Simple Change to Sleeves

Making a simple change to this dress. Cut the sleeves to elbow length and then gather the fabric at the centre sides of each sleeve,  sew a couple of nice buttons on and now you have changed the whole look of your dress (for the better)

Piece of left over fabric

After altering this lovely bridsmaids dress into a knee length dress I had enough fabric over to make a matching clutch bag . The bag has an inside pocket and magnetic snap closure.

Another satisified customer ! 

Vintage dress restyled

This lovely simple  vintage dress bought in Dublin. A request,from a lady for her second marriage, to change this dress befitting for a bride. The fabric was so beautiful ,delicate,light and simple.
As you can see the neckline was typically vintage, as was the sleeve style.

Adding a satin waistband with a decorative embellishment fitted to the front changed the style greatly,but something was missing!!!!!!!!!!! Yes an underskirt to fill the skirt,now it was complete.

Can't wait to see this lovely lady all dressed up on her wedding day.
It was a pleasure restyling her dress.

Keeping in touch!

Hi all, I seem to be getting very lazy posting on my blog. I worked so hard coming up to Christmas with alterations and crafts,selling at markets etc. Maybe I needed the break! But I have been busy in my workshop lots of alterations including altering a lovely vintage wedding dress and also (for a different customer) a pretty flower girls dress. Obviously I cannot show you the photos yet but I will in the coming weeks! By the way I would love to see some of your work!
Bye for now.

Castletown House Christmas Fair

Castletown House Christmas Fair.

A really great day ,as you can see my stands are low in stock and by the end of day I was all sold out !

By the way this is my friend (with the hat) She helps me out from time to time.

No more craft fairs this year as I have lots of alterations to finish in my workshop.

Back working again.

Just back from my holidays in Spain,what a great time I had,obviously I needed the long awaited break.But I'm finding it difficult to get back working again.Had lots of "Debs" dresses to alter,and also childrens uniforms.Where has the (so called) Summer gone.
Lots of orders for my flannel Baby Blankets. 

This is one of many fabrics they come in and are all backet in lovely soft flannel.
Check them out on my facebook page
http://www.facebook.com/Valeries.Crafts

I still cannot see my" followers" on my page and it's really annoying if anyone can help me with this ,love to hear from you.

Sewing tips

Just a couple more sewing tips I thought might be of some use to you.

I have had a number of people asking me to explain the measurements on the "inch" tape, so I hope this will help.

Another tip is for when your buying fabric or a dress,etc. scrunch it in your hands and if it falls back and holds its shape,great! but if it holds the wrinkles,by all means buy it if you like ,but just remember it might need a lot of ironing!

Simple restyling

I bought this dress at a sale only last week. It was a full length dress ,and I loved the pattern on the fabric.

The neckline was quite low so I added some knitted lace (to complimented the material) and I
then shortened the length by 10ins.

Simple and easy restyling and what a transformation! A dress that no one else has.
It is lovely worn with black knee high boots.

Hope this gives you some idea's on how simple it is to transform a dress,and all just for €12,including the cost of the dress!

Tips on Restyling Clothes

Before you decide to “get rid” of some of your older clothes why not try restyling them. It’s not as difficult as you think, start with some easy changes.
For example.
A blouse, cardigan, jacket or coat, get some nice new buttons and take the trouble to sew them on, I know you probably heard it before but believe me it works.

What about adding lace down the front of your blouse or cardigan,or around the neck if you prefer.
A good idea is to keep an eye out in department stores and check out the latest trims on clothes, even have a note pad with you for reference later.
This season the latest trends are lots of “Sparkles” or “Lace” trim which you can buy in a haberdashery but remember to measure the length of trim you will need.

Also if you’r handy with a sewing machine and your dress or blouse has long sleeves why not cut them shorter, I like my sleeves just to the elbow.

Treat yourself to a brooch and pin it on the shoulder of your dress or coat, you can buy some nice one’s at the local market or even charity shop.
Next time I hope to show some photos of changes I have made to clothes, it’s amazing what a difference it can make and make’s you feel good too!

Restyling Clothes

What a busy week it's been in my workshop,where I do alterations and repairs.
My business is called "Nips and Tucks".It does not matter what size or shape you are most people have to get their clothes altered,ie-shorten or lengthen hems on skirts,trousers,sleeves.And of course altering the width of clothes also,never a dull moment.

What most people forget is "Restyle of Old Favourites"
It can change your garment so much,change an evening dress by having the hem shortened,great for Debs dresses and already you have a different style.
Adding sleeves or taking them out in blouses and tops or have you thought of cutting the legs shorter in an old pair of jeans.

Thats a small part of my alteration business,if you need to ask anything just get in touch.
Bye for now