Refashion Nip And Tuck

While radical refashions are fun for the surprise element, often garments just need a nip and tuck to give them a new life and a new look.

Take this dress, for instance.  The fabric is a pretty floral with a modern touch (lime green!).  It was only $3 at the thrift store.  And, I thought it wouldn’t take much to make it a new summer dress, which I needed and wanted.

It only took about 1-1/2 hours to take it from frumpy to fun. I widened the neckline from suffocating to just below my collar bones.  Then, shortened the sleeves about 1-inch.  Next was the hem.  It was a little long, and plain.  So, I cut off two 2″ widths and turned them into a narrow ruffle.  Finally, the bodice was too wide, so I added a two darts and pleats to the front, removed the ties and replaced them with a belt.

Now I am the one all dressed up with no place to go.  But, just sitting here at the computer in my new outfit makes me feel pretty and fresh, even in nearly 100F heat.