I made this Michael Kors knock-off dress earlier this year. It was scrimped out of 2 yards of fabric and I really believe that I shorted the sleeves because they were always tight. However, when I went to put the dress on earlier this fall, the sleeves were just too dayum tight. Part of the problem was definitely the trim that I added to the sleeve's hemline and I guess the other part would be that my biceps have gained in bodaciousness.
Anywhoo, I decided to remove the sleeves...I mean it's a perfectly good dress that can be worn sleeveless with a cardigan.
So here is the before:
...and here is the after:
I simply removed the sleeves. Pressed down the 5/8" seam allowance, stitched it flat and then pressed it again. It has only slightly changed the look of the dress especially since I'd styled the dress before with a cardigan. But it will still be wearable and that's what's most important.
Finally, one of my Christmas gifts was an American Express Gift Certificate which I promptly took to Bed Bath & Beyond and bought a new Rowenta iron.
My old one was leaking and caused me much grief during the construction of the Christening Gown. I'm glad that I bought it because there is a vast difference in the amount of steam the new one is putting out versus the older one...and I never even noticed it!
Finally, it's the last week of 2011 so the next couple of posts will be my yearly wrap-ups before we barrel into 2012.
...as always, more later!
A very smart (and sensible) restyle. Hope you enjoy your new iron!
ReplyDeleteNice restyle, it's always better to have something you'll wear vs. something that's not quite comfortable.
ReplyDeleteI think changes in products like irons are so subtle you just adjust your expectations as time goes by and don't notice that it's actually changed.
It's a cute dress with the great use of the plaid, so I'm glad you could save it!
ReplyDeleteAlso, congrats on the new iron! There is nothing like a great, steamy, reliable, non-spitting iron!!
So nicely refashioned.
ReplyDeleteLike the solution to your problem and the look is great either way!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for such a great blog.
You might be able to get more wear out of it now. Great save!
ReplyDeleteGlad you were able to make it work.
ReplyDeleteYour dress has a nice summery vibe without the sleeves, or year-round with the cardi, so good save!
ReplyDeleteSome people think gift certificates are impersonal, but I love 'em. Who else would know which iron to buy??
Great idea..it looks just as nice sleeveless.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your new iron..an iron that spits is so annoying...I bought a Reliable brand iron and it is awesome...also non-spitting which is wonderful :)
Yes, indeed, a very cute dress and well worth the makeover. You have so many cute cardigans, too.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy that new iron!
Your dress looks great after the restyle. I love a new iron. I invested in a steam generator iron and love it despite the fact I often steam up my glasses.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year
Great save, Carolyn. I'm looking forward to your 2011 wrap up.
ReplyDeleteYour remake looks quite stylish. A good iron makes such a difference. My old iron died so slowly that I didn't notice until I bought a new one.
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration! Great dresses. I do think that the michael kors one is my favorite because of the way you worked the plaid.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2012,
Terry