I’ve been seeing summer maxi dresses and skirts everywhere!
And I had just the thrift store dress to refashion into one. It was so unflattering in every way except I loved the color and the print.
So I got ruthless with the scissors, first cutting off the top and extra fabric from the sides. 
Next, sew new side seams.
Then, using the fabric cut from the sides, make a new waist band.
With right sides together pin and sew new waistband.
Make a small casing in the top of the waistband.
Thread drawstring through casing, tie to fit and off you go looking good for any summer event.
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Oops how did THAT get in there? 🙂
The Renegade Seamstress 
I’m completley fascinated and mesmerized by your sewing tutorials – even though I can damage a shirt just sewing on a button! This one is just like all the others………fantastic!
You are so sweet Kelli, however I am fairly non conventional in my sewing techniques. There’s no couture in this girl I’m afraid.
Enjoy your evening!
Beth
Just found your blog today, and you are so very talented! WOW! One question, do you refashion using your serger if the material is knit?
Hi Mishele,
I don’t have a serger in my sewing room yet, so I just use a double needle or a zig zag stitch.
Happy sewing!
Beth
I love this. Now only if I had your sewing skills. My poor (brand new) sewing machine barely gets any use :(. Thanks for the inspiration!
If it makes you feel any better, Kelly, my sewing skills are pretty basic. That’s one reason I love to refashion because most of the time, half the work is done already. 🙂 If you ever try it, I’d love to see your work!
Have a nice night!
Beth
Thanks Beth! I have sewn a few basic things and they come out ok. I think I need to take the time to learn about my machine and how it works a bit more. Then I may be more daring in trying things. I am going to try to sew some training pants for my daughter in the next couple weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed! Thanks for the great tutorials.
You are so welcome Kelly. I have so much fun sewing and sharing the things I make. I hope you’ll share pictures of your project. I’d love to see them.
Enjoy your Saturday!
Beth
I pinned this. You do such a good job!
Thanks for the pin and the encouragement! I have loads of fun doing this but it wouldn’t be half as fun without people like you.
Love it!
Thanks!
I finally got around to making my site button. Thanks for your help! I’ve added you to my sidebar, too.
Oh, I’ll have to check it out and add your button to my sidebar. Thanks for letting me know and adding me!
I tried to put your widget in my sidebar and it wasn’t working. Hmmmmm….
That’s strange. I tried it on my own blog and it worked. I will look into it and see if I can figure it out.
I tried it on mine just now, and it worked. I know that it is hard to get all of the information copied sometimes. I am not sure why it wasn’t working then… If you want to try it again, you can let me know if it is still not working for you. Don’t you just love technology! 🙂
I’ll give it another try….
You are going to need a whole new closet! I need a sewing machine-any out there somebody is not using?
I’m gonna have to move into Cooper’s closet. He won’t mind, he doesn’t need much space. 🙂 Too bad you got rid of your sewing machine. I’d love to see what you would make!
So cute! That fabric is great!
Thanks Nettie! The fabric was the ONLY thing that made me put THAT dress in my bag.
That is so adorable! I love the outfit! Keep up the good work!
You are so nice! Thanks for the encouragement!
You have a great eye for colour and fashion. Love the green fabric and how you pair it with a green T-shirt and contrast it with a crisp white blouse.
Thanks so much. I’ve only recently realized that green is a good color for me. Now I can’t get enough of it.
Enjoy your evening!
Beth
Oh yeah! What a beautiful transformation!
Thanks, Jeny!
That is BEAUTIFUL!!! I love everything about it. 🙂
Thank you for all of your sweet comments! They really mean a lot to me!
Happy Saturday!
Beth
Super cute!
Thanks so much Carolyn!
You are so sweet! Thanks for your kind words!!!!
I love it ! So glad you are sewing this weekend. I am wrapping soap for market… my socks are rolling up and down:) also started painting my office…..
Thanks Marty! Yes, I had to do something to “make my socks roll up and down” this weekend. 🙂 (A Steveism at it’s finest) Don’t work too hard and I might see you at school sometime this weekend.
Oh so much better – I am so glad you took that poor dress out of it’s misery and made it into something so stinken’ cute! Excellent as usual!
“Take that poor dress out of it’s misery”, so funny and true. Thanks for all of your encouraging words. They really mean a lot!
Beth
Super skirt, your ideas are totally inspiring, I’m going to get the machine out today!
Thanks Angela! When I see something I like, I always think, “I could just make that”. Then the idea takes over my brain until I’ve at least tried to make it. Sometimes, I’m not sure if this is a blessing or a curse. 🙂 Have a great day and I hope you get to sew!
Beth
Once again, amazing!!!!
Thanks Leanne!
Bravo Beth!! This one & the tshirt are now my two favorites. You have a really great nack for doing this. Great job.
Thanks Laurel! I think I may be making a few more of these maxi skirts this summer.
Enjoy your day!
Beth
Great skirt Beth. The waistband is really flattering and that colour looks great on you 🙂
Thanks Janene! You know I really didn’t wear much green until I started blogging and realized it is a good color for me. Now I just can’t get enough of it!
Happy sewing!
Beth
So Nice!
Thanks so much, Capri!
Definite upgrade! You’ve taken a saggy thing and given it classic styling and flow. Lovely.
Thank you! Wasn’t that saggy area hideous! I can’t believe someone even bought that dress “as is” in the first place. Perhaps the color lured them in as it did me.
Enjoy your Saturday!
Beth
I was taught the old school method of sewing, with a paper pattern. I am utterly in awe of how you bravely take off and just start cutting. You make beautiful things from things I would throw away! Keep posting your patterns. I am learning so much.
Good Morning Linda!
I too was taught to sew using a paper pattern and following written instructions. While I sometimes still do that, I was always frustrated by working so hard and ending up with ill fitting clothes. I was actually on a quest to figure out how to alter patterns to fit when I stumbled on refashioning. It’s a learn as you go process and I love not following directions (Oops, did my rebellious streak just show?) 🙂
As far as the brave part goes, it’s pretty easy to just start cutting when the things I’m cutting up only cost a quarter or two. Not much risk. I hope you try it sometime, but just a little warning: Once you start, you might not be able to stop! 🙂
Thanks for all your kind words! They really mean a lot!
Happy Saturday!
Beth
I so enjoy seeing your clothing upgrades and am attracted to the same sort of colors and patterns that you’ve been choosing for your projects. I would be really interested in seeing what you would do to create a top from a dress that is similar to the one in today’s maxi-skirt project. I am constantly finding “interesting yokes and bodices,” but need some inspiration to repurpose them into a wearable top or dress. Any plans for that sort of project?
Thanks for sharing your great ideas and beautiful finished projects 🙂
Janet
Hi Janet!
I know this is going to sound funny, but, to tell the truth, the thrift store clothes usually “tell” me what they want to be in their next life. 🙂 I’ll try to listen for one “telling” me to take it’s top part out of it’s misery and make something new. 🙂 Stay Tuned……
Happy Memorial Day!
Beth
That is lovely! Far more attractive than the saggy dress! I think I will have to find something similar at my Sally Ann to redo.
Oh, I hope you can find something fun! And don’t forget to post pictures!!! I’d love to see what you make.
Happy Memorial Day!
Beth
LOVE this! You look awesome.
Muchas Gracious!
OMG! I love this skirt! 🙂 I think I have a dress somewhere that can go the same way! 🙂 Thanks so much for all the inspiration I am getting here on your blog! 🙂 I think I will have to stick it in my blogroll 🙂 (I’m already following it)
Thank YOU so much!!! Please post pictures when you finish the skirt. I’d love to see what you make!
Happy Memorial Day!
Beth
Reblogged this on katherinehpurdy and commented:
This is a wonderful idea!
Thank you for sharing my post with your readers!
Enjoy your Memorial Day!
Beth
Great job. And thanks for doing a tutorial. I’m going to do this when I find the right thrift store dress.
So many ugly thrift store dresses, so little time……. 🙂 Please let me know how it turns out! I’d love to see…..
Beth
Love this! You are so inspirational!!
Sharon @ mrs.hines class
Thank you so much, Sharon!
Brilliant~~
You are sweet to say that!
You know, if you proclaimed to not only have delivered yourself, but cut your own umbilical cord, I don’t think I would be all that surprised. You’re the epitome of efficient and competent! I so enjoy coming by your page, sifting through your tutorials, whilst knowing I will not likely EVER attempt to master one of these DIY’s myself. LOL. You are gifted, my friend.
Thinking lots about you this weekend.
Xoxo,
C
Cara,
You are too funny! If I can do this….ANYONE can! Believe me.
Chin up and moving forward…
Smooch!
Beth
Awesome as usual! You’re a restyler after my own heart! Thanks for sharing.
I love love love refashioning!
Lovely skirt remake….wish I was as good as you for adapting clothes! Think i’ll just have to stick to making my cushions!! 🙂
Thank you Vicky! I just started the whole refashioning thing last winter. I’m sure having fun with it! I do love to redo cushions and pillows, too, but I wasn’t a blogger back then so I didn’t think to take any pictures. Oh well…
Enjoy your evening!
Beth
Beautiful work! I’ve never refashioned anything (since I don’t know the first thing about sewing), but your skirt sure makes me want to try.
Thanks so much Monica! I’m quite flattered by a compliment from someone as accomplished as yourself! (I peeked at your blog) 🙂
I really like this. You have so many good ideas.
Thank you so much!!!
Hmmmm I wonder if i could do that with a dress I have?
I bet you could!!!
I absolutely love this. Read part of it a few days ago; but didn’t have a chance to respond. I love maxi’s.
Thanks so much Sandra! I think maxi skirts are going to be my staple this summer. I’m having a love affair with them too!
Your refashioned skirt looks great! 🙂 Thank you for dropping by my blog. 🙂
Thank you Shirsha!
Niiiice! And it’s jersey as well, I couldn’t tell when I saw the first couple of pics in Reader..
Thank you! And BTW, thanks for posting about the RSS feeds the other day. As soon as school is out, I’m going to learn all I can about that and I’m starting with your post.
Happy that people are getting some use out of it!
Love the summer maxi refashion! I will have to try this one when I get some time 🙂
Oh I hope you get a chance to do this. Sooooo comfy and easy!
I like the skirt much better after. Cute summer color. Great job!
I also love how you write the text on the picture.
Are you putting these ideas on pinterest? If not that would be a great way to promote your blog.
Skylar.
Hi Skylar,
Thanks for all of your encouragement!!!! Many of my projects have been pinned on pinterest. So far this skirt has actually been pinned and repinned over 500 times. I get so excited and amazed when people like my stuff.
Have a great night!
Beth
Darling idea! Love the potential you saw in the bargain find.
Thank you so much. I love your drawings with the quotes on them!
Beth
That was an awesome dress to make into a maxi!! I need to find one of those and make a couple of maxi skirts as I have none so far!
Thanks for the great tutorial too! Are you going to refashion the beaded neckline into a statement necklace?
You are so welcome! I thought about making that into a necklace, but it’s in pretty rough shape. Who knows though, it might just speak to me one of these days.
Have a great day!
Beth
Ugh! I have a dress that has a similar “hideous saggy area” as well. Why in the world would they purposefully make something look like that? Least flattering bust EVER. I think I may need to turn mine into a skirt as well, great idea!
Oh, I hope you do it! I’d love love love to see how it turns out!
Beth
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Very nice!
Thanks Hannah!
Beth
So simple, yet so effective! Great tutorial 🙂
Off to the thrift/charity shops tomorrow!!
Good luck! Here’s to finding something great. Let me know how it goes!!!
Beth
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What a great idea! I love the results.
Thanks so much. A quick and easy skirt!
Beth
Love your refashions! I want to be your neighbor so I could pick your brain daily! 😉 I am a big girl and hate all the big girl fashions. I also love thrifting and have so many ideas for ‘refashioning’ but can not figure out how to do them. I pinned your bleach pen tee. FUN! Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Hi Holly,
Thanks for your visit and your kind words of encouragement! I would love to be your neighbor and help you come up with ideas. There is something so satisfying about refashioning. Not to mention how economical it is. 🙂
Enjoy the rest of your evening!
Beth
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the skirt refashion is gorgeous
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Wow, I love that skirt! This makes me want to go to the thrift store and find an ugly dress to turn into something awesome!
Oh, I hope you do, Lily! Let me know how it goes, I’d love to see what you make!
Beth
Reblogged this on vinniestovogue.
Love your creativity! Had a questions about the ruffle on the cardigan. Just by increasing the tension and lengthening the stitch this will make it ruffle???? I’ve always wanted to buy a ruffler foot, but will have to give this a try.
Yep, works if you’re using a knit fabric.
I’ve been getting thrifted dresses and having my friend shorten them for me.
Many times they are fifty cents, like you say! SO incredibly fun and rewarding.
I found you on Pinterest and am blown away by your creativity!!! Can’t wait to show
my “seamstress” LOL 🙂
Thanks, Phyllis! It’s so fun to find things at the thrift stores and make them into something new. I hope you find some good treasures for your seamstress to refashion!
Have a wonderful day!
Beth
I love your DIY for sewing. I vowed to make several of my own pcs this summer, and this is exactly what I needed. Thank you so much for sharing. Your skirt from the maxi dress is adorable and so simple. yay, thanks thanks thanks
You are so welcome! Have fun sewing and I’d love to see pictures!
Beth
Your tutorials have inspired me to get my sew on… lol. You make it look so easy and most of all like all I need is a dose of common sense. Check…got that. I noticed your double straigt stitch on one of the hems. What kind of machines do you use? Serger, Coverhem machine or just a plain old sewing machine? If you have a post on all of this just point away. Thanks for the inspirationan and sharing!!!
Hi Melinda,
I just use a basic Singer sewing machine for everything I do. Sometimes I use a double needle. I don’t have any posts on that, but I think there are many tutorials out there. Happy sewing!!!!
Beth
Hello Beth, I love your remakes. I’m so glad I found you. Awesome”.? I want to add ruffled lace to a half slip so that when I wear it you see it. Have you done anything like this.
I haven’t done this, but it’s a great idea!!!! Good luck, let me know how it works out for you!
Beth
I love that first photo of you…you’re beautiful! The skirt is really pretty too.
Thank you!
So well done. Love the easy to see photos! Nice use of a really ugly dress. It is probably thanking you now! You are right though, cute pattern!
Thanks! I love this ikat fabric, too!
whoa, that saggy area was hideous! so cute now, love the fabric. any plans for the beaded section?
Thanks, Sarah! I was going to use the beaded section for something but it all started falling apart and it never made it to the craft table. 😦
Beth
I may have to try this! I picked up this peacock feather print dress at Goodwill, but it’s hideous as a dress! I was thinking throw pillows but this looks like more fun!
Oh, I bet the peacock feather fabric is great! I’d love to see it when you finish.
Happy Sewing!
Beth
Pingback: Refashion: Thrifted Dress to Summer Maxi Skirt!
Totally CUTE! I’m going to the thrift store tomorrow. Thanks for the fun idea 🙂
You are so welcome, Linda!
Have fun!
Beth
Oh yeah, baby. Sewing is always all about the FIT and the refashioned skirt hugged you like a glove! Great job turning the baggy sack into a stylin skirt.
Thank you, Judy! You’re right, fit makes all the difference in the world. Have a wonderful day!
Beth
Your awesome! So creative… Just found you on Pinterest… ;0)
Thank you, Shelley! Welcome to The Renegade Seamstress!
Oh, I just LOVE this! I saw the one on refashion co-op from “Go change your clothes”, and I love hers too. How did you guys both end up with the same dress? She didn’t mention where hers came from, and she had a red one in the picture too, which I really love the color of. I haven’t checked to see whether she’s remade that one yet. You look just great in your new outfit!! Well, I guess it’s 2 years old now, but I’m sure it still looks great! Fran
I have a sewing machine……it is somewhere on the property I am sure, but I have spoken to it in many years……well, I did yell at it once back in 2004, but I’m a forgiving sort and let bygones be bygones. I sure could use a maxi skirt for church, and just maybe, maybe, I can do this tutorial……if not, I can just step away from the machine so no one gets hurt……
i’m really impressed by what one can do with an old dress! that is excellent work! i think you may be also interested in my DIYs for summer! i have a few of them on my blog https://vinylvinie.wordpress.com/ you can definitely check it out and share your comments! 🙂