Update a Dress Tutorial- From Long to Short

Hello Hello in 2013! 

I hope you are all finding yourselves happier, healthier, and sticking to your resolutions? :) I had a huge itch to get organized and I really think I need to pounce on that before I become indifferent. That leaves me about a week until January something when statistics show most people give up on their resolutions! (Don't look that up- I have no references) 

If you follow me on Pinterest, you might have noticed all the office inspiro I have pinned. I would love to share some of my ideas for our office remake! I found the most amazing site where you can make it happen (virtually, at least). It's called: Olio Board! It's like Polyvore but for interior design! Genius, I tell you! You will either thank me for this or hate me for it. You will spend hours and hours designing rooms in your house that you don't even have. I'm sorry and your welcome. 

That's not what this post is about. I found a awfully outdated dress at my favorite thrift store (for a $1) but it was also awfully cute. :) The polka-dot print was what won me over and I knew a quick cut and hem could make this dress into something I would wear and wear. I know you can find one too. Not only are polka-dots in, but vintage floral and patterns are very trendy now too and I see those dresses hanging by the handful in thrift stores everywhere. 

This is the before:

It looks even worse with the dirty mirror ;) It is a huge pet peeve of mine but I wanted you to see the ugly before! :-/

Measure how short you want it. Measure twice, cut once. How I wish I could take my own advice... Mine went a little shorter than I wanted.

My dress was two layers of chiffon so I had to hem both layers. After you've cut to the length you want, turn the dress inside out and have your pins ready. Fold twice and pin. You want the hem to be as skinny as possible and as even as possible. This is mostly a guideline. When you begin sewing, you can reinforce the folds and make them more uniform. (That's the way I did it)

(Fold twice. Pull tight. Pin. Move on)

You're done! Even though this dress was a size 14, I didn't take in the sides or anything. Today's style is all about flow-y and loose and carefree. Belt it and you are good to go. :)

I'm sure your mom (or grandmother) has a similar style dress that they wouldn't mind you taking. Try this! I would love to see if you did! 

I kept the scraps (of course I did...) I think you know what I will make with them? :) 

Have a wonderful last day of the work week and enjoy the weekend! Much love to you all and thanks for reading. :)