One of the more enjoyable alteration projects I had this week was to transform this pretty strapless chiffon gown to make it suitable for a young 17 year old girl, who is very self conscious and concerned about a wardrobe malfunction at her school ball. Due to her being reasonably well endowed the skinny shoestring straps that come with many of these dresses were useless and were cutting into her skin. I had to get creative to make some straps that did not looked like an after thought. This was such an unusual pink/plum colour my best option was to use the off-cut from the hem (only 2" wide) to make these straps. I stitched 2 sections together to make them wider and pleated them where I stitched them to the dress. I also put a couple of gathers at the top of the sleeve to make a pretty scallop. Thankfully I found some bling in my stash to finish off the top at the shoulder to make it match the blingy applique at the front. I have added before and after pics. The girl's mum was so delighted she bought me a huge bouquet of flowers! I have never had a thank you like that from someone before, have you?

I'd never guess that the finished dress wasn't bought that way. I'm sure she'll be very pleased and thankful for your effforts.

Perfect .... I love it more with the straps, nice work :)
Karen xx

beautiful dress, and what a wise young lady.

Wow, you have done a great job! The girl will feel confident and very elegant!
Hugs, Lidia

You did a fabulous job. You definitely deserved the bouquet.

Gorgeous. She is going to look beautiful in this dress. Wonderful job.

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by Sewmum1 28 Jun 2017

Thank you, yes she looks beautiful in it.

Beautiful Job!! and dress... she is going to be stunning in the dress.

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by Sewmum1 28 Jun 2017

Thanks. She looks beautiful

The result is absolutely stunning. Well done

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you so much

It doesn't look like an afterthought at all, it looks perfect!

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you. I have seen so many that looked liked they were just tacked on afterwards with no thought, just what I was trying to avoid

You did a fantastic job . Very nice

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks dee

Nicely done! I have saved a few items in case the need arises. Hope I can do it as great as yours.

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Good idea. Thank you

Awesome! She will be a sensation!

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Yes she loved it

Gorgeous! What a magnificent job you have done. Congratulations on the flowers, they were well deserved/Lillian

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks

You have done an incredible job with the dress. I hope the young lady has a wonderful evening wearing her 'new' dress

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

I haven't heard how the night went but I am sure she would have had a lovely time

Excellent!

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks

A wonderful job with the sleeves, it is nice to hear a young lady of her age has some modesty in what she wears. Nice to hear her mother was very appreciative of you sewing skills.

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you

wow it's fabulous, great job, the young lady will be so happy with it, and wearing it. Compliments to you :) And so nice for you to get the bouquet

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks

Stunning. Dress looks like that is how it was meant to be. Now the girl can relax and enjoy her special night. It will also give her a better bra choice.
Isn't it wonderful when someone appreciates your efforts. Some don't even think to say thank you these days.
I see more work coming your way as word gets around about how creative you are.

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

It does look like it was meant to be. It was lovely to see her Mum's reaction too

You did an amazing transformation! I'm sure the young lady was as thrilled as the mum.
It is nice to be rewarded with something unexpected too. Enjoy your flowers!

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks. Yes it was a lovely surprise

You have transformed the top beautifully, no wonder she was grateful. well done. You deserve the lovely gift of flowers, chiffon is not always east to work with. Sandra.

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks Sandra. I like to cut chiffon with a rotary cutter where possible rather than scissors as it makes it so much easier to cut

This has turned out beautifully and such a great job on the straps as well. Love Chris

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you Chris

Beautiful!

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you

I really looks nicer after your creative work

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you, I think it looks better now too

Gorgeous job on this, Karryn...no wonder she was pleased...

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thank you Kim

Wow that was a lot of work****Love it hugs

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by Sewmum1 26 Jun 2017

Thanks