FROM DRAB TO FAB: A Pretty Dress Upcycle!

[@Silverhaired59]

Catherine, I found you a couple of weeks ago and have watched so many of your videos that sometimes half my feed are yours! I have determined that I need to sit down with a notebook and pen and re-watch many of the videos and take detailed notes, just as I did in physics class. Yes, sewing is the science of turning a flat fabric into a 3D creation, and you hold a PhD!

[@Leiannev]

I sewed professionally over 20 years ago. Getting back into sewing & finding new & fun things to try on this channel as well. I’m note taking too!

[@nicolehubbard3536]

Catherine: "It's gonna be fiiiine, don't worry." Me: "I'm not worried. I believe in you." 😄

[@annekelly8168]

The dash of yellow works so beautifully! Sort of how a squeeze of lemon brightens many dishes! 😂

[@CatherineSews]

That’s the perfect analogy! That trim IS like a squeeze of lemon!

[@sylvieboucher9266]

Love your analogy!

[@abaigealduda2756]

What a lovely way you express yourself! Perfectly captured!

[@ruthiebee6139]

Very nice. It will be fun to wear this spring and summer!

[@MissJonas]

I wear dresses everday. I find dresses that are too big and down size them. Would love to see more of those kind of videos. This one was very helpful. Thanks

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I love down sizing larger clothing too! Making something larger is definitely more challenging. I’m trying to be more sensitive to bigger people who resent when the cool items in their size are snapped up by smaller people who downsize them. It’s a bit of a sore point for some people, so I’m trying to focus on making things bigger rather than smaller.

[@anietamccracken2182]

That's thoughtful. Didn't think of that

[@MissJonas]

​@@CatherineSewsI could easily sew my own dresses. But if no one has bought the item after hanging on the rack for the longest time .. I'll give it a shot before it's shredded up. And I'm smiling because at 64 no one calls my clothing "cool".

[@edward3dofficial]

… the hidden snap trick! I love a simple tweak that makes a big impact. 🏆

[@lynnries7729]

Catherine, This is pretty fabulous! I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I love following your thought process. You, thinking out loud is teaching me so many new things. The print is lovely. So glad you rescued and re-made this dress.

[@CatherineSews]

I’m so glad that my mumbling ways are helpful for you! Great to hear.

[@elainelear4982]

Definitely a sweet transformation. The white/yellow adds a sparkle and lightness.

[@linkay6]

End result is so cute!!

[@lana7422]

Lovely dress...perfection achieved! And yes, the yellow pop of color is just right.

[@patricialeonardi6260]

Catherine: you are the best. Love to watch you work. That dress is so cute and looks great on you!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

Wow it doesn't even look like the same dress! I would never have seen the after in the before. Good eye!

[@lindap9079]

I'm glad you are willing to pay higher prices for the sake of making us tutorials. For me to pay $25 for a thrift store dress it would have to already be perfect in every way, fit, color, style. For me, upcycling is hit or miss sometimes it works other times "oh, well, I only wasted what others would spend on drive through coffee" I wouldn't gamble on a $25 dress.

[@CatherineSews]

I get what you’re saying. When you’re thrifting, it’s annoying to come across prices that are higher than retail. That’s why so many people turn to fast fashion!

[@lindagoesel3815]

@@CatherineSews so sad, but thrift stores have caught onto the new craze and I feel are really sticking it to us. And I detest this new fast fashion business.

[@angelbear_og]

I have a couple of blouses that are button up, stretchy fabric, with button holes just a weeeeee bit too big for the buttons. I sewed the placket completely on one, but I like this snap trick and will try it on the others!

[@CatherineSews]

If you can pull the blouse on over your head, then either way works! You can also just make a few stitches at one end of each buttonhole to make them a bit smaller.

[@angelbear_og]

@@CatherineSews I may try that! Though I like the idea of keeping the gappiness closed across the bustal region. 😁

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Luv, luv, your new video. Great instructions. The dress turned out really nice, and looked so good on you. Thank you for another wonderful video. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@tinkertailorgardenermagpie]

Can’t put my finger on why it looks a bit frumpy? Maybe keeping the collar but ditching the length woulda been more flattering? Or a 3/4 sleeve? Anyway, still fun to watch & learn from your process. Thx for your videos!😊

[@kimberlyd9049]

I’m always so excited to see when you’ve added a new tutorial. You’re a wonderful instructor, creative and inspiring! Thank you for sharing your sewing adventures!❤

[@barbarabeckman6722]

Love it!

[@lindagoesel3815]

Catherine, isn't it wonderful what you can do with material. I'm 79 been sewing since I was a child. Love what you did with this. Enjoy all your videos. Thanks.

[@kandacey5395]

I like that you started this video with both the before AND after result. It's like "Hmm, am I ready to learn these techniques yet?" Do I think I might try something like this on anytime soon, or do I go back to it later on, after watching the easier techniques? Well, I may not be ready, but I'm hooked anyway, with curiosity. It does inspire me, and I continue to be amazed! Learning as I watch. Wish I could just snap my fingers and have all your expertise and knowledge. I think I need to purchase me one of those curve rulers! Ordered me some better fabric cutting scissors too. Thank you for great videos!

[@abaigealduda2756]

This is soooo beautiful. I can't believe a charity shop asked 50 (whatever your currency is - I think you have Canadian currency?). Even at 25, that's a bit of an investment. But the pattern is really subtle and lovely and expensive-looking. I can't always understand everything that you are doing - I need to practice more and try out a few of the things that I have learned from you (once I actually have furniture in my new apartment) - but I really appreciate what you do and how you share it with the world. Thank you very much.

[@andreasharp2135]

The pop of yellow is lovely and the dress is trendy now instead of frumpy xx

[@DH-ku6qg]

Love to watch you alter clothing. You make me think I can do that too, Catherine showed us how. Again, a beautiful outcome and it looks so nice on you.

[@rljturbo]

That definetly looks so much better than before. Also this is one of those bottun closures where i just end up thinking it was designed by someone who had never worn one ever, with the amount of spare in between the bottuns that would be gaping on anyone, great fix though.

[@CoalNovah1285]

That trim Is perfect 👍🏻 😊

[@shanaproctor100]

I wanted to thank you for your wonderful videos. Because of you and your videos, when my daughter came for a visit last weekend, I was able to add straps to a bridesmaid dress, add some fabric to enlarge the sleeves on another dress, and shorten another dress for her.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, Shana! That’s amazing! You should be very proud of yourself!!

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

I really like the “after”. The outcome looks like a vintage Laura Ashley dress. Well done!

[@birdieellenberis6741]

Love the new look of that dress. Love all your videos.

[@mellibee100]

Beautiful transformation! Well done :)

[@susanbuck1327]

I always love it when I see that you have a new video. Sometimes it takes me a few days to get them fully watched so I have an open "window" on my computer that my husband is not fond of but then I don't forget about the video or need to go looking for it.

[@lynnelyon3616]

Wow! Your instincts are always spot-on! The trim does give that dress the pop it needed! Thank you for talking us through your entire process - I always learn something new from you.

[@amandajenn-h3o]

Looks really good on you Catherine….love your tutorials way above all others. You’re such an inspiration 🎖️😊

[@NellieGirl]

I love it!! You inspire me!!

[@Queenread82]

I was doubting when I saw you pull out that yellow eyelet but it turned out so pretty - subtle and feminine. Very nice Catherine!

[@robinlandtroop2774]

Love your dress. The trim is adorable.

[@janelangdale6022]

I would never have thought to use that trim but you did and it was just right, lightened and brightened! Thanks.

[@mammastreed5070]

As usual, awesome save! Great job bringing that dress new life! The yellow does bring a pop of sunshine in & who doesn’t love that! Thanks!

[@kylieinnocente242]

A very successful upcycle - I really enjoyed it and the style suits you well 🌻

[@carolines2088]

That's was a great dress. Such a fantastic transformation. And fairly fast and simple. Great video! Thank you.

[@normacooper6377]

Congratulations! Great upcycling.

[@larryharmon8731]

A pretty dress on a beautiful woman!!😊

[@asimina4209]

That looks fabulous 👌

[@dar4835]

Catherine, you are amazing at sewing. I've been dabbling in it, but floundering. Seeing what you do takes the mystery out of being able to take frumpy to fabulous! I have two items that I need to do this to, and I was hesitant to get in and do it. You are an inspiration in getting my self-esteem up and running. Thank you for all of your vids. Bless you! That dress turned out so well. The trim really compliments it so well.

[@lauraschryer1261]

Thank-you for showing how to alter the neckline & sleeves. I have several tops with collars & long sleeves that I was hoping to alter for spring/summer wear. Such a pretty summer dress! The trim was the perfect touch.

[@cherylrice3049]

That dress is now so adorable, I love it.

[@MrB_and_me]

I'm so glad you used the old trim. It looks great! I also have lots of trim in my stash that I would like to use but haven't been quite sure how to go about it. Thanks for the tips!

[@themamachar]

That is pretty. Great job

[@BlueSky-n2q]

It's a nice way to use up some old trim and if you like it that's all that matters. It's better than haveing the trim hanging around taking up space in your sewing bits and pieces

[@tanasuesews]

It looks vintage and I love it!

[@MsLouisVee]

What I don’t know is how you thought this dress was redeemable. I think there are so many other options without going through all that work unless you wanted to that is. in any case it turned out fitting very nicely on you

[@martimoore740]

I love it! Great ideas! I added a triangular panel to the legs of some old skinny jeans. Your technique would have made them a lot more finished! I'll try again now that I've your method!

[@ArlenePMCM]

Night and day! The trim added so much punch that now the fabric looks like it has yellow in it! The only thing I'd add is a mock line of waistband stitches across the gusset to match the waistlines on front and back.

[@klynndubois6200]

Cute! Cute! Cute!❤

[@ImzadiD]

Very pretty! An alternative way to add more room along the sides, since you were making a new neckline and cap sleeves anyway, is to lift up the top of the shoulders and sew a new shoulder seam across the top about a an inch lower. Hope you know what I mean. Since the dress is an A-line, all material would have been raised up an inch and you'd automatically have extra room all around. Then add your neckline and cap sleeves on.

[@bohorustica8545]

WOW what a lovely transformation !! Just beautiful on you. Never knew about clear snaps, such a simple solution , I have a dearly loved navy cotton shift dress with sweet small antique shell buttons that love to pop open too, will be so much nicer to be rid of the safety pins I have to use. Your videos always delight and enlighten in the most unexpected and wonder filled ways. Just love you being you. :))

[@lorenchebator431]

Love the transformation. Have you ever sewn part of the button area closed instead of putting snaps? I would love to see how you did it. Thanks for all your videos. I love them all.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks! Yes, when something can just pull over my head, I have sewn it closed. But I need to open the buttons of this one to get it on and off.

[@lesliesgarden6798]

What a beautiful transformation! Your upcycling is very inspiring! I’ve attempted to upcycle clothes in the past, but often made a hash of it. You’ve taught me several tips that I think will allow me to up my game in the future. Thank you! ✨✨✨

[@marshadimond441]

I love watching your thought process in doing remakes. And I thought I was pretty clever when I took a long sleeve t- shirt that was too tight in the sleeves & neckline & made a tank top using the sleeves for bindings. 😊 But your process on making this bigger, changing the neckline and using trim was amazing.

[@ginalouisedesigns8826]

I LOVE the way the dress came out! I LOVE it and love your videos! 💕💕💕

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love the dress now n the yellow trim too.

[@dianahall5170]

I find you inspiring and really appreciate what you do.

[@johnettehaines6291]

Very cute. Love the touch of lace.

[@melissaegbertson9100]

Great job, Catherine! So cute!

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

Super cute. Great summer dress for you!😊

[@davederrick9431]

Looks fabulous. I think you are correct, your serger needs a new blade!😊

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

I like this dress. It's the kind of thing I would wear for sure!

[@1wholovestrees]

You look like you lost 15 pounds with the modified version! I have a wonderful LL Bean knit dress in aqua; turtleneck and long sleeves. It too is a little snug across the front. I want to take off the turtleneck and use it as an inset. Great idea!!

[@jimbennett9225]

You inspire me so much. I thrifted a jumpsuit a couple weeks ago and turned it into a cute Spring dress! Yay refashioning!

[@wendyrowland7787]

A narrow contrasting belt similar to the trim would be nice.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I think I should try a belt!

[@wendyrowland7787]

@@CatherineSews hi Catherine, here from the UK. I recommended your channel to my grand daughter who has a sewing machine and surger, the latter having asked her mum for one, hasn’t used much. This 81 yo gran has gone back to sewing as it is a case of what you can still do. Used to be a sheep farmer. I now have a super machine well above my pay grade but for old times sake got out my 222k my mother struggled to buy when I was thirteen. I appreciate your instruction and am busy trying to make silk purses out of sows ears, it makes a change from knitting. ( I think I need a surger) they call them overlockers here.

[@carolcarter865]

Another great up cycle. I learn so much from you.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

So pretty! Thanks for showing!

[@Grace_x68]

I love it ❤ You have made little house on the prairie a funky fresh summer dress. ❤

[@theladybaltimore]

Catherine, would you please consider doing a video on how to adjust a sewing machine to sew thin, fine, super drape-y fabrics without puckered seams.

[@Alaskaraised]

That turned out super cute! So flattering! I have a dress that I thrifted that I love the fabric and the pattern. It's too loose and too long (I'm short). Watching this has given me confidence to play around with basting stitches until I get it right. I don't want to cut anything yet.

[@lynnock8003]

Looking good in your upcycled dress - but then ... you always do. Thank you 😊

[@angelamajor4034]

The dress came out lovely!

[@koolkatss4854]

Great job. Your dress is adorable👏

[@47retta]

Very nice transformation!

[@susanharber6488]

Just marvelous as usual!!🎉

[@sarahferrell5458]

Super cute trim!!

[@JohnetteHaines]

If they are checking out you under arm they are to close and nosy. Love the touch of yellow trim, very lovely

[@PreciousMe]

Came out fantastic! And the yellow picks up the "tones" in the dress so it does work beautifully. I have a tan round-neck, sleeveless linen dress that I love. BUT tan looks horrible on me. Trying to figure out a way to add a white shirt collar to the neckline and some kind of sleeve to it. Any ideas? Big Hugs. See you next week!

[@alrightsissi]

it turned out so well!!

[@AngeVPV]

I love the results!

[@mswetra2610]

It went from office to farm! ❤

[@Sandra-r9v3u]

I want those clips!!!

[@melissasofia4041]

Love your videos. Could you please do a video on downsizing a top? Like from a 3x to a Large? I have lost weight and woukd like to save some of my clothes. Thank you!!

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

It looks pretty on you now. I think that a thin belt or some kind of belt would ad to it as well.😊

[@dellmktr4152]

Dear Catherine, I watch most of your upcycle videos for inspiration n learning how to fix clothing. I am not so good with pattern-drafting though I have had sewing classes before. I wonder what do you do with your stash of collars, cuffs etc that you get from your upcyle project. Maybe you can make videos for recycle project for those bits n pieces. Just an idea. Tq anyway for your informative videos.

[@ConnieAcree]

You did a beautiful job. I love it. Thank you for sharing. God bless.

[@bluestar.8938]

Thank you lovely : )

[@dianejohanson98]

Great job!

[@IMOO1896]

Awesome

[@auntnessy7340]

Beautiful

[@barbarabeckman6722]

Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much for the SuperThanks, Barbara! Greatly appreciated!!

[@lynnleipold2617]

Much better, but I don’t love the trim on it. But you did a great job with the fitting. Thanks for this video!

[@suno8911]

Gorgeous and really useful, as always. 😊 Just between us though, I would have cut both side gussets from just one sleeve. That way I’d have plenty of material left from the other sleeve to use for pockets, or bias, or back ties, or a belt, or neck facing, or future alternations and mending… waste not, right? 😂

[@carlam.9529]

I love it !!! ❤

[@cjane51]

Catherine, I dub thee the queen of repurposing. Well done-Claudia

[@mldz8132]

Catherine - how do you see ahead of what you are doing? I can sort of see what's needed, but I don't know where to start.

[@georginassanchez7519]

very lovely