Sewing. Actually, every season means sewing, but I love sewing clothes especially in the Spring. In Texas, Spring is really a milder extension of the long summer and that requires the right kind of clothes to brave the heat. This year I've started my Spring/Summer sewing by adapting a pattern to mimic a favorite but worn out top from past years.
I've owned this top for several years, but now it's stained and even a little holey, so no longer wearable. I had thought about taking it apart and creating a pattern based on it, but the prospect of spending that much time ripping seams wasn't particularly appealing.
I happened upon a Simplicity pattern that resembled the original design enough that I thought I could adapt it.
And I did. I selected the version of the pattern that eliminated the ruffle at the bodice and at the armholes and added the ties around the neck edge instead of a collar or facing. I also sewed in fewer buttonholes and buttons because I didn't think that I'd ever want to button it to the neck.
The Swiss dot fabric came from Purl Patchwork online.
It came out pretty much as I envisioned it and I'm definitely planning a second one...maybe even a third.
15 comments:
I like your adjustments. I have a similar pattern (and fabric) that I may have to follow your lead with. :-)
I had a beautiful white sweater that I love that got a stain in the same spot and I took the opportunity to embroider a long stemmed, leafy yellow rose to cover it.. Maybe some
free form applique?
you did a lovely job adapting that pattern! Just a suggestion- if the holes are repairable have you considered dyeing your shirt? I just dyed a shirt yesterday that my husband stained while working. I find it gives new life to those favorites that are starting to look 'old'
Looks great, and the fit is perfect! I have a favorite from last summer that is looking a little gross-- maybe I'll be able to find a similar pattern, too. Great job!
There's a book called "Making patterns from finished clothes" which details to process of how exactly to trace your garment *without* taking it apart at the seams.
It works well when you get the hand of it, and it's one of my favorite and most-recommended sewing books.
Although the top looks simple enough, you shoudl be able to just trace it anyway, add seam allowances and there ya go.
Very cute! I love the fabric.
The tucked yoke of your original garment reminded me of New Look 6647, which I've been trying to find at my local stores lately. I don't think you want the fitted waist, though. Interferes with the air conditioning!
What a great top! I like your version better than the Simplicity version!
Great adaptation! This looks wonderful!
That shirt is fantastic! Thanks for some inspiration!
Very nice! I wish I could make clothes.
Hi, Malka, I just stopped by to say I am a huge fan (I think you may know that already.) I just read your post linked (from flickr)to the twinkle king sized quilt and found it inspirational. I wish you ever more success.
Any chance your old top is cotton? I like to overdye my clothes when they get stained. If I don't like the look they end up being used for gardening.
Thats beautiful. How difficult is this pattern? I don't like spending more than a couple days on one project. Its my craft ADD.
the new shirt is lovely, but I would think you would just dye the old one!
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