It's not terrible, but the thin elastic waistband is not comfortable, and I'm not sure this type of skirt is in style right now (but who knows). But sheer polka dots? Seriously loving it!
The first step was to get rid of that elastic. To keep the sheer fabric and the lining in place, I pinned the two layers together before cutting off the waistband.
Then I pinned the outline of my collar and armholes before cutting those. I took measurements and got all mathy about it, but you could certainly just use an existing top as a stencil if you'd prefer.
I joined the shoulder seams.
I cut three strips of black polyester from the remnants of this dress, which has now become part of several refashions. They are about 1.5 inches wide; two are about 22 inches long for each armhole binding, and the third is about 26 inches long for the neckline.
I pinned each binding to the right side of the shirt and stitched them down. To finish off the ends, I like to simply fold the first end back on itself, then overlap the second end on top of that. When the binding is wrapped around the edge toward the inside of the shirt, the folded layer will be on the outside, encasing the raw edges.
I pressed the binding flat.
Then each binding was folded over twice toward the inside of the shirt.
And a final top-stitching completes the project.
It's loose and flowy - perfect for summer.
And though I paired with some cuffed-up, skinnified jeans today, I know it'll also look great with slacks or a skirt and blazer for work.
You are correct - this top is nicely modest and will go with any pants or skirt that you use. You are really Classy, Carissa -assured of when and when not to show those great tats!!! You could give "skin" lessons - the legion of tat wearers so needs them.
ReplyDelete"Skin" lessons - interesting concept!
DeleteYou are so clever to see what can come out of each piece that you upcycle. And you make it look so easy. That top is really cute and will look good even this fall with a short jacket over it. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol! Now you have me craving autumn weather and we still have the worst of summer yet to come!
DeleteGreat job - you are so precise and everything you make looks so professional. And cute!
ReplyDeleteDid you need to do anything special to the binding for the neck and armholes to accommodate the curve?
I should have mentioned the black polyester I used for the binding was cut on the bias, so it has a bit of a stretch to it. If you pull it ever so slightly as you sew, and then give it a good press afterward, it conforms to the curves pretty well.
DeleteThanks - I can see the grain, now that I know what I'm looking for.
DeleteAlso, I followed the link to your July 30, 2013 post, where the binding for this refashion came from. You made a top with bust darts and a top front pleat. I have a question on that and have left it in the comments on that date, if you have a chance to answer - thank you.
Answered!
DeleteThank you! I left a further comment over there, too.
DeleteI LOVE this one! I might try doing something similar in the future. Thanks for showing what can be done with a skirt to completely transform it!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Athena! Glad I could inspire!
DeleteCute hair. Oh, and the top's nice too. :)
ReplyDeleteHow old is too old for pigtails? I fear I am approaching that limit (or perhaps already passed it).
DeleteHi Carissa! Awesome refashion! That's amazing! You transformed a skirt into a top! And the fabric is beautiful and it seems so fresh!!! You make thinsk look so easy!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this one, great lesson! Love the braiding!
Kisses from Portugal!
Thanks, Helena! I certainly try to make it look easy, but then again, you don't see all the time I spend staring at the fabric and contemplating my next move. :)
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