Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Yellow Rose of Texas

If you've been paying attention, you may remember this dress from a year ago. It was a too big then and I made a quick fix to get me by. But now, it's waaaaay too big.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - BeforeYellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - Before

I'm thinking of something different this time - not a dress anymore, maybe a nice summery tank top. And before you ask, yes, I know it's August, but here in Texas, summer lasts through October.
First I chopped off the bust portion, right at the top of the shirring.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - In Progress

Then I flipped the skirt inside out and remove the lining. I wasn't feeling the whole 100% polyester thing.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - In Progress

I folded the shirred band over on itself and pinned it along the existing seam with the skirt. I used a zig-zag stitch to maintain stretchiness. This is going to be the waistband of my new shirt when I flip the skirt upside-down.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - In Progress

Next I took in the sides, matching my over-bust measurement at the top, increasing out to my bust measurement, and then straight down from there.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - In Progress

Then I went back with a zig-zag right next to my new side seam, since I don't have a serger. And I cut off the extra fabric as close to the zig-zag as possible without snipping it. I also salvaged and reattached the laundering tag.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - In Progress

Finally, I snipped the straps off the discarded bust and attached them to what was once the bottom hem of the skirt.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - In Progress

I've found that I look terrible in the sort of mustard yellow that seems to be trendy right now. I think it's too close to my skin tone, makes me look sickly. But bright yellow? I'm totally loving it!

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - After

Part of me - a very small part - wishes it would stay summer forever so I wear this top all the time.

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - After

But then I think, "Who am I kidding? I'm still going to wear this with a cardigan in the winter!"

Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - After



Yellow Rose of Texas Dress-to-Cami Refashion - After

8 comments:

  1. The yellow is very flattering for you! With all these wonderful refashions, you must have a massive wardrobe!

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  2. This one I LOOOOOOVE!!

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  4. totally didn't see that coming! i love it!!

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  5. Totally made this work for you! I love the color and the pretty embroidery on the dress that would have been lost if you hadn't turned it upside down! Great job :) - Marina

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  6. Thanks, Sucre! If my husband asks, the amount of clothes in my closet is perfectly normal, k?

    Meghan, I like to keep you guessing!

    I absolutely agree, Marina. I played around with this dress a lot to figure out a way to keep the embroidery a prominent part of the garment. Glad you like it!

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  7. Wow that looks great! I never would've thought to flip it over, but it's perfect!

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