New-Old Sundress

Years ago, when I was maybe 15, my mom sewed me a sundress.  Since I have a long torso the waist was a little short, and I was too self conscious to wear something that not everyone else was wearing.  I kept it, though, planning to at least reuse the fabric.  I unpicked the main seams a couple years ago.

Now I'm gong to sew it back together, adding a waistband for extra length if necessary.  It's a cute fabric, a polished cotton floral, with cut-on sleeves and a gathered skirt.  The buttonholes have already been worked all the way up the center front, with pink flower buttons.  If I can finish it quickly I'll be able to wear it this summer :)  We're having hot weather and tomorrow seems like a perfect day to stay indoors and whip up a sundress.

Blouse w/ Recycled Trim

S2936

As I posted earlier, I'm reusing embroidered pillowcase trim for a blouse.  I chose a pattern, Simplicity 2936, and cut it last night.  I'm using bleached muslin which matches the poly/cotton trim pretty well.

I made a couple changes to the pattern: ditched the facings, altered view C sleeves to one piece, cut the front on the fold, and cut the back with a seam.  This made best use of my fabric and will allow for swayback adjustments if necessary.  I forgot to add a seam allowance when cutting the first back piece so left a generous 1.5" on the second piece.  I'll sew the back seam 1/4" off center, with a 1/4" seam allowance, and no one will notice.  If the neckline is narrow I'll be able to stick in a button and loop closure, too.

The trim was draped on my dressform to create a square neckline.  The mitered corners should echo nicely the raglan sleeves of my pattern :)  I'd like to cover the entire sleeve top with the trim, leaving the back neckline plain.  I'm waiting to cut the trim until the blouse is assembled.

I've just started construction of the blouse and it's very simple.  I have the tucks pinned--on grain no less--and ready to sew.  Then I'll baste everything, check fit, and figure out how to insert the trim.

This is a fun project and I hope I don't run into too many problems.  So far it looks like it may be done by the weekend

Pretty Trim Take 2

I've been inspired to make a top reusing embroidered pillowcase trim.  Last spring I'd planned to use the whole pillowcase for a nightie.  Then I realized the white pillowcase was yellowed and, worse, it didn't fit around my ass hips :(

I was reinspired this week by vintage chemises.  There's enough trim to make a square yoke for the blouse front.  A blouse will be sewn under and around the trim from bleached muslin.  I'll take photos tomorrow, when the sun's out.

My other project is tweaking a purchased blouse.  It's made from cotton voile with pintucking and lace insertion.  I love the Edwardian lingerie dresses and this is as close as I'll get in daily life.  The blouse has no waist shaping so I'm going to sew on a back tie.  The short sleeves are a little too puffy for my taste.  Luckily a pleat will solve that and look well with the gathers.

I hope this post whets your appetite for photos and progress rather than causing frustration.  I promise more soon!