refashion: less is more

I love an easy and gratifying project that can be accomplished in one afternoon, and this refashion certainly fits into that category. When I came across this dress at the thrift store I immediately knew it could be something more - with less.

Out came the seam ripper with a fond farewell for the sleeves and lace. The ribbon was attached with a safety pin and that came off as well. Then I just had to sew the now raw edge of the arm opening down to finish it up. Twenty minutes later and voila, a whole new look!

More refashions here and here.

pattern remix: shorts

The other day I got the itch to make LM a pair of shorts for the summer. I had an idea of what I wanted them to look like but I needed a base pattern to work from, so I searched through my stash of vintage patterns until I found one in her size that I could remix.  

After a little chopping and tweaking, as well as the addition of some ties in front and a pocket in back, this is what I ended up with:

Overall I am really happy with the result! I am loving the extra details and the contrasting fabric. I know these shorts will get a lot of use this summer and I just may end up making another pair. Have you ever remixed a pattern? I thought it was fun to add a little personal touch.

I'm linking up with KCWC!

xo,

S

refashion: two into one

This week LM and I worked on a quick sewing project together during Lark's nap time. I've had this refashion on a to-do list in my head ever since coming across this inspiration. LM was very helpful at handing me pins, spraying the water bottle on the fabric while I ironed, and holding the end of the fabric up as I sewed. I loved that she was really into the whole process and excited about what she could do to contribute.

Though we had fun making it, to me in the end it was looking like a rushed job on a nap-is-almost-ending deadline. But, when daddy got home later and she proudly twirled in it for him and exclaimed, "Look at the pretty new dress I made with mommy!" Well then, seeing the memory of the experience light up her eyes, it was looking a whole lot better.

little refashion: lace dress

Since I hit up the thrift store often I am constantly coming across clothes that I don't think are necessarily cute but definitely have potential. This dress met that criteria in my eyes. I liked the pretty lace skirt so I bought it with the intention to refashion it.

This was the game plan...

I had the idea to use fabric markers to draw a design on the bottom layer of the skirt that would show through the lace. I ended up using a pastel green marker and free handing a couple of simple chevron stripes. The green started running low after the first stripe though, so I had to use blue over the green on the top stripe. I'm actually glad because it is a little more interesting to have the stripes two slightly different colors, kind of like an ombre effect.

Then I pulled off the bows, chopped off the sleeves, lowered the neckline and added a peter pan collar and buttons. Again, I didn't have enough of what I needed and had to use two different sizes and colors of buttons, and again I think it turned out better that way! The colors of the buttons ended up echoing the colors of the stripes with the top button being slightly darker than the bottom.

At first I wasn't sure if the green/blue really went with the dark maroon bodice, but in the end I think the buttons pulled it all together. I'm happy with how it turned out, unexpected details and all!

And here is the before and after next to each other...

Have you ever refashioned clothes for your kids?

dresser restyle

The dresser restyle is done! We took it from a bad white paint job to a walnut stained beauty with aqua-colored drawer pulls (the picture with the cat shows the true aqua color best, it was hard to capture). It took awhile and in process I had to promise Husband he would never have to strip paint off a piece of furniture again, but we are both really proud of the end result - he for his hard work and me for my 'creative direction.' :) He had never done any refinishing like this before, so for a first attempt I think he did great!

Once I get all the pictures framed and hung and arrange everything into place I'll do a full nursery tour. It's been fun dreaming up this space for my girls.

And Tiger Lily hopes you have a lovely weekend!