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Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Recycled Mens Shirt Into Knotted Dress

I enjoy harvesting fabric from previously made clothing.

Papa's denim chambray shirt.




This fabric is soft and flowing and I started thinking about how I could use it to make this months sewing challenge at Project Run and Play in conjunction with this darling red robin fabric.


 Why did I choose to use topstitched box pleats instead of gathers?

  The choice to use pleats solved a problem. When I removed the pocket from the shirt front, the fabric under the pocket was darker in color.  I needed every bit of the original fabric to make the finished dress, so I hid the darker pocket shaped spot inside the box pleat.
 In addition to using this cheerful bird fabric, I top-stitched the dress in red and added red buttons to create a color scheme of denim blue and red.

Back of Dress
During the design phase of planning this dress, I decided to use the front button placket down the back of the skirt on the dress.  The placket is sewn shut and merely ornamental . You can see that I used the entire width around the men's shirt to create the skirt, and the original side seams remain.





The front of the dress uses the cuffs of the shirt and a trimmed width collar from the original shirt. I just love 
the little red ball buttons that I added to highlight these features.




 Three evenly spaced box pleats
 are used on the front skirt too.

Front of Dress
 Here is the completed dress. 
Accessories- Hair and Necklace.

Ponytail Hair Ribbons

Felt Bird Necklace





With a bit of green hair for St. Patrick's Day


Smiles,
Deborah

14 comments:

  1. This is clever! You've done a great job :) The felt bird necklace is so cute!

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  2. I can't get over the cuteness! I LOVE it!

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  3. Really well done! You completely transformed that shirt into a very feminine little dress.

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    1. Angela,
      Thanks for your comment about the dress being feminine. My granddaughter dances ballet, and I wanted to create a dress that fits her slim body, and emphasizes her poise. it doesn't hurt that the fabric has a beautiful soft flow to it.
      Deborah

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  4. Deborah, this up cycled dress is beautiful! The buttons, collar and box pleats really add a special touch to the dress. Your granddaughter looks like she really like the dress too. Great job!

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    Replies
    1. Maria,
      I really enjoy using the elements of a recycled shirt in a new way. Thanks for your kind comments.
      Deborah

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  5. Brilliant use of those cuffs! The whole dress is amazing!

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  6. Chic dress! And innovative recycling.

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  7. Love this! You did a fantastic job. Those box pleats are fabulous!

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  8. Deborah!!! I just ADORE THIS. I would love to feature you! And, as well as that: Thank you for being a part of our party SHARE IT one more time Saturdays. It wouldn’t be a party without you! Happy Sunday! Your host Rose, FineCraftGuild.com

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  9. I love a good upcycle! This is adorable!!!

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  10. Dropping by to let you know you are being featured on this week's Share It One More Time Link Party. Loved this project. Thank you for linking up. Cathy

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