Saturday, January 14, 2012

Of Dresses

So, what do you do when you need a gown for a "Black Tie Dinner"? Do you go shopping, or do you call your mother and beg her to dye a tan dress she bought you 5 years ago and ship it to you?

Yeah, my attorney daughter did the latter. On Wednesday night. For a Black Tie Attorney thing on Friday night.

And the dress came out really pretty, didn't it? I also sent her a dress of mine from a long time ago. She wore my dress, because hers wasn't quite long enough with the 4" heels she wanted to wear.

And I made myself a princess seamed sleeveless dress with a cardigan from some lightweight sweater fabric I found in my stash before Thanksgiving. It was marked as being 2.5 yards for 50 cents per yard, and I figured out why when I washed it: There was a run 2" off center down the whole length of the piece. I figured out how to work around it anyway.

There was also enough for a long sleeved top. I'm really pleased with this $1.25 investment from probably 10 years ago!

13 comments:

Two French Bulldogs said...

Purrty
Benny & Lily

Faye Lewis said...

Nice sweather dress and top. We mothers do love our daughters don't we.

gMarie said...

What a good mom you are! Dyed it up, dried it and shipped it off in time! g

Mickle in NZ said...

The re-coloured dress looks gorgeous but 4 inch heels has me thinking that I would probably fall off them. Shannon has far more grace and poise.

Your new princess seamed dress has a beautiful fit and looks so pretty while having simple, classical lines.

And it is a really good pale ivory colour - one I can't wear as it makes my kinda-olive skin look really sallow. Never mind - I'm relishing the strong pinks (pale through hot pink to a rich cerise shade) this summer.

I could never wear my Mother' clothes when Shannon's age as Mum was 5 1/2 inches taller than me with long limbs versus my shorter ones (including my sturdy thighs). And even now Mum and
Dad are still taller than me, as is sister Liz!

Sending care and huggles plus Zeb's gentle snores,

Michelle xxx

Diane said...

I guess I used to walk around in very high heels but I just cannot imagine doing it any more. Both dresses look great. Diane

SissySees said...

3" is my comfort zone limit, unless a platform wedge is involved. Then I can scoot up to 3.5" without feeling unstable.

Impressive handiwork there. I might take photos of two formal dresses of old that both have "ruined!" underarm fabric-color-changes. I LOVE both dresses, so perhaps you can offer advice on how to re-style or overdye...

Sarah said...

I didn't know people still thought about dying fabrics! It looks great.

pam said...

What a great idea to dye the dress. What a smart daughter you have. Of course, she has a smart mommy!

The Blonde Duck said...

Looks gorgeous! I hope your hubby had a good b-day!

Mary said...

Wow. I can't believe how well that black dress turned out. It never would have occurred to me to die a different dress when I needed a black one. That is awesome!

~~louise~~ said...

Do you have any more sewing tricks up your sleeves. My favorite jeans need a new snap and I'll be darned if I can work one of those grommet tools!

When I hear dye I think tie-dye, lol. (can you tell what era I'm from:) It wouldn't be such a bad idea to think seriously about "recycling" a few of my favorite things.

Thanks for sharing, Marjie. That's going to be a wonderful dress for when the weather warms up!!!

KID, MD said...

Lot's of awesome in this post... I'd never have believed that dress was originally tan. You did a great dye job!! And you look fantastic in your dress and shrug, as always. Nice work!

Lapdog Creations said...

LOVE that black dress!