1885 Meets 1985 Meets 2016

Ok, seriously, does this dress scream 1980's or 1880's. I'm confused.

I took it upon myself to try to liberate the fashion buried beneath this horrific piece of clothing.

I know I'm a school teacher, but I think this is going too far...

Not having a successful "before" picture moment.

You get the idea.

Sally the cat was listening attentively.

Maybe this school-marm dress was working?

Nah.

I said listen up students!

I've lost my head with this dress. (Get it?)

Out came the shoulder pads first!

Those things are huge! I might make somethin' outta those!

Next, I had to pick off that delicate neck-lace.

Ick!

I then, picked off those sleeves, and chopped just a wee bit from the bottom.

Sally of course, had to supervise.

MEOW!

I cut off a considerable chunk at the top of the sleeves and reattached them. I did NOT want those poofy ruffles!

I also chopped off the wrists, turned the hem and sewed an elbow length sleeve.

I turned the button up collar to a simple V-neck.

I turned the bottom hem up twice, and sewed it all up!

Much better!

See you next time!

Comments

Graduation Gown not just for Graduates Anymore

This discarded, and loved-no-more graduation gown was calling to me from the thrift store rack. It was perfect for this time of year when teachers say goodbye tearfully to some, and not-so-tearfully to others. But we love them all anyway. Heeeeey! Over here! Buy me and give me a new life!! So I did. Sally liked the dress much better once I picked off those sleeves! She thought it was a perfect resting spot. I chopped the bottom a bit, folded it twice because it was fray-fray-central, and I hemmed it all up. I could use the chopped off bottom piece as a belt or use an existing one. Choices.... The dress is all white so this time, I decided to go with a darker brown belt, and some metallic sandals. Congrats and good luck to all the 2015 graduates! I'm ready for the ceremony! See you next time!

Lisa's Sew Along with Cassie! Part ONE

My awesome teacher friend Cassie Stephens, has a great Art Teacher blog. She is an amazing artist, teacher, and she sews too! Cassie had this great idea to start a sew-along. Check out her amazingness at www.cassiestephens.blogspot.com I will be sewing an art apron with her tutorials right along side her. This is my progress so far: Cassie is all professional and stuff making a pattern for her apron, but I just went ahead and traced an existing one. Trace and snip! This Apron will end up being reversable! My Grams gave me some amazing fabric, so I am putting it to use for this reversable apron. Thanks Grams! I love you bunches! Very patriotic. Both sides cut. My Grams gave me that electric blue fur fabric, and I thought it would be super awesome for a pocket. Who doesnt like furry pockets? I had some of that cute kitty fabric left over from my teacher dress. Check out my Art Teacher Dress H...

Lisa's sew along with Cassie Part II

I continued to sew the pockets for each side, and I had a beautiful red and white scarf from Grams that I thought would be perfect for the neck. One side. And, the other. I put the scarf in the middle of the two sides. (RSF) Hi Scarf! Then I pinned it down, so just the bottom of the scarf was sticking out the top. The scarf was safely tucked inside. I did the same thing to add the grossgrain ribbon for the ties on the side. I flipped it right side out, and sewed the bottom together. One side. And, The other! Detail of the ribbon. Mixing those patterns! Hanging on my office door, ready to go!

Momma Art

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