#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

Thrift Scores: Vintage or Something Like It

I decided to hit up my local thrift store a couple different times this month and came across a few homemade pieces that I just had to bring home with me. I can't attest to age so we'll call them 'vintage' or vintage-inspired ;).

This first dress was so well made, that despite the dark colors, I decided to snatch it up for $5. It will most likely end up as a refashion, though I'd like to retain as much of its original details as possible...maybe change up the sleeves and neckline a bit? We'll see.

This next baby doll dress is orange...obviously, but I don't normally 'do' orange. So, I'm excited to try this out this spring and summer. I'll do a slight adjustment at the sides (it zips up the back), and I'll complete some finishing work on it that was never done. It looks vintage to me, but it could simply be vintage-inspired and made more recently. Got it for $3!

I really love this next one. It looks like a vintage fabric and indeed a piece made some time ago as there is some discoloration around the neckline. The good news is that I plan to open up the neck a bit. I got it for $2 (instead of $3) because of said discoloration and I just can't get over the print and tiny buttons on each sleeve...they're my favorite part!

Finally, I grabbed this strawberry print apron to add to my vintage apron collection. It's actually unfinished, so I will take care of that, and looks to be more vintage-inspired, but who knows. I paid $1.50 for it. I also "bought" this $.25 pattern that they ended up giving me for free because they didn't want to charge me $.13 on half-off day :). Score! I have plans to make something from a pattern...and I figured I'd scout out the few that show up in my local store from time to time.

Hope you enjoyed these happy finds! I'll update you once I've made the changes that I'm planning with each piece. Until then, happy refashioning, crafting, sewing, whatever you do for fun!!!

Peace,

Andrea