Do you remember this little dress from a couple of years ago?

It is made with the softest, most deliciously faded fabric. I just love the feminine girliness of it.

But, alas, my little girl grew… So I turned that loved dress into a skirt in a quick five-minute makeover.

With the addition of a scrap flower added to a plain white top, the outfit went from way too small to new again.

But–oh!–my little girl just keeps on growing!

And she went from itty bitty…

…to big time big kid. That’s what I get for blinking. So this piece was ready for a new life yet again…

First, I cut off the bottom of the skirt, just above the lowest layer of ruffle and mini ruffle, and I cut it in half to make two leg opening ruffles for a pair of ruffle pants.

[I’m using mixed fabrics for this projects, getting out of my comfort zone again in the most glorious way.]

Then I carefully cut two long strips from the rest of the body of the skirt. [I set the elastic waistband aside to possibly use on another project someday.] And each strip (above, top) became a strap (above, bottom)…

[Something as simple as a contrasting green thread color adds a lovely touch for me on these straps.]

So now this outfit has gained another year or two of usefulness [and cuteness!] in this Matilda Jane inspired knot top and ruffle pants.

Not the sewing type? There’s still time to enter the Matilda Jane Clothing $50 gift card giveaway! Entries close at midnight tonight, but you can enter by liking CampClem on facebook, sharing the post on facebook, tweeting about it, and pinning the post.

Go see all the details here, and be sure to come back Wednesday to see who won, wheeeee!

OH! And I WILL be posting a step-by-step photo tutorial for how you can sew a knot top too… Soon… I hope!

But I need a little color inspiration, please?! What colors/patterns do you think I should choose for my next piece? Do tell!