This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and InStyle® and All You® but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NewYearMeTime http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
So this past week I went through both InStyle and All You magazines to find things that stood out to me then cross referenced those things to come up with a project that was inspired by something in BOTH magazines. And it wasn’t hard to find the perfect project–a Norah dress upcycle.
Combining the lacy white trend with upcycling a sheet was a natural project for me. I love to sew, and I have several sheets that I’ve been wanting to find a new purpose for. I also had a sheer curtain panel with a simple stripe that would combine with the sheet to create a beautiful dress–the Norah dress by Mouse House Creations that I’ve been wanting to sew up for a couple of months now.
The benefits of working with sheets is already-finished seams and lots of yardage. By using the finished edge of the sheet and the curtain panel, I was able to save time and effort hemming both the dress/lining and the sleeves.
I added in a little vintage lace I found at a thrift store to give an extra touch of “lacy” to the collar. The result is something simple, classy, and a little vintage.
And I love it. I made it a little bit big so that she can grow into it and wear it for a while. I love sewing for them, but it’s fun to get a little more wear out of them when they grow through the size. I do find it a little ironic that I created a white dress for the child who is hardest on her clothes, but it was her turn, and out of all my girls she gets the fewest new clothes. So putting a brand new dress on her this morning made her extremely happy.
I’ve loved this challenge for whenever you’re in a creative rut–find something inspiring and make it your own. And when you pick up these magazines at Walmart like I did, make sure you use this $1 off coupon for inspiring and thought-provoking savings as well (save $1.00 on ONE (1) PEOPLE®, InStyle®, PEOPLE StyleWatch®, All You®, or Real Simple® magazine. The Walmart digital coupon is available 1/14/15-2/16/15 (while supplies last). Brynley has definitely got some great idea formulating here.
Here are a few other upcycled and refashioned projects if you liked this one:
Easy Maxi Dress Tutorial || Make a Maxi Skirt from a Sheet || Pinstripe Dress from Pants
Sweater to Cardigan Refashion || Gathered Back T-shirt Refashion || Ruched Maternity T-shirt Refashion
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Lisa: Hope all is going good with your family!
At our local thrift store there is a table with all kinds of materials (OH yes there is many many sheets), patterns for little of nothing, laces, thread etc...
So I can run over there and take this wonderful idea (get a sheet, some lace) and my youngest grand can have a new dress.. Its one of those: DUH!! why didn't I think of that, as I have seen it in adult dresses and shirts .. Thanks for putting it out there.
Hi Diana, your thrift store sounds awesome! I might be jealous. ;)
That is the cutest dress ever and your model is just adorable!! Amazing that it came from a sheet and a curtain! So smart!
Thank you so much, Sherry. It turned out so good I might have to make myself something from the leftovers.
Are you for real girl, this is amazing and absolutely adorable! I love finding inspiration for new projects in magazines!
You are so sweet, Rebecca! I was surprised at how easy it was to combine ideas from the different magazines. It was fun!
The dress is lovely! This little girl looks like an angel.
Aww, thank you Carrie. She's a sweet one for sure!
What a beautiful dress! I have a Brynlee about the same age. I found you on Sugar Bee Crafts.
Aww, thanks for coming over and commenting! And it's a great name! :)
Oh my. This is just dreamy. I love upcycling and I love my little girls in white. It's no wonder it stood out to me on the link up from A Pumpkin and a Princess. Wonderful Job!
Thank you so much, Cami. Upcycling is so fun--I have another one up today if you want to take a look!
Oh this is soooo adorable! And I actually have the same curtains hanging up in my living room... I wonder if my husband would notice if they were to suddenly disappear, lol!
When I was a little girl it was time to make my First Holy Communion. We were very, very poor. My mother did not have the money to buy or make me a white communion dress. My mother asked the Mother Superior if I could make my communion with the congregation so I would not be embarrassed. Sister told my mother to return the next day for her answer. When my mother returned Mother Superior presented my mother with the most beautiful lace curtains you would ever see. The lace was handmade by her mother who lived in Ireland Mother was also from Ireland. It brought tears to my mother's eyes. I don't mind telling you I felt like the most beautiful princess there ever was. It broke my mother's heart to cut the beautiful lace curtains. She made beautiful dollies for the convent with the left over lace. Mother Superior was so proud to see me wearing the lace her mother made and I tried to wear it so proudly that day and every day for procession. I wore it for Christmas and Easter too. There got to a point mother couldn't adjust anymore so I finally had to give up wearing it so she gave to Mother in case another little girl came to her in the same position as I.
Oh Susan, this is the sweetest story--I'm so glad you shared it with me. What a sweet Mother Superior to give up something so precious and your mother was amazing to use her talents to bless others as well. I couldn't love this more.