Altering a bought dress, Spring equinox

Hello everyone, I hope spring has found you! The weather is warming, birds are out daily and flowers are sprouting up everywhere. After a long harsh winter I think we could all use some sunshine. Thinking of sunny days ahead, I am going to share how I've been altering a bought dress.

I think like many women, you sometimes find a beautiful dress but it just doesn't fit quite right. It could be too big in one area but too tight in others. The straps could be too long or short. Maybe the hem line isn't what you hoped for but the rest is a perfect fit! So what do you do when this happens? You go about learning how to alter the dress.

I bought this lovely dress from a store and it had everything I wanted: a navy blue color, soft embossed print, cinch at the waist but... it was too large in the bust and the straps are far too long for me.

Yes, that says 'police box' on the waist band!

If you didn't know before you sure know now - I'm a nerdy kind of girl. I love Doctor Who and was beside myself upon finding this dress! It resembles the TARDIS and has this lovely tulle at the hem line. As you will see in my photos it has black piping on the bust and that is where I decided to pin the bust in some. 

I have a dress form, it's a way to size clothing to your exact measurements. It's very handy and they frequently go on sale at many craft supply stores. I placed my dress on the form and pinned it in areas that were too large or baggy. I then tried it on to make doubly sure it was just right. I am stitching this by hand with a curved needle, sometimes sold as an upholstery needle. But they do make small ones for working on clothing and they are about 1 1/2"s in length or more. Using a curved needle while your dress is on the dress form makes this project very easy. I am sewing it at the black piping and the new stitches are not visible.

You can apply this method for most any bought clothing that you need to fit your measurements correctly. If you do not have a dress form you can carefully pin the article of clothing while you wear it. And this can be easier if you have a helper to pin areas for you, so you can stand up straight while wearing it. To add width is a different post I'm afraid and I do plan to share how to someday. It's often not as difficult as it sounds. But to take in clothing, this can be done by a novice with just a bit of guidance and practice!

As spring has sprung so has my desire to decorate for the new season! I have a mantle above my fireplace and was so pleased to decorate for the spring equinox. I included two faux birds in their nest, tulips and other brightly colored flora to welcome the new season. 

I hope you have sunny days ahead and April showers soon ~ check back soon for some new posts. And be sure to pay my new photography page on Facebook a visit, it is: Bertha Bee Photography. Stop by to show your support for us small photographers & artisans. 

Winter afternoons

Oh it's cold and bristly outside! I've moved my craft room around and am still unpacking. That's why my Etsy shop has been on vacation mode, I hope to re-open it shortly.

But in the meantime I'm enjoying some sunny wintry afternoons indoors. I've been working on my sashiko yet again ~ this time, my usagi (rabbit) pattern. Sashiko or さしこ means "little stabs" and is a decorative functional stitching from Japan. In history it is often seen in mending clothes.

this household travels by TARDIS

This will eventually be a pillowcase or ~ I suppose I could turn it into a tote bag. I just know that for a hands on project to sit and enjoy in winter, this certainly keeps me busy. Hope you are all staying warm where you live. Just for fun, here is my dog in his winter sweater. 

Mummies never go out of season!

Happy Holidays to you

It's already nearing the New Year! My, how time has flown by this year. I made gifts, made a few new greeting cards and even made a special item for a friends son. My spouse and I both are recovering from colds, it has been slow goings. Thankfully the weather has decided to be warm and Spring-like, which honestly has been a good thing. I have been very busy so here is a review of all the end-of-year goodness going on!

my finished greeting cards

In time for the holidays I finished my blue police box, Tardis greeting cards! It was my way of showing my love for the timeless show I grew up with. I hand drew the image, hand painted it then scanned it into my computer. I sized it down a little then printed copies to sew onto cards & bookmarks.

felt foxes for sale in my shop

I also finished up my felt foxes! One is a dark orange the other a deep red. I hand embroidered the details on their faces and body. Then I machine stitched front to back pieces and they have a wide base (which lets them sit up right). They are so adorable and I loved making them both! You can find them here in my shop for sale. 

plush owl toy for friend

Here is the adorable owl plush toy I made for a long time friends son. I drew up a sketch after she asked me about making an animal plushie. Together we worked out the colors and printed fabric and this is the end result! The face details are felt and machine sewn. The wings can open up and close with velcro. It is shaped a bit like a pillow so it can sit upright or be snuggled with at night. It's big and soft and no pieces should come off (no buttons or choking hazards). I'm excited to ship it out in the next few weeks for her to surprise her boy with.

It's has been an adventurous year for certain. Learning new things to craft, reading new novels, checking out new places and events in my city with my spouse. I hope you have had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed some relaxing time with family and friends. May the new year bring us all good health & happiness! 

photo by fun2smiles.com