I think you’re quite lovely. I love your style, and your talent very much reminds me of my best friend, Katherine. I think I would pay you large sums to re-vamp some of MY weirdo clothes! 🙂 But anyways…I stumbled upon your site and pretty much fell in love. :] your work is amazing. I hope that, one day, I can be just as good a seamstress! But for now, I’ll stick to fixing holes and sewing pockets and cards. 🙂 But yeah – did I mention you’re amazing? ’cause you TOTALLY are. haha 😀
*giggles to self girlishly* “she responded!!!” lol 🙂 so i have a question – how did you come about making your site? did you hire someone to design it or somethin?
I am so addicted to your site that I sat for two solid hours looking at your last few months’ work. Some of them are still a little “out there” for Oklahoma panhandle standards of fashion, but I love them all! This is amazing and fun (and some of them remind me of Emma Pillsbury on the show Glee–do you watch it?). Keep up the creative juices!
Yay Amy!! You spent two hours skimming through? Girl…amazing! Yes, some I can imagine are a little out there, but I’m glad you like. I love GLEE and Emma Pillsbury, so I LOVE that you are reminded of her! I’m less OCD… 🙂 Thanks for following!!
Fantastic blog! I’m inspired to spend the afternoon in my local thrift store.
I’m sure you get lots of “(un)helpful suggestions” from blog followers but I can’t resist … but have you thought about making a book out of your projects? Kinda a sewing-inspiration-instruction book for how to achieve retro”fits” of otherwise unhappy clothing. You’d have at least one purchaser right here 😉
There are tons of books on recrafting clothes!
“99 ways to cut, sew & deck out your denium” by Faith Blakeney, et.al
“Crafty Chica’s Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-low-sew projects for the everyday crafter” by Kathy Cano-Murillo
and “Customizing Cool Clothes: from dull to divine in 30 projects” by Kate Haxell are a few I picked up at my local public library! Check them out!
You are incredible, and I have been inspired! I’m a crocheter and have been working to expand my skills in that craft for about the last 6 months when my obsession kicked into high gear! Once I started making some bags and needed to line them I got more interested in sewing. I can mend and patch, and now line, but that’s totally where my skill sent ends. You have totally inspired me to take on sewing as well! I plan to take off as soon as my Mom gets her rarely used sewing machine to my house and starts the lessons!
Your blog is awesome, and everything you have created is amazing!!!! I love it all! I can’t wait everyday to see what the newest creation is! Keep it up!!!
love your bloggy- and i’ve been reading since i found it.. ehmmm- about a week ago ro so? i was jsut wondering where you find all your dollar finds? i live in LA and can think of jetrag jumble sale- but other than that… $1 clothes bins in LA??? will you share some shopping secrets? 🙂
I just found your blog and love it. You are so creative and talented. I think you may have just inspired me to purchase a sewing machine today! It has been 20 years since I’ve sewn, but looking at what you’ve done with your $1 finds (I love thrift store shopping but never buy clothes that don’t fit perfectly as I didn’t know what to try to do with them) gives me a lot of inspiration. Thanks so much!
OMG Marisa, those are the ugliest before dresses I’ve ever seen. Your transformations are amazing and really look like a lot of fun. I just came across this page via my daily Craft Magazine email. I have a lot of catching up to do, like 170 days worth. Rock on with those creative ideas girl!
I’m so glad I found this blog 😀 What a great idea!! It’s amazing what you can make when you put your mind to it 🙂
Well done, love the blog, keep it up!!!
I just can’t think of a one liner to sum up how great i think your work is…you could pretty much list every complimentary adjective you could think of…amazing, inspiring, awesome, tubular, incandescent, billiant….! And maybe at the end of this year, you’ll have the making for a pretty great book 😉 (Plus an inpsired following to go with it!) Bestest-estest wishes to you and happy sewing:)
This has really inspired me. I have been trying to find a way to get really cute clothes with out having to spend so much money! Thank you so much. 🙂 Your work is really great.
I am absolutely in love with your blog… I have been searching for the inspiration to turn my BAGS and PILES of thrift store/ripped/ill fitting stuff into AWESOME outfits.
You are just wonderful – so funny and beautiful, too!
Thank you for your comment Jillian!! Um, your bags of goodies sound amazing…keep me posted how those work out for you! The best is tweaking something with an easy rip and making it beautiful again. Send me pics m’dear 🙂
You inspire me to get my own sewing machine… and learn to sew. Which you make look entirely too easy! Nicely done! My favorites are Days 184, 109 and 155.
Hello I am Brazilian and here in Brazil to your site and your idea left in one of the pages of Globo.com, saw and liked and even pointed to a college friend who makes fashion … Congratulations on your idea is brilliant … I will continue tracking … when you finish will continue posting clothing reformed?
Kisses
WOW! i found you through READYMADE’s Blog and totally fell in love with the beauty you create from the oh-so-hedious clothes to the drop-dead-gorgeous-hip+stylin’ fashions…i love how you have a story behind your creations…it’s so refreshing to read…thank you for sharing such fabulous inspirations! looking forward to seeing more of the beauty you create…(ps posted on FB but would like to also post my top 10 favs (of your creations) on my blog…would it be ok?)
At first congratulations! Simply amazing the stuff you make around here! I read about your blog in a magazine’s website..and I got curious..
As I could see I’m not the only brazilian following you work (better: art!) And it’s clear for me that you’re just having fun, wich is great!
I loved it, and I’ll came visit your blog as more as I can! 😉
You are incredible, and I have been inspired! I’m a crocheter and have been working to expand my skills in that craft for about the last 6 months when my obsession kicked into high gear! Once I started making some bags and needed to line them I got more interested in sewing. I can mend and patch, and now line, but that’s totally where my skill sent ends. You have totally inspired me to take on sewing as well! I plan to take off as soon as my Mom gets her rarely used sewing machine to my house and starts the lessons!
+1
Wow!! You are such an inspiration to me.. what talent you have! I always wanted to use my creativity to do something like that…… I feel like going home and chopping up some clothes right now! 🙂 I am a mother of two in her 20’s .. in MONTANA! not too much to do around here.. now I’m thinkin of starting some projects. you rock! keep it up!!!!
Just saw a link on Yahoo. This is a great project. Would love to see the other creations that you’ve done. You turned the outfits into something very cute.
i must say you just rocked my world…..i am a craft impaired stay at home mom who also care gives for my bedridden mom and coronary challenged dad. i am on the internet a lot during the day because it gives me a window to a world i dont get to see much. you blog has been added to my favorites. i admire your creativity and your writing style is great. i look forward to following you….thank you for giving me a smile, some entertainment and a new free thing to look forward to. xo
Your blog and creativity are both truly inspiring. I’m a freelance copywriter by profession, and always enjoy reading (and seeing) unique and creative ideas in action!
watched julie and julia months ago and it’s indeed inspiring…and so as your creations! I’m glad to see women fulfilled with their work. You inspired a lot of people with that kind of personality. 🙂
You have totally freaking inspired me and I don’t even sew! I am coming up with an Amy version of this because I, too, am in a creative funk. Kudos to you on your venture. You’re doing an awesome job! Thanks for the inspiration!
Absolutely inspiring! I’ve redone a few things, but nothing like what you’ve done. Where do you find your clothing? I might have to send my sister out shopping for me ( She live in West Hollywood)
I love this blog and your creativity. My mom and grandma were both very big sewers. I would love to get back into sewing and this could be the perfect way to. We already spent a lot of time at the thrift stores and I can’t believe I never though to re-hab a dress! You have inspired me! Best wishes for a successful 365 for $365 year!
Congrats! You’ve made headway all the way to Malaysia. Read about you on Yahoo’s front page. Keep up the fabulousity! What you’re doing is amazing 🙂 Super love it!!
I happened accross your site via Yahoo news….. I just wanted to write to you to say that I think your idea is AWESOME, i’d kinda like to try it myself (not 365) but, It’s summer in up-state New York and I’m currently out of work due to a surgery, Just wish I could get my hands on a sewing machine,,,,,,
Lots of love!!!!!
Jessica
Why don’t you just buy/get the dress in your correct size? Your dresses are way too short as your knees are unattractive. I can’t say what you do to them is much better than the original. There is one you made into a blouse that was cute.
It is really sad that someone had to deposit something negative instead of finding something constructive to do with their time. I pray that this person finds joy, beauty and happiness, seeing that they have none. Your work is beautifully original and creative. Keep making lemonade and the world will be sweeter. (not to mention that your knees are more attractive than this person’s personality! lol) Be Blessed!
Absolutly love your cent$ of style — smart, savvy, and in this economy sheer brilliance! I grew up making doll clothes along side my mother as she made my clothes. I don’t ever remember getting to go to the store to buy clothes. My mother made everything I wore. Benefit: no one had my outfit. Disadvantage: I thought I was missing out. Now I wish I could sew like she did or LIKE YOU CAN! I’m inspired by you and your blog and creativity. I hope you reconsider and keep this project going. If not daily, perhaps weekly or monthly. You have a real talent, great style and the way you express yourself in your blog and with the dresses you make-over … genius. May I please add you to my website? You’re a wonderful role model and your story is a SWELL READ! Thank you for sharing. Happy Sewing~Karla
Gotta tell you. Design and stuff like this doesn’t interest me but I saw this on Yahoo’s hompage and was bored enough to check it out. I’m impressed. I have actually been looking for a hobby myself over the past few months. Your work has shown me that finding a good one can be fulfilling. Glad you found something that fits (haha That just cracked me up. I’m easily amused.).
I actually signed up for this blog. The only “blog” I’ve ever signed up for. If anyone finds out I’ll never hear the end of it. Let’s just keep this between us. Keep up the good work.
I posted a comment on the facebook page as well but wanted to share my support here as well…
This is just about the most awesome thing! I have always admired those of us who could go thrifting and walk out with the most unique and creative styles that work for them. I however, being the A.D.D. person that I am, I can hardly walk into a thrift store and take a glance around let alone scavange through to find …valuable pieces. And don’t even get me started on using a sewing machine! Which is why I am so totally in love with your concept and will definetly be watching for your latest creations!
I have ZERO interest in Fashion or Sewing or anything that you appear to like to do…but I am absolutely love your creativity!
You are simply awesome!! I have not come across something this creative in a very very long time!!
hello!
i wanted to tell you how FABULOUS i think this is. i graduated from textile design school in philly, and have been in that creative funk ever since. i moved to AZ for a change, and i (by default) work in finance right now, and i want to claw out of my cubicle every day =) finding a way to let your creative juices flow every single day is wonderful, and i am going to try to find a way to do the same. i recently designed a print i’m going to order on fabric, and upholster an old chair in. wish me luck, and good luck with your fun, moomoo turned fashionable dresses =)
Absolutely inspiring. I just love your creativity and where you get you inspirations from to create your daily dresses. I too am a seamstress and love to come up with ways to reuse or remake old, new ,and just strange clothing . Your ideas come across easy for those who are beginners and I think it let’s people believe they too can create something new from something they already have . Keep it up. I look forward to seeing what you have next!!!!
Hi I found this through yahoo and I think the idea you have is amazing. Also I think I’m gonna try the chocolate recipe you posted if I can figure out how to work it out lol.
Love this 🙂
This is the absolute best sewing idea ever!! The budget, the outcome, the fun! It sounds amazing! To the looks of the pictures, you’ll have a wonderful wardrobe by the end of the 365 days!!!
Q: The $1.00 a day budget only includes like the items needed to make the outfits right? Like thread, Sissors, stuff like that!!??
Anyways, love this idea so much 🙂
I love your blog! I wish I had your talent. It has inspired me to look at the clothes at thrift stores differently. I can’t wait to go back to Deseret Industries to sift through their clothes!
I saw your story on Yahoo and was intrigued to see more. Big Kudos to you for your drive and great success. Your talent is genuine and amazing. My grandmother taught me how to sew from patterns… I still can’t touch her skill though, but am grateful for the “know how”. I’ve enjoyed your adventure and Thank You for sharing.
WOW! This is the 1st word that comes to mind when I stumbled upon your site. I’ve spent the last 2.5 hours looking at all your fabulousness from Nov 2009 to Aug 2010. You ave re-created a phenomen into the joy of sewing your clothes instead of buying pricey ones you only wear once. When I was pregnant, I didn’t have a lot of money & living on my own at 15 was difficult financially in itself, so I went to the fabric store to make a few sundresses (I lived in TX) & ended making all my maternity clothes & all my new babygirls clothes unitl she was 7-years old. Since then I put up the machine for heels & a breifcase. But after looking at all your wonderful transformations tonight, I had my daughter (now 23) to go pull my sewing machine out the garage. I’ll be cleaning it up, putting back together my sewing box/tools & get to sewing & transforming my attire because now I’m permanently disabled, so I have nothing but time. Marissa, I want to tell you that you are an inspiration & have a wonderfully beautiful spirit. You should definitely start a book titled, “Stylish Clothes for $1.00 A Day” or “Sew-N-Wear for a Buck a Day.” You get the idea. Sweetie, please continue your amazing skills & eye for fashion long past your “New Dress A Day,” you can go many, many places, even opening your own business?!? I look forward to seeing what you create next! Lots of Love & Happiness, Denise
I’m loving your humor!! My family does a tacky holiday party every year and you are now my inspiration to turn my box of U-G-L-Y clothes into great ones! Keep it up, I can’t wait to see what you do next!
omg..i totally love your amazing sense of creativity and fashion…the dresses were mostly fugly to start with, but u totally transformed them..i am inspired..i wish i am as good as you though with the sewing kit..sigh..cant wait to see your next collection..you are totally AWESOME!! awe inspiring..u go girl!!
😀 words are not enough! it seems like a good trick but as I am very creative myself, I’m thoroughly astonished at your ingeniousness. I just have a question: creativity is one thing but for this you also need skill – in sewing. how and where did you learn to sew?
best regards and
a big thank you for sharing this marvelous job with other ppl
emel
AMAZING what you can do with a sewing machine! 🙂 I especially love the gold brocade dress and the cute Charlotte-y floral number that’s perfect for Sunday lunch/brunch. 🙂
I can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s project will be! 🙂
I love how creative you are. You have a wonderful eye for fashon. You inspire others to do the same. I think I will look through my closet and see if I can transform something. Thank you!!
I found your blog through the Yahoo home page and am loving it. I have a vintage shop on Etsy and I know the frustration of loving certain details or the fabric of a too big/fugly/too weird piece of vintage clothing and wanting to adjust it. Soo many times I’ve found things people would love if there were some slight adjustments, etc. I just wish I knew how to sew! You’ve inspired me to dust off my mom’s old sewing machine and start playing around. Also, your blog focuses on creativity and style instead of designer labels and the like, which is what fashion should be about anyway. Keep up the good work!
what are you going to do with 365 articals of clothing? i think i spelled articles wrong….im only 12 and my website isnt so great ‘cuz i dont update it very much… if i were you i would maybe sell them for a price or maybe what i think would be fun, email a fashion magazine and tryto get a spread in a magazine… you should do another year too!
I’m really inspired by your blog. And what you do is very creative. This has inspired me a lot. My stuff is craft and paintings, I hope someday I’ll be a brave as you to challenge my self this way. In the meantime, please let me know if you really make the trip to Bali someday, I was one of the crew of the movie, it will be my pleasure to take you around 😉 *hugs
I love what you’ve done! You got me so inspired to sew again that I’m going out tomorrow to find lots of goodies. There’s a place near my house that has free (yes, FREE) items that nobody can stand anymore and that sounds like the perfect place to start. I read almost every word of your blog last night and totally fell in love with your work. Keep it up!
I was thrilled to receive a link to your blog from a friend who know I love to sew. Taking cast-off, no longer wearable (if they ever were!) garments and recreating them as fashion forward, funky and stylish garments is the best form of recycling. Being an oddball size, I have practiced this for most of my adult life but to see the idea become mainstream is inspiring. Heck, it has become a repeat challenge on Project Runway! Thanks for sharing yourself so fully with us; keep up the great work.
Hi Marisa!
Wow, you are one talented girl! I wish you’d live close by, so I can use your service! Have you ever thought of making clothes for others? Imagine instead of buying one dress for a buck, you buy two or three, and then sell the other dresses to people like me who don’t have your special talent. Before you know it, you have a profitable business! 😉
I saw about your blog on yahoo, your idea is wonderful and your fashion sense is on point. You’ve inspired me to start up sewing. I hope you reach your goal for your dresses and keep up the fabulous work.
Ganbatte Kudasai !!
You have given me some great ideas, for the clothes I was about to get rid of in a garage sale. Seriously you should have your own show. I would have never thought of some of the ways to update clothes, like you have shown. Thanks for the instructions for the totally non sewer like myself, you have given me inspiration that I can change my clothes too. Thanks
WOW I LOVE YOUR CREATIVITY WHAT A INSPIRATION YOU ARE TO GIRLS EVERY WHERE WHO LOVE FASHION. I LIKE TO SEW AND ALWAYS TEND TO SAVE CLOTHS NOW I HAVE IDEAS IN HOW TO RECYCLE SOME OF MINE AND MY GIRLS CLOTHS THAT WE NO LONGER LIKE…
THANK YOU FOR SHARING…
Wow! You are so creative! I love your initiative. You are great example for young people out there. I too have a blog, phrasesfortheyoung.weebly.com, that tries to inspire people in their 20s to do awesome things. Maybe I can link to you sometime since your site shows what awesome things young people can do!
You rock! i’ve always loved vintage dresses and would think, if only i knew how to sew, i could totally re-make this dress! and you’re doing it!! love this blog, very inspiring 🙂
Wow! I just found your blog today and I am sad to realize that you only have a few more months to go. I have always wanted to learn to sew and I am going to take your creativity as my inspiration. I love your creations, your vision, and especially your sense of humour. Keep it up!
I saw this on Yahoo when I came into work this morning and rather than answering emails I decided to read your blog and then send the link to every person I knew. You are so creative and I love how you thought of the idea! I think you will inspire so many people to be more creative during a tough time in their lives. Congrats I think you are incredible!
Just started reading your blog and I have to say it’s very inspiring! I have decided to thrift shop for the first time in my life, bust own my moth-covered sewing skills and start to revamp my own finds! Thanks for the ideas and motivation!
I love how you got more and more creative! I started from the most recent and went backwards which kinda confused me when you used stuff from previous posts(haha)…oh well…it all came together once I got to the beginning =) You are very good at sewing! I envy you! Very interesting blog and fun creations! I look forward to seeing the rest! I am now hooked! =)
I am in love with every single dress you have made! You style is seriously the cutest thing everrrr. I wish I could sew so badly, so I could make my own clothing and not waste money! haha. You inspire me to teach myself how to sew and make clothing, or at least get a book about sewing! I really want to start making my own clothes like you did. I love everything great job! you rock!
I absolutely love your creativity. I really wish I were this talented and could go out and find good vintage buys and revamp them before I start college for a fresh look. Some of your pieces are unbelievable! The transformations are just fantastic and flattering. Keep up the amazing work! (Please!)
Hey Marisa, I just read your story on Yahoo! And it has inspired me to get up and do something, so that I can feel happy and not dwell upon my situations. Thank you for being such a positive person and for inspiring not only me but everyone that reads your story! May God continue to bless you for being such a blessing to others! Thanks!
Hi,
You have done an amazing job! I’m loving your styles and the dresses. I was very surprised to see your photo wearing the cone hat, which is my country’s traditional hat (Vietnam). You’re a girl with inspiration and talent. I wish you best of luck!
You creativity is incredible! I’m always going to Salvation Army or Good Will (I’m an 18yr old intern who is cheap and broke lol) and I see these pieces that have a great print or just some nice aspect to them but the overall look is AWFUL. And up until finding your blog, I didn’t think anything could be done with them. Thank you so much for sharing how to recreate them without spending more than a few dollars!
I don’t know how far your blog gets, but here in Puerto Rico it must be a hit! As a retired fashion designer I find your endeavor not only admirable, but fun and creative. You should be a judge in Project Runway! I will try to keep up with you (although retired due to my MS, I get asked to do work for other designers, which keeps me busy) and if you ever come to Puerto Rico (before Bali) please let me know. ¡Un abrazo!
I am a girl from Hong Kong where not many people having a sewing machine at home and people do not have time to do DIY things. I do really like your dresses and you are so talented. You are amazing!!!
Absolutely amazing, i just saw your story on yahoo news and as soon as i saw the dresses i was addicted they are all so cute, amazing and beautiful, it sounds like a lot of fun to take something old and make it new. Your doing an amazing job have lots of fun with the next dresses!
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!! YOUR SENSE OF STYLE AND TALENT HAVE INSPIRED ME TO PURCHASE A SEWING MACHINE AND GET CREATIVE!! I LOVE THRIFTING..AND GO ON A WEEKLY BASIS..BUT HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH A SEWING MACHINE 😦 HEEELLLLPPPPP!!! HOW’D YOU LEARN?! LOL!!
I just saw your site on yahoo and am so amazed! I just love what you do. You are just as talented – if not more – than those Project Runway folks. So creative. I think it is great that you are pushing yourself like this. Keep up the great work – don’t tire of it – you will make your goal! If you are close to Wash DC – let me know and we will do some photos for you!
Love your projects. I don’t have the patience to make clothes from scratch but I love up-cycling/altering clothes from the thrift store or hand me downs. It was very inspiring to see what you did with some awful pieces. If you open your own store featuring recycled fashions, contact me, i live in LA and would love to sew with you 🙂
-Your new fan, Simone
I came across your blog from yahoo. I’ve seen through all the posts. It’s really inspiring. As a girl living in these trifling times, I’m thankful I came across your blog. You just gave me the best solution for fashion since I’m always broke!! ❤ Thank you very much 😀
Hi !
you are amazing with these dresses and all that. I found you first on Yahoo and then I followed through your blog, cant kept my self from reading it all in one go. Its so inspiring. Setting yourself to a task per day and then accomplishing it successfully.
Good work
Heya der girl!!!
U Rock!!! ur super amazing…i wish i had those skills.I d pay u loads to get some of my ill fitting dresses done up!!…temme ? were u ispired by the movie Julia & Julia to do this?..Ur idea is splendid…jus love ur dresses…nd purple is my fav color too…Marisa keep it goin’…. ur da best!!
And once again…U TOTALLY ROCK!!!
Hi!
you are amazing, with dresses. I came across your blog on Yahoo and then I couldn’t kept my self from reading all the stuff in a single sitting. Its amazing. You set your self with a goal and you fulfill it. Its Awesome.
I just wanted to say that I LOVE your creativity & originality. I’m an aspiring fashion designer & you’ve given me a lot of inspiration just by reading your blog. I also have a fashion blog & i will definitely be posting something about your blog today.
You are amazing…. But is not fair that girls have so many options and guys really doesn’t get more than just plain slacks, jeans and shirts. You are amazingly beautiful and never go out of style. I couldn’t stop watching your work. And your beautiful pictures. God bless and keep up that amazing work.
Hi dear,
I totally love what you do! Want to be like you when I grow up…. How long have you been sewing or rather when did you learn to sew? I’m 25 years and I don’t want to believe it’s too late to start crafting or sewing. Cheers!
Wow, you are truly inspirational. I just went through your whole website today and I cannot believe the creativity there. I wish I could take a Muumuu and make a fabulous outfit out of it! You should sell your dresses online – you’ll make a killing! Keep on rockin’!
I just wanted you to know I came across your website and have been completely inspired by what you’re able to do with these clothes! I can barely sew a button and certainly don’t own a sewing machine, but am completely motivated to buy one and try and teach myself. I can only hope to turn horridly drab clothes into the marvels that you’re able to… someday! Thank you for showcasing your amazing work!
Hi I saw an article about you on yahoo and had to check out your site. I have been so frustrated with the clothes they sell at the mall; the clothes are all so ugly to me so I really don’t think you are missing anything. I have been shopping at the Goodwill and thrift stores for years. When you are able to buy a whole new wardrobe for around $100 its hard to shop at the mall where you would be lucky to get 3-5 articles of clothing. Your site has opened my eyes to so many more possibilities! I can’t wait to go shopping again! Though I can’t sew I have a husband that can do anything. ; )
i saw an article about you yesterday and stayed up late last night and tonight to read your whole blog! i feel pretty much the same as what everybody said. i admire your creativity and you have inspired me to actually go on a diet! i love shopping at thrift stores too but now it would be more exciting thinking of ways to revamp somebody’s trash into my new treasure. you rock!
I saw your web site and was inspired by your ingenuity and creativity. You have a wonderful eye for design. I am going to share your website with my grandaughter as an example of what is possible. She is turning 12 in November, and she has a creative spirit. Thanks for sharing your work and your talent. I am sure you are touching many lives, and making a positive impact the people of all ages. God bless you, Joanne-Sara
I start loving your blog the first time I saw an article about you on Yahoo and believe me, I got addicted to it. I adore the enthusiasm you placed on each outfit everyday and it is inspiring! Cheers to more ‘reborn’ outfits!
I absolutely ADORE your dresses!!!!!!!! I loved the concept of Julie’s blog in Julie & Julia and I thought it was so cool when I learned about your New Dress A Day Project! I read the article on Yahoo and fell in love with that blue jacket/shirt you made for the Dodgers game you went to!!!! Super cute, and I love your blog!
you are so amazing and you make me wish i was talented. some of your outfits are so rediculously amazing that i want them. i spent hours from the past two days looking through all the way up until day 1 and now that im up to date ill continue to watch. keep up the amazing clothes
You have enlightened us all. I love to sew and this is a great idea. Keep up the wonderful ideas and creations. I love to shop Goodwill and Salvation Army Thrift shops and yard sales. It is a great thing you have done!
I love how you customize your clothes! I sew too, but was feeling that I lacked the creativity I once had, it was almost a year or more I didn’t do anything crafty, but I have to admit that you helped me get my creativity back! By watching what you were doing, I took my old vintage clothing that fit me like a potato sack and I started sewing them and cutting here and there and I feel the ideas coming back to me.
THANK YOU for being so awesome and helping me get back on my crafty passion of sewing 🙂
I think you are amazing & so creative! I found you via a plug from yahoo and I had to just go through your entire blog and all your outfits are amazing! Some are kinda freaky cool, but still cool 🙂 I look forward to seeing your new outfits and am so happy for you! Enjoy your trip back to NY and I will stay glued to your blog for updates!!
Hi Marissa, I am not your age-and I don’t sew , but I love to see how you can transform a piece of clothing . My fasination with your quest is I love thrift stores and the treasures therein. Keep going with that creativity!jz
Hello Marissa! May I call you Marissa? All I know is, to a girl who learned to sew from her grandmother and ADORES do-it-yourself looks, you rock. The best thing is, you never run the risk of someone else having the same thing! I have to admit I came to know your blog via clicking the Yahoo! link, but I think that’s okay. just more followers for you! Your creativity and thriftiness is inspiring, and keep chugging out the sad dress makeovers. Good luck in all that you do!
Love Love Love this blog. Saw it on yahoo and have spend the last several days reading it from the start.
You’ve motivated me to get my sewing maching back out and get to work. I even bought two vintage dresses this weekend (one WITH a belt, but alas, no pockets) and am planning on turning both into tops. Wouldn’t have looked twice at them before.
Thanks Marisa — I’ll be sad when your year is over.
Hey hey Marisa. Like everyone else, I saw your blog and your story on Yahoo news, and I am totally inspired. I know you have inbox messages up the wazoo now!! You’re just that awesome, and I’ve always wanted to do a project with a goal and a deadline to finish! I do alot of DIY and recons myself and thought you’d like to check out my blog sometime. I wrote about ya in my latest post cause I think you’re the total shizz XDDD I can’t wait to see the last dress. I bet it’ll be EPIC!! I totally wanna start getting cool-ish t-shirts for a dollar and recon them.. But I had that plan to do it soon, just not buy shirts [or dresses] for a dollar. Gotta find a thrift store closest to me!! ❤
I will be sad when your year is over too! Maybe you can just cut down to a dress a month? 🙂 I just jumped on your blog bandwagon, and am thoroughly enjoying the ride! I don’t sew, but have been inspired not only in my wardrobe options of late, but also with what I could get started with when I turn 30 in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing a bit of you life with us!
OMG! this is so creative and awesome…..my friend just directed me to this site and I am so impressed. Great work and dedication to your blog! I love it! You are inspiring people to be innovative and think outside the box!
WOW – I just discovered your blog and it is amazing! I spent several hours last night and looked at every entry. You are so talented and quite an inspiration. It made me want to get out all my crafty type “stuff” and get busy! What are your plans after you get to day 365 – any new blogs in the works .
You are amazing and an ispiration to some people, icluding me =) I am a fan of yours since the 15th March 2010, when I first discivered your blog =P Keep up the good work and thank you for being an ispiration!
I love what you’re doing.. I saw Julie and Julia and think this is such a cute idea..You have a creative sense of style. Keep it up can’t wait to see the rest of your designs.. 🙂
You are very creative. I watched the Julie and Julia movie and was trying to come up a 365 day blog as well. You should try opening up a boutique. One of a kind pieces! Good luck to you whatever this may bring to you!
I hate to bring up the business end (ha ha) of this goal… But you could really start a business, or a charity donating tailored fun clothes to homeless shelters, or Charity fund raisers. You could turn this hobby into something really noble. All I have to say now is. YOU GO GIRL!
Love
-Ana
Guy Kawasaki posted your blog on Twitter….three hours ago! and I’m still up, at 2 am, reading through your amazing posts. You and your creations are lovely, inspiring and so much fun. And btw, I had one of those hideous 1980s fuchsia taffeta frillsome bridesmaid dresses…. off the shoulder, boned rib-crusher bodice, giant bow on the booty, with a multi-layered tulle underskirt! yikes. Girls just wanna have – another margarita.
Thank you – keep up the great work!
JTL, Brisbane Australia.
Hey, just thought that you should know that you are such a inspiration, me and my sister always used to take shirts in and stuff, and when i was little i would use my dad’s old shirts to make my own little outfits.
Me and my friends love thrift shopping, and i love being able to explain that what i got only costed me 2 dollars.
Just today I bought a dress that i am going to add some pizzaz too. Hopefully i can make some cute creations like you have!
hey there..when I read about your blog, I was curious to have a look..and now, I haven’t missed even a day to check out what’s new in your blog, I just love the idea that you get old fashioned clothes and turn it into something totally fresh and new…seriously, I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your blog and all your creative ideas..jeep it up…you’re just awesome…just so you know, I don’t like blogging, but then I don’t know why i’m always checking out updates in your blog..it’s just really fun to read…really adore your ideas..XOXO, from your borneo fan…
When are you going on Project Runway girl! You are so talented and beautiful and clearly have personality. Do you live in NY? My friend told me about you because I am a butting artist/jackets. I decided to post a jacket a day on facebook.
Love what you’re doing! Truly an inspiration into fashion and recycling. I’ve been following your blog ever since the YahooNews post.
Had to giggle today as i saw your article in “Sun Weekly” magazine (aka weeklyworldnews.com/the-sun/ ). They did choose 2 of your prettier results for the photos.
Just discovered your blog and love it. Happily there’s a lot of catching up to do! One question: could you put a ‘before’ photo next to the ‘after’ photo? I love to compare them and it would save a lot of scrolling.
You’re dresses are SO cute. You should keep going even after your 365 days are over! I adore them! I got found this blog from my aunt, and I have looked at it everyday since she showed me! Keep up the good work! I have shown all of my friends and they admire the results. Keep on going! You can do it!
New Dress A Day 
love your creativity
Means a lot Sally 🙂 Thanks so much! xx Marisa
I think you’re quite lovely. I love your style, and your talent very much reminds me of my best friend, Katherine. I think I would pay you large sums to re-vamp some of MY weirdo clothes! 🙂 But anyways…I stumbled upon your site and pretty much fell in love. :] your work is amazing. I hope that, one day, I can be just as good a seamstress! But for now, I’ll stick to fixing holes and sewing pockets and cards. 🙂 But yeah – did I mention you’re amazing? ’cause you TOTALLY are. haha 😀
Yay!! Thanks Kristiana 🙂 So, so happy you’re enjoying!!
you are amazing!
Thank you Azzah – totally blushing!
Fabulous blog. Crafty and FRUGAL. Hypnotizing to read. Keep it up…your audience is growing!!
So sweet Becca 🙂 Thrilled you’re enjoying my crafty/frugalness!
*giggles to self girlishly* “she responded!!!” lol 🙂 so i have a question – how did you come about making your site? did you hire someone to design it or somethin?
I actually just used one of the WordPress templates 🙂
I am so addicted to your site that I sat for two solid hours looking at your last few months’ work. Some of them are still a little “out there” for Oklahoma panhandle standards of fashion, but I love them all! This is amazing and fun (and some of them remind me of Emma Pillsbury on the show Glee–do you watch it?). Keep up the creative juices!
Yay Amy!! You spent two hours skimming through? Girl…amazing! Yes, some I can imagine are a little out there, but I’m glad you like. I love GLEE and Emma Pillsbury, so I LOVE that you are reminded of her! I’m less OCD… 🙂 Thanks for following!!
Fantastic blog! I’m inspired to spend the afternoon in my local thrift store.
I’m sure you get lots of “(un)helpful suggestions” from blog followers but I can’t resist … but have you thought about making a book out of your projects? Kinda a sewing-inspiration-instruction book for how to achieve retro”fits” of otherwise unhappy clothing. You’d have at least one purchaser right here 😉
There are tons of books on recrafting clothes!
“99 ways to cut, sew & deck out your denium” by Faith Blakeney, et.al
“Crafty Chica’s Guide to Artful Sewing: Fabu-low-sew projects for the everyday crafter” by Kathy Cano-Murillo
and “Customizing Cool Clothes: from dull to divine in 30 projects” by Kate Haxell are a few I picked up at my local public library! Check them out!
You are incredible, and I have been inspired! I’m a crocheter and have been working to expand my skills in that craft for about the last 6 months when my obsession kicked into high gear! Once I started making some bags and needed to line them I got more interested in sewing. I can mend and patch, and now line, but that’s totally where my skill sent ends. You have totally inspired me to take on sewing as well! I plan to take off as soon as my Mom gets her rarely used sewing machine to my house and starts the lessons!
Your blog is awesome, and everything you have created is amazing!!!! I love it all! I can’t wait everyday to see what the newest creation is! Keep it up!!!
PS: I totally second the book idea!
love your bloggy- and i’ve been reading since i found it.. ehmmm- about a week ago ro so? i was jsut wondering where you find all your dollar finds? i live in LA and can think of jetrag jumble sale- but other than that… $1 clothes bins in LA??? will you share some shopping secrets? 🙂
Good question! The Goodwill here starts their dress pricing at $5!
I just found your blog and love it. You are so creative and talented. I think you may have just inspired me to purchase a sewing machine today! It has been 20 years since I’ve sewn, but looking at what you’ve done with your $1 finds (I love thrift store shopping but never buy clothes that don’t fit perfectly as I didn’t know what to try to do with them) gives me a lot of inspiration. Thanks so much!
OMG Marisa, those are the ugliest before dresses I’ve ever seen. Your transformations are amazing and really look like a lot of fun. I just came across this page via my daily Craft Magazine email. I have a lot of catching up to do, like 170 days worth. Rock on with those creative ideas girl!
I’m so glad I found this blog 😀 What a great idea!! It’s amazing what you can make when you put your mind to it 🙂
Well done, love the blog, keep it up!!!
I just can’t think of a one liner to sum up how great i think your work is…you could pretty much list every complimentary adjective you could think of…amazing, inspiring, awesome, tubular, incandescent, billiant….! And maybe at the end of this year, you’ll have the making for a pretty great book 😉 (Plus an inpsired following to go with it!) Bestest-estest wishes to you and happy sewing:)
I saw an article about your blog in BUST magazine, so I thought I’d check it out. This is SO cool, you are definitely someone to look up to!
PS- I saw this BUST article too:)
So glad I did !
This has really inspired me. I have been trying to find a way to get really cute clothes with out having to spend so much money! Thank you so much. 🙂 Your work is really great.
You are amazing…..in the past i doing the same with clothes.But the last years i haven`t time…congratulations my girl…
Martha.From Greece
WOW! You are quite amazing! I am enjoying your projects 🙂
you are amazing! great inspiration… thanks 🙂
M!
I am absolutely in love with your blog… I have been searching for the inspiration to turn my BAGS and PILES of thrift store/ripped/ill fitting stuff into AWESOME outfits.
You are just wonderful – so funny and beautiful, too!
Thanks for this site!
Thank you for your comment Jillian!! Um, your bags of goodies sound amazing…keep me posted how those work out for you! The best is tweaking something with an easy rip and making it beautiful again. Send me pics m’dear 🙂
You inspire me to get my own sewing machine… and learn to sew. Which you make look entirely too easy! Nicely done! My favorites are Days 184, 109 and 155.
Ooh, I love hearing everyone else’s favorites too!! Go out and grab one – you’ll have fun!!
Hello I am Brazilian and here in Brazil to your site and your idea left in one of the pages of Globo.com, saw and liked and even pointed to a college friend who makes fashion … Congratulations on your idea is brilliant … I will continue tracking … when you finish will continue posting clothing reformed?
Kisses
You are AMAZING! I love what you do, I find it so inspiring. I wrote about you in my blog post about up-cycling, hope you don’t mind 🙂
http://blog.heaps.co.nz/life-stages/student/up-cycling/
OMG………you’re so good………
I JUST LOVE YOUR CREATIVITY!!!!!!!!
by the way I’m brazilian and now a fan!!!!!
WOW! i found you through READYMADE’s Blog and totally fell in love with the beauty you create from the oh-so-hedious clothes to the drop-dead-gorgeous-hip+stylin’ fashions…i love how you have a story behind your creations…it’s so refreshing to read…thank you for sharing such fabulous inspirations! looking forward to seeing more of the beauty you create…(ps posted on FB but would like to also post my top 10 favs (of your creations) on my blog…would it be ok?)
At first congratulations! Simply amazing the stuff you make around here! I read about your blog in a magazine’s website..and I got curious..
As I could see I’m not the only brazilian following you work (better: art!) And it’s clear for me that you’re just having fun, wich is great!
I loved it, and I’ll came visit your blog as more as I can! 😉
You are incredible, and I have been inspired! I’m a crocheter and have been working to expand my skills in that craft for about the last 6 months when my obsession kicked into high gear! Once I started making some bags and needed to line them I got more interested in sewing. I can mend and patch, and now line, but that’s totally where my skill sent ends. You have totally inspired me to take on sewing as well! I plan to take off as soon as my Mom gets her rarely used sewing machine to my house and starts the lessons!
+1
This is such a great blog!! I I stumbled across it after reading about you on IFB. You’re truly inspiring. 🙂
I love this project! I can’t believe you are doing it every day, too!
I just had to tweet a link to you!
Great project! Would you mind sharing what sewing machine you use? Thanks!
you’re my hero. luv this blog ♥
Follow your heart Marisa… do what you love and success will surely follow!
Wow!! You are such an inspiration to me.. what talent you have! I always wanted to use my creativity to do something like that…… I feel like going home and chopping up some clothes right now! 🙂 I am a mother of two in her 20’s .. in MONTANA! not too much to do around here.. now I’m thinkin of starting some projects. you rock! keep it up!!!!
You areso inspiring! Your down to earth persoality is contagious!
Just saw a link on Yahoo. This is a great project. Would love to see the other creations that you’ve done. You turned the outfits into something very cute.
superb! this has been my dream, to be able to remake my own old dresses into stylish designs! you’re talented and inspiring 🙂
i am now a huge fan 🙂 wish i would’ve seen this sooner. and yes, straight males can enjoy creative fashion too!
LOVE your blog!!!
i must say you just rocked my world…..i am a craft impaired stay at home mom who also care gives for my bedridden mom and coronary challenged dad. i am on the internet a lot during the day because it gives me a window to a world i dont get to see much. you blog has been added to my favorites. i admire your creativity and your writing style is great. i look forward to following you….thank you for giving me a smile, some entertainment and a new free thing to look forward to. xo
Your blog and creativity are both truly inspiring. I’m a freelance copywriter by profession, and always enjoy reading (and seeing) unique and creative ideas in action!
Nice skills with the sewing machine 🙂
Danielle Lynn
watched julie and julia months ago and it’s indeed inspiring…and so as your creations! I’m glad to see women fulfilled with their work. You inspired a lot of people with that kind of personality. 🙂
you are one talented and creative woman. you got a talent I cannot have and never have..lolz
by the way i saw your face and dress feature on yahoo that is how i got into your blog. keep it up!
Anne
Just an amazing level of creativity. You are a talent and inspiration.
You have totally freaking inspired me and I don’t even sew! I am coming up with an Amy version of this because I, too, am in a creative funk. Kudos to you on your venture. You’re doing an awesome job! Thanks for the inspiration!
Absolutely inspiring! I’ve redone a few things, but nothing like what you’ve done. Where do you find your clothing? I might have to send my sister out shopping for me ( She live in West Hollywood)
You have amazing talent!!
I love this blog and your creativity. My mom and grandma were both very big sewers. I would love to get back into sewing and this could be the perfect way to. We already spent a lot of time at the thrift stores and I can’t believe I never though to re-hab a dress! You have inspired me! Best wishes for a successful 365 for $365 year!
Congrats! You’ve made headway all the way to Malaysia. Read about you on Yahoo’s front page. Keep up the fabulousity! What you’re doing is amazing 🙂 Super love it!!
I happened accross your site via Yahoo news….. I just wanted to write to you to say that I think your idea is AWESOME, i’d kinda like to try it myself (not 365) but, It’s summer in up-state New York and I’m currently out of work due to a surgery, Just wish I could get my hands on a sewing machine,,,,,,
Lots of love!!!!!
Jessica
You are very talented!
Why don’t you just buy/get the dress in your correct size? Your dresses are way too short as your knees are unattractive. I can’t say what you do to them is much better than the original. There is one you made into a blouse that was cute.
JMT- you are a mean bully.
It is really sad that someone had to deposit something negative instead of finding something constructive to do with their time. I pray that this person finds joy, beauty and happiness, seeing that they have none. Your work is beautifully original and creative. Keep making lemonade and the world will be sweeter. (not to mention that your knees are more attractive than this person’s personality! lol) Be Blessed!
Absolutly love your cent$ of style — smart, savvy, and in this economy sheer brilliance! I grew up making doll clothes along side my mother as she made my clothes. I don’t ever remember getting to go to the store to buy clothes. My mother made everything I wore. Benefit: no one had my outfit. Disadvantage: I thought I was missing out. Now I wish I could sew like she did or LIKE YOU CAN! I’m inspired by you and your blog and creativity. I hope you reconsider and keep this project going. If not daily, perhaps weekly or monthly. You have a real talent, great style and the way you express yourself in your blog and with the dresses you make-over … genius. May I please add you to my website? You’re a wonderful role model and your story is a SWELL READ! Thank you for sharing. Happy Sewing~Karla
Gotta tell you. Design and stuff like this doesn’t interest me but I saw this on Yahoo’s hompage and was bored enough to check it out. I’m impressed. I have actually been looking for a hobby myself over the past few months. Your work has shown me that finding a good one can be fulfilling. Glad you found something that fits (haha That just cracked me up. I’m easily amused.).
I actually signed up for this blog. The only “blog” I’ve ever signed up for. If anyone finds out I’ll never hear the end of it. Let’s just keep this between us. Keep up the good work.
Jay
love this blog. ur so lucky to have a talent.
I posted a comment on the facebook page as well but wanted to share my support here as well…
This is just about the most awesome thing! I have always admired those of us who could go thrifting and walk out with the most unique and creative styles that work for them. I however, being the A.D.D. person that I am, I can hardly walk into a thrift store and take a glance around let alone scavange through to find …valuable pieces. And don’t even get me started on using a sewing machine! Which is why I am so totally in love with your concept and will definetly be watching for your latest creations!
you’re amazing… i hope i can be creative like you…^^
so creative.. i like this blog so much.. ^_^
I just found your blog, and I think you are amazing… best wishes!
I have ZERO interest in Fashion or Sewing or anything that you appear to like to do…but I am absolutely love your creativity!
You are simply awesome!! I have not come across something this creative in a very very long time!!
Hi!!!
I love your blog!!! I was wondering what day this dress was :http://green.yahoo.com/blog/guest_bloggers/60/turn-ugly-dresses-into-nice-ones-for-1.html (the last picture with the white floral print) I’m in love with the after dress!!!!
hello!
i wanted to tell you how FABULOUS i think this is. i graduated from textile design school in philly, and have been in that creative funk ever since. i moved to AZ for a change, and i (by default) work in finance right now, and i want to claw out of my cubicle every day =) finding a way to let your creative juices flow every single day is wonderful, and i am going to try to find a way to do the same. i recently designed a print i’m going to order on fabric, and upholster an old chair in. wish me luck, and good luck with your fun, moomoo turned fashionable dresses =)
Absolutely inspiring. I just love your creativity and where you get you inspirations from to create your daily dresses. I too am a seamstress and love to come up with ways to reuse or remake old, new ,and just strange clothing . Your ideas come across easy for those who are beginners and I think it let’s people believe they too can create something new from something they already have . Keep it up. I look forward to seeing what you have next!!!!
Hi I found this through yahoo and I think the idea you have is amazing. Also I think I’m gonna try the chocolate recipe you posted if I can figure out how to work it out lol.
Love this 🙂
I NEED ONE OF UR DRESSESS!!! :))))))))
This is the absolute best sewing idea ever!! The budget, the outcome, the fun! It sounds amazing! To the looks of the pictures, you’ll have a wonderful wardrobe by the end of the 365 days!!!
Q: The $1.00 a day budget only includes like the items needed to make the outfits right? Like thread, Sissors, stuff like that!!??
Anyways, love this idea so much 🙂
great dresses! heart them all:)
I love your blog! I wish I had your talent. It has inspired me to look at the clothes at thrift stores differently. I can’t wait to go back to Deseret Industries to sift through their clothes!
I saw your story on Yahoo and was intrigued to see more. Big Kudos to you for your drive and great success. Your talent is genuine and amazing. My grandmother taught me how to sew from patterns… I still can’t touch her skill though, but am grateful for the “know how”. I’ve enjoyed your adventure and Thank You for sharing.
WOW! This is the 1st word that comes to mind when I stumbled upon your site. I’ve spent the last 2.5 hours looking at all your fabulousness from Nov 2009 to Aug 2010. You ave re-created a phenomen into the joy of sewing your clothes instead of buying pricey ones you only wear once. When I was pregnant, I didn’t have a lot of money & living on my own at 15 was difficult financially in itself, so I went to the fabric store to make a few sundresses (I lived in TX) & ended making all my maternity clothes & all my new babygirls clothes unitl she was 7-years old. Since then I put up the machine for heels & a breifcase. But after looking at all your wonderful transformations tonight, I had my daughter (now 23) to go pull my sewing machine out the garage. I’ll be cleaning it up, putting back together my sewing box/tools & get to sewing & transforming my attire because now I’m permanently disabled, so I have nothing but time. Marissa, I want to tell you that you are an inspiration & have a wonderfully beautiful spirit. You should definitely start a book titled, “Stylish Clothes for $1.00 A Day” or “Sew-N-Wear for a Buck a Day.” You get the idea. Sweetie, please continue your amazing skills & eye for fashion long past your “New Dress A Day,” you can go many, many places, even opening your own business?!? I look forward to seeing what you create next! Lots of Love & Happiness, Denise
I’m loving your humor!! My family does a tacky holiday party every year and you are now my inspiration to turn my box of U-G-L-Y clothes into great ones! Keep it up, I can’t wait to see what you do next!
Awesome!!
hi, i think you are doing fantastic work on the ugly turned chic dresses! wish i had your talent! 😀
omg..i totally love your amazing sense of creativity and fashion…the dresses were mostly fugly to start with, but u totally transformed them..i am inspired..i wish i am as good as you though with the sewing kit..sigh..cant wait to see your next collection..you are totally AWESOME!! awe inspiring..u go girl!!
😀 words are not enough! it seems like a good trick but as I am very creative myself, I’m thoroughly astonished at your ingeniousness. I just have a question: creativity is one thing but for this you also need skill – in sewing. how and where did you learn to sew?
best regards and
a big thank you for sharing this marvelous job with other ppl
emel
and did you use an ordinary sewing machine or you needed a special one?
🙂
YOU ARE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I only with I knew how to sew.
wooow!! you always have a new dress!! love it soo much!! and, i can take you to Bali.. i live on island beside that island!! let’s have some fun!!
Awesome and so inspiring! You go girl!!
AMAZING what you can do with a sewing machine! 🙂 I especially love the gold brocade dress and the cute Charlotte-y floral number that’s perfect for Sunday lunch/brunch. 🙂
I can’t wait to see what tomorrow’s project will be! 🙂
You are one hell of an artist, ma’am. I love this!
Love your story …I am in the same boat. Im going to watch this movie! Good Luck y to you
I love how creative you are. You have a wonderful eye for fashon. You inspire others to do the same. I think I will look through my closet and see if I can transform something. Thank you!!
I just read your story on Yahoo! I think you and your idea is awesome! I love it!!!!
I just found your site and I am in love. Definitely featuring it on my blog.
I have never wished I could sew more in my life.
Keep up the good work.
Amy
Awesome remakes!
You are incredible. Very inspiring. I ADORE your fashion sense. I am looking forward to more posts!
i love it love it love it!!! very awesome idea and dresses–before and after!! =) can’t wait to see whats next! =)
I found your blog through the Yahoo home page and am loving it. I have a vintage shop on Etsy and I know the frustration of loving certain details or the fabric of a too big/fugly/too weird piece of vintage clothing and wanting to adjust it. Soo many times I’ve found things people would love if there were some slight adjustments, etc. I just wish I knew how to sew! You’ve inspired me to dust off my mom’s old sewing machine and start playing around. Also, your blog focuses on creativity and style instead of designer labels and the like, which is what fashion should be about anyway. Keep up the good work!
what are you going to do with 365 articals of clothing? i think i spelled articles wrong….im only 12 and my website isnt so great ‘cuz i dont update it very much… if i were you i would maybe sell them for a price or maybe what i think would be fun, email a fashion magazine and tryto get a spread in a magazine… you should do another year too!
I’m really inspired by your blog. And what you do is very creative. This has inspired me a lot. My stuff is craft and paintings, I hope someday I’ll be a brave as you to challenge my self this way. In the meantime, please let me know if you really make the trip to Bali someday, I was one of the crew of the movie, it will be my pleasure to take you around 😉 *hugs
I love what you’ve done! You got me so inspired to sew again that I’m going out tomorrow to find lots of goodies. There’s a place near my house that has free (yes, FREE) items that nobody can stand anymore and that sounds like the perfect place to start. I read almost every word of your blog last night and totally fell in love with your work. Keep it up!
You are awesome and a great inspiration. Your ideas are fresh and wonderful. You look like you truly imbrace life. Good for you!
I was thrilled to receive a link to your blog from a friend who know I love to sew. Taking cast-off, no longer wearable (if they ever were!) garments and recreating them as fashion forward, funky and stylish garments is the best form of recycling. Being an oddball size, I have practiced this for most of my adult life but to see the idea become mainstream is inspiring. Heck, it has become a repeat challenge on Project Runway! Thanks for sharing yourself so fully with us; keep up the great work.
Hi Marisa!
Wow, you are one talented girl! I wish you’d live close by, so I can use your service! Have you ever thought of making clothes for others? Imagine instead of buying one dress for a buck, you buy two or three, and then sell the other dresses to people like me who don’t have your special talent. Before you know it, you have a profitable business! 😉
You are such an inspiration to me! Not only is your fashion sense top notch, so is your blogging. Wish I had found your site sooner 🙂
I saw about your blog on yahoo, your idea is wonderful and your fashion sense is on point. You’ve inspired me to start up sewing. I hope you reach your goal for your dresses and keep up the fabulous work.
Ganbatte Kudasai !!
You have given me some great ideas, for the clothes I was about to get rid of in a garage sale. Seriously you should have your own show. I would have never thought of some of the ways to update clothes, like you have shown. Thanks for the instructions for the totally non sewer like myself, you have given me inspiration that I can change my clothes too. Thanks
You are so inspiring to me! This is something I’d really like to do.
WOW I LOVE YOUR CREATIVITY WHAT A INSPIRATION YOU ARE TO GIRLS EVERY WHERE WHO LOVE FASHION. I LIKE TO SEW AND ALWAYS TEND TO SAVE CLOTHS NOW I HAVE IDEAS IN HOW TO RECYCLE SOME OF MINE AND MY GIRLS CLOTHS THAT WE NO LONGER LIKE…
THANK YOU FOR SHARING…
Wow! You are so creative! I love your initiative. You are great example for young people out there. I too have a blog, phrasesfortheyoung.weebly.com, that tries to inspire people in their 20s to do awesome things. Maybe I can link to you sometime since your site shows what awesome things young people can do!
You rock! i’ve always loved vintage dresses and would think, if only i knew how to sew, i could totally re-make this dress! and you’re doing it!! love this blog, very inspiring 🙂
Wow! I just found your blog today and I am sad to realize that you only have a few more months to go. I have always wanted to learn to sew and I am going to take your creativity as my inspiration. I love your creations, your vision, and especially your sense of humour. Keep it up!
I saw this on Yahoo when I came into work this morning and rather than answering emails I decided to read your blog and then send the link to every person I knew. You are so creative and I love how you thought of the idea! I think you will inspire so many people to be more creative during a tough time in their lives. Congrats I think you are incredible!
I really loved your idea and i think everything is awesome!! Good Luck 🙂
I just found your blog and I love it! Keep up the good work!!
You are really talented and you make beautiful clothes for a dollar. That was a really great ideal.
Your creative genious is astounding.
Just started reading your blog and I have to say it’s very inspiring! I have decided to thrift shop for the first time in my life, bust own my moth-covered sewing skills and start to revamp my own finds! Thanks for the ideas and motivation!
I love how you got more and more creative! I started from the most recent and went backwards which kinda confused me when you used stuff from previous posts(haha)…oh well…it all came together once I got to the beginning =) You are very good at sewing! I envy you! Very interesting blog and fun creations! I look forward to seeing the rest! I am now hooked! =)
you are so inspiring!!!! really!
whoops! spelled my name wrong on the last one.
I am in love with every single dress you have made! You style is seriously the cutest thing everrrr. I wish I could sew so badly, so I could make my own clothing and not waste money! haha. You inspire me to teach myself how to sew and make clothing, or at least get a book about sewing! I really want to start making my own clothes like you did. I love everything great job! you rock!
I absolutely love your creativity. I really wish I were this talented and could go out and find good vintage buys and revamp them before I start college for a fresh look. Some of your pieces are unbelievable! The transformations are just fantastic and flattering. Keep up the amazing work! (Please!)
Hey Marisa, I just read your story on Yahoo! And it has inspired me to get up and do something, so that I can feel happy and not dwell upon my situations. Thank you for being such a positive person and for inspiring not only me but everyone that reads your story! May God continue to bless you for being such a blessing to others! Thanks!
-Kasey
Hi,
You have done an amazing job! I’m loving your styles and the dresses. I was very surprised to see your photo wearing the cone hat, which is my country’s traditional hat (Vietnam). You’re a girl with inspiration and talent. I wish you best of luck!
You creativity is incredible! I’m always going to Salvation Army or Good Will (I’m an 18yr old intern who is cheap and broke lol) and I see these pieces that have a great print or just some nice aspect to them but the overall look is AWFUL. And up until finding your blog, I didn’t think anything could be done with them. Thank you so much for sharing how to recreate them without spending more than a few dollars!
I don’t know how far your blog gets, but here in Puerto Rico it must be a hit! As a retired fashion designer I find your endeavor not only admirable, but fun and creative. You should be a judge in Project Runway! I will try to keep up with you (although retired due to my MS, I get asked to do work for other designers, which keeps me busy) and if you ever come to Puerto Rico (before Bali) please let me know. ¡Un abrazo!
I am a girl from Hong Kong where not many people having a sewing machine at home and people do not have time to do DIY things. I do really like your dresses and you are so talented. You are amazing!!!
Absolutely amazing, i just saw your story on yahoo news and as soon as i saw the dresses i was addicted they are all so cute, amazing and beautiful, it sounds like a lot of fun to take something old and make it new. Your doing an amazing job have lots of fun with the next dresses!
YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!! YOUR SENSE OF STYLE AND TALENT HAVE INSPIRED ME TO PURCHASE A SEWING MACHINE AND GET CREATIVE!! I LOVE THRIFTING..AND GO ON A WEEKLY BASIS..BUT HAVE NEVER WORKED WITH A SEWING MACHINE 😦 HEEELLLLPPPPP!!! HOW’D YOU LEARN?! LOL!!
WISH ME LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
..KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK 🙂
Oh wow, this is so awesome. Thanks for reminding me that I have two big tubs of cloth and two sewing machines that miss me dearly.
I just saw your site on yahoo and am so amazed! I just love what you do. You are just as talented – if not more – than those Project Runway folks. So creative. I think it is great that you are pushing yourself like this. Keep up the great work – don’t tire of it – you will make your goal! If you are close to Wash DC – let me know and we will do some photos for you!
Love your projects. I don’t have the patience to make clothes from scratch but I love up-cycling/altering clothes from the thrift store or hand me downs. It was very inspiring to see what you did with some awful pieces. If you open your own store featuring recycled fashions, contact me, i live in LA and would love to sew with you 🙂
-Your new fan, Simone
I came across your blog from yahoo. I’ve seen through all the posts. It’s really inspiring. As a girl living in these trifling times, I’m thankful I came across your blog. You just gave me the best solution for fashion since I’m always broke!! ❤ Thank you very much 😀
Hi !
you are amazing with these dresses and all that. I found you first on Yahoo and then I followed through your blog, cant kept my self from reading it all in one go. Its so inspiring. Setting yourself to a task per day and then accomplishing it successfully.
Good work
Heya der girl!!!
U Rock!!! ur super amazing…i wish i had those skills.I d pay u loads to get some of my ill fitting dresses done up!!…temme ? were u ispired by the movie Julia & Julia to do this?..Ur idea is splendid…jus love ur dresses…nd purple is my fav color too…Marisa keep it goin’…. ur da best!!
And once again…U TOTALLY ROCK!!!
oh yes..u were totally inspired by JULIA & JULIA…Jus read about u on FB!!!:):)…..awesome!!!
Hi!
you are amazing, with dresses. I came across your blog on Yahoo and then I couldn’t kept my self from reading all the stuff in a single sitting. Its amazing. You set your self with a goal and you fulfill it. Its Awesome.
Thanks for sharing your amazing talents. You are a breath of fresh air!
You should get a lookbook 🙂 Your looks are VERY inspirational and unique 🙂
I just wanted to say that I LOVE your creativity & originality. I’m an aspiring fashion designer & you’ve given me a lot of inspiration just by reading your blog. I also have a fashion blog & i will definitely be posting something about your blog today.
Thank you!
You are amazing…. But is not fair that girls have so many options and guys really doesn’t get more than just plain slacks, jeans and shirts. You are amazingly beautiful and never go out of style. I couldn’t stop watching your work. And your beautiful pictures. God bless and keep up that amazing work.
Hi dear,
I totally love what you do! Want to be like you when I grow up…. How long have you been sewing or rather when did you learn to sew? I’m 25 years and I don’t want to believe it’s too late to start crafting or sewing. Cheers!
Wow, you are truly inspirational. I just went through your whole website today and I cannot believe the creativity there. I wish I could take a Muumuu and make a fabulous outfit out of it! You should sell your dresses online – you’ll make a killing! Keep on rockin’!
I just wanted you to know I came across your website and have been completely inspired by what you’re able to do with these clothes! I can barely sew a button and certainly don’t own a sewing machine, but am completely motivated to buy one and try and teach myself. I can only hope to turn horridly drab clothes into the marvels that you’re able to… someday! Thank you for showcasing your amazing work!
you blog/project is amazing!!
Hi I saw an article about you on yahoo and had to check out your site. I have been so frustrated with the clothes they sell at the mall; the clothes are all so ugly to me so I really don’t think you are missing anything. I have been shopping at the Goodwill and thrift stores for years. When you are able to buy a whole new wardrobe for around $100 its hard to shop at the mall where you would be lucky to get 3-5 articles of clothing. Your site has opened my eyes to so many more possibilities! I can’t wait to go shopping again! Though I can’t sew I have a husband that can do anything. ; )
i saw an article about you yesterday and stayed up late last night and tonight to read your whole blog! i feel pretty much the same as what everybody said. i admire your creativity and you have inspired me to actually go on a diet! i love shopping at thrift stores too but now it would be more exciting thinking of ways to revamp somebody’s trash into my new treasure. you rock!
I saw your web site and was inspired by your ingenuity and creativity. You have a wonderful eye for design. I am going to share your website with my grandaughter as an example of what is possible. She is turning 12 in November, and she has a creative spirit. Thanks for sharing your work and your talent. I am sure you are touching many lives, and making a positive impact the people of all ages. God bless you, Joanne-Sara
I start loving your blog the first time I saw an article about you on Yahoo and believe me, I got addicted to it. I adore the enthusiasm you placed on each outfit everyday and it is inspiring! Cheers to more ‘reborn’ outfits!
I absolutely ADORE your dresses!!!!!!!! I loved the concept of Julie’s blog in Julie & Julia and I thought it was so cool when I learned about your New Dress A Day Project! I read the article on Yahoo and fell in love with that blue jacket/shirt you made for the Dodgers game you went to!!!! Super cute, and I love your blog!
You’ve encouraged me to go thru my closet, pull out a sundress I never wear and turn it into a top I WILL wear!
you are so amazing and you make me wish i was talented. some of your outfits are so rediculously amazing that i want them. i spent hours from the past two days looking through all the way up until day 1 and now that im up to date ill continue to watch. keep up the amazing clothes
You have enlightened us all. I love to sew and this is a great idea. Keep up the wonderful ideas and creations. I love to shop Goodwill and Salvation Army Thrift shops and yard sales. It is a great thing you have done!
I love how you customize your clothes! I sew too, but was feeling that I lacked the creativity I once had, it was almost a year or more I didn’t do anything crafty, but I have to admit that you helped me get my creativity back! By watching what you were doing, I took my old vintage clothing that fit me like a potato sack and I started sewing them and cutting here and there and I feel the ideas coming back to me.
THANK YOU for being so awesome and helping me get back on my crafty passion of sewing 🙂
I think you are amazing & so creative! I found you via a plug from yahoo and I had to just go through your entire blog and all your outfits are amazing! Some are kinda freaky cool, but still cool 🙂 I look forward to seeing your new outfits and am so happy for you! Enjoy your trip back to NY and I will stay glued to your blog for updates!!
Hi Marissa, I am not your age-and I don’t sew , but I love to see how you can transform a piece of clothing . My fasination with your quest is I love thrift stores and the treasures therein. Keep going with that creativity!jz
Hello Marissa! May I call you Marissa? All I know is, to a girl who learned to sew from her grandmother and ADORES do-it-yourself looks, you rock. The best thing is, you never run the risk of someone else having the same thing! I have to admit I came to know your blog via clicking the Yahoo! link, but I think that’s okay. just more followers for you! Your creativity and thriftiness is inspiring, and keep chugging out the sad dress makeovers. Good luck in all that you do!
Love Love Love this blog. Saw it on yahoo and have spend the last several days reading it from the start.
You’ve motivated me to get my sewing maching back out and get to work. I even bought two vintage dresses this weekend (one WITH a belt, but alas, no pockets) and am planning on turning both into tops. Wouldn’t have looked twice at them before.
Thanks Marisa — I’ll be sad when your year is over.
totally love this blog, and its motivate me. and good luck for u, and keep inspiring.
Hey hey Marisa. Like everyone else, I saw your blog and your story on Yahoo news, and I am totally inspired. I know you have inbox messages up the wazoo now!! You’re just that awesome, and I’ve always wanted to do a project with a goal and a deadline to finish! I do alot of DIY and recons myself and thought you’d like to check out my blog sometime. I wrote about ya in my latest post cause I think you’re the total shizz XDDD I can’t wait to see the last dress. I bet it’ll be EPIC!! I totally wanna start getting cool-ish t-shirts for a dollar and recon them.. But I had that plan to do it soon, just not buy shirts [or dresses] for a dollar. Gotta find a thrift store closest to me!! ❤
I will be sad when your year is over too! Maybe you can just cut down to a dress a month? 🙂 I just jumped on your blog bandwagon, and am thoroughly enjoying the ride! I don’t sew, but have been inspired not only in my wardrobe options of late, but also with what I could get started with when I turn 30 in a few weeks. Thanks for sharing a bit of you life with us!
OMG! this is so creative and awesome…..my friend just directed me to this site and I am so impressed. Great work and dedication to your blog! I love it! You are inspiring people to be innovative and think outside the box!
WOW – I just discovered your blog and it is amazing! I spent several hours last night and looked at every entry. You are so talented and quite an inspiration. It made me want to get out all my crafty type “stuff” and get busy! What are your plans after you get to day 365 – any new blogs in the works .
You are amazing and an ispiration to some people, icluding me =) I am a fan of yours since the 15th March 2010, when I first discivered your blog =P Keep up the good work and thank you for being an ispiration!
You are apsolutely incredible! I have been inspired, You are my new hope… Greeting from Croatia (Europe). :*
can i have some of your dresses?!!!? pretty please :]
I fell in love with this. I don’t know how you keep up.. but you’re amazing. Love you, you’re flippin flabergasting. (: Keep it up!!
I love what you’re doing.. I saw Julie and Julia and think this is such a cute idea..You have a creative sense of style. Keep it up can’t wait to see the rest of your designs.. 🙂
You are very creative. I watched the Julie and Julia movie and was trying to come up a 365 day blog as well. You should try opening up a boutique. One of a kind pieces! Good luck to you whatever this may bring to you!
I hate to bring up the business end (ha ha) of this goal… But you could really start a business, or a charity donating tailored fun clothes to homeless shelters, or Charity fund raisers. You could turn this hobby into something really noble. All I have to say now is. YOU GO GIRL!
Love
-Ana
Guy Kawasaki posted your blog on Twitter….three hours ago! and I’m still up, at 2 am, reading through your amazing posts. You and your creations are lovely, inspiring and so much fun. And btw, I had one of those hideous 1980s fuchsia taffeta frillsome bridesmaid dresses…. off the shoulder, boned rib-crusher bodice, giant bow on the booty, with a multi-layered tulle underskirt! yikes. Girls just wanna have – another margarita.
Thank you – keep up the great work!
JTL, Brisbane Australia.
Hey, just thought that you should know that you are such a inspiration, me and my sister always used to take shirts in and stuff, and when i was little i would use my dad’s old shirts to make my own little outfits.
Me and my friends love thrift shopping, and i love being able to explain that what i got only costed me 2 dollars.
Just today I bought a dress that i am going to add some pizzaz too. Hopefully i can make some cute creations like you have!
hey there..when I read about your blog, I was curious to have a look..and now, I haven’t missed even a day to check out what’s new in your blog, I just love the idea that you get old fashioned clothes and turn it into something totally fresh and new…seriously, I loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeee your blog and all your creative ideas..jeep it up…you’re just awesome…just so you know, I don’t like blogging, but then I don’t know why i’m always checking out updates in your blog..it’s just really fun to read…really adore your ideas..XOXO, from your borneo fan…
Love the inspiration!
I just wanted to tell you how freakin talented you are! I sew and make clothes too and you inspire me to do what you do.
You are such an inspiration. Now I am look at clothes and wonder what I can do to revamp them. Keep up the good work! =)
When are you going on Project Runway girl! You are so talented and beautiful and clearly have personality. Do you live in NY? My friend told me about you because I am a butting artist/jackets. I decided to post a jacket a day on facebook.
Love you – you are an inspiration!
I just wrote the last note. BTW, my name is Kristina Koch on facebook if you have time to look at my jackets.
Oooops, sorry it’s Rowlodge. I just got married so I’m still very confused! Sorry!
Love what you’re doing! Truly an inspiration into fashion and recycling. I’ve been following your blog ever since the YahooNews post.
Had to giggle today as i saw your article in “Sun Weekly” magazine (aka weeklyworldnews.com/the-sun/ ). They did choose 2 of your prettier results for the photos.
Just saw you on the Nate Berkus Show. Fabulous segment! Love your imagination!
Just discovered your blog and love it. Happily there’s a lot of catching up to do! One question: could you put a ‘before’ photo next to the ‘after’ photo? I love to compare them and it would save a lot of scrolling.
You’re dresses are SO cute. You should keep going even after your 365 days are over! I adore them! I got found this blog from my aunt, and I have looked at it everyday since she showed me! Keep up the good work! I have shown all of my friends and they admire the results. Keep on going! You can do it!
love, love, love your blog…this is my kind of sewing!!! You go, girl!
you go girl!
facebook fan#27,530
I think it’s amazing what you’re doing 🙂 Very inspiring! Will you be selling any outfits/looks?
Fantastic blog. I love this. I’ve lost 85 lbs and I have a sewing machine, thanks for the inspiration!