https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:56:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181987 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:47:08 +0000 Angie 2181987@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all soooo much! I will keep you posted on the projects </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181955 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:35:54 +0000 rachylou 2181955@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ha! That’s a good link, Karie! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181951 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:22:18 +0000 Karie 2181951@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven’t read the other comments, so maybe these suggestions have already been made:<br /> Joanne’s or any store that sells fabric will have the buttons. Just make sure to measure one of the old buttons (or take one of them with you) so you know what size to get.<br /> There are companies like <a href="https://myslipsshowing.com/" rel="nofollow">https://myslipsshowing.com/</a> that sell slips that are supposed to show below the hem of a dress, so that might work. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181930 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 15:42:56 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2181930@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To piggyback on Brie's suggestion... even if there isn't an "or best offer" option, sometimes I've contacted a seller, or been contacted by a potential buyer, and usually the transaction ends in the seller accepting an offer </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181840 Wed, 24 Mar 2021 08:48:23 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2181840@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Mary Beth, those dresses are all kinds of wonderful. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181760 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 21:55:22 +0000 BrieN 2181760@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you do tulle, make sure it's soft. I've worn my share of itchy tulle and it's a drag.&nbsp; My mom used to dye tulle so that might be worth a try if you can't find the color you want in the shop/online. I like this idea very much.</p> <p>If you're still contemplating a lace solution you might also try ebay - there is the identical dress that you could use for spare lace. It's pricey but that's what make an offer is for :)&nbsp; &nbsp;Anyway, good luck.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181670 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 18:18:31 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2181670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>One other thought, going on an already-suggested idea, is to use this dress to build another dress in a tonal or contrasting color.&nbsp; &nbsp;Are you familiar with designer Byron Lars?&nbsp; &nbsp;I'm kind of obsessed with him.&nbsp; &nbsp;I've owned two tops by him, and the construction is impeccable - like an opera costume.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>His dresses are beautiful to behold - he layers and pieces together all these beautiful textiles, into fashion art.</p> <p>This kind of idea might be something to try with your dress.</p> <p>#1 Vegan Leather &amp; Lace Duet</p> <p>#2&nbsp; &nbsp;Pieced Brocade Sheath.&nbsp; &nbsp;I tried this on at Anthropologie 5-6 years ago (I forget), and LOVED it.&nbsp; &nbsp;I toyed with the idea of buying it as my One Dress To Rule Them All for parties, holiday events, concerts &amp; shows, and weddings... but I couldn't quite commit.&nbsp; &nbsp;It was on clearance, for around $350, which was a little outside my comfort level, for one dress.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>This dress pops up on resale sites frequently, but never in my size.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p> <p>#3-4 The Alpine Rose dress... this dress is a dream item for me.&nbsp; Something about all those roses and embroidery just ticks off all the boxes for me.&nbsp; (I think it's the Old Italian Lady Of My Soul, the one that loves black lace veils, and ponders putting down plastic covers on the fabric upholstery.)</p> <p>I think this could be a fun and entirely fresh way of repurposing your dress.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181662 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:51:58 +0000 Angie 2181662@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. You guys are CREATIVE :)</p> <p>I've bought great little navy buttons to add to the black and cream blouse. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181653 Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:35:55 +0000 Mary Beth (formerly LBD) 2181653@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I haven't read all of the replies, so someone may have suggested this - but I would try stalking this same dress on eBay or Poshmark - regardless of size.</p> <p>Take all of *that* lace and lining material, and use that for a new, extended under-slip.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181456 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 21:29:22 +0000 Marlene 2181456@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>If you’re anywhere near Pacific Fabrics, they have the best selection of interesting buttons. Otherwise you’re stuck with Joann’s which has a decent selection of basics. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181386 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:50:43 +0000 JAileen 2181386@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We used to have a darling little shop that sold only buttons and decorative braid. &nbsp;How I wish it was still in existence. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2181382 Mon, 22 Mar 2021 15:12:56 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2181382@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I walked past this today, I had to think of you—a whole store of buttons and fasteners! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/3#post-2180680 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 20:53:40 +0000 anchie 2180680@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Late to this and haven’t read all<br /> the comments but how about tulle over the lace, something like this </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2180670 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 20:22:27 +0000 Angie 2180670@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks for the ideas, everyone! You are a creative bunch :)</p> <p>I don't want to cut into the lace, so I'm going to try the tulle route post vaccination. No rush, and all in good time.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2180519 Fri, 19 Mar 2021 13:57:36 +0000 lyn67 2180519@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Deb's&nbsp; has an "appron tulle"-wouldn't something like that (in a matching&nbsp; navy) working for your dress, too?&nbsp; Another way to lengthen could be cutting the dress shorter, somewhere on 2/3 of the length- and put between the parts the length you need form a completely another&nbsp; texture of the same navy color -say velvet, sequin, some textured tweed(bouclé) or even a thin faux leather (suede or plain)-Would look edgy with a bouclé or pleather,&nbsp; isn't it?&nbsp; Or you can even insert 2 (uneven) tiers of these between 2 tiers of the dress' lace.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2180308 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 17:56:29 +0000 JAileen 2180308@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Coming back to this, I think adding tulle to a slip wouldn’t be that hard. &nbsp;I think finding a navy slip might be hard. &nbsp;But navy tulle shouldn’t be hard to find. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2180305 Thu, 18 Mar 2021 17:53:29 +0000 Dana 2180305@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I really like Runcarla's idea of adding a tier to the bottom that's a bit retro. And...wait for it, to really show off the lace, what about removing the original lining and going with a full, silk slip in&nbsp;<b>CITRON?!</p> <p></b>I agree that you'll really need to think about how much you want to sink into the project. I would have the tailor create the slip/addition etc. in muslin to get the fit right and see if you'll like it before you cut into a new expensive fabric.&nbsp;<br /><b><br /></b>Going with a contrasting color underneath could really change the feel of the dress and it could feel not only brand new, but you might wear it for different occasions (if that makes sense.)&nbsp;<b><br /></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179717 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 19:03:43 +0000 Stagiaire Fash 2179717@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smiling at the buttons. I think of you guys when I come across these social distancing signs. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179705 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 18:19:56 +0000 Angie 2179705@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Lynette,</b> excellent memory :)</p> <p><b>JAileen</b>, ADORABLE and very special. Let me know if you find Yorkie buttons.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Debs</b>, thank you! Ideally a slip with navy tulle. I like this:&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179582 Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:20:10 +0000 Lynette 2179582@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I remember when you got that dress! Was it on a birthday shopping trip with Greg? And he loved it so much? No wonder you don’t want to get rid of it. I vote a tulle slip for underneath. Please show us the end result. Good luck! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179487 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 23:44:09 +0000 Deborah 2179487@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie let us know what you decide! Good to the dress on you again as a reminder of the fit. I’m going to brain storm (with myself) the idea of an under slip for you xx </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179485 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 23:26:38 +0000 JAileen 2179485@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I don’t know if you have ordered buttons yet, but I just ordered some from Etsy. &nbsp;I’m knitting a baby sweater for a friend’s daughter. &nbsp;I went to my local store with no luck, and looked at Joann’s website. &nbsp;As you can see, these are very special. &nbsp;:) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179436 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 21:18:52 +0000 unfrumped 2179436@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>You may be able to “ play” with some different amounts of added length re: the dress proportions, possibly with some inexpensive tulle or netting. Though the actual new fabric will play into it. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179432 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 20:44:29 +0000 Angie 2179432@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Jonesy</b>, YAY! Thanks for the swishy love.</p> <p><b>SarahD8</b> how fortuitous! I'm even more convinced that is the route to go. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179416 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:45:05 +0000 SarahD8 2179416@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am pretty sure that Kathie's link is the woman who helped me with my wedding dress-- she didn't make the whole thing but did a fiddly part that was beyond my skills and it worked out great. So, another vote of confidence there. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179410 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 19:02:50 +0000 Jonesy 2179410@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am formally switching from Team Top to Team Tulle! The tulle would be easier to coordinate with the lace, and it would be swishy and lovely. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179404 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 18:21:03 +0000 Angie 2179404@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Kathie</b>, that's a great tip! Thank you. I would like to follow through with that Seattle tailor.&nbsp;</p> <p>I've also ordered dark blue buttons for my blouse instead of black since my creative juices were flowing too </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179401 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 18:12:07 +0000 Kathie 2179401@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I used <a rel="nofollow" href="http://pajenscustomsewing.com/index.html">P.A. Jens Custom Sewing</a> in Seattle, to make my wedding dress. As a "try-out" project, I had her remake a much adored, but slightly dated, linen dress. It turned out better than I could have imagined.<br /> Over the years, I also had her make a black performance outfit and<br /> alter a number of items, and I always appreciated her honesty and<br /> suggestions.</p> <p>Anyway, just throwing out a local suggestion, if you want to at least get a consult with an experienced dressmaker. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179397 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 18:01:38 +0000 Angie 2179397@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>WOW. You're all soooo creative and full of fab ideas! I appreciate the time and thoughtful replies. Thank you sooo much! This was a good read for anyone :)</p> <p><b>Sharan</b> and <b>SarahD8</b>, I appreciate the local Seattle suggestions.</p> <p><b>Brooklyn</b> and<b> Debs,</b> your up-cycling skirt experiences come through like pros! You are right - I don't want the result to look "make shift". It has to look like the dress was bought that way, IYKWIM. That part worries me, and so does the expense. Having anything made here in Seattle is exorbitant.&nbsp;</p> <p><u>UPDATES after looking and fitting the dress this morning:</u> </p> <ul> <li>The dress won't work as a top. The cutline is high and the top will be too cropped and tight.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I am very weary of cutting into the dress. The lace is a work of art as is. (See 6 year old pics of the dress). I just can't do it :(</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I don't wear leggings, skinnies or solid black, so those aren't options for tunic styling. But I like the idea of a pair of wider navy pants that work with the dress, so thanks to those who suggested the drouser root as a concept! I will keep the dress this length for a tunic.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li> </ul> <ul> <li>So far, I can't find skirt extenders and slips that look deliberate and professional.</li> </ul> <ul> <li>I'm back to liking an extension of tulle at the bottom. The tier ideas are lovely too.&nbsp;</li> </ul> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/questions-for-the-sewers/page/2#post-2179393 Mon, 15 Mar 2021 17:25:27 +0000 Suz 2179393@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm in the "make the dress a top" camp. And do something else with the rest of the lace. I think it is going to be really tricky to renovate the dress as you would like and it might not work out so well.&nbsp;</p> <p>I renovated some old Marimekko dresses when I first joined the forum because I couldn't bear to let them go ...but honestly? I never ended up wearing them more than a few times. The proportions weren't right. Mind you, I didn't bother going to an expert (like a wedding tailor) because these were simple cotton and linen summer dresses. But still.... </p>