Tuesday, May 6, 2014

#MMMay14: Day 6

Today's me-made outfit features a top I just made yesterday. It is my second time making a piece of clothing from a pattern, and I chose a super simple one that I'd thrifted along with some thrifted fabric I've had for several months now.

Here's what I started out with:

The price says $8 for 5 1/2 yards, but I grabbed it on a half-off day, so I only paid $4. The pattern cost me a quarter. I chose to do option C with the V-neck and short sleeves thinking this would be a basic top that would be made unique by my choice of fabric and however I decided to style it. I cut out the size 12 pattern, ironed everything out, laid my pieces, cut my fabric and started assembling. It went smoothly, though it took a lot more time than I like ;). I ended up adding some length thinking I'd wear it as a tunic. However. I should have added more width to the bottom as it is snug on my hips...and does it look like a scrubs top to you? You know, what doctors, nurses, dentists, etc wear? I feel like it does a bit, and so I'm a little torn. I love the fabric, like the feel of the top, but can't stand my first impression! I threw it on yesterday with my brightly colored jeans to get a feel for it and this is how it looks.

I actually like it with these jeans! The floral has a bit of dusty blue on the leaves, so I think it works in that sense, but I can't shake the feeling that I look like a dentist's assistant or something. Here's how I'm wearing it today. I paired it with a thrifted woven belt, a thrifted cardigan, and thrifted 'skinnified' jeans. I'll throw on some flats when I have to head out to pick up my son ;).
I folded the bottom under to experiment with the length and see what changes may need to be made. If I keep it long, I'll need to widen the bottom, or I can simply take it up a couple of inches altogether. I'm also considering changing either the neckline or the sleeves. Maybe that will change my impression of this piece and help it become one of my favorites. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts! I have 4+ yards of this fabric left, and have been wanting to make myself a pencil skirt with it, so I may make that my next project. After another refashion or two I've already got in the works ;).

Peace,
Andrea

12 comments:

  1. How gorgeous! I love it, you've done an excellent job xx

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  2. Love the print. I do see what you are talking about with the "scrub" look. Although, when you pair it with the sweater and belt it looks fine. If you do change it up, one idea would be to add lace "V's" on the sides to flare it out and add matching lace sleeves. I have seen several refashions on Pinterest using the inverted V on the sides of tee-shirts, etc.

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    1. Great idea on the lace v's to make it flare at the hips! I've seen that as well, did it with sweaters, and think it would work really well with this one :) Thanks!

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  3. I love it with the cardigan. It's beautiful fabric (and a great bargain). A skirt in this would be awesome.

    I like Becky's idea. Or maybe you could add some kind of edging or trim or buttons along the neckline?

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    1. I'm reluctant to change the shape of the neckline because I feel it came out so well ;) So, your ideas for embellishing it are great! I also like it much more with the cardigan, but I want to be able to wear it without as well, so these change ideas will help!

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  4. Its great! Looks super with either of your jeans and the jacket too. Prefer it with the black belt rather than the tan though.
    Guess you could open up the side seams so it is a little more tabardy to give you ease on the hips, but then you may not be able to uptuck it to make it shorter in wear? Frankly the cheery fabric itself shows its certainly not a scrubs uniform!
    Another great find and refashion!

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    1. Thanks liniecat! I've also considered opening up the sides and simply shortening the length a bit. I agree, the fabric is what pushes it beyond scrubs ;) I'll post an update once I decide what to do.

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  5. I think it looks great. Love the second look. You could add some darts to fit it more under the bust, because that could be adding to the scrubs look, being a looser look...but then you would need a zip. Hmmm.

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    1. Thanks Jazzy Jack :) It is a bit of a conundrum figuring out how to get rid of the scrubs look with minimal changes...maybe I'll go with a complete overhaul! Thanks for stopping by :)

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  6. I think losing some of the length makes it look better. How about turning to round, so the v is at the back (you could always widen it if need be), and then do a different neck at the (new) front? Bit I don't cut ally think it looks like scrubs because of the floral print.

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    1. I agree on the length, Helen. I tried turning it around, but would have to change the neckline if I do that. So, definitely an option, and still unsure what I'll do in the end :). Thanks for your input, I appreciate you taking the time!

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