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Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Blue and Ruffly, A Skirt Makeover

The last project on my list was a dress turned skirt, but the next one is skirt to skirt.

Turning a long blue skirt into an even cuter skirt.

I got this skirt ages ago at a thrift store.  It was long, ruffly and pretty, but not quite right for me.  The long waist section was a little unflattering as was the length.  It basically made me look short and hipless.  I thought it would look cuter on me if it was shorter.

Turning a long blue skirt into an even cuter skirt.

First I chopped off the waistband and added a new elastic one with white cotton.  Stretchy = Comfy.

Turning a long blue skirt into an even cuter skirt.

To make it extra pretty, I added white lace along the bottom ruffle.

Turning a long blue skirt into an even cuter skirt.

I made little ribbon bow too. :)

Turning a long blue skirt into an even cuter skirt.

The end result is a cute and fluffy ruffly skirt.

Here’s the updated list:

Three down, three more to go.  The next one should be up this weekend.  Look forward to it!

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Sunday, September 25, 2016

Vintage Floral – Pretty Dress to High-Waisted Skirt

After far too long, I finally finished another project on my craft list.  Not exactly the one I had plan to finish next either.  That one hit a few snags, but I will finish it eventually.

Transforming a vintage style dress to a high-waisted skirt.

Anyway, this is a dress I made ages ago using a vintage pattern I found at Goodwill (see Knifty Does It and Working with Vintage). 

I love the high waist and the corset style lacing on the back, but the top isn’t as pretty as it could be.  Plus, being a dress, it can only be worn so many ways.  So why not turn it into a high-waisted skirt?  Being able to swap out the top would make it incredibly more versatile.

Transforming a vintage style dress to a high-waisted skirt.

First I carefully separated the top of the dress from the skirt.  I shortened the zipper too naturally.

Transforming a vintage style dress to a high-waisted skirt.

I had to replace the interfacing and facing on the waist.  I couldn’t find the original pattern I used for this part, so I had to use the skirt itself as a guide for cutting the pieces.  It’s not perfect, but since it’s on the inside where it won’t be seen it’s good enough for me.

Transforming a vintage style dress to a high-waisted skirt.

Then came the fun part, adding new lace.  I found this beautiful crocheted lace at SAS a while ago that I knew would be perfect for a skirt.  I used it along the top of the waistband and along the bottom hem. 

Transforming a vintage style dress to a high-waisted skirt.

And now it’s done!  I now have a beautiful and versatile high waisted skirt.

And what about the top of the dress?  I thought would make a cute little shrug. 

Turning the top of a dress to a cute shrug.

I first took it in a little.

Turning the top of a dress to a cute shrug.

I cut the opening in a curve shape to make it cuter and more flattering.

Turning the top of a dress to a cute shrug.

I thought the sleeves were too bulky, so I cut them at an angle to shorten them and used a zig-zag stitch along the edge of the fabric.

Turning the top of a dress to a cute shrug.

I did the same to all the cut edges.  I set the stitches to the smallest setting to make it looks nicer.  A serger would probably be great for this, but since I don’t own one (yet) this is okay.

Turning the top of a dress to a cute shrug.

After adding elastic to the sleeves, it looks almost cute enough to wear.  Almost.

Turning the top of a dress to a cute shrug.

Now after adding a lace ruffle, more lace trim, a snap and a bow, it is ready to wear. 

One pretty dress, morphed into a pretty skirt and a pretty shrug that can make even more outfits.  That’s a job well done. :)

Here’s the updated list:

  • Pink eyelet
  • Sunflower dress
  • Denim skirt
  • Velvet dress
  • Blue plaid
  • High-waist

Two down, four more to go.  The next one will definitely be done in a couple of days.  Look forward to it.

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Thursday, September 1, 2016

Financial Tips from a Surprising Source

 

Financial Tips from a Surprising Source

Need a little help saving for something special?  I may be able to help.  Over on my doll blog, I wrote a Doll Owner’s Corner post about saving up for a ball jointed doll.  You know, those adorable but incredibly pricey dolls I have been making clothes for the last few months.

Anyway, the post started out as being about dolls, but kind of went out of control.  I think there is some useful information about budgeting and saving for the things that matter to you, whether it’s a fun wish list item or something bigger.

Let me know if it was helpful for you.

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