Sunday, June 15, 2014

Sunday Sew-Day: Blue Buttons Blouse

Sorry for the missed Thursday Thrift Score. I literally worked until bedtime three days last week. And just to be clear, I am not the type of person who uses "literally" when I mean "figuratively."

Today's piece began as a $1.50 thrift store find. In its original state, it left something to be desired. Like, pretty much everything.

Blue Buttons Blouse - BeforeBlue Buttons Blouse - Before

As is so often the case, my first step was sleeve removal, along with the shoulder pads that were attached at the shoulder seams.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

Once those were gone though, I realized just how roomy those armholes really were. I decided I would have to sacrifice some overall length by taking in the shoulder seams to raise the underarms to an appropriate level. So I pinned the shoulders a couple inches down, and took in the sides as well to be fitted at the bust and then flare out.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

I trimmed off the collar and cut a new scoop neck.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

Then I made the shrunken armholes more armhole-shaped by cutting a curve.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

A couple small bust darts will keep the armholes from gaping weirdly. Instead of trying to back-stitch so close to the edge at the tip of the dart, I like to simply sew right off the edge of the fabric, then tie the two ends in a small knot  to secure them.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

I used strips of fabric from the sleeves to finished the armhole and neck edges. I pinned them to the right side of the blouse.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

Once sewn, the bindings were pressed outward.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

I decided I wanted thinner edgings, so I trimmed off a bit of the binding fabric before folding it over and pinned it.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress


I also salvaged one of the old collar's button loops and reattached it at the back of the neck.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

I tried to stitch "in the ditch" so my stitches wouldn't be quite so visible from the outside.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

Unfortunately, the best blue thread I had on hand was a sky blue, so it still shows up. I don't think it looks bad though, just not what I was hoping for.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

Finally, I took all the salvaged buttons from the original - two on each cuff, three from the collar, and one spare in the inner side seam - and reattached them. One went back to its place on the back of the neck, and the other seven are purely decorative down the front.

Blue Buttons Blouse - In Progress

Forewarning: It was quite breezy when these photos were taken, so please excuse the wild hair.

Blue Buttons Blouse - After

While I don't normally put much effort into my hair (which you've probably noticed), I assure you this was not the look I was going for.

Blue Buttons Blouse - After

I even resorted to holding my shirt down at times.

Blue Buttons Blouse - After

Occasionally, something truly magical would happen, and I would have crazy hair while my shirt seemed to hang perfectly still.

Blue Buttons Blouse - After

Normally, I salvage any unnecessary notions (buttons, zippers, snaps, etc) from my refashions and toss them in my sewing box for later use. But as I was snipping off buttons this time, I just felt they needed to stay with this fabric. After all, they've been together many years, by the look of the original blouse, so who am I to tear a friendship like that apart?

Blue Buttons Blouse - After

I'm really glad I kept the button detail at the back neck too. Even though it's no longer necessary, with the scoop neck being large enough for my noggin, I think it adds a little extra something, don't you?

Blue Buttons Blouse - After


Blue Button Blouse - Before & After

8 comments:

  1. I can't believe how timely your post is - I've been struggling with taking in a blouse and how to stop the armholes from gaping. I thought a bust dart might be the answer but didn't know if I could have it end in the armhole. Everything I read on it seemed to place the dart ending at the side seam. But I didn't want to pick out the side seam because I just finished taking the blouse in on the sides and zigzagging it - sheesh. I was getting tired of looking at the dratted thing! (literally :))

    I love what you did with the buttons, by the way. They look like they belong there.

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    1. Somehow, I *sensed* you were in trouble. It's like a super power. ;)

      Glad I could help!

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  2. Really Cute!!! I love the flair and the new length, and of course, you know how much I like "watching" the process. The buttons definitely finish this blouse.

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    1. Thanks, Linda! I wasn't sure if the flare was going to flatter or not, but I think it turned out well.

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  3. Love your refashions. The buttons look very cute on the front. Great job once again.

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  4. LOVE this one, it looks so good on you too!

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