And done again. But it still might evolve after I wear it a bit.This shirt was a gift from a friend. (Thanks, Ginny!) She gave me permission to take it with me to DOL where Diane Ericson gave me some excellent ideas to try out on it.
It started out as a nice 100% linen shirt. A classic big shirt, or at least that's the way it fit me. Very long, dropped shoulder. Sleeves finished with conventional placket and cuff.
Here is what I've done (so far):
- Removed the collar, left the collar stand, inserted a brown and white linen bias strip where the collar had been.
- Added a raw-edge circle to the back yoke.
- Removed the sleeves and moved the shoulder line up even with my shoulder blades.
- Opened the side seam, added linen bias binding to armscye and side seams. Lapped the front side seam over the back. Top-stitched in place, leaving a vent at the bottom.
- Removed the two pleats in the back in hopes of gaining some of the inches I lost with the previous step.
- When that didn't work I removed the buttons, covered button holes with new buttons, inserted a strip down the front with new buttonholes. It now buttons the other way.
- Removed the breast pocket and created a second one from one of the sleeves. Placed the two pockets low on the front.
- Added gusset-type inserts so my bra won't show. It may become a vest but it's too hot for a vest right now.
- Added and removed sashiko circles all over it.
Here is what I haven't done (yet):
- Dye
- Paint
- Stamp
- Stencil
- Screen print
And it needs some kind of sashiko or hand-stitch. Still thinking. Hoping I don't take it past the point of wear-ability, veering into clown wear.
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| Original shirt |
the transformation is beautiful!
ReplyDeletethat looks cool so far!
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas, very well done!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha, sorry to ask such a newbie question, but when you took the sleeves/collar off did you just whack them off? Did you unpick the previous stitching? I have a white linen blouse that might benefit from a treatment like this (it's definitely not benefiting from hanging in the closet).... thx very much
ReplyDeleteMartha, you are truly amazing - an artist in every sense. It is unique and lovely.
ReplyDeleteMartha, I am enjoying your journey here. I always struggles to be a little more bold, but do not get there. In my humble (and plain-Jane) opinion, it is quite beautiful right now.
ReplyDeleteI like what you've done so far. You have a lovely sense of style, so no worry about going too far.
ReplyDeleteThe "after" is so much more interesting and lovely than the "before."
ReplyDeleteWhat a transformation Martha. I really admire what you sew and create.
ReplyDeleteLove what you've done, and the detailed description of how you got there - thank you for a very inspiring post!
ReplyDelete