I Made My PROM DRESS!

I decided to alter this dress - my mum originally wore it to my auntie's wedding as her bridesmaid.

To begin with, I changed the sleeves/straps from the large puffed ones to the 3cm straps. I unpicked them from the dress, then used the fabric to make straps and restitched them. 

Then I took it up by about 30cm by hand stitching the outer and machine stitching the lining. (Before hand stitching I zigzag stitched the raw edges).

I then took it in by pinning it when it was on me, and drawing chalk lines either side of the fold. Then I unpinned, took it off and tacked it so that the fold was on the inside. Then I machine stitched it.

All in all it took quite a while because I kept double checking everything because I was really anxious about making a mistake, but I don't regret the decision to make it at all. Prom was so much fun and everyone looked amazing!

I have lots of projects lined up for the summer, so now that this is done I can concentrate on those!

I Made a Skirt Out of a T-Shirt!

Before: 

After:

What I Used:

- Sewing Machine

- Thread

- Old T-shirt; mine is size medium from Cotton Traders

- Elastic about 1cm wide

- Scissors

How I made it:

(1) First, I turned the shirt inside out and cut off the sleeves and collar.

(2) Then I put it on, still inside out, and pinned to fit loosely.

(3) Then I stitched down the pin lines and cut away the excess fabric.

(4) Then, because I do not have an overlocker, I zigzag stitched the edges.

(5) I then made the waistband:

         - I roughly measured around my waist and cut the elastic to that length

         - Then I sewed at various intervals in a zigzag stitch to keep it in place

         - I then did each section at a time by pulling the elastic and fabric so that the fabric was flat and the elastic was stretched. I sewed in a zigzag stitch because it is less likely to break and it stretches better.

(6) Then I roll-hemmed the top of the skirt to cover the elastic.

Ten Tips When Upcycling

(1) Even if you are not constantly making things, for every item of clothing/bag/shoes that you have to throw away, make sure that you cut off any zips/buttons/poppers/buckles/anything that would be useful.
(2) Sketch all ideas first. Even if you know exactly what you are doing, just double check that it does what you want it to do.
(3) Experiment with new ideas. After all, the clothes you are using were previously unwanted, so it doesn't matter if you make a mistake, right?
(4) Unpick and sew again until you get it right. Never think 'Oh that will do' when making, because it will only mean that it will be more difficult later.
(5) Always tack (or at least pin) before sewing.
(6) Test the sewing machine on scrap fabric first - simple I know but the amount of times I don't bother and something goes wrong is a lot!
(7) Use the right colour thread, even if it means buying more. There is nothing worse than two pinks clashing.
(8) Use a well lit working area. Invest in a cheap spotlight or two to shine on your work, especially if you do most of it in the evenings.
(9) If you are stuck for inspiration, make a mood board.
(10) Most of all, enjoy it - put some music on. Remember that this is meant to be a hobby, not a stress!