Happy Fashion Friday, HowDoesShe gals!
I am beyond thrilled to re-introduce the fabulous Ashley from “www.mutzebyashley.blogspot.com ” who is here with another fabulous “how to” fashion post. Do you remember this one she did a few weeks ago? 5 Summer Lovin’ Skirts under $50! Amazing! Today she is sharing a simple trick that will have you digging through your closets for those ill-fitting clothes! Yay! Take it away, Ashley!
It’s easy to fall in love with that stunning dress when it’s hanging in your favorite clothing store. However, things don’t always go as planned when you bring it home. Please don’t tell me I’m the only person who buys a beautiful dress and doesn’t wear it because the fit is flawed.
For example, I got this dress from Mango about a year ago. The plan was to layer a t-shirt under the dress because I like to wear a cap sleeve. I was wrong. The dress is way too elegant to wear a t-shirt and I can never seem to find the perfect shrug to wear over it. Its time for plan “B”—take matters into my own hands with a simple redesign.
I learned how to sew in 4-H when I was eight years old but, for this project I needed a refresher course in sewing from my teacher (aka my mom). As you can see from the pictures, the dress was too long, too low in the front and needed cap sleeves to complete the new look. These necessary additions seemed impossible at first—but with just a little effort they were actually quite easy.
The first thing we did was try on the dress so we could get the perfect length and cap sleeve measurements.
Second we took the fabric we cut from the bottom of the dress and used it for the neckline and the cap sleeves.
…And there you have it! It was so easy and quick. Look how much better it looks without the t-shirt under it. I LOVE IT! Not only have I salvaged this fabulous dress, it was so much fun sewing with my mom. I can’t believe I didn’t fix this dress the day I got it, and I can’t wait to wear it (but I will have to wait because my sister thought it looked so great she decided to wear it to a wedding).
(Me and my favorite teacher my mom (Deanna Sasser))
Here are some tips to help you redesign your not so perfect clothes:
- Save scrap material. I could have never made the sleeves or neckline for my dress if I had thrown away the extra material from the bottom of the dress.
- If you can’t sew it yourself ask a family member or friend to help you. It is a lot cheaper then going to a tailor.
- Don’t be afraid of change. I was nervous I would ruin the dress if I tried to fix it. Now I wish I would have done it a long time ago. It’s tailored perfectly to fit me.
- Always sketch before you sew. Before I took my scissors to it, I found a notebook and sketched the dress as it looked before and how I wanted it to look after. This is a must—once you cut the dress, there is no going back.
So before you go out and buy another expensive dress go through your closet first. You never know what a small redesign might do to that beautiful dress that never quite fit.
What favorite item in your closet will you redesign?
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Thanks, Ashley! I am feeling totally inspired and revved up to revamp some of my old (and new…ahem) clothes! You can see more of Ashley by visiting her blog: www.mutzebyashley.blogspot.com!
Missy says
That seems so scary but it turned out fabulous! You have me thinking….
Cristi says
Hmmmm…..I got this pant suit that I just may have been inspired to change it up a bit!
Laura says
It turned out so cute! It gives me hope on the things I bought because it was a good deal, but have never worn for one reason or another. Now I need to learn how to sew or bribe a friend to help me!
Rachel says
Thanks for reminding me how simple this process really is. I have a very hard time with finding dresses that fit me the way I want them to. But I have a sewing machine and a mom who sews! I would only need a little refresher course and then I could look fabulous too!
Tara says
Beautiful dress! Now only if I knew how to sew…You’re so talented Ashley!
Mike S. says
Love it! Thanks for the great idea!
Brooke says
Love seeing a good before and after. I always skip over clothes that aren’t “perfect” in the store. Next time I’ll think twice about how it could be altered!
Hotpants says
Nice post and very helpful. Keep them coming!
Audra says
I love this amazing dress & think you are SO talented and beautiful! What an impressive and resourceful idea! I have at least 3 dresses I need to do this to. Thanks a million!
Andrea says
Ashley- great post! I love what you did with the dress.
heather says
Great post Ashley! I’m definitely inspired! I love it that you sew with your mom! Can’t wait to start sewing!
Lindsey says
Love it! Of course, I would have to resort to step 2 because my sewing skills are non-existant, but worth it with such a cute end product.
Tricia says
What a beautiful dress. Great job Ashley and Deanna!
Kristi says
You and your mom did a beautiful job on the dress. Makes me want to get all of those I’ll-fitting cl
Kristi says
Oops! ill fitting clothes out of my closet and fix them!
Libby says
I love this dress! The redesign is amazing. I love the tip about asking friends and family to help with sewing. I have used a tailor before but it can get expensive. If I just asked the people close to me I know I could find someone to help me for cheaper and maybe even teach me how to do it myself. Thank you for the inspiration. You’re so good.
Heather says
I wouldn’t have even thought of taking a little off here and adding a little there but it sure worked! Thanks for the inspiration Ashley!!
Mary says
Ash, you are amazing! Time to dust off the old sewing machine!
brenda says
Bravo– good results. I have decided that if i cannot figure out how to fix it it goes to donations so someone else can or it will fit thiem as is.When i go into redesign mode i remind myself that i am not using it the way it is and the worst thing that will happen is that i will continue to not wear it. Learning requires jumping in and trying to put what is in my head into my design. you did a great job and it looks like that is the way it always was supposed to be.
Deanna Sasser says
Love the dress on Ashley. I thought she was kidding when she asked me to help her redesign this dress that had been waiting 2 years for some tender loving care. She first asked if it was possible using the extra hem length. I told her “sure”! Woops!! Just got myself into trouble. Actually, it turned out to be fun working with Ashley on the dress. And she looked great in the finished product. Think I will do a little redesigning with a few outfits in my closet! Love you Ash!
Ella says
Nice job, Ashley. You and your mother make a good team!
whitney says
Beautiful! I love how it turned out, so classy. I have a few dresses I’ll have to try this on. Thanks for the great tip!