I used to be a size 22 - now I am a14.....I have all these large dresses.....

[Katymac]

Which are very big

A long time ago I used to sew.....clothes/jackets etc - I was really OK

Could I cut down these long (mid calf) summer dresses (mainly a-line) into those little dresses you wear over leggings

Where can I can leggings in nice colours (ie not just black)

& is this a really crap idea?

You absolutely must not. You have worked very hard to become the size you are, and you deserve new clothes. Even if they are just charity shop clothes!

I disagree

I think it is a great idea, recycling is where we are all at let's face it!

I have lots of new clothes - these are really nice materials and pattens

They really suit my colouring (& I'm a little bit broke atm - all my money is going on my new business)

Also imagine the joy of seeing all that spare material being cut off

Well I am no sewing expert but I do think if they were in the right proportions they would look great with leggings or jeans.They need to be the right length not to swamp you,I think mid-calf is a bit too long unless you are really tall.Could they be altered to just above the knee.
Congrats on the weight loss btw! I've also gone from a 20 to a 14 but I've taken the lazy route and bought new clothes and am ebaying my old stuff.

When will you get the time to do it?
If getting the time is not really do-able then get rid or maybe choose 1 or 2 you really like and do those and get rid of the rest?

I don't think it's as easy as just taking it in with such a big size difference (wow and congratulations btw) as it will be much to big across the shoulders, the neckline will be too low etc. What you could do is find some patterns that are roughly a similar shape, then unpick your old dresses along the seams and lay the new pattern pieces within the old dress pieces and recut and sew from scratch. That's probably a bit more work than you want though.

I would sell them on ebay and use the money to buy other things

That's what I was thinking CD

If I'd been awful at sewing it would be one thing - but I used to be quite good (I just found a waistcoat I made for DH in the 90's & even I was impressed)

Bran - recutting them was how I thought to do it

Sort of mid thigh, with longish floaty (can't remember the right name) sleeves & a waist band under the bust

I'm still big in the bust (otherwise I might be a 12) so I thought that style would suit

This style - but one material

Maybe a scrap shorter?

god I wish I had your talent.Definately wotrth a try,what's to lose?

Definitely recycle them into new things if the colours and fabrics are great and suit you. That's why it's wonderful to be a good knitter/sewer!

Thanks guys - off to buy a patten

I also found a size 14 lime green sixties dress I used to wear while at uni

I have put a black shirt & thick black tights on & I think it looks fab

I am enjoying being smaller