Yesterday I finished the most important alteration of the dress that I am upcycling – the lace-up front detailing. To do this, I simply removed the buttons from the dress, folded them over and hemmed. I then poked holes down the new hems and hand sewed grommets to give them a clean edge that also does not stick out. I used the same hand spun wool that I used on the silk vest to lace up the dress.
Stylistically, I am a bit obsessed with lace up detailing. I think it’s such an elegant way to elevate a simple garment. When examining historic undergarments I’ve always been awestruck with the detail that it takes to created threaded grommets rather than simple jamming the metal ones in. So, naturally, I had to try to create my own replica of what I have been inspired by. Mine definitely don’t have the level of craftsmanship that the garments I’ve seen do, but I think that subtle detail does create a look that is clearly unique and not machine-made. I didn’t have to cut the fabric at all for this part of the design, so it definitely has very minimal waste.
Next, I really just have to add a bit of lace and ribbon here and there and alter the skirt to complete the look. I’m anticipating that it won’t take me until the end of the quarter to finish this piece, so I may end up taking on another project before week 10 is up. Alternatively, I may dedicate the rest of the quarter to doing research on upcycling businesses and how they generate profit while maintaining accountability. We’ll see where the inspiration takes me!