At first glance, you might think I just cut off the length.
I didn’t, but it was almost as easy and I was able to give a too small dress a refashion for a change.
To refashion something that is too small can be a real challenge. I usually put the too tight thrift store clothes back on the rack. But I thought it would be fun to have something red, and into my cart it went.
So instead of just cutting off the bottom and putting in a new hem, I cut out the mid section and used the more roomy bottom and the existing hem.
Here’s the game plan:
You’ll cut twice.
Three quarters of an inch below your top measurement.
And three quarters of an inch above the bottom measurement.
You are basically cutting out the middle section.
Match the marks when pinning, easing and sewing the top to the bottom.
Use a quarter inch piece of elastic and measure around your waist on the new waistline. Pull slightly until you get the tension you like and cut. I left mine slightly loose since it’ll most likely be hot when I wear this.
You could dress this up with a belt, some nice shoes and jewelry or just keep it simple and casual.
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Thanks for stopping by!!!
Beth
The Renegade Seamstress 
Love your new dress and love your new tagline!
Thanks to you and Cherrypix!!!!!!!
Yay! Another brilliant save. I so enjoy these posts.
Thank you and I REALLY enjoy making them!!!!
YOU are definitely the queen of RE-FASHION!!!! Thanks for another great post!
~Louise
You are so nice, Louise!!!!
That is SOOOOO cute! And I agree . . . I couldn’t have left without that pretty red print, either! Amazing work as always . . . LOVE your blog! 🙂
Thanks so much for your nice comments! I realized I have very little red in my wardrobe so it’s a nice change for me.
Beth
A much better fit and length on you…..bravo!
Thanks, Paula!
It’s been so hot here in Eastern Oregon a dress is the only way to go.
Hope you are staying cool!
Beth
In the 90’s here in Southern CA but I wouldn’t have it any other way Beth.
Enjoy your day!
Paula
I love the print on this dress, Beth. Those tiny little flowers, backed by that bold but muted red, make for a lovely combination. And I much prefer the length stopping just shy of the knee. You have lovely legs and should show them off!
Happy Saturday to you!
~ Cara
Thanks, Cara!
I realized I didn’t have much red in my closet and I thought it would be a fun change. The red just makes me happy and I’m all about trying to add joy to my life, even if it’s only a silly dress.
😉
Hugs,
Beth
It’s not silly at all! It’s an incredible gift, how something trivial possesses the ability to put a smile on our faces. I simply adore coming home from the thrift-store with a new book or piece of pretty glassware — and the bill was under $2!
Three cheers to the thrifty gals. 😉
Such a good idea! I have a dress in my closet that was a gift. I’m going to try it. Thanks for the pictures. It really helps!
Thanks, Terri,
I’m so glad it’s helpful! Please let me know how it turns out. I’d love to see pictures!!!
Have a great Saturday!
Beth
I did it! And I took pictures too but don’t know how to send them to you. Thanks for the inspiration. You gave me the confidence to dive right in.
Good Morning Terri,
I can’t wait to see your dress. You can send the pictures to my email bhunting@eoni.com
I’m so glad it worked for you! Isn’t it fun!!!!!
Beth
Did you have a chance to send the pictures yet?
That’s a really good idea! *steals your offcut to make some red flowers with* mwahahaha!
Now THAT’S a great idea!! The red fabric would make such cute flowers!!!!!
Ohhh! You could make tiny hexagons and make tiny tiny red flower patchwork brooches
That’s such a great idea! I always find thrift store dresses that are a little too big that I could fix this way.
Thanks, Rachel!
It’s super quick and easy to do, too.
I’d love to see what someone as creative as you would do with something like this!
Beth
I really like this one, Beth! The color and length are flattering.
Thanks, Marty! I hardly have any red in my wardrobe, so it’s a welcome addition. Pretty comfy, too!
Hope you’re getting waited on hand and foot these days!!!
Beth
I discovered your blog while looking for a good maxi dress tutorial. I love your projects!! I plan to follow you on Bloglovin’ so I’ll be visiting from time to time.
Have a fabulous weekend,
Nikell (^_^)
Welcome to my little corner of cyberspace!!!
Let me know when you make the maxi dress. I’d love to see it!
Beth
What a brilliant game plan Beth ! You rule !
Thanks, Claudia!
You make it look so easy! Good tips, thanks again
You are so welcome! It really IS easy. Not to mention fun!
I hope you get a chance to try it. Let me know if you do because I’d love to see what you make.
Beth
That is such a great tip! I love your tutorials :). Also I think the new name is great, there is something revolutionary about altering clothing to suit your personal style rather than just buying the same disposable fashion everyone else buys.
Thank you Bernie!
This whole adventure started because I couldn’t find clothes or even sewing patterns that fit. I was determined to learn how to create clothes that fit my body. I stumbled into this refashioning thing and haven’t turned back. I LOVE it!
Enjoy your day!
Beth
That’s great! I’m so glad you stumbled into it too :)!
So clever! It really looks nice – makes me want to run down to the thrift store and make one too!
I sure hope you do!!! It’s so fun and easy!
Beth
SUCH a useful tutorial! It has opened up a whole world of possibilities – no longer will I have to leave those too-small frocks on the rail! Thank you x
You are so welcome. I think this refashioning thing is so ridiculously fun. So many possibilities….So little time! 🙂 Please let me know if you try this. I’d love to see pictures!
Beth
Reall cute love the red print!
Thanks, Joen!
Love the red dress too! and it looks great with the red belt.
Thanks, Laurel!
I thought the red belt dressed it up a bit. I even tried it with a metallic silver belt and shoes and that really dressed it up.
Beth
You should wear more red, Beth – it really is flattering!
Thanks, Jakki! I realized after I made this, I have very little red.
Once again, just gorgeous! I can’t wait for our Summer, you have inspired me to get Re-fashioning!! Watch out!!
I’m looking forward to seeing what you make!
Beth
Love your dress and boy do you look good in red! I have been doing the same thing with refashioning clothing that I buy in larger sizes. The one I just did was taking a princess seamed long dress and then instead of cutting out the middle, added elastic vertically to about 6 inches of all the princess seams around the waist area to have a ruching effect. I shortened it and put on new buttons and it turned a $3.00 dress into something I love to wear. I got the idea from a Coldwater Creek dress that I loved. It turned out great. Wish I had a camera to take the picture and share. Sometimes refashioning is more work than starting from scratch but it sure is fun and rewarding. I love the inspiration you provide!
Hi Barbara!
Thanks for the visit. I’m intrigued by your dress refashion. I might have to try something like that.
If you ever get a chance to take a picture, I’d love to see it!
Beth
What a great solution! I’m inspired
Oh, Brenna, to inspire is the biggest compliment ever! Thank you, Beth
Reblogged this on vinniestovogue.
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Clever idea. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you.
You are amazing girl!!! Let us know when the book is published! I want a copy!
Thank you, Karen. My book will be coming out in September 2014. I will let you know as it gets closer.
great idea love the red dress, you go girl
Thanks, Ginny!
A great way to change this dress. Thanks for sharing your ideas.
You are so very welcome Sue! I share them for nice people like you! It’s encouraging to know that you are enjoying what I do. Thanks for your nice comments!!!
Very nice work, thank you