some slight alterations

Do you remember this dress I thrifted earlier this month? It was too big for me, but I recently altered it a little to fit me better. (and a belt works wonders….also thrifted) I really liked the polka dot fabric and neckline ruffly bit, so I brought it home with me. (and for $3, even if it was a FAIL it’s still cheap fabric that could become a skirt or something…) It’s so easy to alter clothes slightly to fit better.
Example A:
**Eh…what’s that on the ground?** 
So here’s what it looked like, pre-messing around with it.
And….on me. Lovely, right? (ignore the discarded towel on the bed)
So I took in the sleeves and side a little bit…and hemmed up the sleeves a bunch. I also tacked down a pleat in the shoulder so it wasn’t as wide. I sewed up a little pleat in each sleeve too, so it fit better.

Just a simple fix, but I’ve often overlooked cute dresses and tops while thrifting that are too big, never realizing, that DUH I sew…and can alter it. 
Example B:
Ok, so I don’t have a before of this, but just picture it a lot baggier and boxier. (are those the same things?) I loved the wide stripes in navy and white, plus it was only a couple bucks. So I cut it up, made it slimmer and sewed in new sleeves. The stripes don’t match up on the sleeves, but I kinda like it that way. (that’s my cute sis modeling for me!)
 
So anyways, hope this inspires you to grab that cute top or dress you spotted at the thrift store or on clearance, and hack it up to make something even cuter!

Comments

  1. i don’t know how some people do it! but you are one of the most talented people i’ve seen on blogger. if i wear to alter something to save my life, i don’t think i would be able to do it. good job! the dress looks fantastic on you.

    -robots in trouble

  2. The dress is adorable!!!

  3. I grabbed loads to hack up last weekend from TK Maxx, just haven’t got up the courage to hack yet! You did a fab job though

  4. Great projects… such good advice. My 4th child is going to start school this year and with a tight budget we just can’t afford a huge back to school shopping trip. I am revamping several “still nice but no longer fit” tops from her big sis. Also using shirts from her older brothers to make shorts and skirts to go with the tops. So not only do your ideas work for adults, but also for kids. In case you’re wondering, little sis loves her “just like big sis, but just my size” wardrobe.

  5. After looking at your blog you have inspired me to get on my mums sewing machine and get crafted! I just hemmed up a dress from the charity shop i got for £1!! You’ve been an inspiration for a broke student like me!!!! xxx

  6. Yay, I love refashioning! My favourite! I love boh of these to pieces.

  7. Wow! That before pic is hilarious…but the after pic is fabulous! Well done! I actually think that altering things is harder sometimes than just making them, but perhaps you’ve inspired me to give it a go!

  8. That dress looks so cute on you. And I love the red belt. I just bought myself a red belt a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it.

  9. I look very stalkerish writing on this again but had to tell you, I loved the bunting you made so much I decided to make my own! And totally stole your lovely idea of adding buttons galore! If you get a chance take a look (it’s only work in progress though i’m new and slow haha)

    http://rachellines91.blogspot.com/

    xx

  10. I look very stalkerish writing on this again but had to tell you, I loved the bunting you made so much I decided to make my own! And totally stole your lovely idea of adding buttons galore! If you get a chance take a look (it’s only work in progress though i’m new and slow haha)

    http://rachellines91.blogspot.com/

    xx

  11. wow you look cute. I love your dress and your hair.

  12. Great work on the dress! It looks very nice 🙂

  13. I’ve always been afraid to attempt an alteration, but you’re so right… using a thrifted item would be great practice since you’re not out much money. Great idea!

  14. LOVE the before pic of you in the mirror!!! LOL! Great job!!! I just wanted to say thanks for the fabric giveaway. I just ordered my fabric tonight. I got some pips that I’ve been eyeing forever. I know…they’re popular…but I just couldn’t help myself. Especially since I know my little girl will be thrilled with a dress made from that material. I also got some fabric to make her a Christmas dress(but not too Christmasy…jungle animals in red and green…HA!). She’ll love it all. Thanks again. Oh, and I’m pretty close to your neck of the woods. We live just south of you in Paso Robles. 🙂

  15. I love the dress! It has a 40’s vibe to it and the red belt is the perfect touch.

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