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.

Lengthen a Dress

Quick and easy way to add length to a dress. As seen in picture 1., sew your strip of lace about one half ins.seam to the hem of the dress

This is what it looks like from the front of dress

Now add some ribbon over the joined seam

This is the ribbon stitched to the seam

All finished and ready to wear,this can be done on most dresses, just remember use a fabric that suits the fabric in your dress! 

January 2011

I know I'm very late posting since December but I've been busy working (lucky me)

My alteration business is busy and my "Shopping" bags or as their known in America as "Totes"are very popular,not only for shopping but they can be used for carrying baby clothes(nappies,wipes,etc)

My granddaughters love them to carry their accessories for dance class and also gym class.

The fabric is strong cotton,lined with cotton with large inside pocket and matching purse.

Hope you like them,if you need more information just email or leave a comment.

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!