In this video I’m taking my very first DIY dress (the one I made from a really worn couch cover) and finally admitting what I’ve been thinking: it’s cute on camera, but in real life it feels a little clunky—and I just wouldn’t actually wear it as a “black velvet dress” moment. Between the fabric being an old couch cover (aka my dogs living their best life on it) and the chunky back details, it was time to rework it into something I’ll truly reach for. I walk you through how I turn it into an open-back bodysuit by removing the bulky section and bringing the fabric up to create a cleaner line. Then I sew the top to a pair of old underwear (yes, I have a whole collection—don’t be weird), and I use a zigzag stitch so it still has stretch. I also troubleshoot my stitch settings in real time because I had it way too tight at first, and it basically killed the stretch—so I adjust and it immediately looks and feels better. The takeaway: upcycling is allowed to be messy, practical, and honest. If you won’t wear it, rework it until you will.