Dress Parade (Yellow, Part 2)
16 June 2010 | by Jen in Frocks & Such, Sewing, Vintage
I’ve had this dress for almost a year, picked it up for $15 at the antique market. It is almost a relief to have finally done my fixes on this dress; clothes are really moving from the to do rack to the closet! I really love this dress, I feel really at home in it.
Here’s a look at the before:
A 1970s version of a 1930s dress. You can’t see it in the photos but the little flowers are flocked which I love (not much flocking left but still counts for something). There’s absolutely nothing wrong with the style, only it needed some repairs here and there. But for the most part I don’t like high necklines; I feel too closed up. And the sleeves were shortened in a slapdash fashion by its previous tenant (Hmm, I sense a trend) so I had to do something about that.
This is what I did:
- Cut out and lowered the neckline; removed neck facing that was clearly visible under the sheer fabric.
- Added a pleated Petersham collar that I tacked down by hand. (The stitches seem very obvious to me even though I tried my best to not sew too tightly; I might redo it but it’s fine for now.)
- Cut the sleeves down, leaving a little bit of the previously gathered fabric which I hemmed creating little ruffles.
- Fixed some general wonkiness around the bust seam.
- Cut off the lace and ruffle at the hem and shortened the skirt. I considered fixing and re-attaching the ruffle but decided I liked the simplicity of the plain hem.
- The ties were very much uneven so I shortened one. (I did not match the lengths exactly as I don’t see a problem with them being off just a little.)
- Fastened a little brooch to the neckline (from Seventh Muse). I’ve fashioned other things like a yellow velvet bow and such which I can switch out at will!
I have to say I quite enjoy detailing all the repairs and alterations I do to my vintage finds and I hope you do too! I think so, and I find your comments very kind and encouraging. Thank you.
What are your thoughts, dears? | ♥ 19 Comments
It’s absolutely beautiful! I love making alterations to clothes so they fit me just perfectly. It’s really satisfying to wear the finished piece, and those pieces always end up being my favourites. I really like the new neckline – it’s so pretty but simple at the same time. I’m going to research Petersham collars online to see if I could manage it
It’s so pretty! I’m hopeless at things like sewing and knitting, I just don’t have the patience for it.
simply adorable!!!!
you clever woman you! I can’t believe you did that collar so beautifully!! And I love that you fastened the tiniest of brooch on it..gah! xoxo
How darling! I love the transformation on this one; the adjustments you made make a dramatic (and good!) difference. It looks just darling now!
♥ Casey
blog | elegantmusings.com
That dress is so cute, I love the smocking under the bust and the little collar. Great job.
What an improvement! The new neckline is too cute.
oh, thank you all so much! waking up to these comments is like a nice big hug.
@ Rebecca:
the collar should be fairly easy, it just takes some patience. i used petersham ribbon which is like fancy grosgrain (sometimes called french grosgrain); the difference are the selvedges are flexible and the content is rayon. both of these features allow you to shape the ribbon against curves (like on a hat).
i washed and lightly pressed the ribbon. i think i used a 2 yard piece. i hemmed the ends and started to pin it to the opening of the neck (which has been serged). hopefully you can see the pleating in the last photo. i used a clear ruler to measure the pleats as i went to make sure they were fairly uniform (though not perfect). after the pinning was done, i carefully stitched it down with a single strand of thread. i’m not sure what is the best way to go about this since i’m not entirely satisfied by my stitching.
you may press the pleats but i would use a press cloth (like a clean piece of muslin) to avoid overheating the rayon (and producing that telltale shiny effect).
hope that helps!
Oh, how lovely! It’s just perfect on you!
The dress is so pretty! I love the fabric and neckline.
Jen, this is so cute too! And thanks for the silver stars lead, it’s good to know there are fellow kindred spirits here in L.A.
You totally made it more flattering and chic. Hooray for T.C.B’ing it!
What a lovely transformation. So perfect & summery.
I would have never guessed this wasn’t a 1930s dress! Your repurposing skills are excellent. It’s hard to find 1930s era clothing.
Eeeep!! I’m simply swooning over this dainty frock (and what you made it)! SO divine!!
Oh, it looks so cool and sweet on you! Love the detail of the little collar. That added so much to the design! You did a great job and now it’s something you will enjoy wearing! ♥
Such a sweet dress Jen
You did a beautiful job on a fabulous dress! I am happy to have found your blog and I hope you have a great day!
i love it! i especially love what you did with the color. that floral print is so sweet, too.