Top and Dress Upcycle!

[@CatherineSews]

Wow, thanks for all of the great suggestions, everyone! I asked, and I received! I'll try again with the markers and use the suggestion of heat setting with an iron before washing (such a smart idea!) and I'll play around with the bits of grey that I have left (the placket and the pockets) to see if I can add grey to the sleeves or neckline. If I make any improvements, I'll snap a photo and put it into a Community post to show you. Thanks again!!

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

You could make a grey belt or a little bow for the neckline. Red embroidery on the grey part might also work.

[@skuperkatzmelagal]

How about making the blouse into a jacket to go with the dress?

[@SMcClain-ic5hu]

Make a flower applique out of the pocket and so it onto the front of the dress

[@SMcClain-ic5hu]

A gray string belt would be nice around the waist

[@renamj534]

I agree that both are great. How about adding a ribbon with a little red and gray to the middle or bottom of the dress.

[@susanbaker902]

I would like to see some of the gray at the neckline or sleeves edge. That would add to the intentionality of the 2 fabrics. Your ideas are always a great springboard for new ideas. Great job.

[@fives5571]

I agree!

[@belieftransformation]

Yes, even a small open placket of the grey would look awesome at the front neckline!

[@Andyscrap]

I agree, just a small repitition of the grey on the top of the dress, neckband, sleeves or even n fabric flower broch made from ofcutts would look more bslanced. I still the dress and the shirt is awesome. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge with us❤❤❤

[@kadimist]

Totally agree. More grey at sleeves

[@joycekaminski1943]

You could add some red binding to the bottom of the grey tiers. I loved this video.

[@cathyswope5174]

So cute! The top could also be cute as a light jacket over the dress.

[@debbiew.7630]

I think your dress turned out adorable. But I do have a suggestion. I know you have a machine that has a zillion different kinds of stitches, why not take some red thread and sew a cute little serpentine thread design on your gray. You could use the two needles, or just some real sweet little serpentine all the way around. Just a suggestion but that would be able to throw the red into your gray area. I’ve done that on a number of T-shirts just to add another color to it. Great job. Thanks for sharing.

[@rachelwollan3310]

I love them both! The shirt is spectacular. I do agree that the dress would look better incorporating red into the grey. You could hand embroider some of the designs in the grey, spacing them out so that you don't have as much to do by hand. If you don't hand embroider, there are wonderful tutorials on simple line embroidering here on KZbin.

[@dianadougherty7187]

I enjoyed that Catherine. I was quite surprised that you were able to lower the back/front neckline by using the gathering. I didn't think there was enough binding. So I learned something new. Well done.

[@mungbean345]

I really appreciate how you just calmly chat through your thought processes as you're working on a change. Sometimes it's those little problems that pop up that can stymie an entire remake that had been going well! (And thanks for the nudge to slow down enough to iron and pick out a mistaken pucker. I can be impatient. 😅) I absolutely love both of these pieces because living in the southern USA, rayon is my favorite material to wear! It's so comfy and cool, and it suits these boho looks well.

[@tracie6837]

I love that you are reworking thrift store findings! I like many of the review ideas of adding some more grey/silver to the outfit. They wouldn’t necessarily need to be on the garment though…try a grey belt, lightweight scarf, shoes, larger pendant grey/silver necklace, bracelet, or summery grey/silver tote.

[@Chenoashouse]

That is such a great idea! Because it's about the whole look.

[@isabelleserre-vz6il]

Hi Catherine! I love how you try things even if not sure. That is when you discover something new. I would add some grey on the neckline or the sleeves, as a reminder of the lower part. Hey, if you can’t add red, might as well add some grey!

[@abzgr2236]

Excellent video work! Your instructions and guidance are super helpful. And of course, I love your values:sustainability, reuse, creative problem solving and using everything as an opportunity to learn.

[@jeanettepfalzgraf-yosifov9779]

Hey Catherine! What if you heat set the color with your iron before washing it? That might keep it closer to the original Sharpie red.

[@aminahawa7237]

You are just so talented and amazing. I do think a bit of grey piping on the neckline should tie the grey nicely in with the red. Just a narrow one will be very good. 👍

[@aminahawa7237]

I agree, just a thin grey piping is all you need

[@roseconnolly2277]

I do believe that there are fabric paints. Perhaps try those. OR if you have embroidery stitches on your machine, you could add decorative red stitches at the edge of the grey pleats. Great job on both projects.

[@AnneY-t4y]

You have such great ideas! Spur of the moment; “the neck band won’t stretch, I’ll just put in some gathers to make it fit!” Also, stitching down the middle of the twisted elastic! I stitched across the elastic at the sides and centers, but it still twisted. I’ll try your idea of stitching around the middle of the elastic! Someone else suggested using red thread on the grey to make it look more intentional. How about maybe a triple stitch (or decorative) in red on the seam line of the grey tucks? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Just a thought.

[@elainelear4982]

Perhaps some red rickrack or light ribbon on the edge of each Grey fold. The grey top was definitely the winner!!

[@QueenAmethyst55]

They look fantastic. The blouse is the star though. You are so funny Catherine. 😊

[@marygersetich8709]

You are so creative! And fearless! I don't think that I would have thought to turn the dress around--smart move.

[@carlab525]

You could add some outline in the red with embrodery thread around some of the flowers in the gray section.

[@IMOO1896]

I always learn something from each video, don’t know that I’ll put many into practice, but you’re giving many of us confidence to look at things just a little differently

[@Hremo_158]

I like the Dress! Maybe? make a Long Grey Corded Necklace, with a Grey stone, (something a bit chunky) that would tie it in nicely. To me, it just seems the top needs something Grey to make it work? The Top is a Winner! Love it! Awesome techniques! Thanks for this video!!

[@JulieLewin]

You could also do little pops of red embroidery on the grey fabric 😀. I love watching your videos from Australia.

[@sherried79]

You could add some red piping to the top of the folded seams on the gray part to tie it together.

[@dellmktr4152]

I like the gray top. Looks even better.

[@bobbie473]

I simply love your little red dress with the splash of grey … I agree with those who suggested ironing the red sharpie .. “heat setting” it before washing it .. and as for your sweet little grey to … what a real stunner and you both look great together …. Well done … I love watching you …. Thanks

[@leannsews]

There's always something to learn on your videos!! An adventure in sewing! Love it! ❤

[@janetpaden8878]

You might try a little red embroidery outlining the design. It would probably be much easier to match a red thread then a dye or ink. Good luck with what you might try. I love watching your videos! You come up with ideas I would not have ever thought of. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@doriscassan6996]

That was my thought as well.... just pick out some of the design on the grey fabric, with a red thread/floss that matches the red part of the dress. It doesn't have to be a lot of embroidery, you could even just do 2 threads of floss or 3 threads of sewing thread to do the detailing. I would also be inclined to add some grey to the top. And I am not sure that I am happy with the neckline yet.... is it low enough? It still seems a bit chokey. I love doing this kind of upcycling!!

[@janetpaden8878]

@@doriscassan6996 I was thinking more along the lines of a red thread using the straight stitch on a sewing machine. Making the process faster than by hand. I think any kind of upcycling is awesome. We live in such a throw away world anymore. Manufacturers that use cheap materials make it easier to do so. I'd rather find a good quality item at a second hand store and upcycle than buy new off the rack made of plastics.

[@nenaprice7191]

I would skip the markers and get the fabric paints. It might take a little more time to do but the paints last a long while. When my kids were little we couldn’t afford designer clothes-so we got Goodwill and yard sale items and then panted designs on the legs of jeans. The pants were a hit for my kids as all the kids in school wanted painted jeans. I also agree with some other comments of adding a little gray to the top section to pull the colors up! Awesome gray top though-I would have never thought to do that…

[@christinedye957]

Great job, combing the 2 garments to make a dress you will wear. How about making a peekabo opening below the front neckline, just a small triangle in the middle to complement the opening in the back? Great job, love it.

[@sharongallagher3443]

Love the top. Adding the ruffles to the red dress was interesting.. I think a lower neck would be flattering.

[@merrylmarsh9037]

You have such a lovely imagination. I am certain you will find just the right addition to the lovely little red dress to make it extra special. Cheers 😉

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

The top is very pretty. I agree with Susan that some grey on the sleeves perhaps above the sleeve ruffle. The bias on the new front neckline was perfect. What a clever sewer you are.

[@elinornakis1718]

I love your little serger tips. And of course your eye for design. Thank you

[@kristind1110]

love love LOVE the blouse, with the ribbing. As a tall woman, I love the idea of adding length AND getting more of a feminine fit around the waist.

[@sharongallagher3443]

Love the top. The dress is fine. Like you said learning new techniques is also important.

[@larryharmon8731]

I think you would look Fabulous in that dress the way it is, you are such a beautiful woman!!! And oh so talented. Thank you cat.

[@loves2spin2]

I really like what you did here and the pieces are very attractive on you. This is inspiring 😊

[@debbiejacobs1025]

It's a great pleasure to listen to your genius ideas your terrific

[@anitafurbush8625]

You really inspire me!! I am much more adventuresome in my up-cycles since watching your process. I love both the dress and the shirt, but do agree that the dress would look better with red in the grey. Heat setting the sharpie as others have suggested could work, or finding a fabric pen meant for this type of thing. Please keep the videos coming!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I have done Sharpie on fabric but I have always heat set it first. They make fabric paints that you could use, you can even transfer them to bottles with needle points. The key is heat setting, with with an iron or the dryer. You can always put parchment paper over the painted area as you press to protect your iron. I love the dress, it just needs some more unified elements.

[@joylittle3917]

Oh my gracious! You are sooooo talented. I think both the top and the dress turned out fabulously! I wouldn't do anything further on either of them.

[@tanyagoldberg7048]

I always learn new sewing techniques from you, thank you

[@kforsythe]

So creative and clever! I love watching you think and work through the projects you tackle!

[@angelamajor4034]

I love love love your videos! A few years ago I gave my sewing machine away to a young lady wanting to learn to sew! Now I can’t wait till I get a new machine! I’ll get one without the big cabinet this time! The little red dress came out very cute! I’m blown away by how well you incorporated the grey into the red! I think if you have a trim little bolero style sweater in Grey to wear with the the little red dress, it will be just the finishing touch! I also love the blouse that you were able to salvage!

[@mvrooks]

this is a very cool project. i recently got a dress on thredup, found it to be a bit too short, then got another of the same dress to get matching fabric to make a ruffle to make it longer. i never thought of cutting above or below the ruffle instead of unpicking the whole dang thing. what a time-saver! on the other hand, for some reason, i find unpicking/seam ripping very relaxing. then there is the gathering at the neckline to make the existing bias binding fit. frigging genius! ❤✂️ thank you!

[@marywise2014]

Love, love! You give such inspiration to those who would take on a challenge of altering clothes. Thank you for sharing!

[@PatternStudio101]

Love this red dress. Yes, I love the bow at the back!!! Amazing job 🤩

[@crystalramirezmoreno9190]

the dress is so cute! i think adding just a little embellishment at the sleeves, like maybe a flutter sleeve, might give it the color balance the eye needs. or maybe a flutter sleeve might be too busy, then maybe a simple cap sleeve in the gray fabric. either way, it’s adorable!

[@heathersretirementshenanig6785]

Both projects turned out nicely. I would add some of the grey fabric to the sleeves too. The top was my favorite of the two projects. Thanks for another fun flip video.

[@janeallen5969]

I would never have thought to add the stretchy band to the top. Fantastic touch & looks like it was the original design. Love the red dress. You've had some good suggestions for adding a touch of grey to the top of the dress. For me, I might add a seam binding-type edge to the tie in the back. If you have enough of the bits left, you could use that, but I love the dress as is. A grey long necklace could integrate the color, if you still think you need it. That might be the easiest thouch.

[@ArlenePMCM]

The top is perfect! It's good to see a self-binding neckline may have some room for adjustment. I agree with virtually everyone that a little gray at the sleeves, or some red stitching on the gray tiers, are great solutions for the dress. Awesome!

[@stevehill8675]

24:47 You are sooo brave! Enjoy watching and listening to how you process and problem solve!

[@rowinamediastini7839]

Most of all, you gave me courage to recreate something old to be a new stuff or just making something to be a better look & more confidence to wear it 👍😊 !! Thanks for sharing your experiment ❣

[@larnold7614]

The little red piece at the bottom is genius.

[@barbarawarner4645]

I’d use the pocket fabric from the gray dress to add some detail on the front bodice to create balance and cohesion . Maybe covered buttons.

[@charmainerohde8575]

Two ideas: wear the top over the dress OR dye the dress red. I really learn alot in this video. Thanks!

[@susieswisher9878]

You make upcycling look so easy. Dress and top are both beautiful.

[@lorainejones2375]

Absolutely amazing tutorial! I love the grey top. I’m waiting to see your solution for the red dress. You’re very talented!

[@marieprescott9168]

I love the gray top very pretty. I also love the red with the gray too but if you still want to add red in the pattern of the gray you may have to use paint pens. You may not get the sharpest pens as the sharpie pens. Anyway great job. You have become my new best tutorials in upgrading my clothes from my closet. I’m so broke I can’t afford to buy new clothes and I’m so tired of what I’m wearing all the time. You make it seem so simple. Thank you.

[@WeideVanEnt]

If you have red threads for your serger you do a small rolled ‘hem’ on the grey layers in the skirt. Think I saw a rolled hem on the dress itself as well. Can also be done on the sewing machine with a narrow zigzag in red. Most often this will pull things together without overdoing it on the amount of colour blocks. And perhaps a few tiny red buttons or beads or super simple embroidery to the side of the grey.

[@barbaravoneitzen7367]

Absolutely love the grey top on you.

[@cynthiaPs63.7]

A light gray belt would pull that together nicely.

[@janirabrannigan]

The waistband on the grey shirt is lovely. I need to try that.

[@andreabond7234]

You've added a new dimension to my charity shop browsing- and thank you for all the techniques you teach!!

[@LaineyBug2020]

I really like the flow of how they both turned out!

[@gerdiemyburgh8726]

I loved your ideas I sew for many years got such alot of ideas from you. Specially to make t shirt tops bigger. Loved it thank you❤

[@katiegasson6259]

yes I also love the top ! I do like the dress also, the print is gorgeous as you said. I hope you do have a great idea about blending the grey. Im still sulking about the sharpie, your crafty use of the sharpie was genius! It would have been spectacular if the sharpie had done its job. Fantastic ideas and learning as always, thank you so much.

[@kimhicks1571]

Catherine- I love your thrift flip videos!! Every time I see one I mentally go through things I don’t wear & plot a flip of my own. I won’t add to the above ideas for your little red dress - you have enough to work from already. Good luck!

[@naomimcmurray907]

Loved your process! It gave me so many ideas. Maybe try a decorative stitch in red thread on the grey fabric?

[@tanasuesews]

I'd like to see a little of the gray accent in the bodice somehow. Maybe trim on the sleeves or center neckline. Ya done good, Catherine!

[@lynnm.johnson5755]

Acrylic paint can be made into fabric paint by adding medium. Get both at the craft store. That print on the red is pretty. Enjoyed the video.

[@DeborahJayneReillySmith]

Both garments are so cute! Well done!

[@RoeRoe123]

I love what you've done and you're like me about an uncomfortable neckline. I'm the kid that was double fist pulling on a turtle neck trying to stretch it out of shape Every Time Mama Sent Me To School in One 😖 I couldn't stand them 😄 felt like I was choking. Maybe you could open up that neckline next time and use a scrap of the Grey around it? Maybe as an applique? Love your videos!

[@robin52]

I think the dress is adorable. Also the top

[@sharonmolde6658]

If you are looking for more grey fabric to use in the bodice/sleeves to tie the top and bottom of the dress together, consider the amount of fabric you have in the tucks. I personally love the tiered effect of the layered fabrics and you can still keep that effect by opening up the horizontal pleats and taking what you need to use on the top. That along with the pocket fabric (as suggested by juandawnmoffitt7872) give you something to work with. Love this! Keep it up.

[@mary-louw2946]

Hi Catherine, I was just going to suggest the same ideas as in your pinned comment. Great minds think alike. I think bringing the grey up onto the neckline will make it seem intentional for sure. I love the blouse you upcycled.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much, Mary-Lou! I love when you stop by!

[@kathleenvallance4513]

so appreciate the little hints especially bringing the serge forward and sewing it in, so easy, why hadn't I thought of it before.Thank you

[@perplexed2031]

Hi Catherine! I like the way the grey top turned out. Very flattering on you! Re red and grey dress, maybe a bit of extra grey on the sleeves would balance it out to look more planned. Good thinking to make bias fit around the neck. Thanks for sharing your ideas and tips. ❤

[@annb_act2bryson497]

Try a Micron pen and heat set before washing. I use them for signing quilts. Love your re-make videos. You inspired me to take on a couple of projects.

[@CatherineSews]

Ok! I'll definitely give that a try! Thanks for your nice comment!

[@michelleskotynsky9426]

Is the Micron pen an archival-type pen? I think scrapbookers use those...? Love the idea of signing your quilts.

[@ratdog4239]

Great job! You could also try a textile paint with a very fine brush. It shouldn't bleed at all and you'll heat set it too.

[@michellemabelle100]

I love the dress! It's funny, when I saw that you were going to put that cuff on the bottom of the shirt, I thought, oh, I'm not going to like that. (I'm more of an A-Line or swingy hem kinda gal.) But wow, it turned out beautifully! Love that drape, as you say! Really nice upcycles. Thanks for another great video!

[@sheilaghgiddings4413]

You are sooo talented. To think some of those techniques were being done to see how they worked out is amazing. Well done you. So clever. The grey top is fantastic. The dress is good as it is. But I’m sure you will find something else to improve it. Thank you, again!

[@macoeur1122]

I think the way you chose to insert the gray into the skirt is perfect. You're right...this one would be way more work than I, personally, would be willing to do...but I'm a little lazy. I've got a whole new way of shopping for clothes these days....I go straight to the clearance rack and find things I Iike the general look of...try them on...and if I can "very easily" modify to be "awesome", I'll buy it. and THEN....I go to the "extra large" section and find things that are huge enough, that I can just use the fabric for a pattern I already know fits me well. I had $25 of "Kohls cash" to use up yesterday...found a couple of items on the clearance rack that had already been marked down crazily....and the entire clearance rack had an additional 50% off the clearance prices....found two items I could use with minimal changes....and after my Kohls cash was applied, I ended up getting both items for $0 and still had $9 Kohls cash to spare! I don't even know what to call this kind of shopping...Maybe I can call it "rescuing" clothing from the landfill? Reminds me of a line I heard on that show Raising Hope (from a few years back)....where they were joking that they shop and "Bargain Barn Outlet Outlet" lolololol 😄

[@sidneykoepp3655]

Way to stretch a buck! Hope u love the outcome.

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

I am so glad at I watched the entire video. You had some great ideas for upcycling the red dress. It looks really nice on you. The grey blouse is terrific. Just an idea. Maybe you could trim the sleeves with a narrow piece of the grey. I have learned a lot from or videos. Luv, luv, luv, upcycling!!! Thank you so much.🤗🤗🤗

[@gerdiemyburgh8726]

Luv what you have done the 2 dresses. I have learned so much on you channel

[@janecappy]

Yes, I like the dress, it's very nice.

[@maymewilkinson9093]

That was a great flip! So cute on you.

[@judyscutti2799]

Looks great! I really enjoy your ideas for upcycling, 'cause they're simple and effective....

[@TheEvie202]

The top is amazing , I was really surprised at how well it turned out! Loved the up cycling. I’m old school and love using that yellow wax tailor ‘s chalk or my mother’s standby pencil for marking fabric. 😂 Greetings from New York City! 👍🏼👍🏼🇵🇷🗽❤️

[@LEEZA194]

Thank you , I would like to see more on these tips. Like sewing machine tension.

[@bhallmark3390]

I like the insertion of the gray ruffle area. I was wondering if you could do a decorative stitch along the edges of the gray ruffles using red thread to help tie it in better with the red fabric. What about adding some gray around the sleeve edges? Your creativity is amazing! I never would have thought to put those 2 fabrics together, but they do work well. That gray blouse is exceptionally pretty!!! I love it!

[@MadeMillHouse]

I think you should cut the top off the dress and sew the grey top to the skirt. Then the shirt and the skirt would become one lovely dress with the grey top layer and the red-grey-red layered skirt.

[@mammastreed5070]

Love the top as well. I just put a top on today that I love the fabric of, but it is too big and I think putting a ribbed bottom on like you did might work! ? For the dress; some ideas.. a little something in the lighter material up top on neck or shoulder, like a Peter pan collar or a pin-on fabric flower? Any material left from the pockets? To even a thin ribbing along neckline? Love the “flowy-ness” of the skirt! Well done!

[@tracyreilly5736]

I'm slowly getting hooked on your videos and wish I sewed with a machine better. The Surge/serge? thing seems central! I especially get inspired by thrift recreations, and thinking how I could add my knitting skills to that. I think the red/gray dress is fine as it is --I think I see a lot of young people mixing fabrics in a less matchy way, like the FREE PEoPLE brand, soo...and it has a little country/western thing happening. I would wear it as is but with brown boots and a brown western belt. Or maybe a dangly metal pendant...You have great ideas and I like how you just go for it!

[@sandrasprinkle9540]

I love both items and what you did to them!! You are amazing!

[@amyhorton7168]

The shirt you made looks fabulous on you. I like the dress as well. I think it's cute and flattering. If the heat setting doesn't work, how about using some embroidery floss on the gray. That should allow you to get the exact color you need, and if you set the color with vinegar before applying it to the fabric it shouldn't bleed. Or maybe instead of using regular floss, you look for a high end silk floss? You could even use grey floss on the top of the dress. Just a thought.

[@marthaluciagarcia176]

nice work, great ideas. The bad thing is not sharing your videos more often, I really enjoy it, thank you.

[@Vic-Meow]

Your skills are amazing and I learn so much from you! I suggest that you try again with the red markers: maybe the color will hold if you let it set a day or two before washing? Thanks for your teachings! Edit: and yes, like another commenter said, try heat setting too!

[@dianejohanson98]

Both turned out surprisingly good. I love how the gray top turned out! I’m not a dress-wearer, but it does look cute and you did a great job on the fixes. Maybe put a small binding in gray around the sleeves to tie it into the gray in the skirt if you have fabric left.

[@janvas7690]

Loved the top looks stunning! Also liked the dress looks good on you ! Well done thank you for sharing!

[@thekibbler]

For next project maybe look at picking the additional colour from the original dress. So in this case instead of grey choose a white accent so it looks more intentional with the original design of the dress. P. S. I LOVE the idea if flipping the dress around! So smart!