May 26, 2014

I'm A Sucker For Plaid...


I'm a sucker for plaid...seersucker that is.



And, according to Wikipedia...

Seersucker is woven in such a way that some threads bunch together, giving the fabric a wrinkled appearance in places. This feature causes the fabric to be mostly held away from the skin when worn, facilitating heat dissipation and air circulation. It also means that pressing is not necessary.

Did you get that last line?  PRESSING IS NOT NECESSARY!  How wonderful is that?  

I love plaid (seersucker, or otherwise), and they loved plaid in the 50's!  Just check out some of these treasures...

Luggage



Furniture



Accessories



Carpet



Fashion


So when I came across this XL seersucker plaid housecoat (with pearlized snaps!)  I knew it had the perfect makings of a retro refashion.  I loved the colors, the neckline, the pockets, and the snaps.  And, I loved the fact that with just a few simple steps...


 ....it would look like this!


The banded neckline/front placket is a nice detail.  I found the cute vintage enamel flower brooch at the same store on sale for less than a dollar!


The skirt is actually fuller than it looks in this picture.  I have a petticoat I can wear underneath if I want more fullness.  The patch pockets are comfy and also extremely useful since I don't like carrying a purse all the time.


A simple refashion that will get lots of wear this summer, I'm sure!


I like to link to these great parties!

Continue reading if you'd like to see the process...


After cutting away the sleeves, and mostly picking apart the bodice from the skirt (I left them attached at the front plackets), I took it up in the shoulders since the original neckline was too low for me. 


I then reattached and finish the bias trim at the back of the neckline.


I took in the side seams, leaving some bodice fullness for the next step...darts.


I stitched darts in the front bodice...


...and the back bodice to make it more fitted.  Of course, you could do away with these if you like a blousier look.


 Using a favorite blouse as a guide, I cut down my sleeves and refinished the hem.  I then attached them to the bodice.


Next, I gathered the waist and stitched back onto the bodice.


The last step was to hem it to the desired length!

21 comments:

  1. OMG I am totally impressed. This is amazing!! I would never have thought that that dress could possibly as cute as it turned out!! If you have a moment I would LOVE for you to link this up to my weekly beauty party: Monday Morning Madness. Please and Thank You
    -Kat
    www {dot} confessionsoftheperfectmom {dot} com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kat, for the compliment and the invite! I linked up and added your button to my linky party page!

      Delete
    2. Thank you so much!! I loved having you party with us. Hope to see you again tomorrow :)

      Delete
  2. Very cute! I would love it if you joined and contribute your awesome posts at my link party at City of Creative Dreams, starts on Fridays :D Hope to see you there at City of Creative Dreams Link Party.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for the invite! I will certainly check it out come this Friday!

      Delete
  3. Absolutely fabulous!! I have just discovered you from the Boogieboard Cottage Link party! Following and will look forward to more treasures!!

    Amanda Cabe - www.thesunshinetoker.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Amanda! I have several more "treasures" in the works, I just need to find the time to get them done!

      Delete
  4. Oh! Well Done! Thanks for sharing the details too. I've never been brave enough to re-cut sleeves, but you make it look easy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sue! The sleeves can be a bit scary at times. I found a blouse in my closet that I liked and made a pattern from it. It seemed to work out just fine.

      Delete
  5. This is a wonderful summer dress! I love the enamel pin - it goes so nicely - a person couldn't ask for a better match. Hope you're getting some nice weather to go with your new dresses :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jenny! The pin is fast becoming a favorite of mine. And, yes, the weather has been beautiful lately!

      Delete
  6. I love seersucker and in plaid, even better. A great refashion, Susan. I haven't heard the term housecoat for many years, when my mother in law used to wear them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've featured your refashion today, Susan.

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Pam! I appreciate your ongoing link party. It directs a lot of traffic this way!

      Delete
  7. Stopping by from Threading My Way features today. I LOVE what you did with this dress. It is so cute! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Marci! Refashions are best when they're simple...and this one was a simple fix to make it wearable!

      Delete
  8. Love your sweet dress, retro refashions and plaid too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Michele! Retro and plaid...how can you go wrong with that?!

      Delete
  9. Thanks for hosting! I will certainly link up again in the future!

    ReplyDelete

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