harpandsong2 posted: " I shared a post a while ago about vintage dresses I had been given. I wanted to give a photo update on the dresses that required alteration. The first dress was white with little blue dots. I loved the detail on the bodice; however, there was a long,"
I shared a post a while ago about vintage dresses I had been given. I wanted to give a photo update on the dresses that required alteration.
The first dress was white with little blue dots. I loved the detail on the bodice; however, there was a long, noticeable yellow stain on the back of the dress. I tried to remove the stain a few different times. I also tried covering it by extending pleats or using ribbon. Nothing seemed to naturally remove or cover the stain. My mom suggested dying it. I initially planned to dye it light blue, but another sewing friend cautioned me that the stain might interact with the dye and be even more noticeable. In the end, I picked a yellow dye.
Just to be clear, I do not suggest dying vintage fabric on a whim! I only chose to dye this piece as a last resort. Because it was white, I could also get an accurate idea of the final color instead of just guessing and hoping for the best.
As best as I could tell, the dress material was cotton, while the blue detail was synthetic. I opted to use a dye for natural fibers, hoping the dye would take to the cotton and not interact with the blue synthetic. I removed the little asymmetrical buttons before dying. I have never been so fearful before starting a project as I was when I held that white dress over a 5-gallon bucket of dye! I followed the package instructions as closely as possibly, using salt and dish soap and frequently stirring.
The results were so much better than I could have hoped! Now that it was a gorgeous yellow, I put the buttons back on and then made a few alterations for a better fit, taking up the shoulders and taking in the sides slightly. I love it paired with a white belt and hair bow.
Which record? College Favorites or Limbo?
The next up for alteration was a multi-colored, pencil dress that I loved, but was too big. It had a side zipper so I couldn't take in the sides easily. Instead, I put it on inside-out to see how much I had to take in the existing darts. I also had to punch extra holes in the belt and stich around the new holes (though my stitches aren't as neat as the others). I took up the hem a little and made a repair on the scarf.
I do all my house work wearing pearls. =)Add a cardigan, vintage costume jewelry, and vintage sunglasses to complete the look.
This darling green dress also needed to be taken in slightly. The front button closure made it easy to take in the side seams. I also hemmed it.
This blue and green dress didn't need any alteration. It fits a little loosely though, which has made it a great option for dancing!
Cat eye sunglasses!
I hope you enjoyed seeing these unique dresses as much as I enjoyed working on them!
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