DIY Up-cycled Dress Tutorial

I have sat on the edge of creating a capsule wardrobe for a very long time, but in trying to do this I have realized that due to the way I like to express myself through clothing, I likely will never be able to cut back to a collection of 30 items or less! However I have also learned that the things I loved about a capsule wardrobe could be accomplished in other ways! I love the idea of sustainable clothing practices. For me this not only means considering the original production of the item, but also the fabric, as well as washing and caring for the item.

I recently learned that because of the fact that synthetic fabrics are plastic based, each and every time they are washed they leech out tiny micro fibers of plastic into the water.
Thrift stores are stocked FULL of both old & high quality clothing items, both of which are almost always made out of natural fabrics! As a Side Note; these fabrics also wash, wear, and last a LOT longer than their synthetic counterparts!
I acquired this dress in it's original form from a clothing swap, so this dress was FREE as the day I was born! Re-styling old pieces also ensures that no one else will ever have the exact same clothing items as me, which I love! In the wise words of Nasty Gal "You know how some people flip houses? Well I flip clothes"

Supplies Need:
~ Needle & Thread (The same or a similar colour to the dress)
~ Modern Buttons
~ Scissors
~ Dress you either no not like as is, or see mad potential in!

How To:

Step #'s Refer to the Image Above!

Step #1. Begin by collecting supplies! 

(I can't be the only person where once I get started - stopping for ANYTHING annoys me (& this includes collecting supplies, or having to go to the bathroom))

Step #2 - 3. (The Dress I was working with had a series of dated cloth covered plastic button details.. This dates the dress in the worst way!) Using a pair of fabric scissors I carefully removed ALL the existing buttons on both the neck line and on the cuffed sleeve, being cautious not to damage the delicate fabric. 

I will also note I ditched the tie-belt that was around the waist.

Step #4. I replaced ONLY the buttons on the cuffed sleeve & re-located them on the sleeve so that they fit tighter on my wrist / forearm.

Step #5. Prepping your hemline! I cut a good amount off of the bottom of this dress. It originally was tea length but I took it to mid thigh for a younger more modern feel. 

Don't let the idea of hemming pants, a skirt or dress seem like a daunting task! While it may be new to you, If you feel confident in your ability to use a ruler or measuring tape,  to cut on a straight line, and your stitch (or sewing machine if that is your method of choice)

 than you can accomplish this as well!

Just take it one step at a time!

a.) begin by deciding how long you want your dress to be. 

To make this simple with the dress on, I make a small mark(with a fabric marker or pen) slightly lower than where I actually want it to fall (to ensure enough room (depending on the strength of the fabric you will want to use more or less fabric to fold over) on average about 1/2" of excess fabric is needed to fold over the hem).

b.) I then remove the dress and measure the distance from the end of the dress to said marking. I then measure & mark every 6" or so to ensure a straight hem.

c.) connect the dots to form a straight hem line.

Step #6. using several safety pins fold about 1/3 of the excess hem length as a raw edge, then fold over the remaining 2/3 of the hem and secure in place (you may need to fold & then iron your fabric depending on its thickness / texture).

Step #7 - 8. Using a needle and thread or sewing machine, stitch your new hemline! Sewing by hand does take practice, but upcycled clothing projects like this are a great way to learn the skill!

Step #9. Remove ALL the safety pins & wear with flare!!