Im altering this garment your input is welcome...

[Madison Paige]

You know, I really adore those vintage hawaiian dresses, and have been lucky enough to come across a few in vintage stores for insanely low prices (they obviously didn't know what they had), but I definitely feel your pain about them being ridiculously expensive on ebay and have thought about modifying a 70's hawaiian dress myself. The only thing that kept me from doing so was I found that the fabric on the late 60's and 70's dresses is quite different then those of the 40's, 50's and early 60's. The fabric is either MUCH heavier, about the weight of bark cloth, or its far to light, almost silk like. I absolutely think it's possible, and it sounds like you know what you're doing, I just wanted to give my two cents about fabric on those suckers before you jump in, because I know how frustrating fabric can be sometimes.

And a little fftopic: but, Goldwyn Girl, if I sent some cash your way, would it be possible to get you to make a copy of that pattern that you used the bodice from? I've been looking for something like that for a long time now and haven't found anything close!!

I have done this with two dresses picked up at thrift stores. One ,in my avatar, was an easy alteration, the other not so. There was plenty of material but after I took it apart I had so sew pieces together to make large enough fabric to cut the new pattern. In my experience when I make a sarong dress buy the fabric unused. Hawaiian Fabrics have a fine selection Hubby's shirt fabric came from them and the green brocade from Joannes.

I use two patterns to make this dress, I have 3 at the moment. It will all depend on your level of skill
This bodice

And a lengthened version of this skirt

Goldwyn Girl

 

[Lady Day]

**merged threads**

Hi all.

Here is where we can post opinions on items we are altering or looking to modify from things that are already made, or are real vintage. So far two threads have been merged

LD

 

[Josephine]

When I make that green polka dotted dress I'll post it here.

And I know I said I'd do the green neckline, but I really prefer the white...

 

[The Shirt]

Thanks for merging LD!

 

[kamikat]

And a little fftopic: but, Goldwyn Girl, if I sent some cash your way, would it be possible to get you to make a copy of that pattern that you used the bodice from? I've been looking for something like that for a long time now and haven't found anything close!!

You can get that pattern at http://evadress.com/S4270.html

 

[ShrinkingViolet]

Hi all.

Here is where we can post opinions on items we are altering or looking to modify from things thaat are already made, or are real vintage. So far two threads have been merged

LD

Erm, I kind of intended my thread to be about projects starting more or less from scratch, the ones that still only exist in your mind. Could we include that in this thread as well?
Sorry, I don't mean to be nitpicky

 

[goldwyn girl]

And a little fftopic: but, Goldwyn Girl, if I sent some cash your way, would it be possible to get you to make a copy of that pattern that you used the bodice from? I've been looking for something like that for a long time now and haven't found anything close!!




Goldwyn Girl

I can do that for you. PM me

 

[Lady Day]

Erm, I kind of intended my thread to be about projects starting more or less from scratch, the ones that still only exist in your mind. Could we include that in this thread as well?
Sorry, I don't mean to be nitpicky

There is the "Show us what you made" thread. Most people post inspiration things in the Sewing FAQ. I just used this thread because I could see it heading the way of being another show us what you made. Just wanted a bit of focus on it

LD

 

[Lady Day]

I have this eyelet blouse that I got from one of my favorite vintage stores and Im looking to alter it.

The cap sleeves are just silly on me and too tight, so Im gonna take the sleeves off, but I cant find a good matching fabric. The shirt is made of cotton sateen and its so hard to find sateen at fabric stores. I looked all up and through the fabric district. Crappers, maybe I should just use a sheet!

I guess my question is, what type of sleeves should I put on it? Think because I cant find a matching fabric I should just leave it sleeveless and go on about my day?

Thanks Ladies!

LD

 

[Miss 1929]

Buy every pattern by Theresa LaQuey!

I have done this with two dresses picked up at thrift stores. One ,in my avatar, was an easy alteration, the other not so. There was plenty of material but after I took it apart I had so sew pieces together to make large enough fabric to cut the new pattern. In my experience when I make a sarong dress buy the fabric unused. Hawaiian Fabrics have a fine selection Hubby's shirt fabric came from them and the green brocade from Joannes.

I use two patterns to make this dress, I have 3 at the moment. It will all depend on your level of skill
This bodice

And a lengthened version of this skirt

I am lucky enough to be a good friend of hers, and when I have money, I have her make my clothes! She is amazing and can really make a pattern that has correct vintage fit and style.

That sarong dress is great, it can be wrapped three different ways on the top.

 

[Real Swell Gal]

Suzi Wong dress

So today I found a SW dress in navy and red for my daughter. She has been wanting one for so long. It's a size 8 and she is only 12 so she'd be like a 2 maybe? Anyway, it was only TWO DOLLARS! I had to buy it.
It was filthy but a little Woolite seems to have done the trick and when I alter it I will post.
She is so excited!

 

[ShortClara]

I guess my question is, what type of sleeves should I put on it? Think because I cant find a matching fabric I should just leave it sleeveless and go on about my day?

Thanks Ladies!

LD

You know, it makes me think of 50s peasant wear. I just came into several 50s peasant blouses, and that eyelet makes me think of them. How about a big, loose puffy sleeve? It can go as far down the arm as you like. You could do it in white or a color eyelet and make a matching tie for the waist of the blouse. Sooo breezy in the summer with a skirt