Saturday, April 18, 2009

Revamping the sleeves from an older dress

This is my Easter dress from 2008. Here is the blog entry for it. At the time I really liked the sleeves because they were "different", even after my mom told me they were a little weird. Well Mom, you were right, they were weird. So I clipped them out, ironed out all the seams, and re-cut the fabric.

Here's the new style:

More summery, right? Although how long do you think a woman in her 30's can pull off a puff sleeve? (I've been thinking a lot about age appropriate styles lately.) I love this dress now and think it will get a lot more use.

Here's a side view. Even with its high waist it doesn't have that maternity look that so many garments are sporting these days.

The back:

I used the sleeves from Newlook 6615, which I have made before and knew it would fit my non-spaghetti arms. I have mixed sleeves from different patterns before with good results, so wasn't nervous about doing this.

I did my usual bias tape covering for the armholes. This way there's no exposed seams.

Here's the pattern envelope for the dress. I made view D and extended it into a dress.

I love this pattern, and plan to make one of the tops for summer.

31 comments:

  1. Ohhh. I love red and white. I think changing the sleeves was a good idea. I'm like you, I always wonder about age appropriate styles. I think as long as your arms look good and you're under 45 you can do puffy sleeves :)

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  2. Love it! The puff sleeves look great on you and they really fit the dress.

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  3. You made a great change, and I don't think puff sleeves are inappropriate for our age. Very summery!

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  4. Sometimes it's hard to admit that mom was right! I think you will be glad you listened to her though. Cute update on the style.

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  5. Super cute dress, and I love the shoes!!!

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  6. *gasp* that sleeve change totally makes the dress. you look very youthful and pull it off- no problem.

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  7. Well, I guess I'm in minority. I *like* the old sleeves. I really like the new ones too though. I've been thinking about puff sleeves too. I'm wearing one right now and I thought about it before I put it on this morning.

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  8. Amanda,

    This dress is very lovely! and it looks very nice on you :)

    blessings,

    Lady M

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  9. Very pretty dress. Love the refashion. Nice job.

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  10. Wonderful refashion. You've added years to the life of the dress.

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  11. I saw your dress on Pattern Review you did a great job! Love the new sleeves :-)

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  12. I think it is more wearable this way. Its very cute and age appropriate.

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  13. I love it with the puff sleeves! Great job!

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  14. Trust me - you can wear puff sleeves! This was a darling save and your construction impeccable.

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  15. I like the new sleeves. Really transformed the look of the dress. Nice idea!

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  16. Love the change. I love the little puff sleeve but worry because I am 40! I bought a puff sleeve tshirt at Old Navy didn't think anything of it, but wore it yesterday and felt a bit weird in it! I made a blouse, M5138, I love that the sleeve cap isn't puffed but it gathers around the band. It is a puff look without the true top puff..if that makes sense!

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  17. I like this dress a LOT better now. It looked ind of 70s to me before and is a lot more modern now. I don't think you look like you're in your 30s, BTW. Keep wearing the puff sleeves for as long as they look good on you. Now if you started wearing lacy ankle socks and a big bow in your hair, we might need to have a little talk!

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  18. Hey - I have this pattern. I'm happy to see your version. The dress/sleeve adaptation works well on your frame.

    I've seen tasteful "puff-sleeves" for people way into their late 30s. You are fine! lol.

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  19. I really like the new sleeve style much better. I say you're never too old for puffy sleeves!

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  20. You never cease to amaze me! I like both dresses - thanks for the patern recommendation - you look fabulous as usual!

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  21. hey lady -- cute dress! it got me thinking...if you ever tire of the puff sleeves, it would be super cute sleeveless, too.

    dawn

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  22. Great way to update your dress, good job you had some fabric left over! I think it looks lovely on you.

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  23. Brilliant! Maybe we can just keep making and remaking garments to change up the wardrobe year after year! I'm currently re-doing two skirts of mine....I'm going to get the best mileage out of them as I can!

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  24. I just wanted to let you know I've read some of your blog in the past. One of my recent followers is also following your blog. When I happened upon your blog again today I decided to follow it. Your work is beautiful BTW.

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  25. I love the way you refashioned your dress. You totally extended the wear ability of this dress. Nice job.

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  26. The sleeve change gives so much kick to your dress. Super cute! I don't think it isn't age appropriate at all - you look just perfect.

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  27. Fantastic job! They look great and are completely age appropriate (it's all about your attitude and the way you carry it, I think). I like visiting the blog "Advanced Style" to give me some new ways of thinking about age and fashion.
    http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com/

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