Sunday, January 18, 2009

From This to That

I just entered PatternReview's recycling/refashioning/reconstruction contest. My neighbor gave me this black dress from the GAP that was brand new. She couldn't take it back b/c it was bought from the sale rack. She decided she didn't like it so yours truly ended up with it. Here's it's shown with a top on it for a size reference.
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Did you realize that the straps are reinforced with clear elastic? I didn't until I cut them off.
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This was what was left after I created my new Jalie top. Notice my trashy soup can "pattern weights" to the left.
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Here she is; another Jalie 2804 top.
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Look at the great notions I cut off this dress. I used the straps for the shoulder ties on my new top. Don't you love the black jersey knit-covered buttons?

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I kept the original hem.
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Here are shoulder ties from the right side.

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and the wrong side. You just sew on a little scrap of fabric and make two channels in it. Then you thread the ties through there and viola, there ya go!
 

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17 comments:

Sue said...

Very clever - the top looks lovely!

Keely said...

Great recycling to get a lovely top. Thanks for showing the back of the shoulder ties. DD wants me to make a top for her (that she's kindly done a drawing of) and this technique will be perfect for the gathered/tied side seam she wants.

Lori said...

Great refashion and a perfect top for your trip. Now how warm was it when you took your picture?

Gorgeous Things said...

Fantastic job and top! I really love the shoulder ties. I have a Tracy Reese top I bought several years ago (and you won't believe how much it cost me - what was I thinking?) that has the same type of shoulder treatment.

Myra said...

Great refashion, You look good with the empire cut. Aren't you cold taking the photo outside?

Flowerdew Onehundred said...

Heh, yes, it's a nice refashion indeed!

I find myself wondering if you're freezing in a sleeveless top outdoors in Alaska in January!

-E said...

The shoulder ties make it- so so flattering!

ps if you are still thinking of doing the '08 BWOF 05-121 dress, this shoulder treatment would look nice, leaving the sleeve split and fluttery.

Melissa said...

Very cool! I love it when I can recycle something like you did. It always makes me feel so clever.

Mommymita said...

Great project! I love that you saved the notions because its hard to find good ones..... or maybe you have a source you could share for great notions - please do!

Unknown said...

Love the top, so flattering! A great item for Hawaii! And... using soup cans as pattern weights is NOT trashy, it's resourceful! (I use them too, along with my big Yankee Candle jars!!!)

Rachel said...

I love it. You are really coming along on your Hawaii wardrobe. You have inspired me to start a Disney World wardrobe for my upcoming trip.

Anonymous said...

I love it - great way to refashion a skirt!

Anonymous said...

Are you standing outside? In Alaska?? In JANUARY??? You are insane, woman. Fabulous seamstress - but insane. :)

Kat said...

Looks great! But...are you outside with this top in Alaska? Woman, get back inside! You're making me cold ;) . I use trashy can weights all the time LOL. Tuna cans are my faves.

Little Hunting Creek said...

Cute top and great recycling! Those are trashy soup can weights - that is multi-use going on! The top looks great on you

Meg said...

Great work!

Melissa said...

Me again, I nominated you today on my blog for an award - please play along if you'd like, if not, no worries. :-)