Sep 5, 2015

Asymmetrical Sew Along

Well, this is the last challenge of Refashion Runway, Season 3.  Beth, the Renegade Seamstress, chose Asymmetry for this challenge.  Originally, I wasn't going to sew along since inspiration hadn't struck me.  But then it happened!  Looking through my refashion closet, I felt impressed to do something with this super soft, super stretchy, gray dress.  It sported a turtleneck, long sleeves, and absolutely no shape whatsoever!  But, I really liked the color and feel of the fabric.  So I got to work.


I began by chopping off the lower 27" to use as the skirt portion of my dress.  By using the lower half of the dress, I could take advantage of the finished edge of the dress already in place.  I then took it in on the sides to fit.


The next step was to fit the top.  I used a t-shirt to give me an idea of fit and also how to cut for the new armholes.


I knew I didn't want a turtleneck, so I cut it down to 1 1/2".


I then folded it to the inside and serged it, creating a 3/4" wide ribbed neckline.


Now it was time to join the two together.  This could have been left as two pieces, but stitching them together eliminated the need for a waistband for the skirt and a hem for the top.

I cut about 10" from the top of a thrifted half slip, and cut off the elastic waist.  Since the slip was naturally flared, I stitched a new tapered seam on each side to even it up.  I wanted a straight "tube" for this next part.


I pinned the tube to the top of my skirt, right sides together, then stitched.


I needed a casing for some waist elastic.  So I stitched again about 3/8" away from the first stitching.  Then it was a matter of threading some elastic through the casing and fitting it to my waist.


Next, I stitched the top of the tube to the bottom of the top, right sides together.  The photo below shows the whole thing stretched out.  You can see that I took in one side of the top more than the other.  This seemed to help the fit better since one side was going to be "pleated" and the other side wasn't.  When the dress is on, the slip fabric folds upward to the inside allowing a nice rolled edge to the bottom of the top portion.


I needed to tackle the sleeves.  I used the same t-shirt to give me an idea of where to cut.  I decided on 3/4 length sleeves, taking advantage of the nice existing sleeve edge.  One good thing about knits is that it can be so forgiving when sewing...which is great!


I used my dress form for the final step, which was draping the pleats and adding buttons.  I began by placing pins at 1 1/2" intervals.


I then took the top pin and folded it towards the next pin.  I repeated this two more times.  I tacked the pleats in place along the seam.  


I added buttons from my stash just to the front of the seam.



And that was it!  I now have a very soft and cozy dress as we head into the cooler temperatures!





I like to link to these great parties!




23 comments:

  1. This is fabulous! I couldn't quite grasp what the 'tube' was for until I saw the dress finished. I'd love to try this myself, I just need to find a knit dress. You look lovely in your new dress and I'm sure you'll receive plenty of compliments when you wear it!

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    1. Thank you Anne! I hope the "tube" explanation was clear. It worked well and makes for a very comfortable dress!

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  2. Left a comment on Refashion Co-Op but I had to come over and tell you how much I love what you did with this dress, Susan. This has to be one of my top picks for my favourite refashion ever. It is so elegant, and looks so comfortable. What a beauty!

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    1. Wow Jenny...one of your top picks?! What a compliment, thanks!!

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  3. Such a beautiful dress Susan - what a great refashion!

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  4. Breathtaking process and end result! Your best yet!

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    1. Thank you Lillace! What a compliment to be considered my "best yet"!

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  5. Looking good, Susan!!! Classic and classy!

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  6. I love the pleats on the side! I wonder if something like that would help me since I have virtually no waist. I love your photographs of the finished product, too. Lovely!

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    1. Thank you, Lindsay! I think the asymmetrical waist detail draws in the waist. My figure is pretty much straight up...no waist also! Give it a try!

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  7. You never cease to amaze me how you can turn dreary, sad and ugly clothes into the most attractive outfits!

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    1. Thanks Kathy! Its good to see you blogging again. I look forward to seeing your creativity again!

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  8. This is beautiful. You are so creative in your refashions.

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  9. Wow! This looks so different and absolutely stunning!

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  10. This is fantastic! I must try it.

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  11. Hi Susan I am one of the editors at re-fashion co-op and I love to see your projects. This one is lovely. I just joined a couple of ladies who host a month long linky party for upcycled and recycled projects. I hope you will consider linking up some of your projects.

    http://www.upcycleddesignlab.com/monthly-craft-challenge.html

    Keep up the fantastic work.

    Cindy @ Upcycled Design Lab

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  12. Love your vision for this dress. Really! It's got me looking around to see if I can find
    something similar so I can do this too.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  13. Love your vision for this dress. Really! It's got me looking around to see if I can find
    something similar so I can do this too.
    Thanks for the inspiration.

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  14. Wow..I'm so impressed. Wish I knew how to sew. The dress looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!

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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