How to create a unique dress no one else will own!

One of my favourite things to do is customise vintage dresses. Recently there has been a lot of focus on ‘up-styling’ vintage clothes and books have been published on how to up-style your clothes. I’m loving this Recyled Fashion blog.

Personally I haven’t read any books (if you have any recommendations I’d love to hear them) but I’ve been altering vintage dresses since I was a teenager. I search for bargain vintage dresses on Ebay; then spend inordinate amounts of time taking them in, out and up! Buying vintage and customising means you get to wear something truly unique.

     

This week I decided it was time to alter a dress I bought on Ebay months ago. It’s a prairie style dress with floral material and a high lace neckline. Although I love prim high collars they really don’t suit me so the neckline has to go!

The dress was originally floor length so I devoted my lunch break to taking it up. Delightfully there is so much extra fabric I can make a cute summer skirt with it.

Here’s how I up-styled my vintage dress:

• Cut and hemmed the bottom using an catch stitch to just above knee length
• Drew the desired neck line using tailor’s chalk (I leave as much fabric as possible to make a hem, 2cm is enough)
• Cut along the chalk line (saving the lace for another craft project)
• Ironed and pinned the neckline
• Hand sewed the neckline hem using a whip stitch
• Hey presto you have a new dress!

       

  

Catch stitch                       Whip stitch

                                                                   

How to make a beaded crochet necklace!

I must confess I’m new to crochet. I signed up for a beginners class in June and I’m really excited to finally learn. My best friend makes these amazing crochet hair clips with a cute button in the centre.
     
A unique alternative to wool crochet is to use jewellery wire and beading to create this fabulous crocheted necklace! Ideal as a present or as a gift to yourself, it couldn’t be easier to make!

You will need: wire, beads, clasp, jewellery pliars

Here’s how:

• Crochet 3 strands of beads onto thin wire using a chain stitch (I used a 4mm crochet hook)
• See YouTube video below on how to chain stitch using jewellery wire
• Remember to leave a tail at the end to attach the clasp!
• After each chain stitch thread a bead onto the wire until you have 3 chain stitched bead strands
• Intertwine all 3 strands together
• Attach the jewellery clasp

The finished product:

 

While we’re on the subject of crochet, I just had to share these amazing crochet ‘shell suits’ for tortoises! Designed and made by Katie Bradley, who initially made them as a family joke but they became so popular she opened an Etsy tortoise shop. I’m sure you’ll agree, they are absolutely adorable!