F for Fashion reconstruction #35

This fashion reconstruction is the sequel to FR#34.


The second part of the skirt from the midi dress is combined with a cap-sleeved black cotton blouse I bought while on a business trip to Sydney in summer of 2011.

Because the bodice of the blouse was a little snug, I had to loosen it a little. So, instead of adding extra fabric, I decided to use lace and ribbons instead.


That would also give an effect of an embellishment to the new dress.


Also since the neckline was a bit low, I decided to add fabric and matching lace to raise the neckline for modesty. It also gives the effect of an inner garment.


Like the previous project, I also needed to extend the bottom of the skirt with extra fabric.


For the sleeves, I still kept to the same theme ~ vertically-stripey effect, but for this dress I opted for puffed sleeves instead, to enhance the existing sleeves on the blouse, giving them extra flounce.


I did not encounter much complication except that I had to make sure that the lace and ribbons were well aligned on both sides of the blouse, in front as well as on the back.


Within a week, the new dress is ready.

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.  💃🐒👌🙋

F for Fashion reconstruction #34

Black is beautiful... And so are the 2 dresses that are going for this April's fashion reconstruction.


The first of the 2 black dresses is a combination of a sleeveless floral polyester blouse (bought while working in Beijing circa 2007) and a worn-out sleeveless bohemian midi dress (bought from a flea market while holidaying in Sabah in September 2017).

The midi dress only cost me RM10 but the yardage on the skirt was enough to make 2 skirts. So, because of that, I decided to create 2 dresses: one, which I will elaborate in this post, and another in the subsequent post.


I removed and discarded the top portion of the dress because it was totally worn out and not usable for any project, perhaps as a polish cloth? But I really did not want to waste any soap or water on it, so I binned it instead.


Now for the skirt, I had to be extra careful when handling the fabric because it was ripping at the seams. After I have split the skirt into 2 parts, it was much easier to carry on with the project.


Since the existing skirt is not long enough to make a full length dress, I had to attach new fabric on the top and bottom of the skirt.


For the blouse, there is really not much work to do except to sew it to the skirt after it is lengthened, and to remove the seams on the armholes so that I can attach new sleeves. Just then I realised that I had to change the buttons because the existing buttons were rather small for the buttonholes.


For the sleeves, I made a replica of the sleeves I had done for FR#29, whereby I joined fabric together to give a vertically-stripey (if there is such a description for it?) effect.


All in all, it took me less than a week to complete this project because everything I needed was within my reach.


Actually, I could already wear this dress before the sleeves were attached because it already looked pretty as it was. Besides, I thought I could always wear a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath or a cardigan for a modest look. But because I did not want to hassle myself with additional clothing, I decided to go ahead and attach the sleeves.


So, without further ado, I hereby present you the new dress...

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.  💃🐒👌🙋