Leopard Print Top Made-Over

As promised, today I'm showing the alterations I've made from a long, mid shin length, straight dress. I shortened it to make a top to wear with jeans. I forgot to take the before photo; so sorry.

Again I've paired it with a thrift store sweater, which cost $3 dollars.

Here again with my black $4 dollar thrift sweater. I just realized I also have gray and white $3 dollar sweaters, which match perfectly; brand names Ann Taylor, Old Navy and The Black and White Store. I love thrifting.

A concern I had when cutting and hemming was that this thin knit fabric rolls at the hem after washing.

It needed weight and stability so It stitched seam binding all the way along the hem, careful not to stretch and ironed smoothly.

I'm happy with the results. The hem seems to lie perfectly flat. I wanted 3 and half in slits on the side seams, so I stitched thin ribbon along those edges and pressed to keep those from rolling as well.

Slits on side seams, near hem.  This top needed shape. It was straight up and down, so I added this black ribbon. I stitched it in place on the back center

Center stitched ribbon back view of top.

I added thread side carriers to keep the ribbon in place seen near my finger.

I always thought I had to wear heals so that I would not look short and squatty. I have learned it is the length of the top, more so than the shoes, which keeps me more proportioned. I'm having fun altering my clothes for a better fit. You can too!! I can also wear flats!!  Enjoy your weekend Dear Friends!

Blessings, Kathi
"I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me." --Civilla D. Martin