Thursday, July 17, 2008

New Vacation Clothes

UPDATE: I've had so many requests for the pattern. Silly me, I forgot to link it. Here it is ladies. Can't wait to see what you all find!

We've had a vacation planned since last August. And through extraordinary circumstances, we're still able to go even through our financial stress.

The girls started asking last week if they were getting new vacation clothes. Sometimes I'll get them a new swimsuit, shorts or dress. I decided to try & see what I could get for $20, which was how much fun money I had to live off of for the month. We went to Goodwill for 1/2 off day, but nothing tickled their fancy. I remembered a pattern I saw once where you used a men's shirt to make a little girls' dress.

We headed to the men's section & found 6 shirts (2 each) and bought them all for $15.

I've gotten pictures of 5 of them. The baby wouldn't hold still for the 6th. Check 'em out.


This Hula one was the hardest. The yoke in the back was round instead of straight. I did a lot of piecing, but it turned out adorable. It was a men's XL.

This orange one was a men's L. So cute. And it's super soft.


Kenady is so tired of being a model. She probably had 4 fittings for the straps. Sorry kiddo.

Cyra about screamed when she saw this flaming shirt. We call it "Little House meets Nascar".

This one was a women's XL and had long sleeves. I ran out of elastic, but as you can see, I'm using the sleeves as knickers.

My hubby was proud of me for taking the time to give them something new and teach them how to reinvent something. I just do it to see that look on their face & to hear "Mom, is my dress clean yet? I want to wear it AGAIN today."

20 comments:

Lisa said...

You are so creative! Those dresses look amazing!

Anonymous said...

Okay that is the coolest thing! Your so domestic! lol

heather p said...

You Rock Mandy! These are so cool, your kiddos will remember all the wonderful things you do for them just like your Mom did for you. Next trip to Goodwill I am looking for some shirts and I will ship them to you since I can't sew :)
I enjoyed our talk today - I miss you!
P.S. I am going to try that 'Kick the can Ice cream' thing!

Miss Mandy said...

Heather - it's probably cheaper to have your Mom do it. Plus, she's a much better seamstress than I am. =/

Anonymous said...

What a fun idea. Your dresses came out SO CUTE. I would love to have that pattern... Although I don't sew either; maybe my mom would help me out!

christinewith6 said...

ummm...I don't really sew either (except straight lines) and with mandy's help and a little trial and error I got a really cute one too! She IS SUPER talented though.......I still have 3 more to do but am taking a break! she has more stamina than me! Where are you going to in these cute dresses?

Jen (a.k.a. motor mouth) said...

very very cute!!!! you could sell those on ebay for some vacation money!!

Anonymous said...

Shut up. This is the coolest thing I have ever seen. You are rad and seriously..in case we haven't sealed the deal on our friendship yet...I am pretty sure this just did it. Wow. I am seriously amazed. I am sending this to my other peeps because it is so rad. You are a great mom. I don't know why I suck so much but you know when you start becoming friends with people and you develop your ideas in your head about how their lives must be like? Yeah...I had no idea you had kids. Why? I have no idea why. But they are spectacularly beautiful. The tan lines are amazing as well. Jealous...I am. We are in winter here. Whatever...Anyways, yay you. Thank you for being so great and for being an example for all of us trying to honor God and being creative in how to serve our families with our finances. You rock!

Heather Stevens said...

awww! those are adorable! my favorite is Cambell's orange one:) soo cute!

World's Greatest Mommy said...

Okay, this is AWESOME. I so need to make some little sundresses for my daughters. I'm searching for a pattern like this. They are beautiful!

Heart of Wisdom said...

Where did you get this pattern. Too Cute! I love them...Really!

robin@heartofwisdom.com
http://www.heartofwisdom.com/heartathome/

Kama said...

Yeah, seriously. I just started sewing, but my mom does a lot more than I do. I LOVE THIS IDEA! Where on earth did you get the pattern? I'd love to know!!!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant idea! Thanks so much for sharing...I just love them! Great job!

Cheryl said...

WOW - those are fabulous! You did a great job!

The Momster said...

That is a great idea - and thank you for posting pictures - visually they are amazing!!! To think it was a shirt...

Unknown said...

You make me wish I could sew! Those are so adorable and would look perfect on my nieces.

Anonymous said...

They look great! You have super skills!

Unknown said...

oh my cow! i totally have a crush on you now. that is so awesome!

wow!

Robin said...

Wow! Talk about creativity and talent you have them both. My husband has way tooooo many shirts. Wish I had your skill...

I'm visiting from Tam's blog.

Anonymous said...

Those are so pretty and creative! Way to stretch a dollar!