Tuesday, September 03, 2013

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Here's another men's shirt I got from Freecycle. This one comes with a sad little stain on the upper right side of the chest.

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Blue Button-Down Blouse

But the fabric was a nice breathable cotton, perfect for Texas. This men's wardrobe staple is destined to become a woman's wardrobe staple - with just a few tweaks!

I started by cutting off the sleeves.

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Next I put my shirt on inside out (I really need a dressform!) and pinned some long darts, straight up each side and curving at the bust toward the armhole. And as luck would have (yeah, okay I planned it that way), the little stain got caught up in the dart and disappeared as if by magic!

Blue Button-Down Blouse

After sewing the front darts, I flipped the shirt over to take in the back too. I used the shoulder pleats as a starting point and just went straight down, taking in a bit more at the waist and tapering off completely as I approached the bottom hem.

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Then I hemmed the raw edges around my armholes.

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Unfortunately, when I tried it on, it became obvious this was not working out as planned.

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Not to fret! I know how to fix this. I picked out my armhole hems and lay the shirt out with the back nice and flat. Then I cut out a chunk of fabric, probably about four inches, from the upper back, right where the back yoke ends.

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Then I reattached the abbreviated yoke to the abbreviated back panel and tada! It's as if nothing happened!

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Now the only dilemma is: do I wear it with or without a belt?

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Or maybe tucked in with shorts and sneakers for a more casual look?

Blue Button-Down Blouse

And check out those darts!

Blue Button-Down Blouse

Blue Button-Down Blouse



Blue Button-Down Blouse Before & After

6 comments:

  1. Very nice! The beauty of this garment is that it is so versatile you can wear it like all of the above. ;)

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  2. Thanks, Lisa! I plan to wear it often and in many different incarnations!

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  3. Very clever way to adjust the armholes! I'll have to try it if this problem crops up. Oh, I like it with the belt...

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    1. Thank you, Elle! It took some futzing around with to figure out what to do, but I like the way it ended up too!

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  4. You always have the best refashion! I love that you turned it into a princess line shirt! It fits you so well!

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    1. Thank you again, Heather! And congrats on the little birdie in your belly. I'm sure Henry will be an excellent and helpful big brother!

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