Summer Threads: Mallory

Hi lovelies! I’m pleased to have another awesome guest blogger sharing a tutorial for Summer Threads. This time it’s Mallory from Mallory Makes Things, the head intern for the Red Velvet dress line. She’s a super talented designer and all-around sweetheart, plus she sports some gorgeous red locks. Thanks so much for contributing, Mallory!

Hi there! I’m Mallory, a fashion designer and blogger over at Mallory Makes Things. When Kara asked me to do an easy clothing diy I was really excited but a little intimidated! I don’t usually restyle things I make things from scratch, but I think I came up with an easy way to restyle a big thrifted dress into a fresh and summery dress or shirt. I used a sewing machine for mine, but you can easily hand stitch this one by hand. You can find a big shapeless dress with buttons down the front or back, made of cute fabric at any thrift store.

1. Fold your dress in half and cut the dress straight across right under the armholes.

2. Measure your dress laying flat at the top, double that measurement. Then measure above your bust. Subtract your overbust from your dress. Divide by 2 and you have the amount you need to take out of the top of your dress in pleats!

3. From the center front of your dress measure how far out you want your pleats to start. Use the number you found in Step 2 and measure outward from where your pleat is. If your dress is really big do more than 2 pleats and divide the number in Step 2 to how many pleats you want!

4. Fold the excess amount inward meeting up your two little marks. Pin and stitch down 1/4″ in.

5. Fold the top down 1/2″ and sew it down. Normally I’d fold it under twice, but it’s not necessary.

Options: Add trim on top of this stitch line if you wish. I also shortened and hemmed mine to become a top not a dress.

There you have it, a half hour fix to transform a sad dress to something adorable! Thanks so much for having me Kara! I love a good excuse to sew!

You can read more Summer Threads posts here and here.