A Christmas Dress

In searching my photos for the "before" picture of this refashion, I realized that this one started over two years ago!!  I had picked it all apart, set it aside, and then went on to live my life for over two years.  Well, with Christmas upon us I decided it was time to wrap this one up...no pun intended!

I really liked the red plaid rayon fabric, however, I didn't like the gunny sack fit, the length, or the the front patch pockets.

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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Threading My Way

2 pillowcases + 1 blouse = 1 cute dress!

Question:  What do you get when you combine two vintage pillow cases with one cute blouse?  Answer:  A super cute, super easy dress!

It was as easy as cutting off the blouse, stitching on the pillowcases, and threading through some elastic.  You can see the tutorial here.  I could have stopped at that point, but the neckline was a little too open for me so I added ruffles to each side using the leftover blouse fabric.  I also decided to make a bright yellow belt with a big fabric flower to top it off.

I was lucky to find some matching shoes at Goodwill for half price!  In fact, the total breakdown is this:

2 pillowcase @ 1.99
1 blouse  @ 2.49
belt supplies @ 4.20
shoes @ 3.50
free bracelet

Total for complete outfit = $12.18...not too bad!

I've always loved the color yellow.  In fact, growing up in the 70's my bedroom was decorated with yellow and orange...so bright and cheery!  Oh the memories...bright orange shag carpet, yellow walls, mushroom lamp, troll doll collection to die for, anything to do with the sun, and the scent of Love's Fresh Lemon Cologne...so yummy!

Linking to these great parties!

Featured on:
Sugar Bee Crafts
Sew Woodsy
Thrifty 101

This dress featured in...

 

Girl, Put Your Records On...LITERALLY!

Fireflies and Jellybeans is hosting an Iron Crafter Challenge this week.  The secret ingredient to use is anything vinyl.  I liked the idea of using old records.  My first thought was to melt and reshape them, but that thought soon left.  The next thought was to make a purse out of them.  But, that thought left my mind also.  Come to think of it, a lot of thoughts leave my mind....but that's a different story!  Anyway, the thought that actually stuck was to make a funky belt to wear.  So, this is my entry...I used old 45's, vinyl fabric, and silver brads.  It took a bit of figuring, okay, maybe a lot of figuring, but I'm happy with the way it turned out.    I hope you enjoy it.

To see a tutorial on how it was made, click here.