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Hello! I'm Suzannah, a serious DIYer and mom of two little ones. Follow along with my DIY fixer upper house renovations, sewing and crafty projects, real food recipes, and de-stressing goals.
I believe you can love your home just the way it is, AND have the power to design and make big changes to make it better.
I'm also the author of DIY Wardrobe Makeovers!

The vintage blue lace into a trendy dress

Update! See the remade version here!

New dress! It's not spring yet, but when it does get warm enough, I'll be ready. I'm so glad I got a chance to put together the fabric and pattern from this Instagram: a vintage blue lace that I was lucky to have yards of, some almost-matching fine cotton for the lining, and Simplicity 1755, a relatively new pattern and an attempt at trendiness. ;)


Of course, the dresses fit super loosely on the models and the waistlines are too low--the pattern shows it is supposed to sit at the natural waist. But you know how the pattern companies are. The fits are normally meant to be way looser than someone like me wants. You may also remember my discussion of how to cut out the right pattern size--I did my usual, cutting out two sizes smaller than it recommends. And I used 1/2" seam allowances instead of the intended 5/8". And mine fits me better than the models on the envelope... but still a little loose. Oops!

But besides that, it turned out great! I ACTUALLY READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on this one, folks. The collar-that-holds-the-front-and-back-together was a new thing for me, so I did read the instructions for (most of) the steps. ;)


I didn't use the pattern's skirt; I just made a two-panel pleated skirt. But I wasn't really thinking when I cut out the pattern, and I made the skirt the entire width of the fabric. So it ended up about a foot and a half longer than I might have chosen... haha!!!

I guess it's appropriate for a church wedding, at this length! ;), but I'm not sure I can rock it Jessica Alba-style for everyday and go with a long midi skirt. What do you vote? Should I cut off like 12"+ from the top and re-pleat it into the waistband? Or should I just plan to wear some awesome tall shoes and an edgy top layer?? ;)


See the updated version here!

32 comments

  1. Kayla Moothart3/18/2013

    I love that fabric! The lace is so pretty. The neckline is super neat too!

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  2. I DO think it's a bit long. But with super-high-brown-heels and something that doesn't scream "giiiiiiiiiirlyyyy" for top layer you should look smashing. Dark blue denim jacket, leather jacket or maaaybe a "boyfriend" sweater should look great!

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  3. Such a pretty dress Suzannah - you are definitely ready for spring! My two cents - shorten it. It will be even more more flattering and I think you will wear it much more frequently. Maybe if you set it aside for a bit the prospect of unpicking will not look so overwhelming. Enjoy that dress!

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  4. Sarah Heat3/18/2013

    I think at that length you need some sort of pouffy thing to make it stand out. Otherwise, I'd go for a right at the knee hem.
    Kills to redo all those pleats, though.

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  5. I love that dress, and I have the same pattern! I would definitely recommend taking it up, because peoples' eyes want to focus on the pretty hem of the dress with all of the scalloped layers, and it's just in an odd spot right now. Still, it's awesome! I wish we got to see the dress at the beginning of the process. :)

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  6. What a pretty blue lace fabric! Can I vote both: rocking it with an edgier layer while the weather is still cool, then shortening it up for a romantic yet sexy summer look?

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  7. Kerri Rosenthal3/18/2013

    I think you should try it out first at this length is tall shoes and a great jacket, the length makes you look really small/short so maybe raising the hem after testing it out is the way to go.

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  8. Rachel3/18/2013

    I absolutely love that. I have that pattern and some lace I have been unsure what to make with. That is a perfect combination.

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  9. Katie Walker3/18/2013

    Where did you find that beautiful lace?

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  10. Looks stunning!!

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  11. Janine Whisler3/18/2013

    Definitely shorten the dress. You are young and have a great figure, and what better celebration of spring than a fun flirty lacey dress. I love the pleating idea too!

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  12. I have this pattern too. I go with shorten it-- at the waistline do you don't loose the lace detail at te bottom.

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  13. What a pretty dress! Lace is my favorite.

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  14. It's cute, I love the collar! I would definitely shorten it. It's a bummer that you just can't hem it, but you don't want to mess up that pretty lace!

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  15. I think it was from a random little vintage/antique shop near my parents' house! Sorry!

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  16. Katie Walker3/18/2013

    What a great find! I'll have to pay more attention the next time I visit my antique stores.

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  17. Very pretty! Shorten that bad boy.

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  18. shorten! fabulous dress though :) you're very talented

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  19. It's gorgeous! I think it would be even cuter shortened!

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  20. Justine Gray3/18/2013

    Oh my gosh, so adorable! You look like Zooey Deschanel! I think if I were you, I would cut the 12" inches from the top. It'd be the perfect summer dress!

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  21. Bridget3/18/2013

    Shorten it! You'll wear a lot more if you don't have to fuss with really high heels and some sort of jacket to balance it all out.

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  22. jan schrock3/19/2013

    super cute! i like it long because it looks different for you........but you probably would wear it more if you did shorten it.....thanks for the inspiration :)

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  23. I'd shorten it to knee length. At knee length it would be dainty and vintage but the length gives it kind if an 80s prom feel.

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  24. I would also shorten it. If you do decide to shorten post a pic please.

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  25. Rachel3/20/2013

    What happened to the page with links to your favorite blogs? Bummer. Part of the reasons I liked your blog was because I could enjoy your posts and then click links to other equally awesome blogs.

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  26. Elizabeth Bartlett3/21/2013

    I agree with most below - cut that 12" off! I love the fabric.

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  27. Personally I would wear it shorter but I do think it looks fab on you, stick on some mile high wedges or chunky sandals and rock it!

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  28. Oh, sorry! Good to know that, though! I started editing it and realized it was pretty out of date and didn't feel I could do it justice now, editing it to reflect my current blog-reading habits! I still have it in draft, so if you want me to email you the list I can!

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  29. Great dress! great pattern! Why not finish it off in style with a customised garment label: http://www.perfectlabelslanyards.co.uk/garment_labels.html

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  30. I'd shorten it! It looks a little bit too "vintage" at this length, but knee length would look super modern!

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  31. shorten it! it will defo look more updated than over vintage. =D

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  32. Love it but def think its too long.

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