Thrifted & tiedied lace tablecloth = new bell sleeved empire waist dress! W/Tute

[tickleagangster]

This dress started as a beautiful lace tablecloth from my favorite thrift store, but when I got it home, it was too small for my dining table. The fabric was more of a knit or crochet with some give, so I decided to make a dress.    First the 70's child in me dip dyed the fabric a vibrant pink! Wanting to use as much of the cloth as possible, I decided to make a bell sleeved empire/float style dress that would still be cool and comfortable when it heats up outside. 
So, I first folded the oval shaped tablecloth in half length wise and then again vertically.  I freehanded the outline of the bell sleeve and cut around to allow the dress to sort of fan out in an A line shape.  I cut the neckline fairly wide, not quite off the shoulder, but enough to give it a nice neck for jewelry.  After sewing up the sides of the dress, all that was left was to add a thin elastic just under the bust and at the neckline.  The sleeves and hem have the scalloped edge from the tablecloth.  I need to make a simple cotton slip to go under it, or I think I might wear it over a bathing suit!   It looks really nice on so I'll add an action shot later! What'da ya think???
Update now with action shots! Sorry for no makeup, it's midnite here and 48 ain't too cute with without foundation, eyeliner and gloss! LOL

This shows the color best

[mirchita]

woooooooowwwwwww, you rule!!!!

I have to get up early tomorrow to look for a tablecloth!!!!

[violentjayne]

AMAZING  ! that looks great and really simple to make 

[mytatybug]

wow that is awesome!!! I love it. And I love how you did the neckline it's great.

[lilymaid7]

That is quite utterly adorable and the colour's marvellous.

[TheMistressT]

Wow!  You made an amazing transformation!  I also really like your table, but I'm kind of glad it didn't fit that table cloth.   

[blenderbabe22384]

so beautiful, simple, elegant, romantic. I love it! I think I'm gonna have to attempt something like that.

[Tanza]

wow what a great idea, you did a good job with that.

[tickleagangster]

Thanks everybody! I really, really like it myself and was surprised how it came out. The neat part is that the lace has such interesting patterns everywhere.  And although this dress has some give, there was enough room in the tablecloth to have used straight cotton or cotton blend and just adjust the fit with elastic.  I'm going to scour the Goodwill again for oval tablecloths and make another one! lol Money is so tight right now that my fabric stash and the thrift store are about all the enjoyment a gal can get for the moment. You all are so encouraging I just love coming here to Craftster.  God Bless. 

[Miss World]

isn't that something! wow! its so wonderful! this is such a great idea and it turned out super great!