Elise Dress Makeover

Awhile back I found this Navy Taffeta dress on eBay.

I had hoped it would fit Elise, since she didn't have many dresses.

As you can see it is just slightly too big.

Probably made for a 17" doll.

 The bodice was loose, the sleeves were too big.

and the dress was floor length.

Well, I finally got around to fitting this dress to Elise!

First thing I did was turn the dress inside out

and put it on Elise.  Then I pinned the dress seam

on Elise until it fit snug. Then I sew along my pin line.

For the hem I turned up about 1 inch, then pressed it.

Then I hand sewed with small stitches all the way around.

Here is the new hem.

The dress needed some color, so I decided to make a sash.

It's a length of ribbon folded into loops and stitched.

I used a snap to fasten.

I removed the white buttons and replaced them with

some vintage rhinestone buttons I found.

I like the oversize collar.  I have seen 1950s desses

with this look, so I didn't alter it.

I also added a button to each sleeve.

 AND HERE IS ELISE'S NEW DRESS!!

I made her a new bandeau.

 She looks ready for a 4th of July party.

Very pretty Elise!

BEFORE     and   AFTER