'Revamp it' Challenge

I signed-up for Natasha's 'Revamp it' challenge last month, and having said that I'd join in, I then remembered that we'd be away on holiday for one week...we've also had two Birthdays in the family recently too - (our eldest daughters turned 20 and 22)

'First born' decided that she'd like to come home for a few days for her Birthday, (from Aberystwyth) and would bring her boyfriend too...We arrived home from our holiday to a houseful...Middle daughter had been house-sitting for us, with her boyfriend...and so I was thrown straight back into things the next day, cooking a Birthday meal for 7! (Holiday? What holiday?!)

What can I say?

What are Mum's for?!... ;-))

OK, that probably all sounds a bit lame...but revamping the bri-nylon nightdress that I'd bought at a flea market was fairly low down on my list of priorities after all that...

But I had a go anyway...and they do say its the taking part that counts! ;-)) - Plus I'm always up for a bit of creative recycling...

The white (discoloured to a charming yellowy/cream, yuck!) nylon frilly lace was the first thing to go. Unpicking any stitching is not my favourite task, as it usually means I've made a booboo...but needs-must!

And it was worth it...

Looks better already...

The shirring elastic under the bust-line had completely lost its elasticity and would creak and make ripping sounds with every movement...so I threaded some narrow elastic through the channels to give a better shape.

Then the fun bit...

I took some mossy green vintage millinery veiling tulle; the soft stuff; not the stiff, modern kind that's all scritchy, and followed it along the neckline, stitching bunches of it in place with a tiny purple bead.

I then added lots of vintage millinery flowers, including a large rose and some velvet pansies...

hand stitching each in place to create an asymmetric flower garland effect. There's a few teeny violets and some paper roses in there too.

It was then that I really ran out of time!

I wanted the dress to have a more flattering length and a fantasy, fairy look inspired by 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. Given that we are now well into August, I felt it appropriate. So I cut the skirt roughly at the knee, with deep zigzags, to give a petal-like effect.

And here it is, kindly modelled by my youngest daughter...

She felt that the flowers around the neckline were a little bit large...and I have to agree...

but she still looks very pretty; bless her for indulging me.

I was also inspired by a gorgeous original 1950's gown that I have, which I bought from Lizzie a few years ago. I love the unusual colour scheme, which would certainly get you noticed at the ball, and also the lovely hand painted flowers on the organza overlay.

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And if that doesn't float-your-boat, then perhaps I can cheat and show you a revamp I did last year...when I had a little more time to complete the project.

My embellished satin shoes can be found here.

Don't forget to check in with Natasha later today, to see all the other revamped items created by those who took part in the challenge.

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And while I'm here, I just wanted to show you a surprise parcel that arrived for me yesterday, all the way from Australia. It was from Suzy at Fabulous Frau; a pretty box tied with gathered ribbon, and filled with some of her delightful handmade cards.

Thank you Suzy - you are so kind!! - I shall enjoy sending the cards to the special people in my life x

Hope everyone has a jolly weekend,

Niki x

Update: I have just received an email from Blurb this morning, saying that they intend to increase the prices of their services on 27th August, due to the global recession. This will mean that the price of my book will become beyond the budget of some. If you had thought about buying a copy, then I would advise doing so before the 27th...hope that isn't cheeky of me to mention. Thanks again for your interest; details on my sidebar, or in my on-line shop.

Niki x