 |
| align the shoulder seams on the ruler |
I recently purchased a couple of simple sundresses for summer. I love the dresses, but I did not like the depth of the neckline opening and decided to add a "modesty panel."
I went to the local thrift shop on Thursday and found a camisole that was close to the color that I needed for two dresses and at $1 it was the right price. I carefully removed the straps by removing the stitches securing them to the back edge.
 |
| front of camisole |
I didn't want to use the gathered front edge of the camisole, so I used the back instead. The back was in better condition than the front, and it was a straight edge. I could also use the entire back, creating panels for both of my dresses. The dresses are different fabrics, but they share similar color schemes.
 |
| determining the depth of the modesty panel |
From the measurements, I determined the panel needed to be 3 inches deep, and I marked the edge with pins. Next, I cut the panel and made sure it was the correct size.
 |
| a panel cut to fit the neckline opening and the depth I needed |
I turned the dress inside out and pinned the fabric panel temporarily in place. (note that part of the camisole label can be seen on the right)
 |
| lots of pins to secure the fabric and its placement |
After I had pinned the fabric panel in place, I tried on the dress to make sure the panel was where I wanted it to be.
 |
| sewing the panel in place |
I found some thread that almost matched and began stitching along the existing neckline stitches, removing the pins as I stitched.
 |
| top-stitching close to the edge |
I top-stitched close to the neckline edge to add a finishing touch to the panel.
 |
| trimming |
The dress was turned inside out, and I trimmed the excess fabric close to the stitch line. The trimmed edge should not roll or fray.
 |
completely trimmed
(note that the camisole label is no longer visible) |
 |
| all finished |
The back edge of the camisole provided fabric for modesty panels for two sundresses, and I'm thrilled that I can wear the dresses comfortably and that the fix was quick and easy to do.
That is a wonderful idea and I'll be using your tutorial! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteVery clever! I hate those "too low" necklines too and have avoided purchasing a couple of tops recently because of that. Now I realize how easy it would be to adjust the neckline.
ReplyDeleteA brilliant idea Nancy. I love sundresses in the summer but dislike some of the nexklines. This is a great fix. Thanks for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
I've had to do that to a couple of dresses, though I didn't do it nearly as well a you did!
ReplyDeleteNancy Your sewing is awesome. I wish I could sew. My niece is in her 20s and had a skiing accident. I think she is stuck in a crummy hospital gown for another month. I'd sew her a pretty gown if i knew how. She busted her pelvis and has a huge external fixator rod in her. Poor NORA!!!
ReplyDeletePerfect solution....even more perfect in that you found a camisole for $1 that was just the right and similar stretchy material! It appears from the clothing racks that most of the summer clothing requires wearing a t-shirt underneath. I do hope you get enough summer to wear your new sundresses. Our ground is white again this morning.
ReplyDeleteOK, it would never occur to me to do this - but now I know! Thanks - and enjoy your new dress. :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat idea, and a good find for it to be the right color. Hugs,
ReplyDeleteI've had to do that too. I hate that almost everything you buy these days has bits of you hanging out that you might now want to be showing off.
ReplyDeleteThat worked perfectly!
ReplyDeleteYou made a perfect adjustment to the dress-I am not thrilled with the 'bare the bosom' styles either and often have to do the same thing! Nice work!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good fix, I think everything out there is low cut now a days:(
ReplyDelete