Monday, August 31, 2015

Refashion Runway Sew-Along: Asymmetrical

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'.

Button-Embellished Tee - BeforeButton-Embellished Tee - Before

First, I removed the little pocket, which had already begun to come unstitched on its own.

Button-Embellished Tee - In Progress

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').

Button-Embellished Tee - In Progress

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.

Button-Embellished Tee - In Progress

I traced a template onto a piece of paper and began playing with how to lay out my buttons.

Button-Embellished Tee - In Progress

Once I had a design I liked, I stitched them all in place. Then I snipped away the basting stitches and excess backing fabric.

Button-Embellished Tee - In Progress

And that was that!

Button-Embellished Tee - After

Maybe someday I'll make a gorgeous one-shoulder dress or a diagonal-hem skirt, but that day is not today.

Button-Embellished Tee - After

8 comments:

  1. Nice idea! I agree with you on clothing with symmetrical design but asymmetrical ornamentation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Definitely! It's a good way to ease into asymmetry, I think.

      Delete
  2. I admire your organizational skills. The button design is simply perfect.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! Sometimes I wish I were OCD about cleaning too! :D

      Delete
  3. I 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)?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No, 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.

      Delete
  4. Nice 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Toffeey! I'll keep that in mind!

      Delete