From Vintage to Fresh & Modern: Steff's Dirndl Up-Cycle Project | Rare Dirndl
From Vintage to Fresh & Modern: Steff's Dirndl Up-Cycle Project

From Vintage to Fresh & Modern: Steff's Dirndl Up-Cycle Project

A few months back, a customer of mine, Steff asked me if there was any way to use her mother's dirndl to make a dirndl that is more modern? My answer of course was YES! It would be like making a custom dirndl, but instead of using fabric from the store, I would be using that fabric from her mothers old dirndl.

Steff loved the fabric, but it was way too small and the style was a tad dated. However there were some great things about that I adored and wanted to make sure that I kept. The fabric was in really good shape, so I was positive that I could turn this vintage dirndl into something fresh and new.

A lot of times, older fabrics that have been washed many times start to disintegrate and repurposing them could cause the new piece to fall apart after only a few wears. To combat this, you can add a fusible interfacing to the fabric to make it more sturdy, but in this case it was not necessary.    

I also loved the fabric and I found some matching fabrics from the store that would bring the whole piece together. After taking apart the dirndl I decided that I would only need to use the skirt fabric to make this new piece. I used the vintage fabric a new bodice, use a raspberry crepe back satin for the skirt and then a green cotton apron with some detailing at the hem using the vintage fabric bring it all together.

The trimming around Steff's mothers dirndl is a classic dirndl style trim and is very time consuming to make, so I knew I wanted to incorporate that trimming into the bodice. Since the vintage dirndl was smaller than the new one, I didn't have enough to go around the entire neckline, but I added a green top panel to the center front and then added the trim there.

Below the panel I added edelweiss hooks to create the lace-up corset style front and then used green and pink ribbon to complete the look. Paired with the white Sweetheart Blouse with Lace, I LOVED the way the dirndl turned out and now Steff has a truly one-of-a-kind, custom made dirndl with a story all it's own!   

If you have an old dirndl that's been in your family for years... or a prom or bridesmaids dress, and you would like me to up-cycle it into a fresh and new dirndl send me an e-mail erika[at]raredirndl[dot]com and we can get the ball rolling. Pricing is the same as a custom dirndl, Click here for a PDF of the process and pricing. These are some of my favorite projects to work on and I can't wait to work with you!!

From Vintage to Fresh & Modern: Steff's Dirndl Up-Cycle Project

Ever wonder which dirndl style you are? Click here to take our quiz and find out now! 

Erika Neumayer

Please note that some of the links in select posts are affiliate links and, at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase.

As always, ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. - Erika

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