My mother gave me this dress some time ago. She bought it for $1.00 at a thrift store and thought the dress might look cute if I hemmed it. 
O k a y y y y y …
I thought it had potential, but a little hem seemed like just the beginning, or perhaps the grand finale. 
The fit was acceptable in bust but was too big elsewhere.
After releasing a few stitches of the bust lining, I was able to adjust the bodice.
Following the stitching lines I removed two inches from the upper bodice through the hips. I then tapered the lower portion removing nearly 8 inches from the skirt sweep which changed the A-line into a straight skirt. Luckily this alteration took up the slack in the back, and all I had left to do was to hem the dress. Mother wasn’t too far off track.
It’s all in the fit, isn’t it?
A cute dress can look ho-hum when it doesn’t fit, and a ho-hum dress can look cute when it does fit. 
T H A N K S , M O M ! !
That looks remarkably like the now infamous dress Michelle Obama wore on tv for a talk show, that sold out within days and that Simplicity provided a knock-off for (sorry, forgot the exact number but it might be a wardrober.)
Migth be the best dress $1 could buy, LOL! Looks great on you, very flattering.
ok, found the post:
http://mrs-o.com/newdata/2009/1/25/mrso-inspired-style-discovery.html
LaKaribane, you’re right. The two dresses do look very similar.
Yes it does look much like that dress! Thanks so much for the link – I may try to find the Simplicity pattern. Thanks for writing!
wonderful transformation
Many thanks Pauline! BTW – I voted for you in the PR contest.
You are too smart.
and you are too nice!!
Fantastic I love these refashions people seem to perfect with no problem at all. Your Mom obviously has a good eye !
Thank you, Lisa. This one was easy but I have I a huge stack of clothes that I just don’t know what to do with……
I agree with Lisa, your Mom does have a great eye and you have a great talent!! Good job!
You and Lisa are correct about my mother – she has an excellent eye for clothing
…and thank you so much for your nice comment!!
And I agree with both Lisa and Myra… Your alterations have made the dress a winner, and I love this shade of green on you!
Thank you, Heather! I would have never selected this dress, but sometimes Mother knows best
Even when you have money to spend, It feels great to find a bargain that is of good quality and that you will actually wear. This is too cute, and you look lovely in it. You are right, it is all in the fit. Hopefully someday I will be able to make garments fit as well as you do. Good job!
Many thanks for your nice comment, Becky! You’re right – there’s nothing better than a good AND useful bargain. I’m convinced the secret to fitting is to measure, baste and take your time !
How fabulous! Your mother must have access to a better thrift store than I do. Your changes make all the difference — and now you have yet another great summer dress! And for $1 no less.
Thank you, Cissie! Mother volunteers at a thrift store in the Pinehurst area that receives many high end donations – especially in men’s golf clothes
I don’t live far from Pinehurst. Maybe I can get down there and beat your mother to the real treasures!!
That was a very dramatic improvement!!
Many thanks! I was shocked at the transformation myself
Really cute! Good eye, mom! This cut is adorable on you!
Thank you so much, Ginger! I once read a slightly raised waistline is very flattering on nearly all body types
It very definitely is all in the fit. Great save!
Yes it is in the fit …… and that is what I primarily intend to focus on! Many thanks for writing, Irene
Adorable! Think what you can do with the other $199 semolians!
Thank you! Unfortunately the other $199 is already spent
Your mother has a good eye and you did a fabulous job turning it into something that looks great on you.
Thank you, Katy! Mother does seem to know what styles suit me and others
One-dollar-wonderful!
Another great line……. I’m going to start consulting with you before publishing my post. As a matter of fact, I’m changing the title of my post NOW!!
LOL…happy to consult …in exchange for tips on how you choose fabric …. !
Fabulous transformation, your mom did a great job with the purchase.
Thank you, Lori! Mother loves finding bargains and is hopefully proud of this one
Oh wow! Just wonderful! That looks so great now.
Thank you so much!
Good save. It looks fantastic
Thank you so much, Gail
It really is all about the fit. Your Mum has a good eye for your style.
Many thanks! You seem to be doing an excellent job of fitting patterns for your petite frame. What’s your secret?
You did a fabulous job on making this dress fit you!
Thank you, Carolyn! Fortunately there wasn’t too much to do
I love what you did with the dress! I’ll bet your Mom is proud!
Many thanks, Jan! Mother hasn’t seen it yet but I’m sure she’ll be pleased
Really cute dress. This sheath style really suits you…
Thank you, Coco! This style does work well for me – how I wish I could wear the long flowing garments you make – another 6 inches might help
Quite a transformation… well worth the effort!
Thank you so much, Kerri! I have a feeling I’ll wear this one all summer
Looks like $300…sign me up today!!!
You are a whiz at making over kind of dowdy dresses into very stylish ones! This one turned out so well!
Many thanks, Karen! This one was an easy transformation
Nice save! You did a terrific job fixing up this dress; it looks super cute
Thank you, Carolyn. It was definitely a gratifying experience!
Your Mom has very nice taste! You did a fantastic job on altering / fitting the dress.
Many thanks, Rosie. Mother has always been gifted in this area