F for Fashion reconstruction #20

This fashion reconstruction project should have already been completed in May.


However, since I was down with fever and flu that lasted for more than two weeks, I only managed to complete and publish it in June, with much effort and after overcoming several obstacles along the way.


My mind was already set on transforming a sleeveless floral polyester cocktail dress (bought in Hong Kong in 2008) which I rarely wear, into a pretty long dress, so that I could wear this new dress for the coming Eid celebration.

As usual, it always takes longer for me to source for matching fabric than to actually design and make a dress.


First and foremost, the cocktail dress came with a lining that was not breathable and unsuitable for a tropical climate where I live in. So I decided to switch to cotton instead and had to source it from my usual textile store.


Now that's settled, I needed fabric for the skirt and long sleeves.


Fortunately for me, I have a sister who has an abundance of fabric collection for me to peruse whenever the need arises.


I found one that has the right colour and enough yardage to make the skirt but since it is a see-through chiffon, I had to source for yet another fabric for the lining. It didn't take me long because my sister had given me a worn-out pink scarf and that would serve as the lining for my skirt.


Once that is done, I did not like the outcome of the new dress because the emphasis was still on the cocktail dress; and it made me look like I had short limbs.


So I focused on fixing the skirt instead. I raised the hemline of the original dress by attaching a white polyester a few inches from the hemline and superimposed it with the left over chiffon to create a tiered effect.


This additonal tier actually worked because when I put on the new dress again, it made me look taller.


To accentuate the new hemline, I embellished it with embroidered lace and enhanced the lace with sequins and beads.

Now that I am satisfied with the skirt, the final step was to design the sleeves.


I always have a mental block when it comes to sleeves. I can never find the right mood to design the perfect sleeves, even if I have found the right fabric for it. So I had to sleep on it for another week or so.


But once the mood came, the switch in me turned on and I continued with production mode until I was satisfied with the final outcome.


I was contemplating whether I should embellish the flowers with sequins, but decided against it since the flowers already looked pretty as they were.


Perhaps, the next time I laid my eyes on it, I might change my mind...

I am such a happy camper because I will be wearing this new dress for Eid this year. Yaye! Yippee! Yippee! Yaye!


Who could tell that this was a cut-and-paste project, if I had not disclosed the facts?


I can proudly say that you cannot find this item anywhere. 💃🐒👌🙋