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Thursday, March 15, 2012

Corset Denim Dress - DIY



So I finally got about to completing my DIY Denim/Jeans Project... Yay me!

I don't have a sewing machine (yet...*fingers crossed*), but endless pokes and pricks from my needle later my Jeans got converted to this lovely dress. Yup, its not perfect.. but it fits and doesn't look too bad :)

Being handstitched, I suggest going over your seams twice, I used a blanket stitch on the edges and a Running stitch a lil inward with double thread (I don't know how to single stitch). My mom suggests that I take it to a professional tailor and get all the seams redone, just so that my effort doesn't go to waste :)


First you'll have to measure the length from your shoulder to your waist and add about 4 inches to that for seam allowances. (one for the waist, two for A and B that is joined under the bust and the last one on the shoulder). Measure that from the bottom of your jeans upwards and then cut the length. 

A cautionary advice here, I used stretchy jeans and you'll have to make sure that the measurement of the "A" portion around your knees adds up to your waist. If it doesn't, I suggest instead of a Zip like I did, try a typical corset style tie-up with an extra panel inside of a different cloth if you feel like, or if your wearing a t-shirt like me inside which covers your tummy, then you really wouldn't need that extra panel.

The lower portion becomes the top part. you'll have to sew "B" to "A". And a little bit under the arms. 





I took out the inner seam of the jeans and stitched the left and right side at the back. And again stitched the "B" portion to the "A" portion.   

Shape the front straps the way you want, lay the left over the right to make sure they are exactly the same before you cut anything. Once cut the leftover part becomes the triangle on the front and back of the skirt. Until the top was done, I didn't hem the bottom because I was hoping for left over material to make the triangle (it helps make the skirt a little more A-line on the bottom)



In the front I took out the original Zip and where you can see my expertly drawn orange line is the new longer zip. Why such a long zip you ask? Well, I first tried putting the Zip at the back (that's where most zips go I figured I couldn't go wrong..) and the front was stitched up.. and what happened? well... my butt :P  Check the Rage comic at the bottom for a play by play lol.. 




Hope you understood the DIY, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask! :)



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18 comments:

  1. This is very pretty! I used old overalls to make an apron for my fireman hubby. Maybe I should post a pic of it.
    I really like your dress, especially cause it's denim.

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    1. Thanks so much, oooo.. an apron, lovely... I love denim, I tend to wear only one pair at a time, but have lots of old ones, I'm already contemplating on what to do with a another.. yes do post a pic! would love to see!

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  2. You sewed denim by hand? That's incredible!

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    1. Yup I sewed it by hand, Its stretch denim, so its not as stiff, and I used a big needle the kind for thick material :)

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  3. You've done an amazing job sewing this by hand!!! I have my fingers crossed that you'll get a sewing machine. If you can do this by hand, you'll be able to sew anything with a machine.

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    1. Thanks for the encouragement, hopefully i'll get one soon :)

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  4. congratulations. it remeinds me of myself, I also started sewing without a machine and eventually my parents ended up buying me one... it's been with me for over 10 years.

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    1. thanks! :) My Grandma on my dad's side was a seamstress and that's how she brought up her kids. My dad's always been wanting to get one, but mom's been holding him off, I think now though he might have a good excuse :D lets see!

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  5. You are to funny. Love the cartoon. Thanks for sharing at the Sunday Round Up. I love to see what you share on your blog.
    Rose
    @ http://www.arosiesweethome.com/

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  6. Supercool DIY. I'm pinning it. Would you mind my sharing it on my sewing blog here:
    http://sewprettysewfree.blogspot.com/

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    1. Oh I'd be honoured as long as you link back :)

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  7. Wow, on stitching your outfit by hand. It is really cute and you did a great job. I look forward to seeing more of your creations on Dare to Share. Thank you so much for linking up.

    Pam
    http://pamspartyplanning.blogspot.com/2012/04/dare-to-share-4.html

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  8. beautiful
    enjoy wearing it !!!
    mirjam

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  9. This is such a great idea,thanks for sharing! I would love to to try something like this.
    www.blissfulsewing.blogsapot.com

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    1. Thanks for the compliments and for visiting :)

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