Sunday, October 2, 2011

Tailoring Vintage

I had this super cute floral patterned vintage dress and it was oversized and oddly shaped when belted. I decided that I either needed to pass it on or alter it. So I decided to take it in and give it some shape. Keep in mind I've never done this but thought these were the most logic steps in doing so.
First you must know your measurements. When altering a dress you need bust, waist and hip measurements. I added two inches to make sure I had a comfortable amount of room. 
Cut the side seams. You can use a seam ripper or scissors.
I took my measurements added two inches for comfort then cut them in half (since you will be marking out the measurements just on the front) then cut them in half again. I did this so that I could see and line up the measurement with the center of the dress. Once all three measurements are marked connect the lines. I then cut out the dress on the lines. I probably could have done this first but I didn't realize this would be the best step in the beginning. 
Flip the dress inside out so that you will have a nice seam then pin the sides. Then sew up the sides. 
Do you see a big difference? I totally can and I really love the dress now that it has more shape to it. I hope that anyone who is frustrated with some shapes in their closet will try this. It was surprisingly very easy and fairly quick. 

Thanks so much for stopping in!
-Lo


7 comments:

  1. Aw! I wish I had some trace of sewing talent...

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  2. I am with Gentri...I need some awesome sewing talent as well! Great job!

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  3. aw it looks adorable!

    <3 steffy
    http://steffysprosandcons.blogspot.com

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  4. i love this! i have a shirt that i wanted to repair, it is in my pile ready to go. i should be able to work on it tomorrow, yay! the dress turned out really great!
    xo,
    cb

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  5. Great working on altering that dress! Waist not want not! :D

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  6. It looks great! I'm a terrible seamstress so even reading this made me a bit nervous - but seriously I totally see a difference and think you did a fab job.

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  7. Perfect! I am never gutsy enough to try my own alterations...so BRAVO! You look great!

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