Reclamation Station: Remaking an embroidered wool scarf into a asymmetric mini dress

Reclamation Station: Remaking a vintage Embroidered wool scarf into a sexy mini dress SS20 August Valentine Collection "Q"

       One thing never in short supply at any second hand or vintage shoppe are scarves. Usually readily available in heaps for pennies scarves are a great alternative to buying lesser quality fabrics by the yard for far more.  In this months Reclamation Station project Ill take a simple vintage cashmere scarf and reconstruct it into a backless sexy mini dress perfect for a night out on the town. 

   

 I started by draping the Scarf over my bodice and deciding the way I wanted the asymmetric skirting to lay and how the back skirting would attach.  I then cut the scarf in half giving me one half for the front and one half for the back pleated skirting.

 I then stitched the darts on the front piece, pleated the back skirting after measuring the waist to the desired size. Hemmed everything to finish the base of this dress, and added button holes on the Left side to finish.

     Using scrap antique lace edging I picked up at a garage sale. I added white edging to serve as anchor points along the back as well as adding a pop of contrasting color to the brilliant teal cashmere and sparkling gold embroidery featured in this scarf.  This lace is heavy and luxurious and had great shapes to use around the neck and back.
    Once the lace accent was in place I added silk ribbon straps in copper for added support and comfort. Lastly I used dead-stock inky black shoe laces to create a corset cage neckline and lace up back. Shoe laces (usually new) are another cheap and plentiful resource at second hand stores a sturdy and colorful option instead of ribbon.

  To create the cage effect using the shoe laces I simply laid them on the bodice as I wanted them to appear. Then sewed down the back of the neck laying a small piece of cut shoelace across lengthwise to stabilize my design.  Moving towards the front of the neck, I sewed the lower loop shut after the lace edging so it could not move. Then did the same at the front center neck along the shoe lace design.

 I created a shoelace loop for the right side back center neck. Picked out a vintage button for the left side to create a toggle closure at the back of the neck.  Added matching vintage buttons to the skirt waist closure and Viola! Instant Mini Dress!