Monday, June 13, 2011

Not Giving Up, Yet......Refashion Number 1

Okay, so I took a week or so off, again, and I'm going to try this again.  Most of you advised that I should not give up on blogging, but not feel pressured to blog when I'm not in the mood.   I have been sewing.  I haven't been doing my usual sewing, though.  I have been refashioning some of my mother's clothing to fit me.  I am ready to show you some of these things, now. 
Thanks for all of your encouragement.  I just got into a little funk.  I think that the memories that kept flooding my mind while I was working with Mother's clothes was part of that.  I know that Mother would be so proud to know that I am reusing her clothes this way.  I have given away most of her things, but I started looking at the fabrics and decided to use them for myself.

 I didn't take any BEFORE pictures!  How neglectful of me.  I will try to describe each of these items, in this post and the next several, as they were originally.  This was a dress style that was fairly popular, maybe 5 or 6 years ago.  It was a long, almost to the ankle, dress that had no shape.  The jacket had a collar like a button up shirt normally would have.  So, what did I do to change it?
 
With Beulah's help, I'll show you.  First, I cut the dress off to make a shell to wear under tops, including the sheer jacket that came with the dress.  I will also wear this under some other tops.  My next post will show an example of that.  I also took  the side seams.                                                                       
Next, I cut the collar off of the jacket.  I cut the leftover fabric that I cut off the bottom of the dress into 4 strips, which I braided.  I attached this braid to the neckline of the jacket. 

That's all I did.  The jacket hangs very loosely.  The back has an open slit.  I kind of liked the way it looked so I left it alone.

I've also been working on some purses.  I'm trying to perfect my designs before I start sharing these, though.
Next, I'm going to make some summery little outfits for the grands.  I'm going to use red, white, and blue bandanas!  I hope these turn out like I am seeing them in my mind.

It's good to be back, again.  I hope my blogging mood stays with me this time.  Again, thanks for the positive comments.                                       
                                        julia

10 comments:

The sewing room said...

So glad you are still with us,l love what you have done to the dress and jacket l am sure your mom would be very pleased that you are keeping them and restyling, well done they look great.


Hugs Pat

Dharma said...

Glad you are back blogging.Love the braided collar on the jacket. Look forward to seeing your purses.

Donna said...

Hi Julia, I love your idea of braiding for that collar. And I'm glad you aren't quitting. :o) You really do have to just blog when you are in the mood. And that mood does come and go. Sometimes I ask myself the same thing. :o)

I'm so impressed that you have something 'in mind' for the grandkids made out of bandanas. I can't wait to see it!

I'm sure it will be wonderful.
xo
Donna

Susan said...

I'm so glad that you're going to keep sharing your ideas with us! Even though I'm not a seamstress, I still enjoy seeing the things that you create! I also enjoy hearing the stories of your family and such too! It's wonderful that you are able to remake some of your mother's clothes into outfits that you can enjoy and get comfort from! I saved several bags of my dad's shirts to make quilts from...it's been over three years and I still haven't been able to cut into them, but lately I have been thinking that it's time and your post gives me encouragement to do just that. Thank you!

Jackie's Stitches said...

Love your refashioned tank and jacket. It looks perfect for the hot weather. I would have never thought of the modified collar. Brilliant! How wonderful to be able to repurpose your mothers clothing.

Karen said...

Love that fabric and wow, what a great treatment with the braiding. Such a great way to keep your mom with you.

some spots said...

Love the braiding! Very creative refashion. Glad you are back to blogging some--I have had a long break from it, too. Life has its cycles.

Faye Lewis said...

What a collar! Beautiful!

Kim said...

what a great idea with the braided collar Julia! I wish soooo badly you were closer- I am trying to make my doll clothes with no pattern- trying to adapt a pattern I saw on the internet- and I have no idea what I am doing! When I get them all cut out and start to put them together I might be begging for help if it doesn't work! I am glad you are giving blogging another try- I would really miss your posts :) Hugs!!!!!

Diane said...

Glad to see you posting again Julie, missed you.

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