DIY Pleated Hem Lace Dress Vintage Refashion

In the spirit of fall, here is yet another find from the lot I picked up on my first trip to Savers thrift store. I was captivated by the whimsical elegance of the pleated hem and neck tie. Once I managed to look past the odd pairing (the lace, that is). I saw it’s true potential in a DIY minute!

The underlining wasn’t in the best shape but I was determined to see it through. Little did I know I had my work cut out for me. The lace was attached to the dress at the sides, shoulders, armholes, zipper AND the darts (ARGHHH)! I basically had to take the whole darn thing apart.

I know what you’re thinking and yes, it was sooo worth it! It worked out for the best anyway, cause I had to make a few adjustments. Besides, ripping seams is one of my favorite pastimes (can you sense the sarcasm?).

Here’s what I did

1. Once I managed to remove the lace, I went ahead and redid the darts and reinserted the zipper. After fitting, I felt the armholes were a bit restricting so I reduced the width of the shoulders, turning it into a halter. Leaving enough allowance to finish the armholes, I turned under the raw edges and sewed them in place with a straight stitch. I then redid the side seams, taking in an inch or so.
2. As for the neckline, I removed much of the facing since it was now visible from the right side, leaving an inch behind. I then turned under the raw edge 1/2″ and hand sewed it in place.
3. Lastly, I altered the length of the dress without having to remove the pleated hem (yay me!). I did this by folding the excess length from the bodice at the seam, pinning all around. I then stitched it following the original seam at the pleated hem.
4. For the lace top, I redid the darts, side seams and reattached the sleeves. I also finished the sides of the center back seam with a straight stitch. The neckline I covered with a piece of ribbon I had on hand. I sandwiched it between the ribbon (folded in half), matching the center of the ribbon with the center front of the neck. I basted it in place before finishing with a straight stitch and done!

Reversible lace top worn as a wrap

All things considered, the dress turned out better than I imagined. Not to mention the lace top with it’s many uses! I love the dress so much that I plan on replacing the bodice in the near future. This won’t be the last you’ll see of it.

Speaking of which, did I mention that I found the perfect pairing for the dress, unintentionally? Love when that happens! It’s like a match made in thrift shop heaven. Will be posting it next week, so stay tuned.

Thoughts?