Kate in Arabia Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 I have a dress I really like, kind of a dusty green with a small ivory floral print. Only problem is it has short sleeves. It's not a "modesty" issue, it's more because I have these honkin' huge batwings under my arms ( :blushing: kindly pointed out to me again last night by dh -- "oh my god!" lol!) that I'm really not comfortable advertising. It would be perfect if the sleeves could be just, like, 6 inches longer. Is there any way to do this without it looking ridiculous? It's a dress I bought at a consignment shop a while ago, so I can't return it, and otherwise it looks terrific... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Well, I'm not a seamstress, but post a picture of the dress so we can think up some ideas. I'm the kind that wears long sleeve thermals under short sleeves (but I live in a northern climate). Maybe you can find a kind of sheer top with long sleeves to wear underneath? Post the pic! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted May 2, 2008 Author Share Posted May 2, 2008 It looks a lot like this, except the background is green and the collar is different: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osmosis Mom Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 Well, you could probably find a seamstress who could take off the collar and sleeves and then reattach them in a complimentary color, with longer sleeves (3/4 lenght?). I, of course, would never go that far, but just use a cardigan with it!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted May 2, 2008 Author Share Posted May 2, 2008 I wish I could use a cardigan, Nadia, but temps over here are already 100+ daily, I'd probably pass out! My only other thought was to shorten it slightly and use the bottom piece to try and lengthen the sleeves, but maybe that would look bad... sigh, I should probably just donate the thing and be done with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GailV Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 If you took fabric off the bottom, could you add a sort of ruffly bit to the sleeves ... not TOO ruffly, just about the same amount of drape and all proportioned to the skirt. Sorry, it's early, and my brain apparently isn't functioning yet -- I can picture this in my mind, but can't think of the words to describe it -- the flare of the sleeves would bell out like the skirt does from the waist. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snickerdoodle Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 What about adding an extension of sheer fabric matching the background? Then you could take a piece of fabric from the hem and use it to make a short cuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Wisc Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 You might buy fabric that complements it, puttting a 6" piece around the bottom of the skirt and a 6" piece around the bottom of the sleeve, making it look as thought it "belongs" there. J Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 You might buy fabric that complements it, puttting a 6" piece around the bottom of the skirt and a 6" piece around the bottom of the sleeve, making it look as thought it "belongs" there. J I like this option the best - we "Jeans" think alike! Adding more fabric to the bottom of the sleeves is a lot easier from a sewing point of view than taking out sleeves and putting in a new sleeve in my opinion - esp. if the fabric around the sleeve has already been trimmed (as it usually is). If you find fabric that is the same shade of green (but not sprigged) I would think it would look nice. The 6" piece around the bottom could just be put on top of the existing hem of the dress (unless you want your dress longer). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KidsHappen Posted May 2, 2008 Share Posted May 2, 2008 and then getting a light, cool shirt to wear under it? Maybe a shirt in white or one of the colors in the dress. I think sewing wise that would be the easiest option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted May 2, 2008 Author Share Posted May 2, 2008 Thanks for all the ideas! I'll think it over and see which one seems most "doable" in my situation.. Thanks again! Kate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*anj* Posted May 18, 2008 Share Posted May 18, 2008 Kate, not to go off on a tangent but.... I thought you wore hijab, no? Now I'm getting all kinds of confused! ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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