Hello! I am ecstatic to share with you all one of my recent creations I have been working on for the last month. Yes, it has taken me more time than usual to finish it, but I am in love with this little dress!
This dress has been upcycled from a thrifted oversized skirt I found for $1 because you know good and well I am frugal, lololol! The skirt has been sitting in my closet for awhile and I finally found the inspiration to transform this old item into a darling little ivory ruffled dress. We all know the LBD is a staple in a girl's wardrobe along with the second best essential a LWD, so in a way this is my version of a LWD. :)
The maxi skirt I started out with was definitely not my size, but I knew it could be altered when I laid eyes on it.
I laid one of my older dresses I altered on top of the skirt just to get
the pattern I needed for this new dress since the old dress had the ideal length for me. The skirt was cut for a closed chest and backless
look. Ooo la laaa! I turned the dress inside out to sew the lining
together and then turned it right side out for a clean stitch-less look.
The dress was too plain by itself and a little bit see through even with the lining so I wanted to add some ruffles to both sides of the dress. The pattern I used for the ruffles was basically a 'C' shape which I cut out three pieces for each side for a total of 6 pieces. The fabric was from another top I made long ago and the color happened to match the skirt-turned-dress I was working with. The edges were raw but I used Fray Check to prevent the ruffles from fraying even more.
I will admit the ruffles were super difficult and took me FOREVER!!! Hahaha. I pinned and repinned over and over until the ruffles looked just right. I had to hand sew it on and I messed up plenty of times setting it aside for awhile because I was frustrated, which explains why it took me about a month to work on this dress. This was the first time I attempted ruffles and I must say I am pretty pleased with my results despite all the troubles.
I made x-back straps for the dress to add more to the backless look. The dress did not fit over my mannequin so I had to pin it on just to show you all.
The perfect summer time dress! The ruffles add a dazzling, girly touch to a simple dress. I wore my white pumps and pearl earrings to complete the look.
This dress is everything and more. The perfect simplicity with a hint of pure feminism. Bring on some more oversized skirts, please. :)
How do you ladies feel about ruffles? I adore them, but you know that is a biased opinion after making this dress. ;)
