Make a Trending Top from a Thrifted Dress!

This upcycle was another one of the amazing ideas that came out of my Upcycling Retreat in Seattle! This tie-front puff-sleeve blouse is trending right now and you can make one sustainably from a thrifted dress!
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#sustainablefashion #Upcycling #DIYFashion
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~Catherine
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[@BritInvLvr]

I saw another KZbinr make this same blouse. I thought it was cute but I would look silly being 66. I like seeing a modified version that I would feel more comfortable wearing.

[@PreciousMe]

I've seen several (I watch too much you tube) make them and although they are so cute, I thought the same as you. But I'm thinking now, after watching Catherine, that we could make this in a more structured fabric, leave out the frills, and anything too cutesy. If we tone it down, it would make a cute jacket for fall or winter (I live in Florida). It may be worth the try. Big Hugs

[@nanettedoerr4396]

How about making the peplin more structured, such as with a few pleats (small ones) in the center back and one on each side close to the closure. Instead of ties, use medium size buttons with a loop closure. How about a washable wool or heavy cotton, even denim. This would make a great jacket! I am 73 btw.

[@nanettedoerr4396]

Also the black ribbon needs to be prewashed, most of the time it will shrink up. I would topstitch the ribbon with 3 rows of stitching, to make it washable. Just saying.

[@vickidiodato9834]

@@nanettedoerr4396 Frogs instead of ties would look good, too.

[@marilynhardman5239]

You are never too old to wear what you like! 💐

[@ChristineCooper-zm2wn]

I love the way you can see the potential of this thrifted dress. The resulting jacket is fantastic. And lots of useful tips along the way😊

[@janedavis2128]

I remember the other person said why don’t you just buy a new one? The reason I love what you do is because you’re using your creativity to make it yours -you’re thinking out of the box- which the person that originally made it- it’s their creativity. I love the way you show us how you make it your creativity. Not everyone can think out of the box to re-create something from something else. I love the way you do it. It makes my mind think and look at things differently. Thank you for what you do …….for us. ❤️

[@CatherineSews]

@@janedavis2128 thank you so much. That is everything. 🥰🥰🥰

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

Definitely not for the beginner, but what a beautiful transformation. From a dress that may be is worn once or twice to a pretty and unusual jacket that will be worn many times. Win win.

[@user-cb7mr8vm9e]

this dress is white and gold!!

[@aukkran]

I came to comment the same thing! 😂

[@domy6827]

I was looking for these comments

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Catherine, this top is gorgeous 🥰🥰🥰

[@matrixmom3300]

I am glad I am not the only one who has to step away and have a snack before doing something nerve racking.....loved the blouse!

[@cherylbolender697]

I really appreciate your upcycling videos. They give me a lot of ideas and instructions on how to accomplish certain details, and I just draw so much inspiration from you. Thank you.

[@ArabianShalifa]

I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who sit down to take a Stitch on the machine and realize it is on the last stitch I used not the current one I want to use.

[@judih.8754]

Catherine I appreciate that you noted this wasn't beginner friendly as it wasn't. But I love this type of project. Seeing the beginning and the end inspires me to tackle something similar. I love to noodle through items like this. You never are quite sure where you'll find the end result. The neck adjustment looks fine. Congratulations and thank you.

[@marissabyrum5900]

Yessss that zipper ripping is so satisfying! Your new glasses are lovely on you. What a great top!! You're the bestest Catherine! 😄

[@karenwilliams4152]

Satisfying is a great word !

[@susanharber6488]

It is a lovely, so well done Catherine. You just know that fabric is smiling to itself after having been upgraded so well 🎉❤!

[@kordads3]

Thank you thank you thank you for everything you share here! My newbie sewing skills are improving every time I sew. I was scated to learn previously, but not since finding your channel. I can only improve with time, have a great weekend!

[@CatherineSews]

@@kordads3 Thank you! So great to hear!

[@maryhutto]

You'll improve.😊 As you know, we learn from making mistakes.Keep at it! The mistakes will become fewer.

[@kordads3]

@@maryhutto thank you, I just keep at it😁

[@Seejaysew]

So glad you saw the potential and got that dress. The transformation is fabulous and I’m just a little bit jealous 😂🤣! So looking forward do the Italy trip and with you and finding some vintage garments that we can give new life to!

[@kathleenpittaluga8117]

My favorite line… “We are going to learn to live that!” 😂😊

[@CatherineSews]

@@kathleenpittaluga8117 haha, thanks, Kathleen!

[@emilymulcahy]

What a lovely white and gold dress you found (iykyk) 😜

[@graceohkraybill5431]

That's the viral Ganni blouse!

[@debracalliss5958]

Your result is amazing. Well done!

[@chriswithers8835]

Very cute transformation. I usually skip ahead on your videos (as I'm a 'seasoned' sewist) but I was intrigued by the entire video. You have a jacket that you can wear for years.

[@EmmBee20014]

I dont know how you turn everything into something cute and lovely. It looks stunning. Well done.

[@theresastricklin7397]

I love watching your vision come to life in your sewing!

[@martagasowska6772]

That shirt / topper looks so cute, what a nice upcycle! Ribbon trick level up: if you dip your fingers in water you can smush the melted edge of the ribbon flat and push in the corners a little

[@bonniebonnie7149]

Great tutorial, so informative! And a darling jacket!

[@CatherineSews]

@@bonniebonnie7149 Thanks, Lorraine!

[@marlenejohnson2350]

I bought a few tops and sewed elastic to look gathered, really look good, lots of compliments on them!

[@KSMP]

Love seeing problem solving in action

[@renepellissier2193]

Did you get new glasses!? So cute.

[@CatherineSews]

@@renepellissier2193 Yes, I did! Thank you!

[@crushnell]

Absolutely adorable! I made a similar style using a free shirt pattern last spring. It's such a fun trend and great to be able to sew it yourself. Thrifting or using fabric on hand makes it affordable too. Thank you for sharing your inspirational ideas!

[@Kakkydidit]

At least 2 pattern creators marketed patterns imitating that popular design this year!

[@LizH-fs3ky]

Wow. Definitely one of my favourite upcycles I have seen. Great job. I am inspired to do something similar in the future if I find the right garment.

[@nanettedoerr4396]

Really like your tutorials Catherine. Very inspirational, I always come away after watching wanting to sew. I commend you for teaching your high school students how to sew. Wish we had more programs like it here in the USA. Your students are lucky to have you for a teacher!

[@esperansaloughran693]

Yes! To the peplum!

[@amandajenn-h3o]

Wow! 🎉 ❤ gorgeous & unique….love your tutorials. Your camera position, commentary & editing is super professional too. Thank you Catherine xx

[@johnettehaines6291]

That is really cute

[@shellylemons]

If you use white grosgrain ribbon use a the tip of the fire and quickly burn it. It is easier to use a long lighter.

[@cynthiafeldberg4782]

I think that I held my breath the whole time that you were finishing the top and bottom corners 😅

[@macoeur1122]

OMG I love it! I cheated and just skipped to the end because I know I won't be doing this one. It looks like it fits very comfortably. I hope that was accomplished as easily as you'd hoped. (Maybe I'll find some time to watch the entire video this weekend to find out!😜)

[@cherylynn927]

Very nice flip of the dress. Well done, very clever!

[@vickiwood9192]

This may be my favorite item that I've seen you upcycle! So pretty and the fit is perfect.

[@kathleenpittaluga8117]

Love it! Was excited to see what you would do with it!

[@lynnelyon3616]

Wow! How many times have I watched your videos and thought, “this is my new favorite up-cycle!” Well, Catherine, THIS is my new favorite up-cycle!! Very cute and so well done!

[@pjacksreads536]

Beautiful transformation.

[@shortgirl65]

Another fabulous transformation!

[@arlenemurphy804]

Catherine, love listening to your thought process. Adorable top

[@karinz9106]

The jacket is amazing! I love it! ❤ Thank you for showing.

[@dawnspruill1914]

So cute, and I loved watching you problem solve.

[@sandramorgan732]

It looks fabulous and I love your new glasses

[@CatherineSews]

@@sandramorgan732 Thank you, Sandra! 😍

[@sarahferrell5458]

New glasses!! Awesome!!

[@shellyscott8275]

Oh Wow, Catherine what a brilliant creation 🥰 Super stylish. I found your video totally absorbing because your explanations are so detailed and thorough and the footage is so clearly shot. I’m totally inspired Catherine. I found your channel quite by accident and have now subscribed. Thank you xx 😊🇬🇧

[@JulieLewin]

I love this upcycled. The neck looks epic.

[@ireneclai578]

It really turned out great. 🎉

[@dianejohanson98]

Turned great! Looks so good on you too.

[@artisanstitch]

Fab! Your best upcycle yet 🤗

[@marlenejohnson2350]

❤love it❤🪡🧵❤️ love that style….my fave…..my style!

[@arlenem6659]

Turned out great

[@ConnieAcree]

Your blouse turned out beautifully. Have fun in Italy. I've never been to Italy, but my daughter-in-law that lives in San Antonio is from Italy. When my son that was stationed in Italy when he was in the Navy is when they met. Thank you for sharing. I learn so much by watching you. God bless.

[@masuahkokro8957]

It's amazing how you can turn a piece to another design. I never miss your videos. Thanks for always inspiring me

[@marlenejohnson2350]

Really enjoy your channel!!

[@bambikeegan5554]

Watching your videos gave me enough information and courage to size down a top I really love but couldn't wear because it was too big. The top turned out perfect! Thank you.

[@beccaharrison5110]

Lovely! It is one of your best.

[@joyfox4871]

Beautiful but I would have left the wide lace piece on the front if possible. I’m going to try one! Thank you for your wonderful videos. I’ve been sewing for 60 years and I still learned so much from you! I made my first dress at age 10

[@martimoore740]

I just realized that a blouse I thrifted would make a really cute tie front blouse. I love watching and learning from you. Please keep it up! I hope I'll be able to join one of your special trips someday.

[@vivianhamilton616]

Absolutely adorable ❤ great job.

[@melissad7855]

That is just darling!! What a fun video!

[@janedavis2128]

Love it. Soooo cute!

[@griseldaalarcon703]

It came out beautiful 😻

[@playhooky]

Omg that's adorable!

[@vivienlee610]

It's gorgeous.. I love it!

[@lisastreet8920]

Very pretty.

[@lizz7162]

looks great ... well done

[@47retta]

❤❤❤ beautiful transformation! I think it would also look great in a lighter thin cotton fabric to wear over a tank top. I hardly ever wear jackets in Florida.

[@nikkijohnson552]

Very clever indeed!

[@susanbaker902]

This is my favorite of all your up cycles that I have watched.

[@JocelyneRichard-h6z]

Very, very nice !!! I'm in love too !!! I learn so much from you ! Thank you sooo much ! ❤

[@jamieomahen2656]

I actually held my breath at different points of this video. And right before you said not beginner friendly, I was thinking not sure I would bite this off. Maybe a simpler version from an oversized man’s shirt. Oh and B+ for the corner? Ppppshaw! That is a firm A-.😜

[@barbarafrohne728]

This one is brillient! I love watching you make decisions and solving problems. I totally get your explanations and find them so useful. I am guessing that jacket will be worn often.

[@lesleywatkins1172]

Wow, love this!

[@cmdc7116]

really, really cute!!!

[@cjane51]

Catherine, you wow me every single time. This is not something I would do but I love watching you.

[@robyn3349]

Cute!

[@abaigealduda2756]

That peplum changes the proportions in a way that really brings out & complements the sleeve. Such an improvement!

[@dianadougherty7187]

adorable

[@millieortiz2724]

Oh I love it!

[@peggyr2984]

Yes!

[@laurenl5843]

Fantastic! 😊💜🇨🇦

[@daxxydog5777]

That came out great. I don’t usually like anything on me with a puff sleeve, but that is subtle enough that it wouldn’t look silly on a grownup. The peplum also wasn’t too flouncy. I like it a lot!

[@Heyreneesews]

Beautiful ❤

[@mary-louw2946]

cute, cute, cute

[@theresatyree3904]

I love that so much!

[@lobodo988]

wow Cute jacket! So tricky to use a dress with all those horizontal lines, not to mention how heavy that material is, but you did good, REALLY nice result. Fun to watch.

[@sylvieboucher9266]

Very cute blouse!

[@sheryllipschitz2772]

That upcycle is stunning!❤

[@christinegraham2579]

I love this cute little jacket! Your inspiration simply dazzles me!❤

[@butNick]

That came together like kismet! All the stars aligned and you made a beautiful jacket!!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Wow! Your jacket is beautiful on you; and, it is perfect for this time of year. We are already in Fall here. I didn't like that ugly dress either (and I would have walked away from it without giving it a thought). Yes, I would wear a cute top made like. I'm going to look through my closets to see what I already own that could be made over. Thank you for this wonderful idea, instructions, and video.

[@themamachar]

Great video.

[@tmiller7794]

This blouse is stunning. You’ve done a fantastic job Catherine.

[@Linda-hj5tv]

Love your new eyeglasses!

[@debbierenee7896]

Cute! I have to give this one a try. ❤

[@PAMALA.CHARIS]

I'm so excited to find your channel! I have only tried sewing and alterations a handful of times. I'm 54 and I have so many ideas in my head, I almost feel like I could design a clothing line but with zero knowledge of terms etc....not sure. Anyway, my current question is: what is it called when you have those tiny folds that lay flat as in the jean top you just worked on? The thin layered look. I hope you know what I'm asking. Thanks I'll await your response. The top is ultra adorable! So so cute!

[@CatherineSews]

@@PAMALA.CHARIS Hi Pamela, I’m so glad you found me! Glad to have you on board. Those folds are called tucks, and if they’re very small they’re pin tucks. I’m so glad you like this top!

[@CoalNovah1285]

Your new glasses 👓 are SUPER cute. But it’s not holding back that short part of your bangs…. Ahhhhh driving me crazy 😜