This weeks Project ReStyle is brought to us by the fabulous miss Keiko Lynn. She took a matronly lace dress and updated it into a super stylish little dress! I'm in love.
Before: Long 80s dress with a lot of rust stains near the top, big shoulder pads and long sleeves
After: Trapeze mini dress with 3/4 sleeves and scoop neck
Here's what I did: I started by removing the sleeves and discarding the shoulder pads and rose that was sewn at the hip. I knew I wanted it to have sleeves, so I shortened them (at the top, to avoid extra hemming) to my liking. I had to get rid of the top of the dress, because there were several rust stains. I cut off the damaged area and worked from there. cutting new arm holes and a scoop neck. After putting the newly shortened sleeves back on, I hemmed the neckline - and it was finished! Originally, I was going to make an elastic casing for the waistline but decided against it, in favor of the trapeze cut. This way, I can wear it loose for a 60s mod feel or belt it for more definition. From start to finish, this project took me about 30 minutes - including threading the serger and sewing machine and winding a new bobbin. Plus, I was able to save a little old dress from its deathbed.
Here's what I did: I started by removing the sleeves and discarding the shoulder pads and rose that was sewn at the hip. I knew I wanted it to have sleeves, so I shortened them (at the top, to avoid extra hemming) to my liking. I had to get rid of the top of the dress, because there were several rust stains. I cut off the damaged area and worked from there. cutting new arm holes and a scoop neck. After putting the newly shortened sleeves back on, I hemmed the neckline - and it was finished! Originally, I was going to make an elastic casing for the waistline but decided against it, in favor of the trapeze cut. This way, I can wear it loose for a 60s mod feel or belt it for more definition. From start to finish, this project took me about 30 minutes - including threading the serger and sewing machine and winding a new bobbin. Plus, I was able to save a little old dress from its deathbed.
Thanks for joining in this week's project ReStyle. I'll be posting my favorites from the Flickr group soon too! XO. elsie
This is amazing!!! I wish I knew how to do all that!
Posted by: Brooke @ Bright Wishes | January 28, 2011 at 01:12 PM
Keiko is so pretty and talented! I've been following her fashions since the Livejournal days - I LOVE what she did with this dress, it turned out super cute.
Posted by: Mallory | January 28, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Wow, this is so amazing! I feel like being able to do things like this opens up your wardrobe (and shopping) so much. Hopefully someday I can learn this process, from visualization to sewing to end result.
Posted by: Caitlin | January 28, 2011 at 01:28 PM
This is ahhhmazing! Hoping to become this skilled one day!
www.thestylefront.com
Posted by: Jessica | January 28, 2011 at 01:34 PM
Inspired!
Portia
xxx
Posted by: Portia | January 28, 2011 at 01:38 PM
That's beautiful!! Completely inspiring x
Posted by: nikki joy | January 28, 2011 at 01:39 PM
Wish I could learn how to do that!
Posted by: Sandra Winfrey | January 28, 2011 at 01:40 PM
Oh... So amazing!
http://cappuccinowithfashion.blogspot.com/
Posted by: Julia | January 28, 2011 at 01:43 PM
She is absolutely amazing!
Posted by: Desiree Cherisse | January 28, 2011 at 01:44 PM
This is lovely! The 'after' dress looks so similar to my mother's late 60s wedding mini dress (and similar to the style I want for my own wedding this fall!). Love!
Posted by: Melissa (bubbyandbean.com) | January 28, 2011 at 01:45 PM
Wow, I can't get over how cute that dress is. Fabulous re-style!
Posted by: Mandi | January 28, 2011 at 01:54 PM
wow! i didn't even know you could DO things like that!! haha need.to.go.thrifting!
Posted by: Michelle | January 28, 2011 at 01:57 PM
turned out so adorable and great sewing!
http://catonann.blogspot.com/
Posted by: caton ann | January 28, 2011 at 02:00 PM
Wow, that is an amazing transformation! She is absolutely beautiful too!
xoxo~Meg
Posted by: Meg | January 28, 2011 at 02:02 PM
Amazing!!!!
Posted by: Marcia Furman | January 28, 2011 at 02:03 PM
I wish I could sew, there are so many potentially cute outfits out there in the world!
www.thewardrobediaries.com
Posted by: Celine | January 28, 2011 at 02:04 PM
That is stunning, Your blog always makes me want to run & get out my sewing machine, problem is I'm not really sure what to do with it:D
C
xx
Posted by: claireliz | January 28, 2011 at 02:05 PM
cute! i LOVE Keiko :o)
xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
Posted by: tiffany. | January 28, 2011 at 02:06 PM
This is so gorgeous!
Posted by: Heidi | January 28, 2011 at 02:17 PM
I love keiko she's one of my favorite bloggers. this dress turned out beautifully.
Posted by: Bee | January 28, 2011 at 02:26 PM