After sewing my Motor City Express jacket for possibly the whole of last month, I decided to tackle the small projects lying around next. Mending, shortening Mr. G.T.’s shirt sleeves from long to elbow length, and salvaging a few garments that I have made but don’t wear. Like many I have had a few Me Mades that turned out perfectly fine, BUT were not perfectly fine on me.
Perhaps you remember this dress, blogged about here, a vintage pattern, Butterick B4598, which I made last August 2014. I love colour blocking and this is a really nice vintage pattern. Unfortunately, when I wear this dress I feel short, really short! It’s too long and I think I need some waist line definition. It has been hanging in the closet, unloved, ever since.
MY BEFORE
Or there is this more recent dress I blogged about here. It’s McCall’s 7238, another vintage pattern. I loved the print on this fabric, but the fabric was very light, as light as a tee shirt fabric.
AND ANOTHER BEFORE
I know that if it looks good on the model or the mannequin or on the pattern envelope or on someone else – it might not necessarily be the style for me.
I know that just because the fabric has a pretty design or the perfect colour – the design or colour might not be suitable for me.
I know that I should consider the drape and weight of the fabric – as they might not be suitable for what I have planned.
But hey! You know, sometimes I can’t see the forest for the trees.
To salvage these two garments, I re-made them into tops.
With my black and white one, I cut it to a comfortable waist length and finished the hem off with self made bias tape. (Please click the first photo to start the slide show.)
AND MY AFTER
My flowered print dress was even easier to salvage. I took out the elastic waist band, shortened it and re-hemmed it.
AND ANOTHER AFTER
(I just noticed the two hair colours in these photos, which reminds me, there will be no head shots this week. I have, again, changed my hair colour and my sisters have not seen it yet!)
So come on! We all have them. I know I’m not the only one! What was your last garment that turned out perfectly, but actually didn’t?
Well, back to cutting. I am cutting out the fabrics for My Sister Project. Boy, am I anxious to start on her garments!
Happy Sewing!
Nicely rescued! A far better woman than me …… My stuff gets buried away and eventually goes down the charity shop. Guess it’s the brat only child in me, I just get the huff when I look at the makes that are fine, but not fine on me….. 😊
Thanks, oh there are a few that end up in the charity shop too, usually the ones that don’t fit me anymore!
I loved the black colour blocking dress. 😢 I didn’t think it made you look short. I get your point though. The times I’ve bought something at the store, thought I’d wear it, only to have it hang in the closet with the tags still on. It’s that quote from the author Boss Lady, it doesn’t matter if it’s fashion, if you don’t feel a million bucks in it, it’s not worth it. But hey, you salvaged both, and will be wearing them. 😊
Thanks, I’m going to have to look up “Boss Lady”, she sounds like a smart cookie!
Lovely revisions on these – congratulations! Had a couple of dresses I cut down to skirts earlier this summer, and currently have an op shop top I’m fitting a bit for cooler weather… if that ever comes!
Thanks! Yes, the skirt option is always a possibility too! Hope your weather behaves soon!
Thank you!
It’s nice to take a break from the big projects and regroup with the simpler projects 🙂 The tops look great!
Thank you! I’m going to have to come over and take a peek at your refashions. I was thinking about you when I was re-doing these!
How sweet! Thank you 🙂
Good luck on the contest. Your gingham and lace is fab!
Great saves, I’m particularly liking the second one 🙂
Thanks! The flowered one is great for the hot weather we have been having. (Has your weather warmed up yet?)
I especially like your black and white alteration. I’ve got a few items which need your magic touch!
Haha! It’s easy enough to do with these. The whole time I was thinking “What the heck is going to happen when I blow it making pants (trousers)!” I guess I might just have a couple of pants muslins sitting around!
I love it when I can save an item that I would never wear! I especially like your black and white top.
Thanks, the black and white, being more fitted, is suitable for work. The flowered one is loose and comfy, suitable for these hot days we have been having.
Good job! They are so versatile now. And both look very comfy.
Thanks! I am happy I could save these.
I have a lovely Burda that came really nicely, and I used the fabulous heather purple lace that is flocked. It’s soft and beautiful, but not flattering to wear at all! Have been pondering making it a top. I’m glad to not be the only one with failed successes!!
Exactly! Sometimes the pattern is lovely or the fabric, or I put so much work into it, I just can’t part with it! Your purple lace must be beautiful!
Fab idea! I think most dresses are destined to be tops after a few wears. I have some that I like but don’t have an occasion to wear them but would with trousers if they were tops. 🙂
It’s nice to have the choice, isn’t it. Whatever works!