25 Nov Formal Desperation
There’s a first time for everything, and I let a formal event on November 23rd sneak up on me, in that I had nothing to wear. I planned on wearing my daughter’s dress but waited until Thanksgiving night to try it on and it wasn’t a pretty picture.
Frantically rummaging through every closet in the house, I stumbled upon this sequined dress I bought in 1994. I’ve been hoping to shrink back into it, but desperate times call for desperate measures and out came the scissors and a roll of Steam-a-Seam. 
I cut nine inches off of the dress and placed Steam-a-Seam along the lower edge. 
After removing the Steam-a-Seam backing, I secured the hem in place with the iron, using a silk organza press cloth. Within 15 minutes I had an acceptable top to pair with a black silk skirt I bought in 2004.
“Not so quick, Mom.”
My daughters, home for the holiday, advised me to shorten the sleeves to give some distance between the sleeve edge and the top of the glove.
Another 15 minutes on the sleeves and I was ready.
“Do you have a sash, Mom?”
Fortunately I had a black silk organza sash.
Now I was set. 
30 minutes and zero $$ investment.
Luckily it all worked out, but I vow to be better prepared next time – even if I do decide to upcycle an 18-year-old too tight dress!
Minnie Me
Posted at 15:08h, 25 NovemberOh well done! Though I do know that desperate feeling of need something special now and what do I do? Hope you enjoyed your night you look lovely.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:28h, 25 NovemberMany thanks, Minnie! It was a great evening 🙂
Redd's Threads
Posted at 15:10h, 25 NovemberStunning!! I never would have guessed that was an “upcycle”! I just cleans out my closets and got rid of tons of too-small things.. Now I’m sort of regretting it!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:30h, 25 NovemberThank you, Robin! My husband just cleaned out HIS closet and got rid of things I could have had some fun with. Oh goodness, we can’t hang on to everything I suppose 🙂
Pauline Droy
Posted at 15:18h, 25 NovemberI am in a similar situation in that I have a work Xmas dinner on the 8th December (two weeks way) and need to make something for it. I only have next weekend, and part of that will be taken up running back and forth to Oxford to collect stuff from my son’s flat (6 hour round trip) – I am off to Dubai for work between 3rd-6th so I may be seeing what I can revamp at this stage lol. Your new outfit is stunning and well worth the effort.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:31h, 25 NovemberDubai? How exciting! Good luck in coming up with an outfit for the 8th. I have every confidence you’ll be smashing 🙂 Many thanks for writing!
Joyce Love
Posted at 15:19h, 25 NovemberLovely! You have such a great fashion sense!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:32h, 25 Novemberahh….. thank you, Joyce!! 🙂
Myra
Posted at 15:21h, 25 NovemberAwesome job! This is definitely a beautiful ensemble! You must keep this one for future wear, it’s beautiful!! Someone else who doesn’t sew would probably pay a high price for this very same top! Again, great work!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:32h, 25 NovemberThank you, Myra! I love my new top – it’s a keeper for sure 🙂
Ruth
Posted at 15:22h, 25 NovemberNow wait a minute…. You had nothing to wear????
Anyway, what a marvellous remake. You look great, as always
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:36h, 25 NovemberIt’s true….. Most of the formals and balls I go to are in the spring.I rarely go to all-out formals in Nov/Dec…… lots of black ties around holiday time but tails, gloves and gowns have been rare this time of year where I live.
Anyhow, it all worked out and the evening was lovely. Thanks for writing!!
hazel walker
Posted at 15:29h, 25 Novembersimply charming…………. you look gorgeous…… and your young man looks pretty pleased with the results also. Now here, in m y wardrobe, I REALLY truly would have ‘nothing to wear” I would probably go to the charity shop and find something to make-do-and-mend. Tomorrow I am off to my treat-of-the month……. we travel 144 mile return journey every 28 days for my husband to have a 6 hour infusion in hospital, I have recently discovered a wonderful sewing teacher, and I have a 6 hour one to one lesson……….. am I in heaven or what?? I have made a winter coat, a winter jacket, and am making a knitted jacket, my problem is finding suita ble fabric the lovely websites in the USA don’t want to sent internationally……. so frustrating.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 15:41h, 25 NovemberYou’ve made lemonade out of lemons Hazel! What a wonderful thing for you to look forward to in the midst of your husband’s hospital visits. Surely there are online fabric stores that ship to the UK………Many thanks for your kind comment, my man just loves being called YOUNG 🙂 🙂
Cissie Wellons
Posted at 15:46h, 25 NovemberYour re-do is smashing! Also, is there anything better looking than a man in a white tie and tails? I think not. (A white dinner jacket somes in a close second!) Wish we women had it so easy. Men get to wear the same thing year after year and have ladies swooning! You both look stunning!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:30h, 25 NovemberI think not too. The men may have it easier but we have more fun with our clothes – even when getting wild with the Steam-a-Seam!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:31h, 25 November…… forgot to thank you for the nice comment, Cissie 🙂 I always love hearing from you!
54pineapples
Posted at 16:01h, 25 NovemberLovely. You look terrific!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:33h, 25 NovemberThank you so much!
gingermakes
Posted at 16:01h, 25 NovemberPhew! Just in the nick of time! Unfortunately, this super-successful refashion may just fuel future procrastination! 😉 You look gorgeous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:34h, 25 NovemberOh no!!!!!!!! The family will never survive if I do this again 😉
jstarr4250
Posted at 16:06h, 25 NovemberSheer brilliance! There is no wardrobe emergency that can’t be conquered when we look into our closets with a sewist’s eyes and a roll of steam a seam in hand! You both look wonderful.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:34h, 25 NovemberAmen, Sister! 🙂
artattack024
Posted at 16:23h, 25 NovemberI would say “dream-a-seam” is more apropos…what a fabulous upcycle!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:35h, 25 NovemberDream-a-Seam or Steam-a-Dream 🙂 🙂 Many thanks for writing!
mzsweetpea
Posted at 16:36h, 25 NovemberWhat can I say…Steam a Seam to the rescue…..and what a great idea on your part! LAURA
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:37h, 25 NovemberThank you, Laura! “Steam-a-Seam; don’t be without it.” 🙂
Laura
Posted at 16:59h, 25 NovemberWhat a beautiful outfit! I’m glad it all worked out.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:37h, 25 NovemberMany thanks, Laura!
Calico Stretch
Posted at 17:03h, 25 NovemberOooo sparkles! And gloves. You both look gorgeous. There’s nothing like a bit of organised, um, mad panic sometimes hey?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:38h, 25 NovemberI agree 🙂 Many thanks for your nice comment!
Mrs. K
Posted at 17:05h, 25 NovemberBeautiful outfit and a very handsome couple!
Alethia
Posted at 17:58h, 25 NovemberWow, what a great refashion! Even better that was $0 and at the spur of the moment. I am VERY impressed! You make me think. I have a few functions this coming month. My mind is racing as to what I have in my closet and what I can do with Steam-a-Seam,hmmm!!
Your final outcome is absolutely gorgeous! Thanks to your daughters as well for their quick suggestions.
And, what a beautiful couple you make! Thanks for sharing.
Alethia
Posted at 18:10h, 25 NovemberI hope you don’t mind, but I shared this post and your picture on my Facebook page. I have inserted a link back to the complete post.
I thought others would be fascinated reading about what you can do with a little imagination and some steam-a-seam. ;o)
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:39h, 25 NovemberHi Alethia!
First of all, thank you so much for your nice comments! I don’t mind at all your sharing my post on your FB page – I’m quite flattered 🙂
svs22
Posted at 18:07h, 25 NovemberU look fabulous I bow to you. Enjoy
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:40h, 25 NovemberNo need to bow, a curtsy will be just fine 😉
petra mclean
Posted at 18:19h, 25 Novemberfantastic, lovely dress and you look like a million
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:41h, 25 NovemberHi Petra! Thank you so much 🙂
Florencia
Posted at 18:27h, 25 NovemberOMG you look S.T.U.N.N.I.N.G!!! And you even had time to take pictures of every step of your upcycle! Thanks for sharing!!!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:43h, 25 NovemberThank you Florencia! After I figured out what to do I only spent 30 minutes working so there was lots of picture time. I do wish I had taken a picture of the dress before I cut it.
Lori
Posted at 18:27h, 25 NovemberWow, what a transformation. You look great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:44h, 25 NovemberMany thanks, Lori!
Carolanne
Posted at 19:50h, 25 NovemberUnbelievable….I am in awe of the transformation and how you pulled it all together! It just occured to me the very project I’m working on and having a great deal of trouble with due to the type of fabric I’ve chosen, would be rectified immediately with Steam-a-Seam…goin’ to get me some tomorrow! 😀 Thank you!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:19h, 26 NovemberSteam-a-Seam is miraculous! I believe you need to stitch because it may not bond after laundering, but I wasn’t about to stitch on top of sequins. Good luck!
Carolanne
Posted at 18:12h, 29 NovemberSteam-a-Seam was the absolute answer! Thank you! Working with a fine chiffon-y type fabric that was fraying like a b%tch had me believing it was destined for the trash. 1/4″ steam a seam not only finished the edges of the sleeves, but gave the ruffled bottom hem almost a “flirty” finish! Thank you again for your most helpful post!
crystalpleats
Posted at 01:22h, 26 NovemberYou are amazing! I’m impressed with your resourcefulness and speed. And the sleeves look just perfect, so its probably good you shortened them.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:22h, 26 NovemberThank you, Crystal! This was an easy one once I had the nerve to cut the dress. By the way, I love the dresses you’ve made for your daughter. They bring back great memories 🙂
crystalpleats
Posted at 13:32h, 01 DecemberThank you!
Carola
Posted at 03:04h, 26 NovemberI’m amazed that you kept the dress for that long if it didn’t fit… I guess I’m too quick with my culling and can see now that maybe I should think a little more outside the square. You look amazing the scalloped neckline is very flattering! I can see why you couldn’t part with it and I’m glad you were able to upcycle it. Very inspiring. Quick question: we don’t have “steam a seam” here in Australia but I keep reading how wonderful it is… can you wash your garments without the hems ever coming loose? Or do you also need to top stitch down the track? Carola
CherryPix
Posted at 03:17h, 26 NovemberHi Carola, Spotlight carries Steam a Seam in Australia….great stuff!
Carola
Posted at 09:20h, 26 Novemberoh wow ! guess where i will be heading tomorrow?? Thank you 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:25h, 26 NovemberMany thanks, Carola! I have all kinds of clothes that don’t fit around the house even though they are completely dated ….wishing and hoping and thinking and praying that I’ll be a size 2 again. HA!
CherryPix
Posted at 03:15h, 26 NovemberHow elegant! Love the gloves with it….good advice from DD’s to get sleeves looking just right!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:29h, 26 NovemberThanks, Cherry! I’m sooooo happy my daughters were here to see me through this one 🙂
Gail
Posted at 04:50h, 26 NovemberI think you’re lucky the shorter dress didn’t fit. You look so elegant. A perfect solution and your partner looks very dashing.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:31h, 26 NovemberThank you, Gail….. I’ll pass on the nice comment to my husband 🙂 Lucky? um……… I wish the dress still fit, but I’m lucky it all worked out! Many thanks for writing.
Maggie Edger
Posted at 09:43h, 26 NovemberLooks great to me. A. Maggie
Barbara
Posted at 09:54h, 26 NovemberAbsolutely amazing! Your work is fantastic! As others have pointed out, I don’t think I would have any anything in my closet that would have worked in such short notice. I love the belt and the ensemble is perfect. Great job! You guys look fantastic!
Carol
Posted at 10:15h, 26 NovemberLove the combo! Absolutely love it! Chalk 1 up for creative juices!
Carolyn
Posted at 10:35h, 26 NovemberFirst I’m amazed that you have such wonderful evening wear hanging out in your closets! Second, your refashion of the dress to a top with that evening skirt is just awesome. Your creative juices are flowing on max. Hope you had a wonderful time at the event!
goodbyevalentinog
Posted at 11:03h, 26 NovemberI wasn’t about to get rid of that dress, Carolyn – even if it didn’t fit anymore! Many thanks for the nice comment and hope to see you in NY 🙂
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 11:04h, 26 NovemberI wasn’t about to get rid of that dress, Carolyn – even if it didn’t fit anymore! Many thanks for the nice comment and hope to see you in NY 🙂
Joy
Posted at 16:34h, 26 NovemberYour refashioned top really turned out fabulous! I love the added sash! you look gorgeous in complete outfit!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:43h, 27 NovemberThank you, Joy! I was very pleased and couldn’t have done it without my daughters 🙂
Karen
Posted at 16:59h, 26 NovemberNow if I were you, I would have been secretly gloating over my cleverness all evening! All kidding aside, this was a perfect make-do. What fun to see it all come together – and aren’t daughters wonderful?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:46h, 27 NovemberThank you, Karen! Yes, daughters are wonderful and I couldn’t have been more pleased with the results. Secretly gloating? Who, me? on my “new” “free” formal attire? 🙂 🙂 🙂
Leslie R.
Posted at 19:51h, 26 NovemberGreat refashion. I think I had a top with those same sleeves. I never really liked the sleeves so I tossed it. What was I thinkin’
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:47h, 27 NovemberThanks, Leslie! I rarely toss … but there’s a downside to hanging on to all this stuff. 🙂
Lizzie
Posted at 23:59h, 26 NovemberWhat a beautiful outfit, and what a beautiful couple!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 06:47h, 27 NovemberAhh…… thanks, Lizzie! 🙂
Joen
Posted at 11:03h, 27 NovemberYour formal look turned out fabulous!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:26h, 02 DecemberThank you, Joen!
poppykettle
Posted at 21:30h, 27 NovemberYou’ve got me in fits of giggles here…. such a stunning end result though! It’s exactly the kind of thing I would do… leave it to the last minute. I love how you’ve saved your dress… and it gets another lease on life – win win!! Totally gorgeous.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:27h, 02 DecemberAh….. thanks, Poppykettle 🙂 I was so convinced my daughter’s dress would work so well that I didn’t bother to try it on until the night before the event! Never again and I’m just it all worked out!
Amy
Posted at 02:07h, 28 NovemberYou both look fabulous! I think you were meant to wait so long in order to give new life to this fabulous top. Scallops and sequins – no one would know it wasn’t from this season! And, I’m going to have to try out some steam-a-seam…
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:28h, 02 DecemberMany thanks, Amy! I’m really thrilled to have a new top and you MUST try steam a seam 🙂
Beth (SunnyGal Studio)
Posted at 11:34h, 29 Novemberwhat a great recycle and new life for the sequin top . (I am a sucker for sequins and would wear them daily if I wouldn’t get strange looks) you both look great.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:29h, 02 DecemberMany thanks, Beth! Sequins, everyday? Why not 🙂
Bubbles
Posted at 18:29h, 29 NovemberI love your blog. It is so inspirational.
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:31h, 02 DecemberThank you so much, Bubbles. I never dreamed I would love blogging so much, but it is inspirational for me to communicate with people everywhere and learn from so many talented sewists.
Faux Stepford Wife
Posted at 12:27h, 01 DecemberI love the outfits you’ve made. But I have been dying to tell you how I love your hair! What do you do to style it?
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:36h, 02 DecemberMy hair???? Really?…… Regular cuts, product (Sebastian Potion #9), blow-dry, hot rollers, curling iron and lots of h a i r s p r a y 🙂 (freeze and shine) everyday. It’s much easier to sew clothes!
Faux Stepford Wife
Posted at 18:55h, 02 DecemberYes, your hair! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Pendle Stitches
Posted at 16:57h, 02 DecemberYou make such a gorgeous couple…and your outfit is just amazing. You’d never guess it was a mad rush to get it finished
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 18:36h, 02 DecemberThank you, Pendle Stitches! It worked out well and I plan to wear it again 🙂
Pendle Stitches
Posted at 11:08h, 03 DecemberI hope so…you look beautiful in it!
Ann
Posted at 15:51h, 05 DecemberYou look stunning in your refashioned top! I never would have thought of that. Love the entire ensemble!
goodbyevalentino
Posted at 17:56h, 10 DecemberThank you, Ann! I was relieved it all worked out 🙂