Muumuu Madness!!!

Addicted to muumuus you say???  Although I'd hate to admit it, I guess I am and for good reason.  First of all, the muumuu does not discriminate, it ranges in style, comfort, print, and color.  Those dresses that are not "aloha" print are still muumuus even though they are called "house dresses."  Secondly, with the fabric payout on a larger muum, you can make almost anything.  NO, really....anything.  Finally, in their present and intended condition, they are usually ghastly and marked down super cheap at thrift stores because...let's face it...no one under 60 admits to wanting to "rock the muum, yo!"  Take this little ditty for example:

You see.  So ghastly it hurts.  Well, kinda...

The arms on this muumuu were unusually small and due to the pull, made it very uncomfortable to zip all the way.  It was also somewhat sheer but totally G rated.  The brand was "Mako" which (I believe) is a "Goach-y" brand of Mamo *cough* I have one *cough.*  I loved the print and the hot fuschia color.  I scored, and got it for a whopping $3.99.  Suckas!!!!

I also loved the pleating in the front neckline of the muum because it allowed it to drape very well. 

For this project I would need to enlist the help of this freebie top from my gorgeous cousin who can't wear it anymore as she is, again, bringing life into this world.

While no Mamo, this little ditty did have a zipper I wanted to keep and so I zipped it below the place I would be cutting and secured it with a safety pin.

Wanting to keep the pleating at all costs, made a large basting stitch across the entire muum.

Using my pinking shears, cut above the basting line from armpit to armpit.

With the shirt turned inside out, from the bottom measured about 9 inches and snipped.   

Using another of my store bought strapless maxis, measured at the side seams and stitched right on the seam using a zig zag stitch (asking Santa for a Serger for Christmas) because of the really stretchy jersey. 

The finished tube top with the old hem being the new top.

Then, I took some elastic and cut it to fit my bust line.  I folded it in half and half again and marked each fold so that when placed on the tube top, would have a marker for the front middle, side, back middle, side.  Pinned into place and stitched across the top, again using a zig zag stitch.  I also applied some light tension on the elastic while stitching to allow it to naturally gather.  Stitched the elastic together at one side seam.  Then I pinned the tube top and basted skirt together, right sides facing and stitched together.

Rocking the muum, Yo!!! 

Just in time to go check out the Swap Meet.

  Addicted to maxi dresses you say?!?  Well, yes and for good reason as it allows me to skip the "speed shave" that ALL married women are guilty of doing..usually 5 minutes before leaving the house.

Oooohhh!!!  The Little Guy devouring his Rainbow Shave Ice that ALL must experience.  And so refreshing as it was scorching in town today. 

My absolute favorite Swap Meet vendor as every item in his tent is only $5.00 and totally brand new.  Look for him gals!  He's got some really great stuff.  No muumuus though :(

And a little treat for me..only THE best Macaroons on the planet..seriously the Toffee Chocolate Chip will change your life.  Another addiction...don't judge me.

Well, at least I made it with a full unopened bag to my car.  (Editor's note:  This was due primarily to the icy cold air conditioning that awaited within.)

The Little Guy enjoying a well deserved dip in the pool.  All teeth!!!

Twelve step program...here I come,

lori