Go Ahead Jump

Posted by Valerie, Senior Editor

About a year ago, I ran across this beat-up, olive-green coverall at a church rummage sale in my neighborhood. At $2, it was a steal.

I figured I’d eventually cut it up and make it into something cuter, or, at the very least, have a last-minute mechanic-type outfit on hand for any impromptu costume parties (you never know!). Months and months went by, and the jumper remained folded up in a paper sack under my sewing desk. And then our fabulous fashion editor, Katie Hatch, came into work wearing her own jumper-turned-minidress made of herringbone denim. (Her D.I.Y. version actually made it into our July/August denim story.) This was just the kick in the pants I needed to finally make something out of my own one-piece wonder. Here's how my project went:

To get the right size, I used my very unscientific trick of placing something that fits on top of the thing that I want to fit and cutting around it as a guide.

Then I followed Katie’s instructions (more or less) and made the dress. I also added two pockets to the chest, because there were some unfortunate grease spots positioned just-so -- and Lactating Mechanic was not really the look I was going for.

Here's the final result:

It’s a great transition piece for early fall: sleeves to keep me warm if the night brings cool breezes, but a short enough hem to feel summery and show off some leg. And come winter, I'll probably just pull on some tights and keep on wearing it.

Comments

[Carole]

What an ingenious idea! It's nice to see such a successful reward for being thrifty.

[Michelle]

That's DARN cute!! :)

[Valerie]

Thanks for the nice comments, everyone!
Anna, if you click on the "Her D.I.Y. Version" link, you'll see step-by-step instructions for Katie's dress, which are more or less the same steps I took.
And Christine, my shoes are Dollhouse and I picked them up at a Marshall's store for seven bucks!

[Christine]

Great dress-- and where are your shoes from? They are perfect!

[Anna]

You did a fabulous job! I would love if you could post more instructions! :O)

[lsaspacey]

Cool, it looks great! Just imagine what you could do with all of those discarded 1970's jumpsuits at thrift stores and yard sales.

[Jenn]

somehow the DIY version totally blew past me in the magazine and I am so glad you blogged this. what a great idea! I love both versions and will now be hunting down coveralls in my thrifting trips! :)

.xo. Jenn

[Grey]

I love it. And it's perfect on you.

I could see it with capri leggings and ballet flats, too.

[tpoff]

OMG cute!!!! How terribly clever - for $2 and a few cuts and stitches it is incredibly stylish and so saavy. This is a great inspiration to help me keep an open mind to the potential of bargain-table finds!

I'd love to see it with some cowboy boots.

[priscilla`]

So cute. Boots and tights in the winter for sure.