I live in New York City where folks wear a good deal of black, it is almost a uniform, and a dull one if you ask me. I have made a conscious decision to wear printed blouses and clothing. I mean, I love cloth and color right? So I think it is high time I put my ‘money where my mouth is’.
This fabulous blouse was sent to me by a good friend and as soon as I laid eyes on it, I fell in love with it. It has a snap front, two small pockets, also with snaps, a great collar. But…it bloused out to accommodate ‘the girls’. At first I was disappointed, thinking, ‘It is too big, I won’t wear it, I love the cloth, maybe I will use it in something’. But then I remembered that I have skillz. Crazy mad skillz, (well not really, I don’t want to sew a lined silk suit-but you know, pumping yourself up for a new adventure is a good thing sometimes).
So, out came the seam ripper (that is a crazy mad seam ripper [ok, I have said that phrase enough already]), and I am in love with it, and I mean l-o-v-e love.
Anyway.
I opened the side seam and dart, I smashed the excess cloth from the dart up into the arm hole, I took about 4 inches of cloth out of the side seam. I removed the pockets in order to extend the pin tucks up into the collar (the termination of the pin tucks created about 3/4″ of poof on each side of the chest area), I reapplied the pockets and am wearing the blouse as I type. I have a few more blouses that need my attention. A few of them are quite colorful too! This is also really good because I don’t want to start shopping in the mens department just for the lack of shaping, I would rather have feminine prints that tickle my fancy and make me feel pretty, fun, excited.
Go ahead, brag on me, and tell me about your crazy mad skillz.
Melanie Testa 
Yea! I always approach clothing construction as a jigsaw puzzle that can have different pieces fitting together. My Gram sewed like a tailor. Nothing had that home-made look. She taught me that it was the details that elevated clothing. I don’t sew like I did in my teen years, but I know I have the skills if I desire to make something. Have you thought of putting in reverse darts? The ones used at the waist or back of a garment for a fitted look? I love pin tucks and they are a great way to eat up fabric. Have fun!!!
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Yikes that’s a seam ripper who should be named Jack! Because Jack is the ripper!!! Great job remembering your skills and putting them to work for yourself. I put mine to work for my children but not myself. It’s hard to pin something on yourself. Great job!
One of my favorite sewing transformations was one I did for my youngest where I made a long dress knee length and used the excess to create sleeves and a back for the dress. I blogged it here: http://somethingcleveraboutnothing.blogspot.com/2011/06/transformation.html
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Can’t wait 4 ur drawing!!! Also postd ur link on my FB page. I am SO happy 2 see u. Truly. Hugs, bj
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I love remaking clothes into something actually wearable. I think of it as helping garments live up to their potential. I have plenty of “underachievers” currently waiting for my attention. Can you please post an “after” photo? I would love to see the rehabilitated blouse on! Enjoy your blog!
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