Respect the Dress!: Taking an unflattering dress and finding its true beauty

I went looking for a challenge, and boy did I find it! The fabric is great, but the style is NOT ME! Watch as I make it longer and MUCH MORE flattering!
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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Thank you, Matthew Inwood, for help with editing! You're awesome! [e-mail]
#sustainablefashion #Upcycling #DIYFashion
Music: Across the Ocean by JR Tundra from the KZbin Audio Library
EMAIL: [e-mail]
TIKTOK: catherinesews
INSTAGRAM: @cathbhay
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Until next time, take care!
~Catherine
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[@giselleteller3944]

Wow! Amazing transformation. Definitely NO belt. It interrupts the beautiful elongating effect of the center panel.

[@LR-vs5de]

I’m on team “no belt”. The dress is beautiful after the transformation you made. It has a casual, comfortable vibe. Adding a belt ruins that vibe and clutters the geometric pattern of the fabric.

[@NorahDenley]

I love seeing sewists struggle with unexpected challenges - it reminds me I'm not the only one who has these issues arise, and appreciate seeing you work through it. Thank you!

[@marriedtess]

No belt, that was amazing. I would have given up and made pillows.

[@feralnonbinaryautistic]

For me - no belt. A belt at the natural waist completely defeats the look of a drop waist shape.

[@normacooper6377]

That is pretty fabric. I was amazed how much removing the sleeves helped immediately. Your work has truly improved this dress. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? Me too!

[@mariaoropallo4224]

"days of innocence" ha ha ha. The end result is beautiful, and the fit is perfect. Well done

[@daxxydog5777]

The 90s called and they want their dress back! And the 20s also said hi. 😂 Nothing like a good “20 minute” project. Nice save!

[@lavadaroufs]

Catherine, I get a lot from your 'show' even though I am 77 and have sewn for at least 60 years.. I love how you take a challenge garment and make it wearable. Your machine sews like a dream and not at all noisy. I enjoy 4 used older models - why 4 you ask - When one is ailing (I'm married to my sewing fixit man and he is a genius) I have 2 more plus the serger. I love also how you make decisions as you sew. I do the same - sometimes a winner and sometimes not so good. It often depends on the fabric. Keep up the good work and thanks

[@ellenc.1685]

I think you really turned that dress around. You made a lovely casual comfy item. The blue fabric incorporated to add length really added to the look. Belt or no belt, I like how it looks. You are brilliant.

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much! So glad you liked the process and the results!

[@lakcurious]

That's how I often feel, whether they're my own old clothes or from the second-hand store. "Oh, it's really ugly, but just look at the material! You can't throw it away!" And then the whole process starts...🙃🙂

[@cathyellington7599]

You did a beautiful job. I love how you transformed that dressed into something so simple but elegant. Not that the job was simple but you rocked it. Your talent shows with every video

[@tocarolyntkrz8963]

Excellent dress transformation. Love how you paid homage to the fabric maker, artist and designer by keeping the elements that work for you and adding by your own. 👏🏻👏🏻 No belt, imho.

[@karenw8481]

What I really like about the dress is that you added the solid blue horizontal stripes to the bottom of the dress, very flattering

[@kra13]

"That was in the days of innocence when I sewed that dart in...". So funny, so talented. Thank you, Catherine, for sharing such great ideas, techniques, humor, and kindness.

[@juanitar.miller5210]

What a pretty dress! You took a pretty dress that wasn’t pretty on you, individually, and really changed it to look like it was custom made for you. BRILLIANT! I especially like how you used the accent solid blue elements.👍 I never heard of mud cloth before; you are always teaching us completely new sewing info!

[@marieprescott9168]

I think it’s beautiful and you did a great job. I really enjoy your channel. I have some clothing that people gave me back when our house burned. We lost everything and we got clothes in every shape and size and I live on a fixed income so I’m taking notes. Thank you for taking the time to teach publicly.

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, that’s an amazing story and the best reason I’ve ever heard for upcycling your wardrobe!

[@maryhutto]

Thank you, Catherine, for showing us that it's okay to audition an "idea," like it, sew it, and then rip it out because you changed your mind. I thought that just happened to me. 😂 I love your don’t-give-up attitude. It's refreshing! Love your channel!❤

[@SquintyBubbles]

Well you absolutely turned that around, fantastic! It looks so much better. I honestly can't imagine the body shape that would have been flattered by its original rendition. Excellent upcycle. You use your sewing machine as though it were a pen. It's like you magically draw your ideas into life with it. Si inspiring. 😊

[@CatherineSews]

What a beautiful comment! Thank you so much!

[@patstoughton]

No belt. It detracts from the design of the dress, IMHO, of course. I love you videos. I watch them all to the ends!!

[@debbie845]

I like it with or without the belt you did the dress a great deed! Looks so much better!! And adding the length with panels , YES!

[@nancyruth2008]

No belt. You were so lucky that the panel in front was removable! I love the blue stripes which made the dress richer, the linen would have washed it out...I think. Love your videos and am always excited when a new one pops up! Thank you.

[@pamelafox7677]

Really pretty, and fun to watch. I have a degree in fashion design too, and these days, I mainly do home decor sewing and my own alterations. I love watching how you solve these problems, it really inspires me.

[@annseabolt6645]

Sounds like me, I have sewn for 60 years and have made everything from casual to couture clothing, home decor and handbags. Due to the difficulty finding fabric I like at reasonable prices I don’t sew much clothing these days but like you find I can save by making home decor and I do alterations for myself and family.

[@pamelafox7677]

Same. It’s a great set of skills.

[@rosariacarlostella9105]

Well you were hoping for a challenge 😂 You are AMAZING!!! You have such a keen eye and vision and SO MUCH patience. A very beautiful outcome. No belt 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@karenheineman3284]

Love, love, love the new shape of this dress and yes, belt it! The belt adds even greater waist definition. You are an inspiration, Catherine. ❤

[@vickiewilliams3259]

I'm also with the "no belt" crowd. The vertical lines are perfect without one. Great job! I love that fabric too, but I'm afraid I would have given up. Thanks for pushing thru and making a really pretty dress.

[@mayraperez-ferrara5679]

The fabric is really pretty! And removing that ruffle on the sleeve made a big difference. I am not one for ruffled sleeves, I just don't feel they look good on me, but I know some people love them & look great in them! LOVE how this turned out! I like with or without that belt. It truly looks great both ways! As always, thanks so much for sharing!! ❤

[@linxadragon6839]

😂😂😂"The age of innosense"😂😂😂 I love your humor. Your videos are wonderful. Thank you.

[@CatherineSews]

I love that you appreciate my muttering. It’s comforting to know that someone is listening, lol.

[@MarySmith-hv9fs]

You did such a great job on this dress. I love to wear woven cotton in the Summer and your work is inspiring. Sometimes I really struggle with sewing issues and I want to toss my project out the window. When you show that even an expert like you can encounter issues, it gives me hope. Also, I love to watch your close-up sewing and I learn a lot from you. Thanks for your hard work on your videos!

[@twinnish]

Have you ever thought to do a small project in the bathroom like regrout and somehow you ended up rerouting and had a new floor and wallpaper and fixtures? That’s what happened to your dress. You went in for a tweak and he came out with a full remodel. I love what you did with it, and I like the way the skirt hangs so much nicer now the little bit of weight that the cotton gave to it or the structure of the additional trim just makes it hang nicer. It’s really cute and it’s really inspiring because you actually saved that dress. Do your students know that you do this channel?

[@susanpendell4215]

I'm in the no belt camp. Belts ruin a low waist design and seem to fight with it as to say, " I'm the waist, " "No I'm the waist".

[@helenablignaut662]

I interrupted setting a gr 5 exam paper to watch 😊. I consider myself your biggest fan, although I suppose most of us on this channel do. 🤭

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

Wait a minute… I was pretty sure I was! @Catherine: adding the blue strips, both vertical and horizontal, took the dress to a different level. No need for a belt. A thousand thanks for inspiring all of us!

[@deannesmith4979]

No belt. Love the fabric

[@mssixty3426]

I'm amazed at how you take items I would never look at twice, and turn them into attractive, wearable clothing.

[@beautyandstrengthwithin]

Wow! That was such a cool transformation!! I prefer no belt :)

[@blendadale6379]

Wow! The difference between the before and after is amazing

[@bethperkins8228]

I guess it's just me but until this video, I'd never heard of mud cloth before. Thanks for expanding my fabric knowledge.

[@Dingle1234]

Oh, this is my favourite one yet. Adding that bit of blue really showcased the geometric patterns. They seemed to kind of blend together before; this way really showcased. Maybe the dress was originally meant as a girls' design.

[@maryjanegibson7743]

You did it! The dress was truly awful, but you did such a wonderful job of transforming it into something beautiful.

[@Wick-a-Roo8897]

I continue to learn new techniques from every video. I enjoy watching you make things work for you or a friend or family member.

[@doudou53d44]

No belt for me either ! Lovely work on that dress !

[@cgggl9]

Wonderful transformation! It’s impressive how well original style of this dress was respected - you really have an eye to bring another fabrics/patterns to a clothing item and match it perfectly.

[@lobodo988]

Amazing. Your version is REALLY cute. That original dress, I wouldn't have even tried it on in the first place lol You are very talented

[@ilnacastelyn6310]

The dress looks so much better and flattering. I'm on team no belt.

[@sharongallagher3443]

Great alterations. You are creative and a talented sewist.

[@Jan-iv7kh]

Team no belt for me too. It's a beautiful fabric and now a very lovely dress that suits your body and colouring.

[@laurielevell454]

This dress truly looks like a designer dress now! Amazing vision, amazing job with the alterations. Also. I like it much better without the belt, which totally ruins the vertical panel columnar look. Much more slimming without the belt. As always good job! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@reeseoroni]

It looks 100% better, great ideas for modifying. No belt needed. Looks feminine and flattering. There used to be one small thing that bothers me though, one sleeve end hangs over your shoulder about a half an inch more (left side) in your shoulder. I noticed it pre- front panel modification and in the end it’s better but still longer.

[@carolg.6838]

Kind of like a puzzle..you know it can be done but how to put it together is a challenge. It would be cute with a navy shrug or cropped cardigan. I really liked the hem idea. I would not have thought to add two inserts for length. That would be fun on any skirt. The print was in your favor as it camouflages piecing.

[@47retta]

Very creative! I love how you changed the skirt!

[@ks8115]

No belt team! Really a great remake Ms Catherine!

[@Wandering.Homebody]

I loved the before one, with sleeves, and just below the knees.

[@marygersetich8709]

I agree with no belt. Yay for 2 pockets! The Dress Doctors would approve of your up-cycling skills. The Dress Doctors are discussed in the book "The Lost Art of Dress" by Linda Przybyszewski, which I just finished reading for the third time. That book and your channel are the main inspirations for me to get back into sewing clothes.

[@adrividrio]

Genius! Oh Catherine I just love how it turned out. So worth it

[@kathrynwebster6307]

Wow! After working with that bold print for any length time, my eyes would be crossing!

[@michelleskotynsky9426]

Just removing the sleeves was an improvement! But it was genius to continue the blue strips down the center. And adding the horizontal blues gave the bottom some interest without distracting from the top (and length too). You very much have an artist's eye. Oh, and, no belt.

[@your3kidding]

It became beautiful on you! When you're wondering if fabric is dyed in a piece or printed, just compare the front and back sides. A printed pattern shows through a bit on the back, but none of it is well defined or true color. A piece dyed fabric has equally rich color front and back.

[@Queenread82]

Nice job Catherine, it was quite a challenge. I think that style is more common in Africa. The traditional dresses I’ve seen from there are more straight lines, less shaping. It definitely could have been brought over or imported. It looks so much nicer on you after your customization. I like it best without the belt but with the belt looks good too. It’s kind of amazing how the belt seems almost made for the dress.

[@bambikeegan5554]

First of all, you are incredibly talented! I love all your upcycles! Regarding the belt, I'm with the no belt team.

[@suecouch3636]

Loved the finished version of dress. Your channel is so inspiring!

[@susanpendell4215]

A nice satin med size ribbon tied in a bow a a front and center piece near the neckline in Navy would look good as a finishing piece I think. Otherwise I like what you've done to it, now there is flare and movement and it looks more finished without destroying the original design. So I like it.😊 Good job, you did good😊😊😊

[@marshadimond441]

Wow Catherine. That was quite the brain puzzle. Your finished dress is amazing.

[@matrixmom3300]

Wow, I bet you didn't think it was going to turn into a major upcycle! I don't know, I wasn't loving it at all as you adding panels, ribbons, thought it was going to look a bit infantile. But when I saw the end result, WOW!!! Its beautiful!! 🤩100x better than the original and so feminine and pretty! Sorry I was a doubting thomas .....

[@judym7153]

Amazing transformation! But my brain hurt thinking of all the adjustments! You are truly inspiring, always!

[@bethmagill4449]

I love the dress as is, in its updated, recycled transformation! No belt needed! :)

[@belieftransformation]

Wonderful re-do & it looks superb on you now. I prefer the dress without the belt but you can decide how you want to wear it😉 I love your commentary that makes me smile! You’re a genius! Thanks & blessings 🤗🇨🇦

[@judih.8754]

A beautiful dress Catherine. I did prefer when you took the front panel off though. The blue ribbons along the bottom gives it a nice finished look. 😊

[@abaigealduda2756]

When I saw the top view only, I thought that I'd be sold on separates. I just love understanding "your" choices for you! It gives me permission to make my own permissions for me. Thank you!

[@englishrivieravanessa]

Firmly in the camp WITH belt as I think it updates the look. Great challenge and lots to be learned again from this one so thanks Catherine for sticking with it. For me it's not so much about the finished project but the process that I can transfer to other projects. Great stuff!

[@lynnelyon3616]

Oh my goodness you must be good at Tetris - I felt like you were playing Tetris with the pieces of that dress - and how cute it turned out!! Definitely can’t call it frumpy now! The belt is absolutely perfect for that dress, but personally, I think it’s better without it. Another great video!

[@leannsews]

Im going to say no belt. It looks so much better now. At the beginning I was wondering why you didn't change the waist level and then lengthen the skirt but i could see your vision at the end. Good job 👏 and sweet of you to pay respect to the a cultural fabric, authentic or not. Good call. ❤

[@marathorne6821]

It looks totally intentional, and really suits your figure. Perfect refashion! 👌

[@sherrillsturm7240]

I can see why you fell in love with the fabric. Great outcome.

[@lindawilliams265]

Wow wow Catherine that dress looks absolutely smashing on you!!!! bravo what a great job!!!!!♥️

[@sandychilese2893]

It turned out really cute. I'm getting inspired to cut up something -- not quite there yet, but I'm working on it. Just keep your videos coming, Catherine. Peace.

[@christinekreider6153]

At some point you mentioned a small light with the magnifier. I believe it was from precision quilting tools. I can't find it anywhere. Would you please post again. Hope to come to Seattle for retreat!

[@G.L.McCarthy-vr1oe]

Absolutely beautiful! No belt is my vote.

[@BOOKKAT74]

Brilliant use of the blue. I think I prefer it with the belt.

[@user-gl9kr5og4g]

I really love your transformation! I also love that you are “real”. It makes me feel like I can do something and it’s no big deal, if I have to take something apart and tweak it to make it better. You are a confidence builder. I also like the dress better without the belt, just my preference, but you could wear a belt, perhaps with adding on a jacket. Thank you for your awesome videos.

[@coalsparks]

Definitely no belt. In fact, I feel like it’d be better as just a top, not a dress. The top is flattering, especially with the contrast between the mudcloth pattern and the center panel. And I miss that in the skirt section.

[@aminahawa7237]

Wow, wow, wow amazing. What a transformation. You totally inspire me. Love it

[@sewfit4you219]

Definitely no belt. The dress looks amazing!

[@fayehendricksen5689]

A great transformation Catherine, you are very talented a great teacher too, every new upload inspires me to achieve something new, I also love you talking to us all the way through, you are entertaining,

[@audreyvaughn5634]

I love the dress! I have no preference for the belt. I think that it depends on what your mood is when you are getting dressed. Either way looks great! Very inspiring!

[@loreleig5062]

Your patience with the design is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing💐

[@pamnugent7961]

I’d prefer it without the belt. I think the dress turned out great.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I like it both ways. However, I think leaving the belt off is the best idea. I always sweat under my belts.

[@ArlenePMCM]

Super improvement. I really am impressed that all of your upcycled upscaled project garments look intentionally created. Not one ever looked "craft-project-y". You're such a pro!

[@sunshineyone2081]

You did a most fabulous remake!!

[@elainelear4982]

Well done with a shapeless dress. I prefer no belt. Thank you for another excellent video.

[@anneoconnorao]

Great job!! Belt is more dressy, without is more casual. You should wear it both ways on different days!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Wow! Fantastic makeover!👍💪 You really turned something drab into something FAB!!😃

[@FadedGrandeur]

Thanks so much Catherine. I feel I learned so much. I wondered in the beginning what you would do, and it was so interesting to see the areas you tackled to make the whole dress fit you better, rather than take it apart to make something different with the lovely fabric.

[@susanskidmore9516]

💃 Genius Catherine … and you wear it well! I would suggest a “no” on the belt. It’s a different personality and shiny which is distracting the view of the garment “magic”.

[@melissad7855]

No belt, but yes, dress!!! That's so cute now!

[@martimoore740]

So pretty! I think the belt is fine-- I don't think it really makes or breaks the dress, so to speak. I love that you took us through the marathon with you. I have a thrifted blouse that I really need to tackle! You've inspired me to get at it!

[@bethsims665]

Catherine I love African Mudcloth. You have done an amazing job.

[@rhonaevans7431]

Wow, what a change in the dress, it looks amazing.

[@luvcampinbc]

Great job on that dress and inserting in the blue. It has a warmer feel now. It suits you. You don't need the belt. It's trying to take attention from the inserts. Ditch the belt on this dress. You don't need it.

[@fives5571]

😍 What a fantastic transformation! I love it in you now, without the belt!