Monday, 29 August 2011

Polka dot refashion

Ahhh, what's this? A refashion? It's been quite a while. But I won't bore you with my excuses. Just an apology for poor quality photos.









This started out as a second hand blouse with a zip up the back. It had been handmade by someone once and is made in a synthetic fabric. After I bought it, it languished in my wardrobe for about 8 months. I liked it in theory but everytime I put it on I felt awkward. The neck was too high on me and the sleeves came down past my knuckles. There was just TOO much of the blouse. It seemed to scream "I have an art degree" at me. (Do you know what I mean?) Anyway, I only thought last week of refashioning it while I was having a bit of a wardrobe clearout. (More on that in another post)
I unpicked the zip and the high neckband. Then I recut the neck with a scoop t-shirt shape. I used some yellow bias binding that was at the bottom of a binbag of second hand fabrics. I do like a nice pop of bright yellow against black and white. I made a simple loop fastening with a daisy button and stitched up where the zip had been as far as possible while still allowing myself to get the shirt on. I cut the sleeves and hemmed them with the bias trim about 1/2 inch above the hemline. Then I inserted elastic into the casing to give the sleeve hem a bit of shape.

I am much, much happier now with this top. I mean, polka dots, yellow trim, daisy button...what more can I ask for? I have been planning my autumn sewing (note to self, that means another promise of a future post!) and I am hoping this will fit with my planned grey trousers and also with some of my existing me-mades.


And on a final note, I am signing up for Self Stitched September 2011, but do you know what? This time I am taking the pressure off myself and I am not doing daily photos. I haven't decided yet how I will do it instead. I thought about not taking part this time as I don't have lots of new me-mades to share and it could be a bit dull and repetitive viewing. BUT I do hate to be left out. You will probably be seeing this polka dot top in September.


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11 comments:

  1. Magpie Mimi29 August 2011 at 04:32

    I really like this top! The yellow bias and the daisy are very cute! Well done on making it work for you!

    Good luck on working out how to do the SSS!

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  2. Sølvi29 August 2011 at 04:48

    Very cute refashion - the button is such a pretty detail (As are the yellowness of the bias. Geat job on this! :-)

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  3. Urban Rustic29 August 2011 at 08:24

    This top looks so pretty! I am "doing" SSS and have also decided that it will not be a daily affair re-photos.Looking forward to seeing you in your new top!!

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  4. Scruffybadger29 August 2011 at 09:46

    Love it! Polka dots and a daisy button. Sweet! I really like yellow plus grey - very nice colour combo.
    I have been having similar thoughts about SSS. Not sure how to do it differently, but I won't be posting on my blog very much.
    By the way thanks for the nomination, on the previous post- thank you for thinking of me. That too requires thought before I reply!!

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  5. Carolyn29 August 2011 at 20:18

    Very very cute. The yellow bias binding was the perfect touch! Hmmm, I'm curious as to how you will do SSS without photographs? I know you can just dress in me-made without having to prove it, but it'll be a bit sad if we won't get to see you over there ...

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  6. Roobeedoo29 August 2011 at 20:42

    You have such a knack of spotting (ho ho ho) the true potential of thrifted garments! I would have thought "Yeah - nice dots" and moved on. Love the daisy!

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  7. Sigrid30 August 2011 at 02:01

    Yay for polka dots, especially with the yellow binding. I know how you feel about the daily photos, it really stresses me out too.

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  8. Minnado30 August 2011 at 02:12

    Thank you for comments. I am hoping the yellow binding will stay bright after washing. Carolyn, I am going to do some photos, but just not photo and post everyday. Maybe just a roundup every three or four days? I would like to try and take better pictures which calls for more thought and effort. I found I was rushing the photos in order to post them every morning. My current plan is to create a "photo" spot in my house which will be clear of clutter and have good lighting. Hmmm...the search for this spot is continuing.

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  9. Alessa30 August 2011 at 04:05

    Very cute top! Yay for polka dots, colorful trim and flower buttons! :D

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  10. Alison4 September 2011 at 07:49

    Your top is gorgeous, the yellow trim is fantastic!

    Visiting from Recycled Fashion,
    Alison
    x

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  11. Unknown4 September 2011 at 09:26

    Big fan of yellow and black together, so love what you've done with the yellow bias tape here. It is a much more wearable top I agree! Thanks for sharing!

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