Tiny Tweaks: Mini Upcycles that make a nice difference

In this video, I’ll do 13 different tweaks to 7 dresses! I’ll show you how to raise or lower a slit, how to take in the sides of a dress to make it more flattering, how to use a Cricut precision cutter to make fantastic embellishments, how turn a dress into a top and add elastic to the sleeves, and how to add pockets to a dress! These little changes make a BIG difference!
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#sustainablefashion #Upcycling #DIYFashion
Music: Look both Ways by Nathan Moore from the KZbin Audio Library
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Until next time, take care!
~Catherine
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0:00 Intro
0:56 Lucky Strap Adjustment
2:07 Raising a Slit
6:36 Making an underarm more comfortable
15:12 Taking in the sides of a dress
19:21 Cricut Embellishment
21:19 Turning a dress into a top
23:15 Adding elastic to a sleeve
25:32 Two Problem dresses
26:50 Adding length to a dress
31:54 Reshaping a dress
34:16 Embellishing attempt #1
36:10 Adding Pockets to a dress
38:48 Embellishing with Cricut
40:24 All Done!!

[@marathorne6821]

It's not, arguably, the most fun sewing ever, but making those tiny tweaks was definitely worth the effort.

[@JosieStev]

I think it is really fun. You already like the item. It is 90% finished and you will have something you can wear in 10% of the time😊

[@lindap9079]

Back-tack on same color BRILLIANT, why didn't that ever occur to me?

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

OMG!!! You always have the best ideas for redesigning garments. These seven dresses that is you recycled, were all great. This video was a lot of fun, and I learned so much. I will agree with you, I think the yellow and white dress is the prettiest on you. Your students must love your class. Thank you so so much, Catherine. 👏👏👏😘

[@carolbahsoon976]

I’m really inspired by your videos but I do wish that you would show the full length view of all the completed projects ❤ thank you

[@robinhayes1275]

Yes! I would love to have you for a teacher!!!

[@aceofthefleet]

Catherine for President 2024!

[@valeriecritchlow2679]

A lovely thought except she’s Canadian and therefore cannot apply for the job! 😂😂😂

[@jolenejoleeene]

@@valeriecritchlow2679 Catherine for Prime Minister 2025!

[@valeriecritchlow2679]

@@jolenejoleeene - heck, yes! I would vote for her over the other numpties we have to choose from in a heartbeat! ❤️

[@alicehuber1904]

If she's A Prime Minister, then no more great videos. Duh. Let's be a bit selfish, people!

[@valeriecritchlow2679]

@@alicehuber1904 - Great point! 🤣🤣🤣

[@robinhayes1275]

I tweak almost every single thing I buy to fit me just right. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@kordads3]

Thank you for indirectly affirming that I’m doing the right things with my stuff that don’t fit quite right. I just have to keep working on finessing my technique.

[@tanathurgaland6708]

You are an excellent teacher. I find myself smiling through the whole video. You go, girl!

[@davederrick9431]

Hi Catherine, I've always hated alterations, probably because I thought the way I was doing it was wrong. After watching your channel for a long time I have come to the conclusion, I do all the thing you are showing us. Needles to say, I've have found myself doing more alterations. Prevoiusly I left alterations and repairs to my wife.

[@CatherineSews]

Yay, good for you, Dave! There are always lots of different ways to tackle a problem, not just one “right” way, so I’m glad you’re finding confidence!!

[@joycekaminski1943]

I love all of your tweeks to the thrifted dresses. It made me think I would look at my wardrobe in a different way.

[@christinesoule9505]

I love the way the striped dress turned out, it ended up being my favorite!

[@mary-louw2946]

You look great in all of them! You make me want to go through my closet and figure out "why" I don't reach for some of my things to wear. Thanks Catherine!

[@susanoerter1419]

After watching I tackled 2 tops. One I widened the sleeves and the other I widened the waist. I was so happy to have the tops back in my closet. Thanks for tweaking.

[@valeriecoopet9897]

I don’t make many things from scratch any more, but now, thanks to this video, I know I am a tweaker!😂

[@marygersetich8709]

I think my favorite is the top you made from a dress. They are all improvements. Stop tempting me to buy a Cricut! No room for one, but the designs you made are lovely.

[@Linda-mp8co]

I loved the red dress. The ruffle made a huge difference. Fantastic alterations all around. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I like the Hawaiian dress the best. They all look great on you.

[@lynnries7729]

Amazing how little tweaks here and there make such a difference. You look fabulous in every single one!

[@lobodo988]

Your thrift stores have good things in them. lol But your closet has beautiful things. My favorite is the red dress. Every woman should have a cheerful red dress. Yellow is the hardest color to wear, unless the skin is much darker than yours, but your hair makes the yellow dress look great, and white accessories & sunglasses would easily push it up into the chic category. Really great video, I loved this one Thank You

[@lisajacobs1212]

I've only watched a couple of these but I just love your creative approaches to fitting and recycling. I don't sew whole pieces or outfits any more because it's not financially beneficial, but re-working something that is just slightly off would be so fun and relatively easy. Thanks!😁

[@martimoore740]

I bought a $6 catalog return dress that's a couple of sizes too big for me, and I used things I have learned from you to start the changes. One thing I got the courage to do from you was to shorten the bodice of the dress to make it empire. You may not have done that (it's an idea though, right?) but your examples still gave me the courage! Now I'm going to use your elastic technique to bring that empire line closer to the body so that the rest of the skirt skims along to the hem, and alter the sleeves to suit me better. You are really inspiring! Thank you!

[@lindabommarito4623]

This video was just what I needed. I thrifted a white eyelet dress that is just a little too short and couldn’t decide what to do. You’ve given me some good ideas. Thanks!

[@Nana.Anna1]

I love watching your alterations, because that’s what I do, too! I’m getting ideas, too, and I also like to up cycle. My daughter has the same cricut that you linked, so I’ve got to get her to make me some cute embellishments. My favourite recent up cycle is a Jean skirt that I made, using a pair of my own jeans that I had worn holes through, on my upper inner thighs. I cut the legs off about halfway, opened up the inner leg seam on both the pant and the cut off leg. Then I laid the bottom piece off pant leg into the upside v shape, pinned it on and stitched it down. The colour was looking a bit old and faded so I did what I do when my still “nice” jeans are looking too faded for my liking. I dyed it! I’m old school-I like my denim dark. The skirt is super comfy, looks good enough for me to wear to church. Keep on churning out inspiration for us! ❤❤❤ Oh and my favourite or yours is the red dress. Hands down. Red is one of my favourite colours. Nm. It is my favourite colour. Lol😂

[@laurajones4088]

It was fun watching the tweaks you made to all of the dresses. Small changes made a huge difference! Thanks for another great video, Catherine.

[@bleudragon9]

I love the stripe dress! I think the vertical stripes are so flattering. My 2 favorites are the red dress and the top. 😊 thanks for sharing!

[@lindadelacy9330]

Wow!! You look fabulous in that first dress!! and great in all the rest, too! This is a very useful video-- I have some tweaking ideas now!🙃🙃

[@jeanfletcher3223]

The top of the Paisley dress could have been hemmed and turned into another darling top. Pockets are wonderful too. I really like those dot patterns on the stripes.

[@humaneleaguelancPA]

Love the up cycle on black and blue dress into a top, haven't finished watching but you are so right about the bottom portion on the sleeves. I'm sure it will look great...I had to comment before I finish watching!

[@andreaslightangels]

The back tack on the same colour is such a good idea!

[@bambikeegan5554]

The red dress! I love it! You are so talented!

[@sallysusinno7619]

Your upcycles and alterations are seriously the best!! I am ALWAYS inspired by what you do and the way you talk through the processes. Thank you SO much!!

[@Gelb65]

And you can see what she is doing.

[@sallysusinno7619]

@@Gelb65 right?! I just love her video and upcycled so much. So inspiring. I’ve started sewing so much more since I found her channel

[@susanpendell4215]

Every body is so different. Patterns are make uniform, not for individuals. What you are teaching Christina is so necessary Thank You! We all have to make those tweaks unless the item off of the rack actually fits perfectly right away. I have to tweak every thing below the waist, as I have to hem everything higher. Tops I need to tweak but usually don't bother.

[@janeallen5969]

I think your changes to the striped dress is stunning. It has a quiet sophistication. Not making it too dressy for casual wear, but definitely it has a great feeling. Your Mexico dress looks much better with lowering the underarm area. Love the red paisley addition. I've noticed many styles now are ultra short. They make me think of the 1940 styles for elementary age girls. Very common in 2024 "Graduation" pictures. I haven't seen any I thought was attractive. But you managed to really make it extremely versatile and still is fun! Always enjoy your videos. My Grandson really wanted to learn how to repair & upgrade his clothes. So he was a determined and talented student. So proud of him. He learned to make scarves for Christmas presents--so pretty!. He also found out he likes winter scarves for himself. Summer is gardening for him, but it will be back to the sewing in the fall. Thanks Catherine @

[@fionahunt8530]

I love your honesty when things don't work out as planned.

[@debbiestherapy4870]

I LOVE ❤ the dress you got in Mexico! It is beautiful on you as well (although you look great in everything)l

[@tamerat3794]

I really can't thank you enough for making these videos! My daughter that lives in Utah came to visit with some things she wanted me to fix/upcycle for her during her visit. We took in a set that was a vest and dressy pants, and made a long Jean skirt out of a pair of wide leg jeans that didn't fit her quite right. They came out great and I think watching your videos has given me my confidence in sewing back! Thank you! ❤ ❤❤❤

[@CatherineSews]

That’s so great to hear! Yay you!!

[@colleenacourtney]

Wow, I wasn’t sure about adding that on the blue dress at first but it turned out great!

[@bitsnharry]

Loved all of the. - I would never😅 have thought of adding 😅😅rim by a cricut but was 😮onderful!

[@carolburton5853]

Geniius the way you dropped the trim, and ultimately the armhole on the white dress. I will definitely remember this technique for the future.Dont have a Cricut but love the iron-on appliqué on the denim dress and the fit is fabulous.

[@SwervinErvins]

Catherine I really think you nailed it with this video. I want to learn to sew because RTW clothes just never fit me right and I can’t afford to take them all to a tailor. But what else can I do? I just have to wear them and usually keep buying more to find something that feels better on me. This could keep people from needing to buy more, giving them the skills and eye and imagination they need to feel confident finding gems at the thrift store and upcycling. Helping the earth to boot! they Can you please make more videos just like this? And maybe show different body types and how you would fix fit issues for them? If you’re ever in Colorado I would be happy to volunteer pear shape problems and fixes!

[@lindascott6968]

Love them all. You are so creative and inspiring. I restyle a summer sweater after watching you work with knits. It works great for me now. Thanks Catherine 💕

[@robinr6399]

Catherine, this was fun! IMHO, my favorite is the dress you made into a top. Just beautiful ❤❤

[@nicolehubbard3536]

That red dress is so pretty!

[@joannoconnor7548]

Catherine, you have outdone yourself! I LOVE THIS VIDEO! I watch all your videos. I want to be in your class at school ☺️

[@humaneleaguelancPA]

Thanks for all the ideas! Love them All, Great Job! I found myself smiling as I write this, what a joy to up cycle!

[@matrixmom3300]

I love to see your thought process on design details and sewing details- whether its right or not! Loved this video!!

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

Love what you did to lengthen the red dress. I will definitely use this technique, because I like long dresses!

[@user-oj2mu4hn1e]

I just put elastic in my huge bell sleeves that were hilariously long and they turned out great! Thanks for all the lessons.

[@mjdevorick8404]

Oh that red one is soooo cute! 😍

[@leeannqh]

Love all the changes, but did you realise the dress you cut off and then put elastic into the sleeves, the first sleeve you sewed the elastic onto the 3rd black line, the next sleeve you sewed it to the 4th line. so the sleeve 'frills' are different lengths.

[@elaineforan4751]

I love your alterations but I don't think that frilled sleeve adds much. I also don't like the blue and white border section, it seems out of place with the matching section removed from the dress. I think the darker border section is lovely. I would be inclined to remove the blue and white section and end it at the darker section. It may be an awkward length though.

[@CatherineSews]

Omg, you just sent me running to my closet to check, and you’re right! I did do that! I don’t think I ever would have realized it!

[@saundraweed9738]

Small alterations can make such a big difference. When a garment feels good you look good !

[@nmayor8290]

Love the yellow and embroidered dresses! The red one looked great too 🎉

[@shortgirl65]

Great inspiration! I have a couple of dresses that are a little too big that need tweaking. This is just the encouragement I need to get started.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

The neckline of that top you made out of the dress would drive me crazy because it is not symmetrical. I would sew the slit shut and remove the cord. But I love what you did to all these clothes. Yes, sometimes it is just a little detail that makes a big difference.

[@LR-vs5de]

Love this! The yellow dress would be my favorite too. If you get tired of it, I’ll buy it from you 😊. The cricket embellishments really made a difference on those dresses!

[@candicerimell2601]

I’ve only just found you this morning, I love the first two denim skirts, I’m not into check but I think they are all great!

[@cathym1257]

What a great video, Kathryn, Thanks for teaching us so much, and sharing your creativity. Love the outcomes, particularly the denim dress. All are really nice. Well done. Enjoy!

[@suzannemolyneux6553]

That was so fun! I always learn a little tweek about sewing and adjusting, when I watch your videos!

[@shelleylake7636]

Love your denim halter neck dress and your embellishments 💗 so clever. And yr shirt from a dress. And the summer red dress ❤

[@Stumble.guy2]

Fabulous remakes and tweaks! Love your channel! Nancy from Indiana

[@beenthere4076]

I am such a novice at alterations but this video built my confidence! Thank you, Catherine!

[@keric3730]

Thanks so much. I need to see this and to have the inspiration. It opens my eyes to more options

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

Thank you for showing that minor changes can make a world of a difference. Last year I lined a pair of white shorts that were a little too see-through for my taste, and added pockets as well. I used to only wear them around the house, not any more! On the last dress, had the lines been horizontal rather than vertical, thought maybe musical notes would have worked?

[@gisellejones1139]

I love the yellow,top and stripe😊

[@CatherineSews]

Oh good! I’m glad you like the stripe! That gives me confidence to wear it.

[@lynnries7729]

@@CatherineSews Definitely wear the striped dress, it's darling on you.

[@kathiebeauchamp6905]

Great job. I love the yellow dress

[@klynndubois6200]

I bought a gown at a resale shop 5 years ago. It fit then, but not now.😢 I changed out the zipper for a corset back with modesty panel. To avoid having to wear a strapless bra I ended up adding cape sleeves. I’m so happy I watch you and others because it gave me the confidence.🎉I’m just getting back to clothes after almost 3 decades of quilting and bag making. Thanks for teaching us ❤

[@marshadimond441]

I am always amazed at what you find and how you find things to coordinate. I rarely find anything that I would wear, even with tweaks. Do you try things on before you buy them? Love watching your thought process and creativity.

[@lynnm.johnson5755]

You are very good at this. I'm not getting a Circuit any time soon. I have enough stuff.

[@judychapman1868]

Cathrine, I really enjoyed watching this video, I’m inspired to make a trip to the thrift to see what I can flip!! Want to add that I have a pair of white wide leg jeans that I never wear so I’m planning on making a BoHo purse out of that for summer. Thank you for inspiring me. ❤❤Judy❤❤

[@pepperminthomecraftsthrift8269]

This is the way to save money w sewing. New subbie here. Take care

[@Seejaysew]

Love the tweaks! Would you consider doing a video on how to use the Cricut for sewing? I’m interested in one, but not sure I’d really use it.

[@yvonnesands]

I was going to ask the same. I own a cricut but it is just a dust collector at the moment as I'm unsure how to use it for projects like this

[@mrs.brunke443]

I really enjoy all your videos. You're a good teacher and I get a lot of ideas from you. I am all about not buying new clothing but doing new things with what I have or doing 2nd hand clothing. I just finished a dress today from the thrift store. I'd say it needed a bit more than tweaking but It wasn't a full-blown project. I love what I did with it, it fits so much better, and it's fun to have a new summer dress!

[@tracyfrost]

You have nailed it they all look great.

[@lana7422]

Great video. I have much more confident in making alterations. Love the striped dress. The addition of the red dots is perfect.. Love all your ideas. The yellow looks best on you and is my favorite too.

[@barbaravoneitzen7367]

I love all your ideas for changing your clothes..

[@leannsews]

My fav is the yellow dress. The cricket design on the black dress made a big difference because it reduced the harshness of the black. Great information, always.

[@vivianhamilton616]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video. Because this is something that I do often after a trip to the thrift store. I don't mind to get the fit that i want. Anyway, thank you so much for the video... looking forward to your next one😊

[@makeupforfun808]

So cute tweaks! I absolutely love what you did with the beachy red dress! But honestly, all are so clever 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼!!!

[@deboraanstensen6164]

by far my favorite sewing videos. I hope Clover or someone will sponsor you. Thanks!

[@rketek]

I loved that! I've been doing "upcycles" and love the simple tweaks the best. I don't like doing a ton of work bc it seems almost to defeat the purpose?? Why not but something that you like, or fits better?

[@helenwood3199]

Last dress... striped one. Add some red binding to the neck and arms... Or maybe a small peter pan collar in red.

[@Becky_in_Tucson]

LOVE these great ideas!! Thank you so much. 🌵🌵🌵

[@judih.8754]

Catherine that was a good call on the striped dress. The applique wasn't working. These dresses all turned out successful. I'm jealous that you can find such gems at your local thrift stores. I guess I need to broaden my range to other shops! Thank you so much. You and this channel are so wonderful.

[@nancycronin601]

Amazing cute and clever tweaks. Thank you for the ideas. 😊

[@nozztozz]

Wow Catherine, just wow!! 🙂

[@shanaproctor100]

Fantastic video!!!! Thanks for showing how to do all these things.

[@pollymaxwell5585]

I enjoy these videos so much, you have great ideas and I always learn something.

[@bethmagill4449]

Amazing! You are just so incredibly creative!!!!!! WOWZA!!!!

[@Cynthia2v]

My last trip to the thrift store I came across a Lily Pulitzer linen top. After examining the side seams, the previous owner had attempted to alter and probably weren’t happy. So I did it one better! The side seams were French seams, but not a typical French seam, so I had to take out 3 rows of stitching. I sewed the seams, and then serged them. A new top for me and a fraction of the price!

[@bees272]

So cleaver they all look fabulous on you thank you so much 😊

[@lindacook7465]

I would bind the neckline and armholes of the striped dress with the red paisley fabric to accent the cricut embellishments

[@jwestfalldavis3574]

You are very talented!

[@Vicki-l6o]

I love this. thank you for posting and please do more!!

[@lucilledaub5991]

Love the dresses.

[@cindygibson5961]

Wow, If I could just do a fourth of what you do I would be very happy. It takes me a long time for just one upcycle. The design is easy, but the sewing and fit are hard. I like about three outfits out of six I have done. The rest go into the trash or maybe one more try later, if I'm not to frustrated. Look forward to every video. Thankyou.

[@evasaker2476]

You are brilliant! So many good ideas!

[@KSMP]

Check your local library! Our main branch has Cricut machines you can use when you visit! Also sewing machines and 3D printers. Good tip about making sure there's enough fabric left to tuck in 😊

[@murielbailiwick2978]

Love your videos. You are so inspirational

[@DonnaFlick]

I love all your videos. I learn something new every time. I did notice on the ‘dress to top’ that you sewed the elastic on the sleeves on line 2 and line 3. They look different to me 🤔

[@CatherineSews]

I didn’t notice at all until another viewer pointed it out to me! Omg, so funny 😆

[@dianejohanson98]

These all turned out beautiful. I’m really partial to yellow! Love that one best too. Close second is the red one!

[@nickykatz]

Totally enjoy watching your videos ❤

[@trishl421]

Such a great video. I love watching these types of videos. TU 💐🙂