It’s coming you know.

Winter.

OK, I can hear what you’re thinking.

You’re still enjoying the beautiful autumn colors and the crisp fall weather.

I know. Me too.

But, to help you get in the mood for the upcoming months, our competitors have created some inspirational Winter White refashions.

(It’s just a little service we provide here at Refashion Runway. 🙂 )

Enjoy……

*****

Carissa, from Carissa Knits, really showed us her versatile side this week:

“When I saw this dated prom dress at the thrift shop for $6, I knew I had to
have it. I am seeing lovely tulle skirts all over these days and have been
wanting one of my very own. The bottom of this dress will do nicely. To
complete the ensemble, I grabbed a stretchy lace t-shirt for $4, and I
pulled the top portion of last week’s wedding dress out of my scrap pile.

I removed the skirt from that heinous black velvet bodice and used the
sashes from the back of the dress to form the waistband. The zipper was
also salvaged from the wedding dress. I needed a top to go with my new
skirt, so I used more of the sash material to finish the cut edges of the
wedding dress bodice. I also took it in a smidge and added heavy-duty hooks
from one of the pink bridesmaid dresses from last week. And to finish it
off, I carefully cut the lining out of my lace tee. Satin, tulle, and lace
– the perfect party dress for a holiday get-together!

I debated whether to wear the lace on top of the bustier or vice-versa. But
that’s the beauty of keeping all three pieces separate – I don’t have to
choose!

I could even remove the lace entirely and go strapless.

Plus, I can mix and match the individual pieces with other garments too.

Oh, the possibilities are endless! For more pics and details, you can visit
CarissaKnits.com.“-Carissa

*****

As you will see, Trish, from Feeling Kinda Thrifty was a brave, brave woman this week:

“Some women tuck their wedding dresses away, saving them for a future
daughter, while others have them framed to hang in a stairwell or bedroom
wall.

I refashioned mine.

My wedding was magical, complete with an ocean sunset, close friends and
family, delicious food, dancing, and even fireworks! These were courtesy
of a nearby hotel and totally unrelated to our wedding, but nonetheless… I
loved every minute of it, especially my gorgeous gown. Wearing it made
feel like a movie star, elegant and glamorous.

Yet, this gown that was so precious to me sat in the back of my closet for
over four years. I guess I never found an opportunity to wear it again,
and as you can tell from the before photo, it was a bit snug! When this
week’s Winter White challenge rolled around, I knew that it was time to
give it a new life.

Some of you may disagree with my decision. It was a difficult choice, and
it took me almost half an hour to make that first cut. Before I began this
refashion, I had already spent a good amount of time thinking it over. I
do not regret my decision. I don’t have a daughter, and even if I did, I
would want her to wear a dress that matched her own style. I don’t have
space in my house to frame a rather long wedding dress. And I don’t want
it tucked away forever, to be forgotten under a bed or in the back of a
closet. I want the spirit of this dress to be part of my everyday life as
a reminder of that spectacular evening that changed my life forever.

Using a self-drafted pattern, I created the body of the blouse using the
silk chiffon overlay. To add a little detail, I created a separate
shoulder and back piece using the polyester underskirt and piping
(originally outlining the bodice of the dress). The placket, collar, and
sleeve bias were made from the raw silk bodice. I didn’t have enough of
the raw silk for the entire collar, so I improvised and used the polyester
underneath. I had originally planned to add buttons on the placket, but I
couldn’t bring myself to cut buttonholes in the beautiful raw silk. So, I
placed hooks and eyes all the way down the front. Whew!

I am so happy with my wedding dress refashion. Now I have a special blouse
that I can wear out to a nice dinner or just around town. More details
about this refashion can be found at my blog, Feeling Kinda Thrifty.”-Trish

*****

This week, Desarae, from Gladness of Heart really challenged herself:

“It is hard to believe this is the last week of Refashion Runway, or as my family
has dubbed it, ‘Runaway’, challenge! It is true, during this competition it was easy
to let an idea runaway with me! And that was certainly the case with this week’s
Winter White project. Let’s just say, I almost bit off more than I could chew and
nearly chocked! As a pretty new sewist (sewer…? seamstress…?), I had never
worked with silky fabrics before…until this week when I picked up a huge blue top
and a lovely cream blouse which was busting buttons at the bosom. I also had a 100%
wool pleated skirt which I planned to spice up.

I had a vision for a two toned sort of illusion top, so I set to work tearing off
the sleeves and collars of both shirts, as well as the hem of the blue top. I
experimented with some designs, but eventually came up with a curvy silhouette that
I traced and cut out of the cream top- right out of the middle front so I had the
row of buttons and folds.

To insert this into the middle of the blue top, I turned it around so the gathered
neckline was now in the back and cut down the middle of what used to be the back.
Then I spent lots of time pinning and adjusting my cream front just right, which was
then sewed to the blue shirt- cutting lots of extra out from it to make it fit
right. From there I set to work fitting my top by taking in the sides, shoulders,
and adding pleats in the back. I also had to cut down the neckline in the front-
this was covered with bias tape to avoid fraying. I reconnected the tie-collar from
the blue shirt, and attached the sleeves from the cream blouse. The sleeves I
shortened to about 3/4 then finished off with some strips from the bottom hem of the
blue shirt. Finally, I hemmed up the bottom raw edge. All of the other joins were
done in French Seams.

To spruce up my skirt, I simply straight stitched about a dozen rows around the
bottom of the hem in deep blue thread- varying the distance between each to create
the appearance of bands. Believe it or not, this outfit took all…stinking…week!
I seriously underestimated working with the silky polyester fabric, which had me
scurrying frantically to finish up what I thought was going to be a simple project.
All in all, I really like the way my outfit turned out, and I’m more than thrilled
that I still have my sanity intact!”-Desarae

*****

This week, Susan, from Second Chances by Susan redefined refashion:

“I know that traditionally when someone refashions something, its usually with the
intent of updating an outdated look. Well, this week I went the opposite direction
and took a rather current dress and created a retro look that would fit right in
with a 1950’s holiday party.

I started with a sleeveless formal dress made from stretch lace, a sheer curtain
panel, a drapery panel, a scrap of ultra suede, and a bag of pearls. Part way
through the project, I salvaged some crocheted lace from a blouse.

The first thing I did was to chop off the length of the dress and make some sleeves.
I decided on 3/4 length sleeves with a ruffle flounce.

The dress would be fine like this, but that’s not much of a refashion if I stopped
there.

I thought a hooded capelet would be fun. I used the drapery panel and lined it with
some satin fabric that I had in my stash.

The dress with the capelet is progressing, but I’m not finished! I wanted a full
skirt, but I didn’t want to permanently attach it to the dress for two reasons.
One, my dress is made from stretch fabric and I wanted to keep it zipper-free. And,
two, I liked the idea of having two different looks from one dress. So I made an
overskirt that is attached to a belt.

The overskirt is sheer, but the dress underneath acts like a slip.

Add in some gloves and a vintage hat and we’re going back in time.

I also made a small clutch to match. I salvaged the satin piping from the original
armholes of the dress.

And of course, when its cold outside, a girl needs a muff to keep her warm!

If you would like to see details of how I accomplished this look, you can visit my
blog where I’ll be posting a tutorial later this weekend.

I’d also like to say “thanks” to Beth for taking the time to put this whole contest
together. I admit it has been a lot of work, but it has also been a lot of fun!
Each week really allowed me to think, stretch, and grow. It has been a pleasure to
be in the company of such creative women!

Thanks! Susan”

*****

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’m totally ready for some snow, sled rides, warm mittens and holiday parties now. Thanks, Ladies!!!

Here’s your chance to vote for your favorite. The winner of the Winter White challenge will be announced next Saturday, as well as the overall winner of Refashion Runway: Season Two.

Use the poll below to vote for your favorite Winter White Refashion:

*****

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of Refashion Runway: Season Two! From the hard working and talented seamstresses to the prize sponsors to everyone who has left encouraging comments and voted. You all rock!

Could I give you my cute look and ask you all a HUGE favor?

If you haven’t already heard, my blog has been nominated on the Craftsy site for “Best Tutorials in Sewing“. It’s a very close race and I’m up against some pretty big blogs. I was wondering if you’d take a minute and vote for The Renegade Seamstress. The winners will be announced on Tuesday, October 29th.

Here’s the link:

Fingers crossed!

Thank you so very much if you’ve already voted!!

And if you are new to The Renegade Seamstress, here is a link to my tutorials: