A Possibly Perfect Refashion

Days are getting warmer, which means it's getting easier to photograph my recent projects! It would be easier still if my sewing ever followed any kind of seasonal pattern, but what can you do... At least there's no incentive to rush when you're working on something that will be unwearable for the next two months :P

Every so often - in any art form - there's something that works out just right, reminding you exactly why it is you indulge in this hobby when you could be in bed watching How I Met Your Mother instead.
For me, that something was this dress:

Ignore the awkward sour face - it really is comfy!

The original: 

This challenge was the result of my obsessive rayon addiction. Most fabric stores have a little rayon section, but its near impossible to find a nice plain colour, let alone a print. Most refashioners (is that the accepted term now?) seem to suggest going for larger sizes when thrifting. There's much more fabric to work with and a much greater chance of success. But, typical me, as soon as I realised that I had my hands on rayon, I was handing over my money and skipping down the street without a second thought. It wasn't until I got home that I noticed this dress is way too small! (I realise you can't see this in the photo, but it really was!).

Along with the publicly unwearable tightness, there were large holes in the side-seams, holes where buttons should be, and fraying patches in place of every buttonhole. 

But who doesn't love a bit of a challenge?

If you are interested in the up-sizing process, read on for details!

How many lives has your skirt lived?

Before it was abandoned to the depths of the "Refashion Someday..." box, this skirt lived two lives - adding a touch of awkwardly-lengthed, wrinkled frumpiness to both my mother's wardrobe and my own. After a year of isolation, I decided it was time to give this faded skirt one last chance to contribute to the world...

It didn't really work on a maxi skirt, but I knew there was potential in the black lace around the hem. On the other hand, the elasticated waistband was in such great condition that I couldn't just pick an end and discard the rest! After deliberating about removing the middle panel and joining the two end pieces, the obvious finally occurred to me... I made two!

I removed the lace panel, which had just enough fabric for a mini skirt. I used some shoelaces from my stash for a drawstring waistband. For skirts that sit on the hips, drawstrings are so much more comfortable anyway. It's still a bit too short for activities when standing, but with tights underneath I think it'll work!

The second skirt has already become my favourite item of clothing. It is sweet and simple enough to go with almost any top, and the length is perfect. I wish I had twenty! The combination below has actually become my new unofficial waitressing/barista uniform in crazy-hot weather (perfect with a little black apron around the waist!).

 

This refashion is definitely no revelation in creativity, but it really does show how a simple change can make something better in every way!
To make up for a long life of mediocrity, my sad skirt now has double the chances of providing joy and happiness. Who knows what adventures it will have next!

Thrifted Dress Redo!

Perhaps it's just me, but there is something very satisfying about pajamas and a warm cup of tea after a long and busy day.

It's a pretty drab thing to think about, I know, let alone talk about it on my blog... But I get excited about comfortable pajamas. Possibly more than is healthy.

Chai tea today. Unfortunately not as strong as the real stuff, but still good.

There is also something very satisfying - and acceptably exciting this time - about finding something hideous and turning it into something wonderful. And as it happens, that is the purpose of today's post...

My little blog's first redo!