Upcycling #5

I made this shirt a few months ago.  I honestly didn't realize at the time, but it was way too big, even considering that it's supposed to be loose.  The main reason I hadn't realized is because I hadn't been wearing it, because I stopped wearing skirts and pants (because I am shaped like pregnant.)

I liked the print enough that I decided I'd make it over into a dress

and that's when I realized it was way too big

I still adore the print--you know I like wax prints, and then, to have a vintage wax print like this?  With loads of purple?  Very nice.  And then the stash yielded a solid broadcloth in a very nicely coordinating green

and it was while sewing it that I started to have Incredible Hulk thoughts, as well as sharp memories of shopping at Value City Department Stores.  The former is obviously due to the color scheme, but the latter...I suspect it's because this is the kind of thing I would have grabbed off the deep clearance racks and bought for something like $3 and then never have worn.

I do think it's cute, and of course it has pockets--I used the skirt from Simplicity 9153 as guidance for cutting this skirt, so the pockets didn't have to be reverse engineered in.

(and the length cut off of the original shirt provided enough fabric to make a ruffle of decent size)

but it measures 26" across when laid flat

While I am still having issues with my current size and shape, I think I let things get too far from reality.  I don't need a dress with over 12" of ease.  (Although, yes, yep, absolutely, I do remember the 1980s and early 1990s, when a shirt with 12" of ease would have been considered a bit skimpy.)

And yes I know I could take it apart and take in the bodice and gather the skirt more and sew it back on, but, as with the Value City Feeling, I don't think I'd ever wear it.  I do think I'll ask around to see if anyone wants it.  Edit: Someone did and it fits them perfectly!