Sunday, March 30, 2014

Sequin Refashion

Confession: the "before" of this project, is neither a hand-me-down, nor is it a rockin, thrift store find; it is from my very own closet. SGHS prom, circa 1995. Not as embarrassing as a couple of my other evening wear selections from that era, but embarrassing enough... I kind of wish I had a photo to share from back in the day, but I never got any copies from my date, because we stopped speaking the next day. My only regret about that is not getting those darn pics!

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion before frontUlterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion before back

With this awesome little number, I wanted to create something a bit less, Vegas party-girl, and a bit more classic/classy sophisticate; something appropriate for nearly twenty years later, to wear to a friend's wedding. As mentioned in my previous post, I've been collecting both inspirational and aspirational ideas for this sparkly revamp on a SequInspiration Pin board.

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion dress to skirt
The deconstruction:

Inside-out, I marked the front, waist line and cut line with chalk. (The back was easier as I just popped those straps off with a seam ripper, no sweat.) Carefully, I de-sequined in between the lines. Once that arduous process was complete, I sliced off the top.

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion cut to skirt
The reconstruction:

I added a band of elastic inside the waist for strength with a give, then hemmed and folded down the flap of sequin-free material over that, hand tacking it all in place. The beast of this process was individually hand-sewing sequins in place that were bent, broken, scratched, or missing. I also needed a full row for the new top of the waist line. Now complete, but not quite finished.

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion fix
The addition:

Axed as my original idea for a blouse, I cut apart another old, unwearable dress that I had dyed navy to match.

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion peach dress for trimUlterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion peach dyed navy dress for trim

These strips became a dainty, sheer, ruffle trim. I saw a similar detail on an image that I just could not get out of my head! Had to have it. Not only does this create additional length, but it adds an extra dimension of personality that I adore. 

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion back and bottom detail

I love the way it turned out, and proudly wore it to what turned out to be an absolutely beautiful wedding. 

Ulterior Alterations: Sequin Refashion Before and After

Paired with a simple navy blouse, and nude pumps, I achieved the look I was going for- and happily accepted multiple compliments on my new skirt throughout a wonderful evening!

Ulterior Alterations: Completed Sequin Refashion



Bookmark and Share

Thursday, March 27, 2014

Eyelet Trimmed Sweater

As my farewell to cool weather, and a long, strange winter for us here in ATX, I'm posting my last sweater for what I fear will be all too many moons...

This over-sized grey (and tiny, white striped) sweater came from a place where I often find myself browsing: the clearance rack in the men's department at Target. All it needed was a couple of tweaks.

Ulterior Alterations: DIY Eyelet Trimmed Neckline Refashion

Changing the neckline makes all the difference in the world, don't you think? Adding this eyelet trim gave a slouchy sweater a sweet, feminine detail that I love.

I needed this super simple refashion, as I've been working on another for weeks and weeks, slowly but surely. I'll give you a clue: sequins. Check out my SequInspiration Pinterest board for more hints. Hopefully it'll be ready to share really soon!

Bookmark and Share

Monday, March 10, 2014

Toddler Vest

You know when you start a project thinking, "This will be an easy, simple, quick project", and a couple of months pass and it's still not finished...

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest Fabric

This scrap fabric came from the clearance bin at the fabric store. I wasn't intentionally looking for fabric (it was supposed to a quick in-and-out trip), but this rocketship-printed fleece was so precious, I couldn't not buy it. So I did; although I had no idea what it would become, I did know who the what would be for.

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest Pattern Original

I have an adorable, nearly 2-year-old niece who I don't get to see often enough as we live 1800 miles apart. We were together for the holidays though, so, using one of her vests, I made a pattern and quickly had three pieces sewn into a basic vest shape.

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest Pattern

That part was easy, however, as often happens with me, I got stuck on the finishing. So this became an experiment and lesson for me on a few things:

1) Fuzzy fleece- this shed like a mutha! There were (and still are) little blue fluffs all over the floor! Plus, and more importantly, this is why I desperately needed to finish it. Trying to fold and hem it under was impossible- it got all stuck in the machine when I tried. 

2) Binding- I have never used binding before, so this was for sure a learning experience! I used the extremely knowledgeable Habby Goddess as my main teacher, though I read and viewed a bunch of tutorials before I started so that I didn't mess it up too badly! The result is imperfect, but I did get a little better as it as I went.

3) Zipper installation- sucks. I was so proud of myself a while back when I successfully put in a zipper on a Pillow Case, but that was a whole different story. Mostly, again, because of the fuzz factor. Maybe I should've bound and then zippered? I ended up using wash away basting thread to hold it in place, then machine sewed. That worked. -ish.

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest Wash Away Basting

You can see it looks a little bumpy and does not lay completely flat, but the wash away thread is super cool!

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest Complete

All challenges and lessons aside, I think it turned out to be pretty dang cute! And it's really dang cute on the really dang cute little girl!

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest + Leftovers LovieUlterior Alterations: Toddler Vest + Legwarmers

I also included a little lovie blankie from leftovers and legwarmers from an old pair of my socks in this "just-because" care package that didn't make it for Christmas and might be out of season come birthday.

Ulterior Alterations: Toddler Vest Thank You

...and maybe I'm just a proud aunt, but this thank you note is the. best. thing. ever.

Bookmark and Share