30 Minutes A Day Challenge - Week 2+

I challenged myself to sew at least 30 minutes a day for the next month. In my first week, I sewed for my daughter. I made her a cute purple top... that she hates and will not wear. Ha! So I have a cute purple top for myself now. You can read about it here.

This week was about refashioning a dress that I never wear. It was a retro wrap dress but is now a wearable muslin for a 50s inspired sun dress. Here's the reveal:

Wearable Muslin Mash Up - Butterick B5603 & B5917

 I know, I know, I need to retake the picture. :P

The fabric started out like this:

1950s Wrap Dress

For this refashion, I used the bottom, pencil skirt, from Butterick B5917 dress pattern, in size 12. This is the third time that I've made this skirt. The first was in linen (here) and the second was in tropical weight wool (here). I love, love, love, both of these skirts so it;s no surprise that it's my go to skirt pattern.

For the top I used the bodice pieces from Butterick B5603 Retro dress pattern in size 12. However, the size 12 top does not match the size 12 bottom so I took out the back darts to make it fit properly. In making this again, I'll have to get the next size up package and use the size 14 bodice.

Other changes that are planned are to add a wide ribbon at the under bodice with a ribbon bow. Also, using a stiff poly/cotton blend is not ideal. The darts do not lay well and there isn't enough give in the fabric to make this a comfortable dress to sit down in. I'll have to go shopping for a softer, slightly forgiving fabric. Perhaps a nice pique?

Next up, I want to achieve something from my old planned project pile. I'd love to make the Zara inspired skorts from my plaid cotton poplin (blogged here) or using Simplicity 1460 and some purple cotton burnout fabric from my stash.