Sew Awesome!

Sew, I had the privalege of altering a beautiful 50- 60ish party dress for my wonderful friend RK.  It is a delight to do anything for her because she is so appreciative and because she looks amazing in anything she wears. 

Sew, she bought a JLF Original yellow striped Chiffon like dress off of Etsy.  It was a tad bit too tight, she has a 27-28 inch waist, the dress was 24inches barely and the chest was compressing the girls.  With tucking and pulling, the dress fit, but was not going to be comfortable enough to work for a wedding party.    It had an old metal zipper that was coming out but the dress was a fairly simple band top and circle skirt.  I took on the task of making it fit. 

I took off the zipper with the intent of replacing it with an invisible zipper.  Those of you who prefer keeping vintage original should stop reading now.  I am about making clothes work for a new generation.

I took all the boning off, and opened all the seems on the bodice.  I then made the decision to cut off the skirt.  There was shirring at the waist but it was fraying and I thought if I took an inch off the top and regathered it, it would be as good as new.  After taking the bodice apart, I resewed the seams a 1/4 smaller,  I removed two darts on the back panels.  By adding 1/4 inch to all six seams and a 1/2 at the zipper, I added about 2 1/2 inches to the waist.  I then regathered the skirt band using my awesome ruffler attachment and reattached.  It worked beautifully.  I then finished the seams at the waistband with edging and hand sewed the facings and boning back in place.  Zipper went in easily and looked awesome.  Checked to make sure all hems and seams were good and ironed. 

I held my breath when RK tried it on; I had only seen it when she could barely zip it but I had a send that the top needed to be a bit snug but the waist needed letting out.  It fit amazing. 

The dress was sheer and needs a slip, but it also needed a petticoat. After viewing a couple of blogs, I decided to make a slip top with attached tulle (similar to a modified drop waist).  I found some beautiful glittery tulle and using the ruffler, ruffled up about 4 yards layered and attached it to a short slip top that I made with elastic top.  I just cut the tulle at the bottom and fluffed it out to finish.  Beautiful.  Mission accomplished.  I am not keen on alterations except for things that I can learn new lessons or get to work with fabulous fabrics.

Now I can't wait to see the photos from the party!  I will post those later.  Here are some photos of the before and after.