Project - Feminine Tops

There's been a resurgence in soft, fluid tops on the runway and in the stores, and I must say I'm happy to see that! Button front georgette blouses, boho silk tunics, chiffon poet's blouses - the styles are endless. You can dress them up or down by pairing a feminine top with jeans or tights. Wear one to the office under a blazer with trousers or a slim skirt. I love the carefree style and how non-constricting they are compared to slinky knit tops or crisp cotton shirts. I made two of these tops recently from a vintage pattern - Butterick 6037.

A few modifications were made in the first top as I didn't have quite enough fabric. I omitted the facings and bound the neckline in self-fabric instead. I also included a center front seam to accommodate the neck binding.

On the second top below, I lengthened the sleeves. Otherwise everything else was true to the pattern.

 

Project - Vintage Button-up Shirt

I love vintage sewing patterns and have collected them for quite some time. I use a combination of vintage and contemporary sewing patterns for many of my projects. The style details of past patterns are unique and quite often you won't be able to find these little touches in modern patterns.

I wanted to make a casual button-up shirt and found the perfect pattern in my vintage stash.

Simplicity Pattern 7912 circa 1977

The thing that drew me to it most was that the blouse had raglan sleeves instead of the typical set-in style sleeves. Raglan sleeves are quicker and easier to sew - exactly what I was looking for. 

To shorten the sewing time even further, I used snap fastener buttons (no sewing on buttons and no buttonholes!). 

This pattern will definitely be one of my staple patterns for a classic, button-front blouse from now on!

How-to - DIY Curtain Calculations

Curtains can be costly to buy or have custom-made, especially if you want quality materials and workmanship. If you can sew a straight line and take some measurements, you can make your own at a fraction of the cost. Below you will find the steps to calculate the amount of fabric you need to sew your own curtains.

  

Measurements will be taken in inches and converted to yards or meters. The two styles of curtains typically sewn are gathered or pinch pleats.

!  There are 36 inches in one yard and ~ 39 inches in one meter.

1.      Decide on the style of curtain you wish to sew – gathered or pinch pleats

1.1.    Gathered curtains have a multiplication factor of “2”

1.2.    Pinch pleated curtains have a multiplication factor of “2.5”

2.      Measure your window frame width from wall to wall

2.1.    Add 10 inches (25cm)to the measured width

*   This will allow 5 inches (12.5cm) per side for seam finishing etc.

3.      Measure your window frame height from top to bottom

3.1.    Add 12 inches (30cm)to the measured height

*   This will allow finishes of 5 inches (12.5cm) for the header and 7 inches (17.5cm) for the hem

4.      Choose your fabric and measure the width from selvage to selvage

! Most standard fabric widths are 36, 45, and 54 or 60 inches; specialized drapery fabric can be wider.

5.      Determine if the fabric has an obvious pattern that repeats or a “nap”

*       No – Proceed to Step 6

*       Yes – Measure the length of the repeat interval (ex. The pattern repeats itself every 20 inches) and proceed to Step 6

6.      Multiply the total width measurement in Step 2.1 by the multiplication factor for your  chosen style of curtains in Step 1

7.      Take the number in Step 6 and divide it by your fabric width

1.1.    Is the number a whole number? (ex. 5 or 5.1)

*       Yes  – Proceed to Step 8

*       No  – Round the number up to the next whole number and proceed to Step 8

! The number in Step 7 will be the number of fabric panels or pieces required to cover your window from the fabric width and style chosen.

8.      Determine the total length of fabric required in inches

1.1.    For fabrics with no obvious pattern repeats or a "nap", multiply your number of fabric panels in Step 7 by the total height measurement in Step 3.1

1.2.    For fabrics with a pattern repeat or "nap", divide the total height measurement in Step 3.1 by the repeat interval measured in Step 5 (this will determine the number of pattern repeat intervals per fabric panel)

1.2.  

1.2.1. Is the number a whole number? (ex. 100 or 100.2)

*       Yes  – Proceed to Step 8.2

*       No  – Round the number up to the next whole number and proceed to Step 8.2

2.       Multiply the whole number by the repeat interval in Step 5

3.       Multiply your number of fabric panels in Step 7 by the number in Step 8.2

9.      Convert the total inches of fabric required for your curtain project to the appropriate measurements.

1.1.    For fabric requirements in yards, divide your number by “36”.

1.2.    For fabric requirements in meters, divide your number by “39”.

10. Round the converted number up or down for fabric purchase.

Project - Cardigan and Scoopneck - Redux a Turtleneck

Last year, I really got into cardigans for their comfort and style versatility. They can be dressed up or down and are certainly much more chic than the hoodies I had worn for a while. I was trying to find the perfect cardigan, but somehow finding one proved difficult. I'm a picky shopper and try to buy things I will actually wear. On one of my shopping excursions I noticed some turtleneck sweaters that were on clearance. They had all the elements I wanted in a cardigan, except that they were pullover tops. That didn't deter me! They were inexpensive enough that if my reduxing didn't work out, the money spent wouldn't break the bank. I came up with a plan, bought three of them, one each in black, grey and fuchsia pink (I'm also a notorious bulk buyer - when the price is right, I can't help it!) and began the redux. 

I started with one sweater first and cut up the center front. I bought the sweater about three sizes too large so there would be some extra fabric to play with. I had extra fabric from the sleeve ribbings which were very generous. I was able to cut two patch pockets and two narrower sleeve ribbings from the original piece. I sewed the new sleeve ribbings on and marked and sewed on the patch pockets. I didn't finish any of the raw edges on the center front or the patch pockets. The knit fabric was fine enough that I knew it wouldn't ravel or get ratty in the wash. I did the same to the remaining two sweaters and now I have three stylish cardigans!

On another outing, I found an awesome deal on Nicole Miller turtleneck tops in slinky, black rayon/spandex - only $3.99 each at my local Costco! I ended up buying two - one to wear as it was and another to redux. I hadn't planned out what I would do to the top, but I bought the second one three sizes too large again. After a while of contemplating, I decided to keep it simple and redux the turtleneck into a scoopneck top with a shaped, baseball shirt style hem. I love this hem shape as it gives femininity and interest in a subtle way. Changing the hem and neckline of a top are easy ways to freshen your wardrobe without spending money for something new.

Add a chain

When I saw these vintage purses, it was like love at first sight!

Grey leather, basket-weave purse

Chocolate brown leather bag with pockets and flaps

They were vintage, so I knew no one else would have them. The only thing that bothered me was I felt the straps were too short. Determined to buy them anyways, I knew I would redux them to suit my style needs. After careful contemplation and planning, I decided to extend each strap with a length of chain. I chose a length of chain as it would add some interest to the bag in addition to extending the strap. 

Length of chain purchased at a thrift store, keyring end and hook came from a keychain I had.

Voila! Much more practical and useable after adding the chain.

Purchased D-rings and hook; length of chain purchased was a single strand which I braided with six strands to create a thicker chain.

Finished product. I use this purse a lot, and it is one of my go-to bags. The color and style is timeless.

I firmly believe that when you redux something, the end product should be functional, attractive and inconspicuous. Otherwise, if it ends up looking patched up like Frankenstein, it's not worth the time. Make sure that you plan accordingly and think through exactly what will work for your purse. Try it out some time! :)