Today we are excitedly kicking off one of our absolute favorite series of the year, the “Ugly Duckling” Pattern Challenge!!!!! I think it is our favorite because it gives new life to some “otherwise never used” patterns that are sitting in thrift stores or attics everywhere…..and maybe the fact that we believe every vintage pattern has some redeeming qualities about it. (Which is probably why we are hoarding so many…)
Take for example a million of these bad 80’s patterns like this beauty that I chose for my ugly duckling (I think I can safely say that because I had a quite a few of these dresses ;). Just look at view C; a high lace collar, drop waisted, curved waistline, asymmetrical hemline, huge puffed sleeves AND ruffles all rolled into one little girls’ dress pattern (never mind the fact that it doesn’t fit the poor girl and—clothes were wayyyy baggier in the 80’s) but it STILL has some redeeming qualities.
Need a great peter pan collar? For fifty cents—you got one! Or a basic bodice pattern? Yep, take away all the other crazy embellishments and you’ve got it!
And here’s what I made…..
Taking inspiration from the lace collar itself I decided to make the whole dress out of lace. I also adjusted the waistline up to a more natural waist (although I really did think about keep it dropped—but I figured with the lace it might not show as well) and then cut the skirt in one piece instead of adding the ruffle.
I also left the sleeve length as view C, but modernized it by taking all the puffiness out and leaving them just in the lace.
And the dress was a hit! Nevermind the fact that we did a photoshoot in 30 mph winds…and are trying to block them by hiding behind a public restroom…the dress has been claimed and declared that “she loves it” especially with the gold sparkle belt that we found for $1.97 at Old Navy last week. And I agree with her…I do think it makes the dress.
So dig through mom’s or grandma’s attic and see what you can come up with for your very own “Ugly Pattern.” We have an Ugly Pattern linky party going on here and a contest on instagram as well with the hastag #uglypatternparty—-both of which will have some awesome prizes!!!!
(You don’t have to sew up the patterns….we just want you to take a picture of the ugliest vintage–pre 1989 pattern you can find and link it up!!!)
And we have lined up a bunch of other friends who have their own “Ugly Duckling Patterns” that they have made into swans—and we CAN NOT wait to show you what they have done. You are going to be amazed!!!!
~Elizabeth
Holy cow your version is gorgeous!!! Love the gold sparkle belt too!
Beautiful dress! I love all the lace.
Absolutely gorgeous! Can’t believe that stunner came from such a horrendous pattern!
Thanks Meghan!
I am loving the lace too….I might need to go get some more for me 😉
Thanks Rachel!
So beautiful!! The lace is so pretty and finishing it off with the gold belt is perfect!
Gorgeous. I have a couple pre-1990s patterns that my grandmother used in making things for me and my cousin when we were small. One is for a baby coat that she made out of velvet. The ones she made are hanging in my daughter’s closet for when she’s old enough. They are actually quite lovely on their own, no modifications. She let me rummage through her patterns last time we were visiting and bring some home. I left many of them because they weren’t really my thing–hadn’t thought of taking pieces of the pattern to use instead.
Beautiful! And no trace of 80s…:)
so so cute!!
Thanks Bev!
Next time you should snag them! And I have some lovely 80’s sweaters that my grandma knitted that I have left…they too are beautiful on their own 😉 Love that you have a velvet coat…they never go out of style.
Thanks Lisa!
Thanks Mandy, can’t wait to see you in a couple of weeks 😉
What a gorgeous improvement!
Love the transformation. Pretty sure I had a dress exactly like that when I was her age. Good times!! Kids are so much more stylish now. She looks beautiful!
Stunning redo!
The lace sleeves are perfect! It’s beautiful!
Thanks Emily!
I had quite a few too Larissa! I am just happy that dresses fit better these days….why did the style go sooooo baggy?
Thanks Deanna!
I love those sleeves too…I think the length and the lace worked well together….maybe that is one length from the 80’s that should come back 😉
Now that was an ugly duckling to gorgeous swan transformation!!!!!
I am in love with the idea of taking an otherwise unflattering pattern and then turning it into such a lovely dress. Great job!!
Love it!
LOVELY LACE girl’s dress! I agree with many other comments as you’ve sewn a gorgeous dress using an older pattern and altering. Your accessories add a “pop” and the gold belt & shoes sparkle–a stylish look. THANKS for sharing. Sarah Helene in Minneapolis
So pretty!! Love the white lace, so fitting for a beautiful young lady. And love how you accessorized!
That is really pretty… what a great change from the pattern cover! =)
Wow…closer to ohmygerdwowza! I never would have guessed that you used that pattern to make such a stunning dress. I may need to make a lace dress for my daughter now <3 <3 <3