Thursday 7 April 2016

Refashioning for the win

Hello folks; a couple of weeks ago, the whole family was laid low with fever. One of the worst things about being ill is that as you start to get better you crave to sew again before you're ready; still slightly befuddled and below par, I didn't want to mess with any of my lovely fabrics and ruin them! My thoughts turned to refashioning.

Old Ben Sherman Shirt.
I'd sourced three raggedy shirts from my Beloved last year when Portia from Makery ran her refashioners challenge. As usual, time passed by, and I didn't even start the challenge! Oh well, I have used them now. They are all 100% cotton lawn. So so soft!

Old M&S shirts.


The pattern is The Sailor Top by Marilla Walker.  I really love my knit version;  Marilla said it was also suitable for woven fabric, and I wanted to try it out in a risk-free way. She's right, it works really well. These are comfy, if a little patchwork in aesthetic!


I found the top so much easier to sew up than my first version. Always easier the second time, I suppose. It flew together quickly, and even though I had to colour block with different shirts, I think it works for an everyday kinda shirt.

Original button placket down the back!

I've already worn the check one quite a bit even though these were only really to play with the pattern in woven.


Next up, my Sew Over It vintage shirt dress, which I am almost finished with. I just need to find the right buttons and not get distracted by a shiny, new project! Must... not... get... distracted...

21 comments:

  1. Great re-fashions! These both look fab and its so great to re-use worn out garments!

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  2. These look great. My favourite is the check one!

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    Replies
    1. Considering how patchwork they are I wear them loads.

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  3. love how you used the button placket detail on the back, great refashioning!

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  4. The shirts look really good. I have only used the Sailor top with knits but it seems it would make great summer tops with wovens.hmmmm....I will be looking out now for some suitable weight fabric

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    1. Something soft like a lawn or viscose would work well.

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  5. These look great, what clever re-fashions! I'll need to try this pattern out in a woven too.

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  6. Good idea to do a refashion especially if you are feeling unwell. I have made the sailor top in a knit but not a woven. Yours woven sailor tops look good.

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    Replies
    1. Just as comfy and easy to wear in woven, which surprised me.

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  7. Always good to be able to play about with a new idea on low-risk fabric, especially if you're not feeling 100%!

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    Replies
    1. That's what I though, if I ruin it there's no loss!

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  8. Oh! Genius!!! I have shirts for exactly the same reason (so many ideas, so little time, right?). I didn't realise this could be made in a woven too. Added to the list!!!

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    1. To true I have so many plans such a small percentage actually get made!

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  9. I know that "I need to sew" feeling! I'm pressed that you made these lovelies whilst still feeling a bit under parr. I love the patchwork look.

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    1. That's why I used the shirts, I knew I could bin them if it failed!

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  10. They didn't fail - they look lovely. And I find with garments like this, because they are not "precious" they are worn a lot. Which is exactly what we need for everyday clothes around home. I may not have commented on your blog recently as I have not had a computer - my old one died. I'm back now though!

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  11. These all look so cute. A terrific idea for refashioning :)

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  12. I like the check one the best too - the slightly deeper and more muted colours are perfect for you. I like the shoulder gusset as a chance to introduce a second fabric or change the grain. A nice, classic top. Well done on finding the energy after all that sickness.

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