Sunday 4 December 2011

Refashioned sundress.

I am a happy seamstress this evening.
See what I made today, well, partly made today.
SAM_0193
See how horrid it was before, and how much my daughters despised it
(that is daughter the second reluctantly agreeing to wear this dress briefly)

Before Photo
Review of original pattern, White Linen, from Australian Smocking and Embroidery Issue 23, which was the only pattern I have made from this magazine that was a complete and utter disaster.
I liked the smocking and embroidery, and the rather expensive white linen I used to make this dress orginally, which is why I have held on to it for the past 8 years.
The main problem with this dress was that it was way too big for an 8 year old, and also that the bottom of the smocking did not line up with the waistline.
First I unpicked the waistline, and re-sewed it to be level with the bottom of the smocking.
SAM_0154
Next I chopped off the shoulders, and held the dress up to my daughter. Amazingly, I still had to chop off 5cm, front and back, from each side seam starting at the curve of the armholes. I think the original pattern was a tad oversized.
After doing this, I had plenty of fabric from the skirt to use to fill in the armhole.
SAM_0163
I machine embroidered over the original armscye binding, and added a new bodice and armscye binding from a blue and white herringbone twill cotton that is about the same weight as the linen.
At this point, my daughter and I both felt that the dress looked more 6 year old than 16, but she wanted the dress to stay loose at the waist, for coolness.
SAM_0165
I altered the front neckline to a sweetheart shape, and the back to a shallow v, and took the skirt up to just above the knee.
SAM_0172
Somehow this transformed the dress to an instant favourite.
This sort of success could almost make me change my mind about alterations

8 comments:

Carolyn said...

Ohmigosh, you are the queen of smocking and embroidery!!!! Superb detailing!
It is easy to see why this is a favourite all over again. This is just adorable, and I really love the more teen-friendly shape. Very nice save!

liza jane said...

Wow, the smocking is so beautiful! I wouldn't even know where to begin. I can tell by the photos that you're daughter is much happier with it now- nice save.

MushyWear said...

A wonderful transformation!

Carol said...

Very impressive refashion! You have more patience than me. You should be the one feeling virtuous!

velosews said...

She looks much happier with this version of the dress. I'm really pleased you've been able to transform your work so it's gets another 'happy' run. I'd hate to think your smocking work wasn't appreciated.

Summer Flies said...

That is a wonderful transformation! Has really made it hip and modernised. A great job and a good save of a very detailed piece of work - no wonder you wanted to save it.

KathyS said...

I really love make-overs and your last two have been great. Well done.

Janine said...

gosh, yet another beautiful dress - I have just scrolled down from your vogue liberty dress. Your workmanship looks impeccable. LUcky girls to have such a great sewing mum. I love the look on your daughter`s face in the before photos - just priceless.