photo)
Remove and keep the sleeves aside.
Cut the dress into two parts; separating the top from the skirt.
Mark new length of the top.
Cut cuffs from the sleeves and remove the buttons.
Pin the allowance around the armholes into the wrong side of fabric.
Pin the bottom of the top.
Sewing time. Sew the armholes and bottom of the top.
Iron newly sewn parts.
As the back is quite baggy, make an inverted pleated to take in some excess fabric. To decorate the pleat, add a button (optional).
Reuse the cuffs as extension of straps from the top.
Now, let's work on the skirt. Cut off uneven fabric (if there is any). Mark new length for the skirt.
Fold about 1.5 cm to 2.0 cm of fabric at the waist part of the skirt into the wrong side of the skirt. Pin and sew around the skirt but leaving about 2.0 cm at the end.
Measure the elastic band by stretching it on the waist of the skirt. This is for one side, remember to repeat this step again to cover the other side. Leave some allowance to sew both ends of the elastic band together. Pin a safety pin at the end of the elastic band and start threading.
Pin and sew the hem of the skirt.
Here are the finished look:
What do you think? Adorable outfit? It is a simple project but involves many steps. Hope this does not hinder anyone to give it a try. Happy sewing!
