Bonn Dress | mixing fabrics

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Ando para vos mostrar este vestido há um par de semanas. Tinha-o imaginado desde Novembro, mas foi sendo adiado, adiado... Na verdade, a vontade de o fazer já vem de bem mais atrás, logo em 2016, quando testei o molde, na altura versão camisa, fiquei com vontade de o fazer novamente. A ideia de o fazer na versão vestido é que é mais recente. 

I've been wanting to show you this dress for a couple of weeks. I had imagined it since November, but was postponed multiple times... In reality, the will to make it has been here from far, far behind, when in 2016 I tested this pattern, back then in the shirt option. The idea of making the dress version is more recent though. 

Na altura em que publiquei a camisa, comentei que não é a peça de roupa que mais gosto, no entanto, desde então, comecei a gostar um pouco mais. Os vestidos camiseiros, são uma peça que me foram chamando a atenção gradualmente, e assim nasceu a minha vontade de fazer um. 

Back when I posted the shirt, I mentioned this is not one of my fave garments to wear, still, my taste has slightly changed since then. Button-up dresses, are part of the reason I graduatelly changed my mind about it and that's why I planned on making myself one. 

Procurei nos vários moldes de revistas que tenho, mas no fim achei que o Bonn Shirt and Dress da Itch to Stitch, era mesmo o ideal para o que eu pretendia fazer e por isso, a minha escolha recaiu sobre ele. Desta vez porém, em vez de fazer o tamanho mais pequeno, fiz o outro a seguir e fiquei bem mais satisfeita do que com a camisa. Tenho movimentos mais livres. 

I searched through my magazine patterns, but in the end, Itch to Stitch's Bonn Shirt and Dress pattern, was right what I had in mind, and so I used it. This time though, I did make a bigger number instead of the smaller as I did for the shirt, and I am glad I did because I do move better in this one. 

Já na altura, tinha comentado que a fazer uma nova camisa, teria de ajustar a altura por ser baixinha. E foi o que fiz com o vestido. Não só retirei uns 2,5cm na linha da cintura, como depois ainda tirei mais ou menos o mesmo na bainha para aproveitar o tecido ao máximo. Usei três diferentes e não sabia muito bem se ia dar bom resultado ou não. Até cheguei a perguntar a opinião a quem me segue pelo IG. Ainda assim fui em frente. 

Also back then, I mention I should cut it shorter if I was making it again, so I did this time. I took about 1" off the waist line but I also cut off about another inch in the hem to make the most out of the fabric I had. I used three different fabric pieces and I wasn't too sure this would work, I even asked about it on my IG. I still went for it though. 

Antes de mais nada, sabia que o queria tons escuros que são os meus preferidos, são poucas as cores vivas que gosto realmente. Depois desde que o recebi que sabia que queria usar o tecido das chaves em algo para mim, no entanto, só tinha tipo uns 30-40cm dele. Fez parte da tal caixa com tecidos que me enviaram há um par de anos. Assim que arrisquei a cortar apenas uma das frentes do vestido neste tecido (que penso ser um crepe), usando-o a contra-fio, cruzando os dedos para que resultasse. 

Before hand, I knew I wanted dark tones as these are my top choice, there are little bright colors I enjoy. Then, after I got this key fabric I knew I wanted to use it on something for myself, but it was only about 12"-15" long. It came to me with a box of fabric I was donated a couple of years ago. So I took the risk and went with just one of the front pieces in this fabric (which I believe to be a crepe), using it contrary to the grainline and crossing my fingers so it'd work. 

Além desse tecido, usei uma cambraia muito leve que tinha comprado há alguns anos localmente. O problema é que era um retalho e parte do fundo do tecido estava escrito. Para o aproveitar ao máximo precisei de encurtar na altura do vestido e também fazer o cinto em duas peças em vez de uma e mais estreito do que no molde. O terceiro e último tecido, foi a organza que usei nas mangas, que também não abundava porque foi o que sobrou da túnica da miúda. 

Apart from that fabric, I used a very light batiste that I had bought locally many years so. The problem with this one was that it was just a scrap and part of it was written on. To make the most of thi, I shortened the lenght of the dress, and also used two pieces instead of one to make the belt, besides making it narrower too. The third fabric was this black organza that wasn't much either, it was what was left after making my daughter's top, and was now used for the sleeves. 

Alguns detalhes do vestido acima. O tecido das chaves usei-o também na gola e nos punhos. O cinto é colocado na cintura com aselhas de linha aos lados, e estes botões! Há cerca de um mês recebi uma "herança" de uma senhora falecida, que guardou botões numa lata de biscoitos grande durante toda a vida. Havia tantos, e tão bonitos. 

Some details from the dress above. The keys fabric was also used in the collar and bottom sleeves. The belt is attached to the waist by this thread eyelet, and these buttons! About a month ago I sort of got a "heritage" from an old deceased lady who saved buttons in a cookies tin all her life. There were so many, and so pretty. 

Thread Faction | Pattern #203 - Ladies Sports Skort -

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Ando a tentar costurar mais para mim novamente. Não tenho a mente em planos concretos, existem algumas coisas que gostava de fazer, mas aceito as sugestões que me forem aparecendo pelo caminho, desde que goste, claro. E foi assim que acabei por costurar para mim uma saia-calção.

One thing I've been trying hard to do lately is getting back to sew more often for myself. I haven't set any specific goals. There are a few things I'd like to make, but I will accept suggestions along the way, as long as I enjoy them of course. And that's how I ended up sewing myself a sport skort. 

Quem me conhece bem, sabe que não sou nada dada ao desporto. Isso sim, sou mais do tipo quietinha a ler, ou a criar algo. Acontece que a Liz andava à procura de testers para um novo molde, #203 Ladies Sport Skirt, e acontece que eu já o tinha feito na versão de criança. Lembro-me da minha irmã dizer que adorava ter uma igual depois de ver a da sobrinha, e pensei que poderia fazer parte do teste e mais tarde fazer-lhe uma também. 

If you know me, then you know I am not a sport girl at all. I'm rather the quiet one sitting at home reading a book or crafting something. But the thing is, Liz was looking for testers for her newest pattern, #203 Ladies Sport Skirt, and it happens that I tested the kid's version too. I remember my sister saying she wanted one like her niece's, and I thought about testing this one on me and maybe later make her one as well. 

Além disso, à medida que o tempo for aquecendo, pretendo passar mais tempo no exterior com os miúdos. Não digo que me torne agora toda desportiva, não mesmo, mas temos que aproveitar bem este nosso sol Algarvio, e sempre se corre um pouco atrás dos miúdos, sempre se brinca um pouco na praia enquanto não está a transbordar de turistas, qualquer coisa. Esta peça é perfeita para essas ocasiões. 

Also, as the weather warms up I want to spend more time outside with the kids. I'm not saying I'll get all sporty, that's not it, but I want to have some fun on our Algarve's sun with the kids, maybe run a little after them, play a little at the beach while it's still empty of tourists, whatever really. This will be a perfect outfit for it. 

Poderei assim aproveitar todo esse tempo, sentindo-me confortável e composta, e ainda confiante por me poder mexer à vontade sem medo de mostrar as cuecas a olhos estranhos. hehe. Fiz a versão A, com a mais simples porque se me vou mexer, preciso que a saia-calção seja o mais simples possível, no entanto existem muitas outras opções à escolha, incluindo um bolso na parte de trás para o telemóvel ou as chaves, se necessário. Fiz também a versão mais curta de duas. 

I will be able to enjoy that time, feeling comfy and pretty, and also confident that I can move as I please because my underwear will still be covered and away from stranger's eyes. hehe. I did version A, the straight skirt, because if I am moving, I need my skorts to be as simple as possible, but you have different options to choose from, including a back pocket for your phone or keys, if needed. I also did the shorter lenght out of two.

Em relação ao tecido, reciclei um vestido que tinha - servia-me mas não gostava de como ficava na zona do pescoço - para os calções, encaixes e cintura. Para a saia usei um outro tecido que já tinha. Guardava-o para fazer um vestido, e queria mesmo usar apenas o tecidos das bolinhas para a peça completa mas não era suficiente, então lá tive que usar o único que ficava bem com esse. 

As for the fabric, I refashioned one of my dresses - it fitted but I didn't like how it looked on the neck area - for the shorts, yokes and waistband. For the skirt I used another fabric from my stash. I was saving it for a dress, and I really wanted to use the polka dots for the whole thing, but I didn't have enough out of the dress, and this other fabric was the only one indeed that I had. matching the other one. 

ANTES :: BEFORE

Se interessadas comprem o molde agora que ainda está com desconto. Vai durar até ao fim da semana. 

If interested, get the pattern now with a discount. It will last this whole week. 

#203 é um molde para malha de uma saia calção para senhora nos tamanhos XXS ao XXL. O molde inclui 5 estilos de saia; saia direita, saia com pregas, saia com folho, saia com frente lisa/folho atrás e saia com frente lisa/pregas atrás. Todos as saias incluem um encaixe e um bolso opcional com fecho atrás. Todas as versões são de cintura média, com elástico. Os calções incluem duas alturas de bainha.As saias e os calções são acabados com bainhas simples. 

#203 is a knit sewing pattern for a Ladies sports skort in sizes XXS to XXL. The pattern includes 5 skirt style options; a straight skirt, a pleated skirt, a flounce skirt, a flat front/flounce back skirt and a flat front/pleated back skirt. All skirt styles include a yoke and an optional back zippered pocket. All versions are mid rise, with an elastic waistband. The included shorts have 2 inseam lengths.  The skirts and shorts are finished with simple hems.

Lisbon Cardigan |by Itch to Stitch|

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Não costumo inscrever-me em testes para moldes de senhora. Faz-me confusão imprimir páginas e páginas e páginas de molde, e ainda andar a colar, e depois fazer mais uma versão, e outra quando necessário. Para eu me inscrever num teste de molde para senhora, tenho que gostar muito da peça piloto mostrada pelas (os) designers. E foi isso que aconteceu com o Lisbon Cardigan da Itch To Stitch. Tenho acompanhado o trabalho da Kennis, e ela tem realmente moldes de senhora super interessantes. Eu mesma, já experimentei um deles, quando participei num dos seus pattern tours há uns meses. 

I don't usually sign myself up for women patterns tests. I can't stand the idea of printing endless pages and then taping it all together. And if something isn't ok, printing and taping all over again. For me to sign for a women's pattern test, I really have to like the one pilot piece the designers have to share. And that's what happened when I saw the Lisbon Cardigan by Itch to Stitch. I've been following Kennis work, and she's got so many women's interesting patterns. I tried one of them in the past, as I took part of one of her pattern tours a few months ago. 

Fiquei feliz quando soube que fazia parte das selecionadas e tive o prazer de costurar dois casacos para mim. E é tão fácil de fazer, que mais teria feito durante o teste se mais ajustes fossem necessários. Mas o meu tamanho 00 (XS) assentou muito bem e nºao foram necessários. Para o primeiro usei tecidos baratos pensando que não ia ficar capaz de usar, no entanto, até acabou por ficar engraçado, mas esse fica para mais tarde. O segundo e (teste) final, foi este. 

I was really happy to know I was part of the testers group andI had the pleasure to sew two cardigans for myself. And they are such a quick and easy sew, I could have made more if any adjustments needed to be done. I didn't need them though, my size 00 was quite spot on. For the first one I used a cheap knit I bought locally, thinking it would only be an unwearable muslin, however, I think it is wearable after all, but let's leave it for later. The second and final (test), was this one. 

Usei um retalho de uma malha que comprei numa loja em Faro, e que guardava para algo especial, uma vez que tem um toque super macio, é perfeito para esta altura, em que está super calor ao sol, mas fresco à sombra ainda. O casaco vem com duas opções de comprimento, o primeiro, o chamado cropped, ou seja, ligeiramente acima da cintura e o segundo, a bater na anca. As mangas também podem ser longas ou a 3/4. Eu fiz em ambas as versões o cropped com mangas a 3/4. 

I used a knit remnant from a local shop, one I had been saving for a special project since it is so soft to the touch, perfect for this weather here. Too hot on the sun, and still a bit cold on the shadows. The cardigan comes with two lenght options, a cropped one and a regular one (hips). Also, the sleeves come in two different lengths, regular long sleeves and 3/4 sleeves. I did both in cropped lenght an d3/4 sleeves. 

O molde acabou de ser lançado, está com 20% de desconto durante a primeira semana, caso tenham ficado interessadas. Por mim, está aprovado. Este já tem andado sempre comigo, dá imenso jeito, E já pensei noutras versões, com outras cores, outros comprimentos. Sou menina de andar sempre com o casaquinho atrás por isso, este (molde) será certamente um básico ao qual recorrer sempre que faça falta mais algum. 

The pattern has just been released, it is 20% off the first week, in case you're interested. It's approved by me. This is being worn all the time, so handy. I have thought of different versions too, other colors and lenghts. I am a cardigan's girl, so this one (pattern) will surely be a go to in my list everytime I need a new one. 

Hemlock Tee Hack (Free Pattern by Grainline Studio)

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Nos últimos dias tive a oportunidade de costurar algumas peças de roupa para mim. Para isso serviu de empurraozito o post de hoje no Cose +. A Carla partilhou ontem, um post sobre o molde grátis da Hemlock Tee da Granline Studio, e hoje publicámos as versões que o resto da malta fez. O molde é tamanho único, e podem ver como ele assenta nos (nossos) vários tipos de corpo. A maior parte de nós fez alterações ao mesmo, por isso vale a pena espreitarem.

In the last couple of days, I was able to sew myself a few pieces. Cose +'s post from today, helped a little. Carla shared a post yesterday about the free pattern, Hemlock Tee from Granline Studio, and today we have shared the version the rest of us made. The pattern comes in a single size, and in the post you can see how it fits on (our) different body shapes. Most of all did a few adjustments, so it is worth checking it out. 

No meu caso, como sou tamanho S, bem pequeno tive que fazer várias. Além disso, como reparei nas fotos que vi online, que o decote era bem largo, optei por alterar esse detalhe também. Então vamos lá...

In my case, since I am a very small size S, I had a few adjustments to make. Besides, I noticed the wide neckline on the photos I previously saw online, so I chose to change that too. So, here we go...

Depois de traçar o molde, coloquei a peça da manga de lado, pois dispensei a manga. Nas peças do corpo, frente e trás, na marcação da cintura (onde diz para acrescentar ou cortar), eu retirei 10 cm à altura (foto 2). No lado que indica a dobra do tecido, nessas mesmas peças também, retirei 3 cm à largura (foto 1), o que equivale a uma medida real (largura) de 6 cm a menos, uma vez que essa peça se corta na dobra, é importante não esquecer. Depois de tratar da altura e da largura, ajustei a gola, para ficar mais fechada (o que me obrigou a ajustar o comprimento da banda da gola também). Na parte da frente (foto 3), colei uma folha por detrás e redesenhei a gola para a fechar, subiu cerca de 2 cm à frente. Já atrás (foto 4), alarguei ligeiramente, na foto podem ver o pedacinho de molde que cortei, e dobrei para trás.

After tracing the pattern, I put the sleeve piece aside, since I skipped it. In the body pieces, front and back, at the waist mark (where it says to shorten or lenghten), I took 10 cm to the lenght (photo2). At the fold side of the same pieces, I took 3 cm to the width (photo 1), which is actually 6 cm of the total width of the pieces, since they are cut on fold, it's important to remember that while doing your math. After taking care of lenght and width, I've adjusted the neckline in order to make it narrower (Which led me to adjust the neckband lenght as well). In the front piece (photo 3), I glued a sheet so I could draw a neckline, I made it about 2 cm higher. On the other hand, I slightly made the back (photo 4) wider as you can see in the photo, the bit I cut and folded to the back. 

Como dispensei as mangas, cortei dois retangulos com o comprimento da abertura (podem ver pela medida das mangas, ou medir diretamente nas marcas do molde da frente e trás) e cerca de 5 ou 6 cm de altura - desculpem, não tomei nota e já não me recordo. Dobrei essas peças ao meio (longitudinal) e marquei com o ferro, depois virei direito com direito, cosi as pontas mais curtas, criando um "anel" com cada uma, voltei a dobrar ao meio e cosi-as tal como na gola.

Since I let go of the sleeves, I've cut two rectangles with the armhole width (check it on the sleeve pattern or the marks on the front and back pieces) and about 5 or 6 cm high - I am sorry, I didn't write down how much and I can't remember anymore. I folded this pieces in half (lenght wise) and ironed, then I put them right sides together and sewed the shorter ends together, creating a loop with each of them, then I folded them wrong sides together and sewed them to the shirt as on the neckline.

O tecido usado nesta peça foi reciclado de um vestido XL que comprei há uns meses por uma pechincha, já com a reciclagem do mesmo em mente. Achei piada as linhas prateadas, e vi ali uma grande oportunidade. Malha, boa, a bom preço. Eu  acho que se não tinha um metro de tecido, andava bem perto, e como o vestido era quase um quadrado, com um pequeno corte no peito e depois franzido, fiquei com uma boa base para recortar a blusa sem recorrer a grandes invenções.

The fabric used in this shirt, was recycled from a XL dress I thrifted a few months ago. I was already thinking about refashioning it when I bought it for just a couple euros. I really liked the golden stripes, and I was an oportunity right away. Good knit, and cheap. I believe I had about a meterof fabric here, and because the dress was mostly a square, with just a little shape on the chest and just gathered, I was left with a great piece to cut without any big headaches. 

The dress that didn't go that well

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Em Outubro fará dois anos que a minha sobrinha casou. Na altura, mostrei-vos tanto o fato à homenzinho que fiz para o S., como o vestido da G. e deixei no ar a promessa de vos mostrar o meu vestido também. A família toda a combinar uns com os outros. No entanto porém, os dias, meses, foram passando e nunca cheguei a partilhar aqui convosco o dito vestido que fiz para mim. É tão mais fácil fotografar as peças dos miúdos. As minhas ficam muitas vezes para trás. Há uns dias tirei-o do armário e lá o fotografei como deve de ser.

In October it will be two years from my niece's wedding. Back then I showed you the little man's suit I made for S., as well as the dress I made for G. and the promise of showing you my own dress as soon as possible. All the family was matching. Despite though, the days, motnhs went through and for one or many reasons I never got around to share mine. It is so much easier to photograph the kids clothes. My own clothes are left behind so often. A few days ago I took the dress out of the wardrobe and photographed it at last. 

Para começar, como disse no post em que mostrei o vestido da G. - e uma vez que o tecido usado foi o mesmo - repito-me. O cinzento foi sobras do tecido usado para as minhas calças de grávida (aqui) e o tecido floral, foi-me dado pela minha sogra. O forro branco, que usei tanto para a parte de cima, como a de baixo, veio de uma cortina branca acetinada que me foi dada pela minha irmã.

To start, as I said in the post I made for G.'s dress - since I used the same fabric for both - I repeat myself. The grey fabric was left from the maternity pants I made myself (here), and the floral fabric was given to me by my MIL. The white lining came from an old satin-like curtain my sister gave me, I used it either on the top and bottom of the dress. 

Este vestido não ficou perfeito, apesar de ter sido bastante gabado na cerimónia, para meu espanto. Já não recordo o molde usado, creio que foi um de alguma Burda, ou outra qualquer das minhas revistas. Na altura amamentava e por isso tive que o alterar, de forma a conseguir fazê-lo com comodismo. Optei então por abrir toda a frente, e colocar molas (metálicas e cosidas à mão no caso) para fechar. Na foto abaixo, mostro três delas abertas, mas tinha mais, abria mesmo até à cintura, quase. Foi a primeira vez que costurei várias linhas com o elástico na bobine para franzir o vestido e acho foi isso que não correu tão bem, já que a frente não ficou muito direitinha. Infelizmente já não tive tempo de fazer outro vestido para o casamento, assim que depois de muitas lágrimas tive que improvisar. Andei mesmo desiludida com este vestido e prestes a sair e ir comprar um já feito, ainda fui, mas não encontrei nada (compatível com a amamentação e tal) nos tons e o resto da família já estava tratada. Usei uma fita vermelha de cetim em laço, na cintura, disfarçou o que ficou torto e ainda deu um toque diferente ao vestido.

This dress is not perfect, althoug people really liked it at the ceremony to my surprise. I can't remember what pattern I used anymore, probably one from Burda or any other of my pattern magazines. Back then I was still breast feeding, so I needed to hack it in order to allow me a comfortable feeding. I chose to open the entire front, and add snaps to close (handsewn metallic ones in this case). In the photo below, you can see three of them, but I actauuly added about 5, almost all the way to the waistline. It was the first time I tried sewing rows of gathering with an elastic bobbin, and believe it was what caused it to not work so well, making the front look a bit askew. Unfortunately I didn't have the time to make another dress in time for the wedding so after many tears I had to improvise. I was really disillusioned with it, and even considered buying a RTW, I actually did search for one, but I couldn't find anything (breast feeding friendly and all) in the shades I wanted and the rest of the family were all set already. I used a red satin ribbon in the waist, it kinda covered the askew in it, and added a little touch too. 

Na altura eu não recebi logo as minhas fotos, a fotografa era uma amiga da noiva, foi o primeiro casamento que fez, e ficámos super desiludidos com as fotos quando as recebemos. Não tirámos fotos no exterior porque choveu nesse dia, e as de interior ficaram muito "caseiras", muitas delas nem centradas estavam. Não tenho nenhuma de corpo inteiro, em que se veja o vestido por completo. Ou tenho o S. ao colo, ou tenho um xaile por cima, a tapar-me toda porque estava fresco... Sobra-me uma foto, em que apareço eu e o V. com os noivos no fim da cerimónia porque fomos padrinhos, se assim não fosse, creio que nem uma decente teria... Nas fotos que tirei em casa, já não tenho a faixa vermelha, já a usei para outra coisa qualquer, nem sei dela, dá para ver perfeitamente o defeito de que falei. E quando as tirei nem reparei que ali no lado esquerdo parece fazer umas pregas estranhas. Não me orgulho deste vestido, mas tão pouco me envergonho dele, por isso partilho-o hoje. Nem sempre as coisas correm tão bem quanto esperado, mas o importante é avançar. Nunca se esqueçam disso, nem tudo tem de ser perfeito na vida.

We didn't get the wedding photos soon after, the photographer who did the job was a friend's of the bride and it was the first wedding she did. We were really disappointed at the photos when we got them. No outside photos were taken because it rained that day, and the ones inside, looked so "homemade", many of them aren't even centered. I don't have a single full body photo. I either am holding S., or am covered in a shawl because it got cold... I have one photo left, with my V. and the bride and groom because we were her godparents, otherwise, I don't think I'd have any at all... In the photos I took at home, the ribbon is not on anymore. I know I used it for something else already, don't even know where it is, so it is plain to see the imperfection of the dress. And only when I took these photos I noticed those weird folds on the left side. I am not proud of this dress, but I am not ashamed of it either, that's why I am sharing it today. Things don't always go as we wished them to, but we keep on, that's what matters. Never forget that not everything has to be perfect in life. 

Refashion Month with Just Another Project

Kelly from Just Another Project, is my guest blogger today. Her blog is the last new to me blog for the series. It was nice to discover what she writes about, which is a bit of everything, things she does with her kids, sewing, food, just random stuff from her daily life, and I also discovered her fun Kelly Designs pattern shop. Kelly has refahioned a complete outfit for herself. Sometimes I am told, it is easy for me to refashion because I do it for my kids, or myself (I'm small), and here she proves that adults can refashion a smaller piece into a bigger one too, just using a bit of creativity. 

Hi! I'm Kelly from Just Another Project, where I blog about much anything.  I'm excited to join in Refashion Month!  I discovered the joy of refashioning last fall when I was making my self some maternity shirts, and have mostly just upcycled some of my husband's shirts into clothes for my boys.  This spring, my husband and I did a much-needed purging of our wardrobes. I've been having fun going through the cast-offs and repurposing them, mostly downsizing t-shirts to fit my sons. I decided to make myself an upcycled outfit and this is what I came up with.   I started with my old denim skirt and a t-shirt of my husband's.

This skirt was a favorite of mine in high school and college.

I bought it over 15 years ago it has seen a lot of wear. However, after a 9.5 pound Baby Boy #2 it no longer fits around my hips.  I really am kind of clueless about current fashion trends but I doubt this skirt is currently in style. So, after accepting the fact I was never going to fit into it again (I'll be honest, that took a couple weeks), I took some scissors to it.

This was a fairly simple refashion.  I could have kept it long, but decided to go for a different look.  First I cut off some length.

Then I cut the front and back apart at the side seams.

After do some measuring and calculating I drafted the triangular piece that I inserted in the sides. I added to the top to form a waist band and the bottom for the hem. The panel that I inserted I the sides is a layer of lace backed with some unbleached muslin, both from large scraps in my stash.

I sewed in the panels between the front and back of the skirt, folded over the top to match the waist band, and hemmed the bottom.

I had originally planned on putting lace around the bottom, but I am not an overly feminine person, and my husband and I agreed that that would just be way too much lace for me.  

The shirt started as one of my husband's t-shirts that had shrunk after going through the wash. 

To make the shirt I used the Laced Ladies Top pattern from Koerb Brothers Stitch Designs. I easily fit a size small on the men's medium t-shirt. The lace was not an upcycle; I purchased it from Hancock Fabric for this project.

I made coordinating headband with some fabric scraps and fold over elastic from this skirt, and of course added boots.  My son thought I needed a flower for my photo shoot.

A big thanks to Magda for putting together Refashion Month!  I've had fun seeing everyone's refashions and I hope you have too!

Refashion Month with Swoodson Says

If I'm not wrong - though my memory isn't one to trust - I knew Stephanie from Swoodson Says, through this series, like a year ago. She runs the most amazing sewing and crafting fb group, not to mention her own blog, full of variety, what an inspiration. She embraced refashion as a way of living, just like myself, and that's one of the reasons why I specially like this lady here. Make sure to visit her blog today (link provided below) for the greatest tips for thrifting shopping. 

Hi! I'm so happy to be here; I just had my second kid 4 months ago and have a huge stack of clothes that I have big ideas for. Blog events give me a deadline and the motivation to make it happen! I'm sharing a bunch of tips and some "action shots" to help you shop more effectively when looking for clothes to upcycle or refashion over on my blog today if you want to read more. Jogger pants have been trendy lately; I made a pair of True Bias Hudson pants when I was pregnant and have been wearing them like crazy. I like a bootcut silhouette but I hate how the hems get wet, dirty, and dusty when I chase my toddler around! These grey pants are so comfy and have awesome big pockets but I find myself not wearing them because they get so filthy - so I decided to refashion them into slimmer, cuffed pants. It's a pretty easy fix and you can see how below, refashion a pair for yourself.

   

 The before - comfy but not cutting it.

   

 The after! Comfy, cozy joggers with a pop of purple (my favorite color!) 

  Step 1

Lay a pair of joggers that you like the fit of over top of your track pants. If you don't already own a pair, you can eyeball the curve, arching out from the crotch seam. Make sure both pairs of pants are laid completely flat, you can match the outseams but I didn't because both pants had stylistic curves. Use pins to follow along the new seam you'll be creating and sew a basting (long stitch length) stitch just outside your pinned line.

   

Try them on! Make sure that there aren't any tucks, folds, and that you like the fit. Use a regular stretch stitch or a serger to make the new seam permanent and trim the excess off. 

Step 2

 

Lay the excess piece on the other leg and pin outside of it, repeat with the basting, trying on, and finishing the seam.

   

You could stop here if you like the look! I wanted to add a cuff, so keep reading. 

  Step 3

Sorry, feet shot, but use a pin and mark the desired length. Remember that you'll be adding length with your cuff. Cut off the excess length. 

Step 4

Lay the excess piece you just cut off the hems and cut the side seam so it's flat. You can use this to gauge the length of your cuff. When cutting your cuff, remember that the stretch needs to go from side to side, not up and down; ribbed knit is the best type of fabric to use. I cut my cuff about an inch shorter than the leg's opening. 

Step 5

Remembering which way the stretch needs to go, sew up the vertical side with a stretch stitch or a serger. Pull one edge up over itself so the wrong side of the seams are touching each other and all the edges match up. 

Step 6

Making sure your pants are right side out (not inside out), pull the cuff up so all raw edges are aligned. Sew with a stretch stitch or serger around them, gently stretching the ribbing to fit. 

Step 7

Repeat all steps to create another cuff and do the next leg. Ta-da! You're done.  

From a Box * Rebel and Malice * In a Manner of Sewing * Miss Castelinhos * Threading My Way * Fairies, Bubbles and Co. * Mabey She Made it * Conversas de Hermanas * Lulu and Celeste * Made by Sara * La Folie * Climbing the Willow * HattieLu Handmade * Swoodson Says * Knot so Normal* Friends Stitched Together * Just Another Project * Sew Thrifty