Refashioning 101: Taking in an Oversized Dress

Happy Sunday you beautiful people!

Today I want to talk about one of the biggest and most basic parts of refashioning-- taking in an oversized dress. This is a key part of maaaanny of the refashions I do. As I've said before, when I go into a thrift store and look for pieces to refashion, I look mostly at the fabric-- pattern, texture, and quantity. I look for a fairly large quantity of fabric to work with for a few reasons: 1. it gives me room to add to the piece in the way of ruffles, sleeves, panels, collars, etc. And 2. it gives me room for error (and trust me, that happens a lot). SO most of the time, the pieces I pick up to refashion are XL or bigger.

Because the pieces I'm picking up are not my size, it's crucial to know how to bring them down in size and get a good fit with

to the artist, ready to give up.

To the artists---

Today I'm thinking about the artists. Of any and every medium. The painters, writers, musicians, actors and actresses, the dancers, and the photographers. The artists who are struggling. Who have doubts, insecurities, and are all too aware of their shortcomings and flaws. You know who you are.

I recently saw a post that described the creative process as something like this:

Oversized Blue Gingham Dress Refashion

I know I often start my posts referring to that given day being "one of those days." And over time and across those posts, I've used "one of those days" to mean a lot of different things. It's been used to refer to good days, bad days, crazy days & dreamy days. Mom life days and "this is my life??" days. But... for reals, guys. Today was one of those days. In the best, best possible way. 

One of those days when you feel a spark, a light, a flame. An idea, a dream, an inspiration. When a tiny vision sprouts in your mind and over the course of a couple hours of thinking and dreaming and talking it out, that vision grows and blooms and can barely be contained in that head of yours. When, for once, your dream matches up with your husband's and you're in awe at how good it feels to both of you. 

Those are the kinds of days you have to scribble about across the empty pages in your journal. The kind that make your

Denim Overall Dress Refashion

We're going back to the 90's/00's with a lot of the trends this year. And I'm not complaining! (Except for the choker thing... I still don't quite get that one. But power to all the girls who rock it anyway!)

So. As an "artist," some days I feel completely blank. Not a speck of creativity or inspiration to be found. I feel unmotivated and so not confident.

And other days, I can't sketch fast enough to keep up with the ideas in my head! The art just comes freely... flows my from head to my hands and into my creations. It's an amazing feeling. You lose all

Embroidered & Distressed Jean Refashion + Skinny Jeans Tutorial

I'm typing this late on a Saturday night. After a full, happy day. One of those days that sends you to bed with tired feet, tired eyes, and a full heart. One of those days. A day when you catch yourself smiling without even thinking about it and replay moments from just hours ago in your head.

It wasn't a day full of grand outings, lavish living, or anything of the sort. Nope. Just a day full of being outdoors, cuddles in bed, open windows, baby talks, holding hands, yummy food, a summer thunderstorm, long talks, and just... being present. Days like this, with my boys, are my favorite. I'm sure you know the feeling, right? Days when you remember to live life

Easy Men's Polo Refashion

Hey there! :) 

Well guys. It's MAY! Can you believe that? My baby just turned 3 months and it has seriously been the fastest 3 months of my life. Also. It snowed this past week in Provo. On April 28th. Seriously, Utah? You need to go back to elementary school and learn the seasons. Spring means flowers and sunshine and green and perfect temps and yes, the occassional rainstorm. But snow? Nope, nope, nope. You got it allllllll wrong. 

Kay. Annnnyway. What was I saying? Oh yeah, May. I'm extra excited for May this year because I am participating in the #MeMadeMay challenge. Have you heard about this before?! If not, you should read about it here. Basically, you make an individual goal in regards to your #memadewardrobe... whether that's to wear something you made 3, 4, 5 times a week... to