Aesthetics over comfort - upcycling a dress

I traded the perfect workshops with machines and tables for the floor outdoors and a sewing machine in the washroom.

Aesthetics over comfort.

I missed it. As weird as it sounds, and as much as my back hurts after hours of floor working, I prefer the imperfect working conditions over clean and clear workshops with clear white worktops and plastic all over the place.

It is all about the surroundings. I am not able to work in a sterile environment, not for too long. There is no life, no memories.

When I look at my sewing machine instead, the threads running through her latches, I have to stop and take a photo, because she is so beautiful.

Searching through my chest of threads I find wooden rolls or shiny silk threads with particular logos on them.

The cracks in the wall, the imperfections they inspire me.

And when the light hits from the right angle, there are reflections showing up and shining through.

Of course, that works up to a certain extend. Your scissors must cut the machine needs to work, and sometimes I hate to kneel down on the floor once more to cut the missing pieces, again. But in the end it is the surroundings that inspire or disconnect me.

Those are my thoughts while I am getting out a dress I own for years, it is time to take a few adjustments.

Barely wearing it, but in love with the fabric.

Thin, delicate almost see-through it is falling along your body like water. Heavy and light at the same time and when you fold it, the pack is merely the size of a fist.

What a beautiful object.

Shame that the shape was awful. A “V” large at the top and getting narrow around the ankles, how are you supposed to run or even walk in such a dress?

The neckline had to be changed all together.

Starting with a lot of (over)thinking...

...until I got the courage to cut out a new neckline, that had to be seamed.

...with silk strips I made.

…from leftovers of an older upcycling project.

...you can tell how much I am dedicated to a project by, whether I use the iron or not.

...endless seams.

...it was worth the effort.

Of course, I had to investigate the fabric of the dress. Have you ever heard of cupro?
Apparently, it is a type of viscose (natural fiber but processed) involving cupper. It is used as a replacement for silk, for its similar qualities.

…sewing bits and pieces together.

...back outside for some pinning

...back and forth

...had to shorten the dress and cut slips

…leaving some traces.

...all around.

Wearing it makes you feel a bit naked tough. Between the light fabric and the neckline.
Unless that is what you want to expose yourself in, I prefer to keep it in the forest.

Silk and cupro pinned together on red bricks, combined by a black thread on a metal sewing machine. In the washroom and on the floor.

Yes I choose material and esthetics over quantity and comfort. Thats where I get my inspiration.

Thank you all to stop by, it is wonderful to hear your thoughts and feedbacks, I appreciate you all:) Have a wonderful week!

All photos are mine taken by me during the process.