Fall Thrift Flip: Turning a dress into a skirt and making a turtleneck bigger!

Join me as I quickly turn a dress into a skirt and then struggle a bit as I strive to make a turtleneck more breathable! The end result is lovely, but I have some ups and downs along the way! #upcycling #diyfashion
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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What I’m wearing: a thrifted top that did not require ANY alteration!
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Music: Four More Weeks by Vans in Japan from the KZbin Audio Library
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Thank you for watching and supporting the growth of my channel!
Until next time, take care!
~Catherine

[@kathyelliot9795]

Absolutely Love this skirt and sweater!!!! I made be 67 years old. But I’m loving learning new sewing techniques and ways to upcycle thrifted finds!!!!! Thank you so much Catherine!!! I sincerely Appreciate you!!!!!!

[@angelkeith4767]

As a knitter and a lover of cashmere, my heart was breaking from the moment the scissors touched the cashmere. It turned out nice though. Good job.

[@joycev1105]

I've sewn all my life and I learn so much from you. It's a pleasure watching you verbalizing your thought process. And the bonus? Is you don't say ah, oh, or aw with every sentence. Which is so refreshing.

[@maryswartzel2773]

I’m a knitter, a serious knitter. You did a fabulous job of catching those little stitches and making sure they did not run! Both the skirt and the sweater look wonderful. Thanks for bringing us along on this adventure ♥️

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, thank you! That's great to hear. I feared that knitters might be offended by my technique!

[@Akplaylistak]

@@CatherineSews Not at all, you did a great job - well done!

[@furlizard]

I liked you showed altering something to make it bigger rather than smaller. It was creative, and looks cool!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks Rachel! Now I'm looking forward to cooler weather so I can wear the sweater!

[@DenBank1]

Love love your thrift flips. I am a beginner sewer and before I buy expensive fabrics that take my fancy, I am practicing sewing through a bunch of refashioning projects. Fr. Hertfordshire, England.

[@CatherineSews]

Good for you! Refashioning is not only cheaper, it's also more environmentally friendly! Thanks so much for watching!

[@Lorij83]

Your remake of the turtleneck is wonderful!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you, Lori! So glad you liked it!

[@jannajacob219]

The dress looks a lot better as a skirt! Love the top, too

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Janna!

[@CHrisPetE056]

Watching you cut a sweater 😮 quite frankly scared me but you showed us how it is so possible. Thank you again.

[@annholmes9650]

Fabulous ,love your videos from Hunmanby, near Filey, North Yorkshire, UK. Please keep them coming, every one is great x x x

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Ann. It's amazing to me that people from so far away enjoy my videos! So happy to have you on board.

[@lindaduffy8387]

I love to see how you problem solve as you go, it’s inspiring and great reminding to just try, keeping the end goal in mind as you adapt to the situation presented. Thanks!

[@mimaw1365]

I love this remake you did. The sweater and skirt are just beautiful.

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

Just a necklace or two for color, you could do pearls white or colored, like a pink one or coral, mother of pearl, etc.Experiment. That sweater is great! I almost want one, but I don't like anything that close to my neck, too hot. Looks great with the skirt. Fun!

[@soniaclarke1171]

I love the idea of blocking on the neck line. I also altered a cashmere sweater after watching your red cashmere project. Thank you for so many tips, I will be out hunting thrift stores to alter garments. I live in the UK.

[@CatherineSews]

So great to hear! That makes my day!

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Catherine you make me laugh so much with your expressions over the snug necklines. Very funny. You're looking well and your hair looks great. I was grateful to learn how to quarter the elastic. I've always been too scared & end up making a tube for it which looks a bit amateur. After lockdown I got two very pretty dresses which were way too small in the bodice but we're perfect to turn into skirts. Also your tip about the tail thing in the overlocker 👍👌 well the skirt looks lovely on you and you made a great job of the jumper too. Well done. I didn't watch your last video as I knew I'd make a pigs ear of anything that complex. Breathe easy Queen Catherine.🤓

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, I've been crowned by my Queen!! Thanks for your kind words. Good luck changing your dresses into skirts!

[@mjdevorick8404]

I love how you are realistic with your unique body shape and help us learn how to adjust to accommodate our own unique shape. Thanks as always for a wonderful lesson. Keep them coming!!

[@han_cx245]

Wow, that was brave working on the sweater. good job on all.

[@joycen4649]

Wow! So impressed with how nice the cashmere turtleneck turned out! Very cool!

[@JunaGuetter]

I love this video and how the sweater turned out! Great job! I bought a similar tight navy cashmere sweater at a thrift store the other day. It's in excellent condition but has a skull on the front and its a wee bit too tight. I'm thinking of some kind of applique for the front, but I loved your lace insert to make it bigger and more feminine. In the last couple of weeks I've watched a bunch of your videos and I absolutely love how you teach and inspire. I'm gathering the courage to get sewing again after many years of not sewing. Thank you!

[@marionmathews9852]

The jumper transformation worked out brilliant. I think that you’re incredibly clever to do these thrift flips. The jumper looks amazing on you, as does the skirt.

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks, Marion! Now I'm hoping for colder weather so I can wear the outfit!

[@dawsie]

I love the jumper that’s come out gorges I have a few tops of Mom’s that I kept for doing something like that as they were Mom’s so I just wanted them as a cuddle reminder of her. The lace inserts and a nice touch. I have a few old lace tops I don’t wear anymore but just have not been able to let go😹😹 will see if they will look good as a combo. I have turned many a dress into skirts that I have bought over the years, I feel more at home in skits and tops than dresses but sometimes I just fall in love with a dress and so I buy it and change it so I can wear as a skirt and either a little jacket or keep the top half as inserts for other projects or use to add pockets to the skirt.

[@xtina22e]

Totally got excited thinking that you were going to use the cuff from the lace top to be the bottom of the entire sleeve... That would've loved beautiful!! Still looks great though!

[@bekesize]

I love watching how your mind works as you are problem solving! You do a wonderful job of explaining your thinking, possible solutions and processes! It helps me, because as a new sewer I struggle to ‘see’ the three dimensions of a garment! Thanks!

[@ThatPlacefkaNebraskaBugeater]

The top turned out beatifully edgy & elegant at the same time. I keep buying tops that are too big thinking that I'll make them smaller. I think I'll try buying smaller & making them bigger with contrasting sides. There's no such thing as clothes that actually fit me, otherwise. That's why I love your tutorials.

[@CatherineSews]

"Edgy and elegant" I love that!

[@daisyy99]

Projects turned out lovely.

[@lamodedepinktag]

Good job. The neckline of the sweater was really tricky!

[@maurashahar2967]

You are so cute sharing all your decisions with us! And you are brave with your trials!

[@dianepelosi9625]

Wonderful!! Love your tutorials, wish you were here on Long Island (NY) for sewing lessons!!! Keep on posting those ideas 👍😎

[@chrissy24-7]

OMG I have a too tight cashmere turtle neck too! ❤ 😊

[@helenmyers5161]

Wow! Creative and sustainable! What else to desire? And it is beautiful too!

[@helenreidt3315]

What an inspiration you are !! Thrift shops are going to be so much fun now I won't have to try and find things 'in my size'. I have to be honest though. I would have turned the turtle neck into either a crew or a V neck.

[@suzyqew3003]

I am thoroughly enjoying myself! Thank you for your videos = )

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Suzy! So happy to have you on board!

[@vivianhamilton616]

Beautifully done 👍 love the sweater ❤️

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@MF-xs2hv]

LOOOOOOOOOVE what you do with the clothes. I've been making fingerless gloves from clothes I have, but found your great channel weeks later. I LOVE recycling clothes. Watching you sew something into something is so exciting to me. ❤️😍

[@annholmes9650]

Fantastic, you are so clever. Thank you so much for all your videos. X x x

[@kerstinshadbolt1003]

How I wish I had some of your talent and creativity. Thrift shops have so much to offer but, sadly, unless a garment fits, that's usually where the recycling story ends for me. Thank you so much videos such as this.🌷

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, learning how to do a few kinds of alterations opens loads of possibilities at the thrift store!

[@Sestra_Prior]

Some great tips and ideas! I have a couple of jumpers I had given up ever wearing again (but haven't yet ditched!). Now I have hope I can make them fit again 🙂

[@CatherineSews]

Go for it! If you're not wearing them anyway, then you have nothing to lose!

[@queenofroses09]

I've already altered one of my short sleeve shirts following one of your videos and am about top try doing the same to some long sleeves. Thanks for giving me the courage to try.

[@CatherineSews]

That's so great to hear! Go forth with courage!!

[@georgeneantos9586]

Beautiful transformation. You are able to make basic tailoring skills so doable

[@kirsteta17]

The sweater is stunning!!! Have some lovely turtlenecks with exact issue but not known where to start. You've shown how to separate seams and given me confidence to cut into them. Thankyou!!!

[@barbaravoneitzen7729]

You inspire me to change what doesn’t fit me correctly. Love you videos. Got my neighbor hooked on your videos also.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, that's great to hear! Thanks for watching and getting your neighbor to watch too!

[@staceyschriner1368]

Phenomenal! Great projects- I love how they turned out!🎉🎉🎉

[@sheribeaudreau8376]

Very nice! Love that turtleneck.

[@angelsmith4467]

Everything turned out so pretty, I love how you did the sweater ❤

[@joycerawes7102]

If you butt the ends of the elastic together over a small piece of material you will illuminate the small bump from the overlap.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I think this works well when the elastic is going into a casing, but when it is exposed like this, what would you do with the raw ends?

[@joycerawes7102]

You are right. When I left the comment you had not finished and I assumed you were going to in case it

[@cemitchell6496]

Just found your channel. Love Love Love your upcycles! Got to binge watch now!

[@CatherineSews]

Ce, I'm so happy that you found my channel! Great to have you on board!

[@jesshothersall]

The jumper is awesome, I am not going to even attempt this one! :)

[@uhhehhohh08]

My very first thrift flip (and completely new to sewing) was completed after watching this! Thank you! :)

[@uhhehhohh08]

My arms are, however, very tired from stretching the elastics while sewing......

[@sue9210]

Thank you, Catherine, for how you are teaching me to alter my clothing in these difficult economic times. I love sewing and am learning new tricks and methods through you, too!❤

[@belieftransformation]

This one gives me ideas for a tight cotton turtle neck! Thanks for sharing!

[@ruthbarmore5211]

I just discovered your channel! Thank you so much for your videos! I sew, but tailoring is a different matter. Not anymore! Because of your videos, I was able to take my favorite dress and resize it to fit after I lost 20 lbs. I am going to do more upcycling now and remake my entire wardrobe. Thank you, Catherine! Please keep making videos.

[@larryharmon8731]

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thank, Larry. That's very sweet.

[@gloglos100]

Thank you, excellent. I sew so seeing someone sewing is thrilling. Love seeing the close ups, the picking up of stitches the management under the machine presser foot. I have been living in Melbourne Aus for 20 years the non creative dark city of Aus. Crushed me to have my glowing colours in natural fabrics…like watermelon pink cashmere with gold buttons escada jacket 20 years ago which elicited sneers from the black polyesters around.Just seeing you is thin edge of 5he wedge for recovery. Bottom line, just sewing together bits that fit works. I have big swatches of Linton tweed fabrics..samples..the fabrics used by Chanel, thinking of doing some interesting putting together. As well too small cashmeres and suchlike are plentiful on thrift on eBay or shop. The input shapes are lovely over sleeve cap and neck.

[@CatherineSews]

Janet, your Linton swatch project sounds exciting! You sound like a very creative person who could do something really cool with those pieces!

[@cindycash1772]

I love that top !!! Gotta make me one !!! Thank you...

[@gerischwendinger4575]

I have watched a few of your videos now, and I just love them! You are very creative. Super cool..

[@tanyagoldberg7048]

You are really good at all the details ❤❤❤

[@jorichards325]

Hi all the way from Australia so enjoy your vlogs I have learnt so much after years of not sewing I have taken it up again thank you for making it so easy to understand appreciate the time you put into your projects thank you 😊❤

[@CatherineSews]

So great to hear! Thank you!

[@margaretWestminster]

Fantastic job on the sweater

[@jamie6265]

Perfect video for what I was looking for. Thanks for another great tutorial!

[@VirtueWithin]

You did such a GOOD job on that sweater🎉❤! Thank you so much for sharing❤

[@faviolamartinezsewdigitizing]

Great transformation on the sweater! I’ve never thought that creatively and given away too tight sweaters! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@susanbaker902]

You did an amazing job.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

I really like thrift flips!

[@tonyawest7186]

Amazing!!!!

[@clothingalterations]

I love your videos, fully enjoyed

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, thank you! That's great to hear. Best of luck with your channel. You do great work over there!

[@1wolfpup]

Both pieces came out beautiful. 🌷

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! Lovely to hear 💖

[@catlady6938]

Wow you did a really good job they both look really good. I have a dress I want to make into a skirt this video will be really helpful.

[@AngeVPV]

I love the result! The top is gorgeous! It's worth spending a little more time and having an unique piece!

[@lizz7162]

What an awesome job ... I learn so much from you ... thank you from Lizz in South Africa xx

[@trudiebudnik3029]

Thank you for sharing your ideas. I love the sweater! I have a much loved sweater I can no longer fit into so will try something similar. 😀

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your sweater!

[@moneal99801]

Just discovered your channel. I wish I’d had you for Home Ec. We had to make aprons before we could move on. Your emphasis on sustainability is wonderful and accessible.

[@CatherineSews]

I used to start with an apron too! But I quickly realized that no one ever got excited about making an apron!

[@dorothydishman4664]

Again, so inspiring and a great save.

[@lisastreet8920]

You have crazy skills! Well done!

[@craftdabbler9255]

You are amazing. I sew. But this kind of recreating is stressful to me. I’m going to binge watch all your videos and see if I can muster up the courage to try some clothing editing.

[@CatherineSews]

You can do it! If you're a "craft dabbler" you'll love the process!

[@MsLisaMBrown]

really cool upcycling! I tell you, I'm a knitter and you did great with joining the lace to the edge. I'm not sure I'd have done it any differently.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks, Lisa. That's great to hear!

[@amyberg1413]

You fascinate me! I love how bold you are at cutting and redesigning! No stress since you got the garments cheap to begin with-love it!

[@CatherineSews]

I guess I got over my fear when I used to work for a high-end designer. I had to cut into fabrics that were hundreds of dollars per metre! Sometimes I couldn't bear to watch myself do it, lol!

[@fabkreations]

This has given me SO many ideas, thankyou 💖

[@linkay6]

I really like how the sweater turned out!

[@Maplecook]

Here for it!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, MC!! Always great to have you stop by!! Sending positive vibes for the growth of your channel!!

[@Maplecook]

@@CatherineSews Super hugs!

[@dinab6242]

Great job 👏

[@carolynhoppe3196]

What a lovely outfit! I really love your ensemble! I am going to try to find some thrifted pieces to do a similar outfit. Awesome!

[@barbarabarthel9566]

You do beautiful work, such creativity 😊

[@sewcreative3666]

Turned out great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dawnecamacho2601]

Beautiful top.

[@VH4A]

Thank you - how incredibly inspiring!

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

So clever. Lovely outfits.

[@alishajennings2013]

That sweater is absolutely gorgeous

[@dale3404]

I have some long sleeved cotton tshirts that are snug. If I can find some nice lace, this would be a great way to extend the life of them.

[@JoytoWorld]

You are fearless!! So inspiring! Thank you!

[@gracie2375]

Super fun to watch the transformation of each outfit.

[@loreleig5062]

Awesome job as always. All the outfits look great on you!

[@annholmes9650]

Fabulous, you are such a clever, inspiring lady, thank you so much. C c c

[@ellenmacarthur9669]

Excellent job.

[@MistySlocomb]

I find your videos to be very inspiring. Thank you so much. Also, I really appreciate that you are so easy to listen to.

[@mary-louw2946]

You made the funniest faces when your turtleneck was too tight, but I know that feeling! lol

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, everytime I tried that turtleneck on is was like being suffocated with a fuzzy pillow! It wasn't until the very end that I could pull it on comfortably. What a relief!

[@cherylrosbak4092]

The sweater turned out great. I know I've seen similar designs with leather where you put the lace.

[@CatherineSews]

Oooh, leather is a cool idea!

[@kimijackson5200]

Excellent video! Thank you!

[@mymai5859]

Love your vids - you get straight to the point. Love that we can transform our too tight jerseys now. 💗

[@gisellejones1139]

Wonderful job

[@anajewett9309]

I just love it! You do the things so easy!@