Overhauled Overalls

Overhauled Overalls

A few years ago I painted some Christmas overalls for Dakota and Aiyanna.  Everyone loves them! Everywhere we would go I would get stopped and asked where I bought them.  It was great to be able to say I painted them myself.  I was....am really proud of the job I did on them. Dakota was only able to wear his that 1 Christmas season. He doesn't have growing spurts, he  just KEEPS growing (kinda like the Energizer Bunny who just keeps going and going and going). Aiyanna on the other hand was able to wear hers for 2 Christmas seasons. I tried them on her this year knowing they weren't going to fit, but at the same time hoping they would. Of course the straps were too short and the pant length was too short. Not willing to give them up just yet I did a little Overall Overhaul. I am so happy with how they came out!!! I thought I would share how to overhaul overalls with y'all just in case any of you have a hard time letting go of your daughter's cute overalls too :o)

Before:                                                                    After:

                        

Let me start off by telling you that  you have 2 options for the straps.

You can (1) slip the new strap over the old strap or you can (2) cut off the old strap leaving about 1" of the old strap so you can sew the new strap onto it.

I chose option 1 and I think it's a little to bulky! When I overhaul the next pair I will go with option 2. I do suggest using a medium to heavy weight interfacing to make the strap more sturdy if you go with #2.

 

 First thing you need to do is pick out the stitching on the straps so you can take the hardware off.

 Unfold the fabric and take the hardware off. Set it to the side so you can use them on the new longer strap.
Repeat with the other strap.

 Now lay one of the strap on the fabric for the new straps.

Trace the strap onto the fabric. I traced 1/2" out from the strap to allow for the seams. I also made the skinny end a bout 5" longer the the original strap.  I made the fatter end about 2" longer than the original.

Repeat with the other strap.

Cut the straps you just drew on to the fabric. Now place the straps you just cut face down on the fabric so right sides are together and cut 2 more straps. Now you will have 4 straps as pictured above.

Place one set of straps right sides together and stitch down each long side, leaving the ends open

 

Clip the corners.

Turn right side out and press.

Next I cut the bigger end at an angle so it matched up the the back end of the strap.
Turn the raw edge in 1/4"and press.

Now it's time to attach the strap. Slip it over the original strap and stitch 1/8" from the edge.

Top stitch down each long edge 1/8" from the edge.

This will give it a nice finished look.

Here's what the strap will look like.

Repeat this process for the other strap.

Now for the hardware. This part can be a little tricky, but once you get the first one the second one is a breeze. First you are going to slip the rectangular ring onto the strap as pictured. Then slip the other piece on after that. Make sure the part the attaches to the button is on top of the fabric (this is VERY important)

Now for the tricky part!!!!!

You are going to pull the short end of the strap through the back of the rectangular hardware piece. You are going to weave it in one side and out through the other. pull it down about 2". Now just fold the raw edge 1/2" under and pin in place.

Here's a closer look at  it.

Now just sew close to the fold. And the straps are finished!

 The last thing I did  to overhaul the overalls was add a 4" ruffle to the bottom of each leg. I didn't take pictures of that process, but it's super simple!   If you need a tutorial for the ruffle leg just let me know and I'll whip one up for you!

                                                                                                             

Now if I'm lucky she'll be able to wear it next Christmas too! 

I'm not counting on that though. *sigh*

We were at a Christmas Party and the place had a small stage.  My future model was doing her catwalk across the stage.  Can you tell she watches Project Runway with me?!

I hope each and every one of you has a Merry Christmas!!!