Feb 21, 2013

Corduroy Shirt Dress and Sweater Bag

After spending weeks hanging on my dress form, half done, I finally finished my latest refashion.  This dress was created from an XXL men's shirt and L men's sweater.  I spotted the shirt at the thrift shop and pictured it right away as a dress with a rolled sweater collar.  I patiently waited for it to go on sale.  In fact, in my waiting, I thought I had missed the opportunity when I went back and couldn't find it, but no worries, it was just hanging in a different spot.  So I snatched it up!


This is what I started with...



I used the lower half of the sleeves for my new 3/4 sleeves, retaining the cuff detail.  With the excess fabric from the upper part of the sleeves, I was able to lengthen the shirt to a more suitable dress length.


I left the shirt's collar band in place, but cut off the actual collar.  I used a portion of the removed collar to create a triangular extension so that one end of my new rolled collar could tuck neatly under the other end.  In fact, since the original collar was a button-down collar, I was able to utilize the existing buttonhole at the point of the collar to keep my new collar in place.


I added elastic to the waist so that it would cinch up evenly.


I had plenty of the sweater leftover and thought it would be fun to make a purse.  So back to the thrift shop for the lining and details.  I found an extra long belt with studs that I thought would be fun.  And, a pair of brown corduroy pants would be perfect for the lining and trim.



I love the corduroy plaid fabric!  The dress is comfortable and the purse is roomy.  Besides from a broken needle while sewing the purse, I think it was a success!

Shirt.....$3.00
Sweater.....$2.00
Belt.....$2.00
Pants.....$2.50

Total cost for dress and purse.....$9.50!

For a tutorial on the dress, click here!
For a tutorial on the purse, click here!

I like to link to these great parties!

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19 comments:

  1. I can't decide if I love the dress or the purse more. You did an amazing job. Even after looking through your tutorial I still can't tell where you lengthened the dress.

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    1. Thanks! If you look close, the bottom 8" or so has been added. I tried to match the plaids the best I could so that it wouldn't be so noticeable. Even then it wasn't quite long enough so I added another couple of inches at the waist and covered it up with the belt. Thanks for taking a look!

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  2. Both of these tutorial-results are inCREDible, Susan! You're adorable in your under-10-bucks ensemble! Wish I had a need for this pair here in the tropics! So over the top... pardon the pun!

    Happy second chance-giving!
    Kelley~

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    1. Thanks for the sweet compliment! You wish you had a need for it in the tropics...I wish I was IN the tropics!!

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  3. Love the dress! Love the purse! Love the photos - you look so cute!

    I bought a thrifted denim skirt to use to make a tote bag for Art Camp but haven't had a chance to make it yet (taxes are getting in the way). I think your purse tutorial will help me figure out how to construct it when I finally get to work on it. Good news for me is that it will already have belt loops and pockets on it... I need all the help I can get with sewing projects! :)

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    1. Thanks, Kathy! McKay helped out by taking the pictures. I'm sure you'll do a great job on the denim bag. I can't wait to see the finished project! I don't know if you ever saw them, but I made some library book bags for the grandkids one year from cargo pants, skirts, and shirts. It was the first post I ever did on the blog. Good luck!

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  4. These are so gorgeous! I love the idea of the collar! So original and pretty! Thanks for shairng

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  5. This looks fabulous! I love how they both turned out. This makes me want to find a huge shirt now at the thrift store.

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  6. An AWESOME outfit, Susan!!! I love both the dress and the shirt.

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  7. Great look! What a bargain! Thanks for linking up to my Pin Me Party!

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  8. Wow, that is an INCREDIBLE re-fashion!

    I have a weekend Link party if you'd care to join:
    http://www.bobijensen.com

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  9. I love what you did with the dress, great post, love your blog & am now a follower
    Helen

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  10. WOW! I love what you did here....both the dress and the bag look fantastic! Well done! :)
    Christine
    - ChrisW Designs

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Thanks for taking the time to comment. I appreciate the feedback and always look forward to reading what you have to say! Susan