Blue and Ruffly, A Skirt Makeover

The last project on my list was a dress turned skirt, but the next one is skirt to skirt.

I got this skirt ages ago at a thrift store.  It was long, ruffly and pretty, but not quite right for me.  The long waist section was a little unflattering as was the length.  It basically made me look short and hipless.  I thought it would look cuter on me if it was shorter.

First I chopped off the waistband and added a new elastic one with white cotton.  Stretchy = Comfy.

To make it extra pretty, I added white lace along the bottom ruffle.

I made little ribbon bow too. :)

The end result is a cute and fluffy ruffly skirt.

Here’s the updated list:

• Pink eyelet
• Sunflower dress
• Denim skirt
• Velvet dress
• Blue plaid
• High-waist

Three down, three more to go.  The next one should be up this weekend.  Look forward to it!

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Vintage Floral – Pretty Dress to High-Waisted Skirt

After far too long, I finally finished another project on my craft list.  Not exactly the one I had plan to finish next either.  That one hit a few snags, but I will finish it eventually.

Anyway, this is a dress I made ages ago using a vintage pattern I found at Goodwill (see Knifty Does It and Working with Vintage). 

I love the high waist and the corset style lacing on the back, but the top isn’t as pretty as it could be.  Plus, being a dress, it can only be worn so many ways.  So why not turn it into a high-waisted skirt?  Being able to swap out the top would make it incredibly more versatile.

First I carefully separated the top of the dress from the skirt.  I shortened the zipper too naturally.

I had to replace the interfacing and facing on the waist.  I couldn’t find the original pattern I used for this part, so I had to use the skirt itself as a guide for cutting the pieces.  It’s not perfect, but since it’s on the inside where it won’t be seen it’s good enough for me.

Then came the fun part, adding new lace.  I found this beautiful crocheted lace at SAS a while ago that I knew would be perfect for a skirt.  I used it along the top of the waistband and along the bottom hem. 

And now it’s done!  I now have a beautiful and versatile high waisted skirt.

And what about the top of the dress?  I thought would make a cute little shrug. 

I first took it in a little.

I cut the opening in a curve shape to make it cuter and more flattering.

I thought the sleeves were too bulky, so I cut them at an angle to shorten them and used a zig-zag stitch along the edge of the fabric.

I did the same to all the cut edges.  I set the stitches to the smallest setting to make it looks nicer.  A serger would probably be great for this, but since I don’t own one (yet) this is okay.

After adding elastic to the sleeves, it looks almost cute enough to wear.  Almost.

Now after adding a lace ruffle, more lace trim, a snap and a bow, it is ready to wear. 

One pretty dress, morphed into a pretty skirt and a pretty shrug that can make even more outfits.  That’s a job well done. :)

Here’s the updated list:

• Pink eyelet
• Sunflower dress
• Denim skirt
• Velvet dress
• Blue plaid
• High-waist

Two down, four more to go.  The next one will definitely be done in a couple of days.  Look forward to it.

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Financial Tips from a Surprising Source

 

Need a little help saving for something special?  I may be able to help.  Over on my doll blog, I wrote a Doll Owner’s Corner post about saving up for a ball jointed doll.  You know, those adorable but incredibly pricey dolls I have been making clothes for the last few months.

Anyway, the post started out as being about dolls, but kind of went out of control.  I think there is some useful information about budgeting and saving for the things that matter to you, whether it’s a fun wish list item or something bigger.

Let me know if it was helpful for you.

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