When I was 16, I was a bridesmaid for a friend, and my bridesmaid dress was a knee-length, white dress with ribbon-like straps. 6 years later, I still have the dress. However, last time I wore it was in 2011 for a college banquet. See, this is what 2011 looks like:
However, like many a bridesmaid dress, this one hasn't been worn much. There were two main reasons:
1) There were some yellow stains on the fabric...possibly from hanging in the closet for years, and the tag said 'Dry Clean Only'. Who actually dry cleans?
2) It's actually too big. This doesn't always matter that much with clothing, but with this particular style of dress is kinda has to actually fit, you know?
So....I decided to experiment with the sewing machine and some of my leftover material to see if there was a way I could make this dress work. Because, you see, if I added a top to the dress, it would actually stay up!
I originally wanted to add sleeves as well, but there was not enough of this fabric left so I gave up on that little dream. You may recognize this fabric as the same used in this dress. I swear, this fabric is Rachel in pattern form. Speaking of patterns, I couldn't figure out how to use part of a pattern to make the top, so I just eyeballed it and tried the dress on a lot as I worked. The end result was pretty much exactly what I imagined so I'm happy!
I ended up going with an open back because I couldn't figure any other way to be able to get the dress on and off unless I took out the original zipper and put in a new one that was long enough for the new added fabric. I suppose I also could have taken in the dress to make it fit better--but both of those endeavors sounded far too complicated given my limited sewing experience.
What do you think?
How creative! I would have never thought of this or remotely been able to actually sew it in a million years. You have some wonderful sewing skills.
bisous
Suzanne
love the back! what a fun addition.
Such a perfect idea! Your amazing at sewing! I love it with the pink top on it! It makes it so much fun and cute at the same time! Looking gorgeous as always dear! Love it! :)
Oh my gosh!! You did an amazing job, and it looks beautiful on you! I am very impressed with your sewing skills and that fabric does just scream Rachel:)
You should make a sash with the colored material to cover up that sparkly strip under the bodice. That would really make the look come together. It's cute!
Joann
Oh my gosh!! It's so cute!! You are so talented. Love the pattern. :)
I agree about the sash, but even without it, it's amazing that you can refashion things like you do! Great idea!
Wow, this looks great! I'm glad you were able to salvage the dress because it's really quite pretty. And that fabric is totally you!
Very cute! It's a much more versatile dress now, I think. :)
An awesome idea! Smart way to make a strapless fit!
http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com
You are so talented! This turned out so well!
Love it, nicely done!
If only I had more of that pink fabric! I do have a turquoise sash that might look cute with this look, though.
Toooooo cute!!! I love it. You did very, very well.
-Amy
Wow, what a creative way to make the dress wearable!
What a great idea! LOVE the new back!!!!
i love it both before and after. you are so creative!
you are so creative! you did a fabulous job!
Amazing transformation Rachel, I like it. Rachel xo
oh my gosh, i how have you stayed the same size all these years? i need to know your secret :) and i love how you described the fabric as 'rachel in pattern form ' - i feel that way at the fabric store at least once a month, and that's the reason i'm sewing all the live long day:)
I love how you transformed this! so great!
www.amemoryofus.blogspot.com
Wow, it's gorgeous! You did a great job!
To a sleeping husband and cat, I just say "wow, that's a great revamping job" aloud! :) It truly is! I love how you've breathed new life into this white frock and turned it from modern bridesmaid to subtly vintage looking everyday attire. Awesome work, dear gal!
♥ Jessica
look at your being all brilliant n stuff!
Absolutely adore these photos Rachel. That bridesmaid dress was so pretty to begin with but your refashioning is great. You definitely made it more fun. I love the floral fabric. Loving your hair too. So girly+cute!!
adorable. LOVE LOVE LOVE this.
xo
Another perfect Rachel-dress!
A wonderful refashion! I love how you did this and it looks so good on you.
That is such an adorable refashion! I should go back to doing those on my blog!
~Zhenya
http://beingzhenya.com
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