Sunday, July 26, 2015

Refashion Runway Sew-Along: Floral and Geometric/Stripes

This weekend kicks off the third season of Refashion Runway, hosted by the Renegade Seamstress! The challenge this week was floral and geometric/stripes, which is a fantastic combination for those of us who are only beginning to dabble in pattern mixing. To see what the contestants came up with and vote for your favorite, go check out Beth's post.

Having had so much fun as a contestant two years ago, I thought it might be fun to sew along with the weekly themes for this season on my own, but with the added challenge of attempting to do so from my current, recently-scaled-back refashion stash, without buying anything new. The only striped thing I had on hand was this t-shirt, which I already refashioned once but never really wore as much as I thought I would. Luckily, I also had a floral dress that would coordinate beautifully. The bright, summery flowers and the bright, summery stripes seemed to cry out to be combined, am I right?

Floral and Stripes Dress - BeforeFloral and Stripes Dress - Before

First, I picked out the back zipper from the dress, and also salvaged the hook and eye, the hanger straps, and the laundering tag. Then I cut the skirt off the bodice.

Floral and Stripes Dress - In Progress

The fabric was mostly cotton with a small amount of spandex for elasticity. This, combined with the fact that it was a couple sizes too large for me, meant I didn't need a zipper in the back. I could gather the waist a bit with elastic, and that would do just fine. So I closed up the center back seam where the zipper used to be. I also reattached the laundering tag on one of the inner side seams.

Floral and Stripes Dress - In ProgressFloral and Stripes Dress - In Progress

Next, I pulled out some 1-1/2-inch elastic and cut off a piece to fit my waist snugly. The ends were joined with some zig-zag stitches for security, as well as to limit fraying of the ends since this elastic will be exposed.

Floral and Stripes Dress - In Progress

I attached the elastic loop to the skirt, stretching it slightly as I sewed. Again, I used a zig-zag stitch to keep it stretchy and encase the raw edge of the fabric, and I did this right down the center of the elastic.

Floral and Stripes Dress - In ProgressFloral and Stripes Dress - In Progress

To make sure the skirt was securely attached to the waistband, I gave it another line of zig-zags just below the first, at the bottom edge of the elastic.

Floral and Stripes Dress - In Progress

At this point, I could've called it a day with a perfectly cute skirt that would look fantastic with any number of solid or striped tops (or another pattern if you're braver than I), but that wouldn't fit the challenge, now would it? So I put on that striped tee and marked where I wanted my waistband. Cutting a straight line on a striped fabric is so awesomely easy! Finally, the shirt was attached to the waistband in the same manner, with another zig-zag stitch around the top edge of the elastic.

Floral and Stripes Dress - In ProgressFloral and Stripes Dress - In Progress

And there you have it!

Floral and Stripes Dress - After

Floral and Stripes Dress - After

To complete the ensemble, I threw on my green leather belt and black canvas Keen slip-ons.

Floral and Stripes Dress - After

Floral and Stripes Dress - After

I tossed in some more geometric patterning with a polka dot Fossil bag and some additional flowers with my little yellow rose earrings.

Floral and Stripes Dress - After

Floral and Stripes Dress - After

Floral and Stripes Dress - After
Dress: refashioned // Belt: $2 thrifted // Shoes: $5 Yerdle // Bag: hand-me-down from a friend // Earrings: $10 Etsy // Bracelet: $3 Target clearance

Floral and Stripes Dress - Before & After

12 comments:

  1. Carissa ---- This dress is the cutest ! It is amazing how you have just the right accessories tucked away for these outfits. Once again this is a winner !

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    1. It's easy to find matching accessories when you own ALL THE ACCESSORIES IN THE WORLD! Or at least, sometimes it feels like I do. :)

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  2. Hi Carissa!
    I must say I like this outfit is way better than how they were before!
    You chose the perfect floral dress for the rafashion!
    Kisses from Portugal!

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    1. I know! The yellow stripes coordinated with the yellow in the dress just perfectly, didn't it?

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  3. Very nice! The polka dot purse is a nice touch too :)

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  4. This outfit makes me smile! :o)

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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  5. O my gosh! SUPER CUTE!! And you look terrific in it!

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  6. Great combo - love the colours and the final product :)

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    Replies
    1. It's like a match made in heaven, right? They were perfect for each other!

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