Rhiannon Hendricks
Kevin Cotter's ex-wife left behind only her wedding dress when she moved out of their home in 2009. Cotter was heartbroken and confused about what to do with the gown. He started a blog in 2011 called 'My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress', where he documented over a hundred alternative uses for the dress, ranging from the silly to the utilitarian. The dress was transformed into a kite, Halloween costume, hammock, oven mitt, jump rope, and more. The blog became so popular that it was turned into a book, '101 Uses for My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress'.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of uses found | 101 |
| Time taken to find uses | 2 years |
| Uses include | Kite, Halloween costume, hammock, oven mitt, jump rope, yoga mat, scarecrow |
| Book deal | Yes |
| Blog | Yes |
| Book rating | 5 stars |
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What You'll Learn
Using an ex-wife's wedding dress as a Halloween costume
If you're looking for ideas on what to do with your ex-wife's wedding dress, why not turn it into a Halloween costume? This can be a fun and creative way to give the dress a new purpose. Here are some ideas and inspiration to get you started:
The Ghostly Bride:
Create a ghostly bride costume by cutting and tearing the dress to give it a tattered and haunted look. Add some fake blood stains and smudges to intensify the horror. Complete the look with pale makeup, dark eye circles, and messy hair. This costume idea is perfect for those who want to embrace the spooky season.
Angel vs. Devil:
Use the fabric of the wedding dress to create a pair of wings. You can shape wire coat hangers into wing shapes and cover them with the fabric, attaching them to a bodysuit or leotard. Add a halo made from pipe cleaners and covered in fabric or glitter. With this, you can go as either an angel or a devil, depending on your makeup and accessory choices.
Grim Reaper:
The wedding dress can be transformed into a Grim Reaper costume by cutting and shaping it into a long, flowing robe. Add a hood made from the same fabric, and carry a scythe, which can be made from cardboard or other materials. Paint your face white and emphasize dark eye makeup for a truly eerie look.
Zombie Bride:
Turn the wedding dress into a zombie bride costume by distressing the fabric, adding fake blood, and perhaps even including some fake guts and gore. Pair the dress with ripped stockings, smeared makeup, and messy, disheveled hair to complete the zombie look.
Get creative with your alterations, and don't be afraid to experiment. Remember to have fun with the process, and you might just create a memorable Halloween costume that will turn heads and perhaps even win costume contests!
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Using it as a yoga mat
After a divorce, the ex-wife's wedding dress is often left behind. One man, Kevin Cotter, turned his ex-wife's wedding dress into something new and useful. He created a blog, and later a book, titled "101 Uses for My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress", where he documented his creative journey.
Now, let's focus on one particular use: turning the wedding dress into a yoga mat. Here are some steps and considerations to achieve this transformation:
Choosing the Fabric
Select a portion of the wedding dress that provides sufficient material for a yoga mat. Consider the dimensions of a standard yoga mat, which is typically around 68 inches (172 cm) long and 24 inches (61 cm) wide. You might need to piece together different sections of the dress to achieve the desired size.
Fabric Type and Thickness
It is essential to choose a soft and comfortable fabric for the top of the yoga mat, ensuring a pleasant surface for your yoga practice. A medium-weight knit fabric can be an excellent choice, providing a nice balance between softness and durability. For the bottom of the yoga mat, opt for a heavyweight fabric, such as canvas. This will give the mat stability, structure, and traction on the floor.
Cutting and Sewing
Carefully cut the fabric pieces according to your chosen dimensions. If you want a rectangular mat, cut two pieces of fabric to size, one from the chosen top fabric and one from the bottom fabric. Pin the fabric pieces together, ensuring they are properly aligned, and sew them together along the edges, leaving one end open. Turn the tube inside out and sew the remaining open end closed.
Cushioning (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker yoga mat for extra cushioning, consider adding a thin layer of batting or foam between the fabric layers. Cut the batting or foam to size and place it between the fabric layers before sewing them together. This will provide a softer and more comfortable surface for your yoga practice.
Embellishments and Personalization (Optional)
You can add embellishments or personalize your yoga mat to make it even more special. Consider using iron-on vinyl to add a monogram, a meaningful quote, or a design that resonates with you. This can be done before or after sewing the fabric pieces together.
Care and Maintenance
To maintain the cleanliness of your yoga mat, regular care is essential. Hand wash the mat with gentle detergent and cold water, then hang it to dry. Avoid harsh scrubbing or machine washing to preserve the fabric's integrity. For deeper cleaning, you can use a diluted vinegar solution or natural cleaning products specifically designed for yoga mats.
Transforming your ex-wife's wedding dress into a yoga mat can be a therapeutic and empowering process. It allows you to give new life to the dress, creating something functional and meaningful for your wellness journey.
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Using it as a kite
One option for what to do with your ex-wife's wedding dress is to turn it into a kite. This may be a therapeutic activity and a way to symbolically move on.
First, you'll need to gather the necessary materials. For the frame, you'll need two sticks, one measuring 20 inches (51 cm) and the other 24 inches (61 cm). If you want to make a larger kite, you can use longer sticks, ensuring that the horizontal stick is at least 4 inches (10 cm) shorter than the vertical stick. You'll also need string, glue, and fabric for the sail. The wedding dress fabric can be used for the sail, but it should be thick and sturdy to ensure durability.
Now, it's time to start constructing the kite:
- Form a lowercase T-shape with the sticks by placing the shorter stick across the longer one.
- Secure the sticks together with string and glue, wrapping the twine around the middle 1-2 times.
- Prepare the sail by laying the frame on the fabric and outlining it with a ruler. Draw a diagonal line from the top of the frame to the end of the right stick.
- Cut the fabric along the diagonal line to create the sail shape.
- Attach the sail to the frame using glue or any other suitable adhesive.
- Add a flying line by poking a small hole above where the sticks meet. Pull one end of a 20-inch (51 cm) string through the hole and tie it securely.
- Create a kite tail using a 6-foot (1.8 m) long piece of thick string. Attach it to the bottom of the frame by looping it over several times and tying it tightly.
- Decorate the kite with markers, coloured paper, or any other creative additions. You can even write your name on it!
Now your kite is ready for its maiden flight. Choose an open area free of trees and power lines, preferably near a body of water for optimal wind conditions. Enjoy the therapeutic experience of flying a kite made from your ex-wife's wedding dress and embrace the symbolism of soaring towards a new chapter in your life.
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Using it as a hammock
Using your ex-wife's wedding dress as a hammock is a creative way to repurpose the garment. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you in the process:
Planning and Materials:
First, decide on the length of your hammock. A 4-yard length of fabric makes an 11-foot hammock, which is a good all-around size. If you want a shorter hammock, simply shorten the fabric by 1 foot for every foot shorter you'd like it to be.
For the fabric, consider using a strong and durable outdoor fabric that can withstand the elements. You can opt for a polyfill outdoor fabric, or if you're looking for something more natural, consider cotton or canvas. Keep in mind that fabric hammocks are generally warmer and dry out faster than crocheted ones.
You will also need the following materials:
- A sharp rotary blade or scissors
- Sewing kit or sewing machine
- Thread
- Grommet packages (brass is a good option for outdoor use)
- Amsteel cord or knitting needle
- Bias tape (double-fold bias tape is recommended)
- Wooden frame or spreader bar (cedar or oak are good options)
- Nails
- Super glue
- Lighter
Cutting and Sewing:
Start by cutting your fabric to the desired length, allowing for some extra fabric for hems and seams. Cut two 7' long pieces, shaping the ends with a slight convex curve to prevent the feeling of falling out of the hammock. Mark 1 1/2" from each end and draw a line to the center point, creating a "V" shape. Cut along these lines and repeat on all ends.
Next, you'll create the long side hems. Fold the raw edge of the fabric about 1/4" and then fold it again to enclose the raw edge in the seam. Sew these hems using a straight stitch. If you're a beginner, consider clipping your hem every 6-8" to hold it in place while you sew.
Adding Grommets and Cord:
Purchase grommet packages online or from a local sewing store. Trace the inside circle of the grommet onto the fabric with a pencil, ensuring precision and consistent distance from the edge. Cut a small X-shaped slit, being careful not to overcut. Hammer a grommet into each hole.
Take the Amsteel cord and cut it in half to create two 30" pieces. Melt the ends of the cord with a flame to prevent fraying. Tape the cord to a knitting needle and thread it through the channel, then tie a sturdy knot at the end. Feed the knot into the channel, and your hammock is almost ready for hanging.
Creating the Spreader Bar and Hanging:
For the spreader bar, cut your chosen wood (cedar or oak) to 54 1/2" using a chop saw or hand saw. Connect the spreader bar to the fabric bed using the grommets and cord.
Finally, hang the hammock by tying square knots to a sturdy structure or frame. Ensure that the clew knots are facing the same direction to maintain equal tension. Reinforce the knots with super glue if needed, and trim any excess rope, burning the ends with a lighter to prevent fraying.
And there you have it! A hammock made from your ex-wife's wedding dress, ready for you to relax and enjoy.
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Using it as a jump rope
One option for what to do with your ex-wife's wedding dress is to turn it into a jump rope. Here's a guide on how to do it:
First, select your rope. You can use the fabric from the wedding dress for this, or you can opt for a different type of rope, such as leather, PVC, or elastic. Keep in mind that different materials will have different effects on the speed, durability, and versatility of your jump rope. For example, a leather rope is great for speed but may not be suitable for children as it can sting when it hits the skin. If you plan to use the jump rope on hard surfaces, choose a sturdy material to prevent breakage.
Next, you'll need to select your handles. You can purchase handles at a sporting goods store, or you can make your own. To make handles, cut two pieces of 1/2-inch PVC pipe to a length of 4-8 inches, depending on your preference. Then, drill a hole in two 1/2-inch PVC end caps that is wide enough for your rope. Alternatively, you can cut a wooden dowel to the desired length and drill a hole through the center for the rope. If you're making a jump rope for a child, make sure the handle is small and light enough for them to hold easily.
Now it's time to assemble your jump rope. If you're using beads, slide them onto the rope before securing the ends with the handles. You can alternate colours or use beads with letters to personalize the rope. Once you've added the beads, tie the rope securely to the handles. Test the length of the rope and adjust if necessary - a longer rope will take longer to rotate, which can be beneficial for beginners or children.
Finally, you can add some personal touches. Paint the handles your favourite colour or add tassels to the ends to make it more exciting, especially for kids. And that's it! You've now transformed your ex-wife's wedding dress into a functional jump rope.
This unique project is a creative way to give new life to the dress and can even provide a fun physical activity for you or others to enjoy.
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Frequently asked questions
Kevin Cotter, who was in a similar situation, came up with 101 uses for his ex-wife's wedding dress, including using it as a kite, Halloween costume, hammock, oven mitt, jump rope, yoga mat, and even as floss.
After 12 years of marriage, Kevin Cotter's ex-wife left behind her wedding dress when she moved out of their home. The dress, which cost Cotter nearly a grand, sat in his closet for some time. One night, while eating dinner with his family, Cotter's sister-in-law suggested that there could be 101 uses for the dress.
Yes, Cotter started a blog called "My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress" in 2011, where he documented over a hundred alternative uses he found for the dress. This led to a book deal and he published a book called "101 Uses for My Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress".
Cotter has been careful to conceal his former wife's identity and shield her from any media coverage. However, she has released a statement expressing her displeasure with the project and asking him to stop.
