Another instalment in the UFO diaries.
A couple of years ago I bought a very expensive silk shirt with horses on it. It made me very happy until the dye bled all through the underarm area (overshare alert: I seem to have Acid Rain strength sweat). I took it to the dry-cleaners and they said they couldn’t do much without destroying the fabric and I didn’t want to try water in case of more bleedage. I was about to give it up as lost, when husband asked how much I had paid for the shirt. EEEEK! When I told him, he then said “Return it” which I hadn’t actually considered. The shop were awesome about it which was great but sadly no more shirt.
Husband then asked what was so special (read: Why was it so expensive?) about the shirt. The answer was, of course, the print. He enquired as to why didn’t I just make myself something similar to which I replied I wouldn’t be able to find fabric like it anywhere.
He then suggested that I bought some fabric from Spoonflower because he is awesome and knows about sites such as this, because he (mostly) listens to me yabber on about these things. My response was that it was *very expensive* to buy fabric from this site to which he queried “As expensive as that shirt?”
Cue: epiphany!
So I went online shopping and found some amazing fabric on Spoonflower, which made my heart sing as much as the horsies had, to make a replacement shirt with. I purchased some in a lovely organic silk cotton and made it up into a shirt using Simplicity 7214, a vintage pattern from the late 60s.
May I present Exhibit A – The Mermaid Shirt. I fussy cut my keister off with this one, every piece individually placed and carefully cut. I also french seamed and hand sewed where appropriate. Much care was taken.
I thought this shirt was going to be the answer to all my prayers. Sadly no. I wore it about four times and felt all wrong in it.
Some considerations:
- I meant it for ‘going out’ wear, however when I go out I usually wear dresses
- For casual going out, paired with skinnies and heels, it felt ‘not me’ – I felt like I was dressed up as another woman
- The collar sat too high and the points weren’t even, which ground my gears
- It pulled a little across my (enormous – not) bust
I discussed with my number one sewing buddy: my sister. Her wisdom was to start with the part of the shirt that irked the most. So out came my scissors and I whacked off the top of the collar.
It was a good start. But I needed to do more. So I cut the bottom off to make it straight, and also cunningly stitched a little dome into the placket to keep it from pulling.
Much happier with the outcome. And I wore it out recently on a hot, muggy evening as a soft, light jacket.
Think the process has gone swimmingly.
You can see more of me and my makes here: Spare Room Style
Looks great! I love that you were dedicated enough to change it until it worked for you! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think if it hadn’t been for the fabric I would have given up much earlier!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great job and I love the contrast
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! I’m pretty happy with it… Finally!
LikeLike
It was definitely worth some refashioning to keep wearing that awesome fabric. I love those shoes too (and a husband who listens about sewing – wow ;o)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know – I pretty much have the three things in life a gal needs: mermaid shirt – check; cute shoes – check; a husband who listens to sewing (he even watches project runway with me!) – check. No need for a bucket list here!! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am in lovely with your fabric – off to search for some now. I like the original shirt – such a shame you didn’t feel it was right for you but great that your alterations have made it work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If you search “art nouveau mermaid” you should find it. It is just gorgeous fabric and great service from the site too.
LikeLike
Well done!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! It was good to get it done.
LikeLike
This looks great! How wonderful to finally be able to wear it! And great story on how your shirt came to be!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A much longer origin story than most, and yes, a good outcome finally! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great rescue on the collars, it makes a perfect jacket on you, lovely!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! It’s been a 2 year mission so I’m glad the outcome has been worth the time!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve tried a 70s short and couldn’t get to grips with wearing it after, I wish I had been clever to refashion it. The new version is great and the fabric is lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks! It’s a good pattern but I think this year I will either invest in something more current or adapt it further to meet my needs.
LikeLike
The fabric is so beautiful. You did an amazing job with this project. Kudos to you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Michelle! It was worth the effort!
LikeLike
Well done for not giving up!! It looks great and you got something you truly love in the end. Success
LikeLiked by 1 person
The expert assistance was also useful! Thanks x
LikeLike