Cut. It. Out.

Cut out detailing is everywhereeeee right now.  Cut out sides, cut out back sections, interesting cut out necklines...its all over the place.  I was going to put together a little page of my favorite examples, but, really, if you search for 'cut out' on any online retailer, you come up with tons of variations. If you feel the need to check it out, now is your chance. Go. Now. Do it. I'll wait.

You're back? Good...now on to the good stuff.  I had been eyeing this whole cut out scenario for a while now, but had yet to invest in a piece. I had also toyed with the idea of doing some sort of DIY with cut outs.  On one of my thrifting/hoarding sessions, I stumbled upon this amazing dress.  Well, it had poufy sleeves and made me look like a 5-year old on Easter Sunday...but it fit great and I loved the print. What the heck could I do with it to make it not completely disgusting? CUT OUTS. 

This was the result:

I cut off the sleeves, lowered the neckline, and added the cut outs on the side that followed the princess seams on the dress. I finished the arm holes and neckline by just folding it over twice and top stitching.  The sides were finished by creating a facing, to give it a clean, crisp edge.  You could technically just fold it over and top stitch this too...but I find that the extra thickness of the facing helps it keep its shape better.  What's a facing? It's pretty much a partial lining to finish off the edge of a garment. It's typically used on necklines and armholes.  HERE is a site that shows how to make a neckline facing, but it can be kind of complicated for a novice sewer.  This is something I learned in design school, so I honestly just kinda winged it and it turned out.  If you are really interested in this and need further explanation,  just comment below or email me and we can talk it out!

ANYWAYS. My friend Voss saw my handiwork and requested cut outs on one of her own thrifted gems. This time, I did oval cut outs on the sides and it turned out hawwwtttttt!

I was a little worried that the cutouts would sit too low and there would be a panty exposure situation, but they were perfect! Voss was stoked on it, and she even wore the dress for her Birthday Happy Hour! So exciting!