Tuesday 22 June 2021

Transformation Challenge

Liz gave me this pattern for Christmas. TATB "Cleo". I made up another of Tilly's patterns last year. I wanted to make it up as a summer pinafore to wear over teeshirts, in a lightish denim. I had a dress in this fabric in my wardrobe. Bought in about 1990. Mid 30's, mum of two primary school children, my 'little house on the prairie shirtwaist design" Easy to wear, I lived in it back then. As it was, open to the waist with tee shirt underneath, with jumper over it in cold weather...with boots in winter, plimsolls in summer. But now it looks all wrong [my waistline has changed, my legs are not so slim]

It's currently very much in style [Holly Willoughby is promoting it for M&S] but that doesn't mean it is right for me. So I took it to bits...

There was a lot of fabric. That big piece is folded double. Some signs of wear - the channel for the waistband elastic had faded in places. But careful cutting yielded all I needed. I re-used the button band [with holes] and breast pocket, and made a feature of the 'gathering marks'

I am really quite pleased with the finished garment. It feels comfortable and easy-to-wear. I put the breast pocket on the back as it was [the pattern has 2 back pockets. one's enough!] I had some dungaree clips in my Stash, and used my Latin Ludovicus buttons to secure them.

The gathering marks are now across the bodice. I am really chuffed with this dress. I have not had to buy anything - and I have plenty of denim left. Certainly enough for a child's garment. 

Below you can see the little details which show the garment's origins. I think the "Transformation Challenge" was a really difficult round in GBSB - your score depended so much on 'What Esme liked'. I doubt this is wild, colourful or sexy enough for her. But it pleases me. I'm happy about this year's winner, and thought from Episode 1 that she was the best!

But what will Rosie say? 

If my dungarees are poo-trousers, does this dress have poo-clips?








14 comments:

  1. It's very impressive! You look really nice in it also and I love a good bit of upcycling or metamorphosis! You could totally cosplay Rose Tyler from Doctor Who in that dress- google Rose Tyler in Tooth and Claw and you'll see what I mean. Maybe for my 50th birthday that could be your look!
    I'm not the biggest wearer of denim myself - I think it comes from having very long legs and small waist and big tum that didn't work with the shape of jeans that were around in my teenage years in the 90's. I did have a Miss Selfridge button up denim skirt though.

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  2. Brilliant transformation Ang. But to please Esme you need a very BIG bow. Somewhere.

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    1. You are right. I tend to avoid big bows, I end up looking like a Christmas present

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  3. What a great job! I love the GBSB and I'm always amazed at what they manage to do during the transformation segments.
    I am useless at sewing but do admire those that can do something like this. Perhaps once you are settled there might be an opportunity to teach these skills to the younger generation who truly want to be more "green" - either at your local church or community centre.

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    1. Who knows- I would love to pass on the skills to others once we can meet up again

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  4. What a lot of effort but you made yourself something you will get a lot of use from. I do admire your sewing skills.

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  5. That's a very impressive work of recycling and you even have denim left for a child's item! I hope one day there will be an end to the widespread senseless purchase of cheap throwaway fashion, and a return to creative recycling of quality garments.

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    1. Indeed - make it slowly, keep it ages - rather than buy it fast and throwaway quickly. "Creative recycling of quality" is a good motto

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  6. You did a great job! Such a nice transformation of your former dress! You will have to tell us what Rosie has to say about it! :D

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  7. Very cute! It looks so nice and you did such a good job!

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  8. I'm a great fan of 'The Original Factory Shop' (not sure if they have one in your area) and I actually bought that dress Holly is wearing just last week for £25 but when I tried it on at home, my thoughts were exactly as you said about changing shape so back it went the next day! They're also selling the ruffled neck denim dress in which I would probably look even worse! I did get a lovely White Stuff pinafore dress, cheap as chips, in an Indian print which hides all manner of post-Covid weight sins!You did a fantastic job and your pinafore dress looks great on you.

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