Refashion and Resize a Floor Length Dress

You know that feeling you have when you see a dress in the fabric of your dreams but it is in the wrong size? I had this experience recently when visiting my favorite local thrift store. Here was a dress, in three sizes too small but the fabric was gorgeous. I couldn’t turn away as the fabric was too beautiful to pass up. The dress was floor length and gathered at the waist, so I knew I had enough fabric to work with. I took on the challenge to refashion and resize a floor length dress from this glorious fabric.

Steps

1. I loved the floor length dress, but it waiting until I fit into it one day was unreasonable. I am the size I am and clothes are made to fit me, not me to fit my clothes.
2. The dress had lace inlay for the shoulder area, which I didn’t like, so I knew I would not be needing that part.
3. The first thing that I did was to separate the top bodice from the skirt portion. I left the lining in the skirt and did not take out the gathering completely. I did loosen the gathering enough to be able to get over my hips.
4. I grabbed one of my patterns that I was positive would work for this fabric. The McCall’s Blythe dress was a perfect template.
5. I used the bottom portion of the skirt to cut out a new bodice and sleeves.
6. I used my own sleeve pattern block as I have had trouble in the past making a standard pattern sleeve fit. Knowing how to customize a sewing pattern to make it your own will help this process.

If you would like to see more of my sewing tutorials, please check them out below.

1. DIY Reversible Top
2. Easy Diy Bunting
3. Quick and Easy Kimono
4. DIY Pincushion

To view my recent published patterns with Pattern Design, please click HERE.

Or, view my makes with my pattern designs below in this quick flip book.

If you have liked this remake, or would like to resize and refashion a floor length dress, please share the love with a comment or pin.

Blessings from my house to yours,

Darlene