New Look, New Life, New Home

17 Jan New Look, New Life, New Home

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!

goodbyevalentino
goodbyevalentino@gmail.com
14 Comments
  • Carolyn
    Posted at 15:35h, 17 January Reply

    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!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:01h, 18 January Reply

      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!

  • Tracey
    Posted at 16:11h, 17 January Reply

    Yes, your daughter is beautiful! Just like her Mom! The work you are doing is amazing! Love the transformations!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 05:02h, 18 January Reply

      Thank you so much, Tracey! I’m really enjoying this year of sewing!

  • cynthia
    Posted at 20:10h, 17 January Reply

    I love the skirts. Perfect length. Your daughter’s dress is perfect with the scarf and boots. Adorable! Do you want it back?

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 05:03h, 18 January Reply

    Thanks, Cynthia! I would want the dress back if it fit me properly but it looks cuter on her!

  • Carol Webster
    Posted at 05:28h, 18 January Reply

    Great to see your re-modelling and so glad your daughter solved your dilemma with your new look dress – she looks great in it!

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:23h, 18 January Reply

      Thanks, Carol! I was really thrilled that my daughter would want something I made, and I thought she looked pretty cute in it too!

  • Meg
    Posted at 09:40h, 18 January Reply

    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)

    • goodbyevalentino
      Posted at 20:27h, 18 January Reply

      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!

      • Elaine
        Posted at 00:02h, 19 January Reply

        The previous comments said it well so I”ll just say I really enjoyed this post.

    • Elaine
      Posted at 00:04h, 19 January Reply

      Loved your blog too. If I decide that I must have a Misson(i) like GV’s, I’ll have to take your tour.

  • Bethsews
    Posted at 22:15h, 23 January Reply

    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!

  • goodbyevalentino
    Posted at 05:57h, 24 January Reply

    Thanks, Beth! The entire shape of the gray skirt changed after shedding several inches – both skirts were really transformed in just a few hours!

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