Faith's NDAD Creation

This could be my new favorite piece! Faith knocked it out of the park. Just wait until you see what this shirt looks like now!

As a brand new first time mom, I didn't have time to scour the stores for the perfect outfit for my baby girl's one-month pictures. I wanted something feminine but not too girly, so instead of turning to expensive outfits online, I decided to make a cheaper option for this one time wear.

I scanned my closet for ideas. I found this top which a friend had given me to wear during the pregnancy. I loved the detailed stitching.

 I noticed the shirring on the back and knew it would make for an easy fit. 

Just wait until you see Faith's transformation...

I cut out the back panel and sewed a single seam to make the tube of the dress. 

I cut and hemmed pieces of the decorative parts to use for sleeves. 

I cut another piece to sew to a scrap of elastic for a matching headband and lastly I cut the bottom of the dress to fit her and hemmed it.

The whole process took about fifteen minutes. I definitely plan to make more clothing for her out of my own discarded clothes - I like sharing with her! The outfit was great for the pictures. 

Next time I will make the arm holes bigger because babies are tricky to dress! We ended up cutting her out of the dress to keep from upsetting her before her next pictures. But the dress had done its job. And again - it was free!

This is upcycling at its finest! I just LOVE how you took that top (that you got for free!!!!!) and crafted it into something so gorgeous for your girl. Using the patterned trim as a little headband is seriously perfection! I can't wait to see the next outfit you come up with!

Heathyr's NDAD Creation

Heathyr sent me an amazing remake that I couldn't wait to share! Her style is right up my alley and the easy tweak she made to her vintage dress will make you want to do the same thing! Check out what she did...

Hi Marisa! I bought this $10 dress for a 40's party. I'm not a huge fan of red, but it works and it kind of reminded me of the dress from PS I Love You. Plus, it has pockets! Nothing like pockets!

I wore this dress to the party, but knew I would never wear it again as is.

What will Heathyr turn this into???

I went through many tries - first I shortened the sleeves, then I tried taking the collar off. I even tried making it a strapless dress but nothing was quite right.

Eventually I cut length off the bottom and saved that piece. I cut just around the elastic waist to turn this into a skirt. (I love a circle skirt!!) Then, instead of turning this into your run of the mill circle skirt, I decided that I could give it a high/low hem. I used the part I cut off the bottom to make a new waistband.

It came with a belt and I think it still works to wear it with or without the belt. All in all, I'm happy with how it turned out even though there were many changes along the way! :)

Heathyr, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!! But, what a gorgeous way to reinvent this dress into a fabulous skirt that you'll wear on the regular. PS,the use of b/w to color in your before and after shots was genius.

Ninutschka's NDAD Creation

My girl Ninutschka in Germany submitted the cutest remake! The pattern is so fun and she totally worked it into something that suits her. It started off a bit frumpy, but check out her upcycling magic...

Some weeks ago I discovered your blog and was so impressed by all your great ideas. I am a vintage-lover too, and often customize my clothes. I found this simple, green printed dress at a flea market. The pattern is quite fun but the fabric is super full, so I wanted to create something else out of it.

The dress was at least two sizes too big and this was especially apparent in the chest area. It is hand-sewn and I knew that I could work with the existing seams to make adjustments.

Check out the after look on Ninutschka (and her FAB shoes)...

First I edited the side seams respectively and took in about 5 centimeters. Next, I had to adjust the shoulder area as well as the chest with darts. This was a bit trickier :)

I stitched a 2 centimeter seam down the entire front of the dress from the collar-bone to the waist over the bust dart to reduce the material wealth. This worked quite well so far.

Finally I sewed an elastic waist, so that the dress can automatically adjust in this area.

It's not totally perfect yet, because there's still room to add a few braids, buttons or lace, but with the sporty turquoise cotton belt and wonderful to the bright yellow clogs (a find from my last flea market trip), I'm thrilled with the result!

I LOVE your outfit, Ninutschka! The dress color is perfect with those fabulous yellow shoes!! I need those shoes in my collection :) Way to take this flea market find and turn it into a dress that fits you like a charm! The entire look is simply adorable!! I would wear this entire look right now AND any time you want to swap, let me know :)

For more from Ninutschka, click here!