My #IReloveYou Dress

Sunday 30 March 2014
Happy Mothers Day to all UK readers!

If you are a Mummy, today is the day to put on a lovely frock and celebrate all things Mummy! And that it just what I did with my bouncy new hair cut to top it off.

I took part in the #IReloveYou project back in February. I know the brief was to make something upcycled for the home but I had this dress I picked up in a charity shop and it was calling out! It was a type of kaftan with long bell shaped sleeves and cream trimmed edge. I had never re-cut an item of clothing so it was a challenge. I love something new and different but this was a little demanding...but fun!The silk fabric was gorgeous and when I saw it was 100% silk, I couldn't put it down. I have never upcycled something from a charity shop so this is my first go.

The first thing I did was to cut off the bell shaped sleeves (pic bottom left), then take off all the trimming. I then re-cut the sleeves into the right and left front panels of the dress. These I used bias binding to finish the front facing to make a flat professional finish on the facing and empire line seam.

I then used the same black satin bias binding to finish the arm holes so they lay flat when worn as I don't have enough fabric to face the bodice. I did try out a cap sleeve but it didn't look right. So out it came! The sleeveless dress will be fab for lunches as the weather improves. The back had some double darts in the back to shape it but without a zip it needed to be big enough to get on.

I did try and get a photo with me in the dress but my little girl insisted on being in the photo, so here is the front and below, her I am with photo-bombing Little L and some of our Wedding anniversary roses...still in bloom!



I have to say, the project was really a joy to make. The unpicking took forever and re-cutting meant it frayed - A LOT!! But now I have a beautiful silk dotty dress for the price of a fiver plus a bit of satin bias binding.

Really inspired by my first upcycling challenge. If you hear of anymore, I would love to take them on!

Happy Sewing,


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