Transformation Challenge

Toni Haziran 17, 2022

Liz gave me this pattern for Christmas. TATB "Cleo". I made up another of Tilly's patterns last year. I wanted to make it up as a summer pinafore to wear over teeshirts, in a lightish denim. I had a dress in this fabric in my wardrobe. Bought in about 1990. Mid 30's, mum of two primary school children, my 'little house on the prairie shirtwaist design" Easy to wear, I lived in it back then. As it was, open to the waist with tee shirt underneath, with jumper over it in cold weather...with boots in winter, plimsolls in summer. But now it looks all wrong [my waistline has changed, my legs are not so slim]

It's currently very much in style [Holly Willoughby is promoting it for M&S] but that doesn't mean it is right for me. So I took it to bits...

There was a lot of fabric. That big piece is folded double. Some signs of wear - the channel for the waistband elastic had faded in places. But careful cutting yielded all I needed. I re-used the button band [with holes] and breast pocket, and made a feature of the 'gathering marks'

I am really quite pleased with the finished garment. It feels comfortable and easy-to-wear. I put the breast pocket on the back as it was [the pattern has 2 back pockets. one's enough!] I had some dungaree clips in my Stash, and used my Latin Ludovicus buttons to secure them.

The gathering marks are now across the bodice. I am really chuffed with this dress. I have not had to buy anything - and I have plenty of denim left. Certainly enough for a child's garment.

Below you can see the little details which show the garment's origins. I think the "Transformation Challenge" was a really difficult round in GBSB - your score depended so much on 'What Esme liked'. I doubt this is wild, colourful or sexy enough for her. But it pleases me. I'm happy about this year's winner, and thought from Episode 1 that she was the best!