I bought a long dress from the thrift store even though I knew it was too tight for me in the bodice. The waist and hips were plenty roomy. The dress is rayon with a small rose print on a black background.
The style featured ties emerging from the side seams below the bust further emphasizing the too tight fit in that area.
I was being a little dramatic making it look like I popped the button in the photo!
When I bought the dress I thought I would make it into a skirt, but I really preferred to have a dress. I don’t have enough dresses, and need more for the ease of wearing – no matching of a top and bottom needed – and hopefully figure lengthening properties.
What to do?
I made three little changes that made a big difference!
I hemmed the dress at knee length.
I removed the side ties, sewed them together, and made a belt to be worn at the natural waist.
I cut the neckline lower into a v-shape removing the top button. That gave me more “give” across the bust, and suddenly the bodice fit. I also wore a different bra that helped the fit, and I might have lost a few pounds, but not many as both before and after photos were taken in the same month.
I was going to make inseam pockets with the leftover fabric, but was having a really hard time unpicking the seam, so I ended up scrapping that idea.
Just a few little changes, and my figure looks much more balanced. Wouldn’t you agree?
Stitch It Again 