I kind of can’t believe it myself. This upcycle was a major success!
A few simple steps, and I turned a tired maternity shirt into an adorable back-to-school dress for Aves!
Here’s the before:
We headed to Gee and Poppy’s for the photo shoot. But, bear with me, my model was, how-do-you-say, not in the mood.
She said she’d do it if she could wear the Mardi Gras mask.
I know, the mask is really cool, but focus on the dress. How cute is that?! It was so simple that I’m kicking myself for not taking in-progress photos to show you how!
Besides the cute pintucks, its your basic buttondown. You could probably just as easily do this with a men’s shirt. Actually maybe even easier since you wouldn’t have to worry about the bust darts making it wonky.
To make the dress, I cut the sleeves off the shirt and then cut up the side seams, keeping everything else intact. Then, using my Music Box pattern as a guideline, I cut away at the front and back until they were in A-line unison. I borrowed the buttons that came from the sleeves and added them to the placket. You probably could skip that step if just using a men’s shirt. All the raw edges were then encased in the red bias tape. No hemming, word!
We left her grandparents’ house and headed to the park, in hopes of finding a sunnier attitude.
Nope. Not gonna happen. Forget the kid, let’s check out the back.
The material is a lightweight denim. It drapes really well. As evident in this slouch.
Ha ha. Someone needs school to start! (That someone would be me, of course.)
I took my time with the bias tape, sewing it to the wrong side first, and then flipping it over to the right side, and carefully topstitching. It takes more time than just sandwiching your edge and going for it (like I usually do), but its a more reliable finish. I can see Avery getting a lot of wear out of this dress. She actually really likes it.
Wait, is that a smile?
No. We’re done here.
Do you have any items lying around that would be perfect for an upcycle?
~Caroline
HUNGIE GUNGIE 
oh.my.goodness. this is amazing. and i l o v e the slouch! happy school year!
ack! bad wordpress. fixing post! thanks tho!
Gorgeous Caroline!! The binding is so bright and goes so well with the dress too. I also love Aves’ shoes – I had a pair very similar all though primary and secondary school (obviously not the same size). they are called T-bars over here and I will definitely be buying my daughter some for when she starts school next year!!
Thanks Suz! I think Erin thrifted those shoes for Ellery once upon a time. T-bars ay? Adore them!
Oh, that dress! Honestly, why can’t you sew for me? And that face! Hilarious!
Thanks Mom. I have plans to knit for you babe!
Such a cute upcycle… I think I’m going to raid the 50 button-down shirts in dean’s closet now! Ave is such a beauty, man!
What a great idea! I just love it!!! Your quips and pics have made my day!!!!!
PS: 50 button-down shirts is all Dean has? Sal has ZILLIONS which I will be happy to send you so you can start your upcycle business.
So cute Caroline! The up cycle and your pouty model 😉 I have a few shirts my Dad gave me that would be perfect for this. Love the use of the bias binding…especially on the hem!
Thanks! Good luck on your re-fashions!
Oh it turned out so great and cute and stylish!
Lovely refashioned dress. The red binding is a sweet touch. I love that your little model looks fed up in some pics too!!
Ya, its tough to get them to cooperate for every photo shoot. Glad you like the dress!
love the dress! love the photos and the story they tell! and love your comment “someone’s ready for school – me!” What a great upcycle – I’ll be on the hunt for a pintucked shirt like this one!
Thanks Lucinda! Glad to inspire you to make something old, new again!
I love the dress! And I totally sandwich my fabric into bias tape – unlike your perfect technique!
this came out really cute. The bias looks great with it too. Awesome upcycle!
Thank you so much! It has gotten a lot of wear!
That’s a great upcycle. Love it!