Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Show-and-tell Tuesday: Another refashioned dress

I'm totally hooked on this pattern, which helps turn a Wally Cleaver shirt like this...



...into a cute little dress like this.



I've got a stack of about five other shirts waiting to make similiar transformations. They're really fun to make, and so easy.


My only problem with having made this amazing discovery is that now I'm constantly evaluating the shirt of every man I see. When Dan and I were in Florida last month, I saw terrific summer shirts at every turn. The fellows wearing the shirts adorned with splashy border prints -- the sort they don't tuck in -- had no idea I was staring at their attire. All I could think of was how great those prints would look when transformed into happy little sundresses, all twirly and girly.

I even caught myself staring at the brightly striped shirt of one of our summer interns at last week's staff meeting. The fabric was gorgeous. The back yoke was just deep enough to make the perfect dress bodice. And the kid is tall, so, yay! Enough extra fabric to make a generous ruffle around the hem!

All I know is, I've got to save my shirt-lusting for the racks at the thrift store and keep it out of the office. Can't you just see me trying to explain myself if someone complains about me to HR?!

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that! I'm totally going to have to sew that too!

Pieces said...

Shirt-lust--funny! You'll definitely have to be careful not to get caught.

Adorable dress.

Anonymous said...

Love the new dress! If I have a girl I'm going to be trying this! I'm a quilter and I'm constantly staring at peoples clothes wanting to cut them up into little pieces too.

Tracy Batchelder said...

Great transformation!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the link to the tutorial!

Anonymous said...

Love the plaid -- thanks for linking to the tutorial! I may have to give it a try. It looks so fun and cute!

Marge said...

How adorable! There is no end to your talent and imagination, Anne. How long did it take to make the dress?

Anonymous said...

That is a terrific transformation! I wish I had a little girl to try this for.

Unknown said...

Oh wow! Adorable!!!

I was doing a search for pillowcase dresses (I am currently writing a how-to article) and I came across your site.

I will definitely have to come back once I have some spare time. You should stop by on Tuesday for "Craftacular Tuesday!!" where you can sign the Mr. Linky and share with my readers what crafty projects you've made the past week. I know a lot of them would love to see this little cutie.

Cheers!

Melissa R. Garrett
www.LittleWoolgatherings.blogspot.com

kelli ann & lorie said...

holy cow: what a brilliant pattern/tutorial. those dresses *are* sweeeeet as can be. thx for the link!!

Carissa said...

I'm enjoying your blog too! It is so nice to see what other people are working on! I just love this dress! Thanks for the link to the tutorial! I have a certain little girl who will love one of these, now to find a thrift store....

Anonymous said...

Brilliant! What a fantastic idea. I love seeing old items get turned into something so fresh and new!

LJabin said...

ok, now I have to subscribe, this is adorable. I may even raid my husbands shirts.