The tale of three garments….
Wonder why I haven’t worn this skirt in a while… dull and dated but beautiful wool….wait a minute….. was this Talbot’s skirt actually made in Italy?
I couldn’t resist trying to resurrect this skirt from another century and got busy with the scissors until the skirt had a fresh look. Ten inches shorter was all it took to make this skirt wardrobe worthy again!
Meanwhile, I have been hanging on to this Howard Wolf skirt since 1978! It is part of the first suit I ever owned, but the time had come to give it away or give it a new life. This update was not as simple as the previous skirt because I had to re-cut the entire skirt. However, I was able to use this Simplicity pattern to transform this
into this.
Thank goodness I could use the original hem on this bias cut skirt, and adding a zipper reduced the bulk of the fabric gathered into the original waistband. Yes, it was a bias cut skirt gathered into a set waistband.
The exceptional quality of the original garments is impossible to find in moderately priced RTW these days giving me a real bargain with two simple makeovers …… two new skirts completely free!
Speaking of new life, new looks and new homes, my daughter was here over the weekend and well…… this dress
is now her dress……
(pardon the static cling and dog)
A happy ending to a challenging project!
First your daughter looks so much like you! Very beautiful! Second, isn’t it great to reclaim a garment that wasn’t working and remake it into something that does! Love the way you restyled them!
Thank you Carolyn! Two years ago I remade a piece of clothing for the first time and now I see everything in the closet as an opportunity for a remake though it doesn’t always work out.
By the way, I really love your blog and your creations!
Yes, your daughter is beautiful! Just like her Mom! The work you are doing is amazing! Love the transformations!
Thank you so much, Tracey! I’m really enjoying this year of sewing!
I love the skirts. Perfect length. Your daughter’s dress is perfect with the scarf and boots. Adorable! Do you want it back?
Thanks, Cynthia! I would want the dress back if it fit me properly but it looks cuter on her!
Great to see your re-modelling and so glad your daughter solved your dilemma with your new look dress – she looks great in it!
Thanks, Carol! I was really thrilled that my daughter would want something I made, and I thought she looked pretty cute in it too!
Hi Sarah! My friend Joanne introduced me to your site and I’m so glad she did. Great redo on the skirts. Cute daughter. —Meg (Shop the Garment District and the defunct Lindsay T Sews)
Meg,
Thanks so much for your comment! Just as I was entering the sewing blog world you were closing yours, but I loved following it for the few weeks I was able. I’m going to take your Garment District Tour on my next trip to NY!
The previous comments said it well so I”ll just say I really enjoyed this post.
Loved your blog too. If I decide that I must have a Misson(i) like GV’s, I’ll have to take your tour.
I just realized how many skirts of that shape and length that I should be going after with scissors – your blog continues to inspire me! and love that your daughter got the dress – the color is great on her!
Thanks, Beth! The entire shape of the gray skirt changed after shedding several inches – both skirts were really transformed in just a few hours!