I can admit it. I have issues. I like things in proper order, whether it's alphabetical, numerical, chronological, rainbow. I sort my M&M's into color piles before eating them. I perform repetitive tasks in multiples of four. And I like symmetry. So as you can imagine, Beth's asymmetrical Refashion Runway challenge this week was just that - a challenge.
Now I'm not saying I've never worn or refashioned anything asymmetrical. My idiosyncrasies are rather tame compared to some people out there, and I try to push my limits and get out of my comfort zone whenever my brain will allow it. I've found I do much better with garments that have structural symmetry, but perhaps an off-centered decorative element. So, with little tolerance for imbalance and little time for sewing this weekend, I decided to keep it simple and make over a basic boyfriend tee that fit fine but could use some lovin'.
First, I removed the little pocket, which had already begun to come unstitched on its own.
Then I pulled out all the purple buttons from my button stash (This is easy when your button stash is presorted by color - just sayin').
I grabbed a remnant of white jersey fabric from a previous refashion and basted it to the inside of my shirt to add stability under the button design.
I traced a template onto a piece of paper and began playing with how to lay out my buttons.
Once I had a design I liked, I stitched them all in place. Then I snipped away the basting stitches and excess backing fabric.
And that was that!
Maybe someday I'll make a gorgeous one-shoulder dress or a diagonal-hem skirt, but that day is not today.
Nice idea! I agree with you on clothing with symmetrical design but asymmetrical ornamentation.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! It's a good way to ease into asymmetry, I think.
DeleteI admire your organizational skills. The button design is simply perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Sometimes I wish I were OCD about cleaning too! :D
DeleteI love buttons - and their colour-organization - and quick refashions, so this appeals to me in a major way. I have one question, though: do you find the buttons weigh down that part of the T-shirt when you're wearing it (causing sagging or slipping)?
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't had a problem, but it is a fairly snug shirt, so there's not a lot of room for it to slip and slide. With a looser shirt that might be an issue though.
DeleteNice Tutorial...well done on the placement and the reinforcement of the backing fabric. Here is a time saving tip...You can in this application use tape to hold the buttons to the fabric front. Then you can sew them on with your sewing machine...saving much time. I have used buttons...including homemade polymer clay buttons for years in Embellishments, and always use my sewing machine to sew them on. Sometimes the tape needs a pair of tweezers to remove...but that is no big deal. I also knot the machine threads....just a tip.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Toffeey! I'll keep that in mind!
Delete