When I'm thrifting for fabric, every once in a while I catch a glance of something that makes me giddy with excitement. Last week it was this pillowcase that made me gasp. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea... but to me it shouted "summer top"! I used this excellent (and easy)tutorial from Betz White to turn into a totally wearable item. I even wore it this weekend to a bbq and my son's soccer match without worrying that someone would recognize it as their old bed linen or a piece of dodgy homemade clothing.
It's usually these kinds of thoughts and self consciousness which make me shy away from making clothes for myself, it's just a confidence thing...but I really want to keep going. So I just happened upon Nikki's wardrobe refashion blog recently and have now taken the pledge to refashion, renovate and recycle preloved items for myself for the next 6 months.
Wish me luck...I'll be drowning in the deep end!
LOVE IT lina!!! and i don't often use capital letters... giddy is a great description...iy looks fab!
x
Posted by: myrtle | June 30, 2009 at 04:30 AM
So cute. Great find!
Posted by: Sara | June 30, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Very very cute - and I am extremely jealous you can fit into a pillow case. Not sure I could - maybe I'll go to try!
Posted by: dottycookie | June 30, 2009 at 08:16 AM
I adore that print and your top is lovely!!!
Posted by: Teresa | June 30, 2009 at 09:43 AM
It looks great - really summery. People around here only ever seem to have boring pillowcases, judging by my local thrift store.
I kind of like the idea of someone glancing over, pausing, looking confused, then saying 'hey, that matches my sheets!', though...
Posted by: UK lass in US | June 30, 2009 at 10:20 AM
Whoa, Lina! This is so awesome! And I could not be happier to have read your blog today--I found the most wonderful retro pillowcases this weekend while thrifting. I bought them to make Lola some pillowcase dresses but as I was washing and folding them, I thought about how much I want something for ME for a change! I was thinking some pajama shorts but my behind is too big. This is perfect! I also went through my drawers yesterday preparing for a garage sale and found tons of stuff that is just not right for me--I set it all aside to alter. So looks like we are in this together, lady! Thanks for the links. And sorry for the long-winded comment :)
Posted by: jenny | June 30, 2009 at 02:35 PM
Fab Jenny! Looking forward to see what you make!!
Posted by: lina | June 30, 2009 at 03:10 PM
You look marvellous in it! Hooray.
Posted by: domesticali | June 30, 2009 at 03:56 PM
it's gorgeous! I started to make myself one, and decided it needed more rows of shearing, and now it has sat unfinished for weeks and weeks.......
Posted by: driftwood | June 30, 2009 at 05:11 PM
Lina that's stunning. If Grazia magazine is anything to go by you're AHEAD of the fash pack with your retro floral. I love the smocking-like bit at the top especially x
Posted by: Emma | July 01, 2009 at 03:08 AM
Oh it's lovely!! What gorgeous fabric - I just love that surge of adrenalin that you can only get when you find a thrifted treasure :)
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | July 01, 2009 at 06:33 AM
I love, love, love it - 'OMG' what an amazing pattern!
Nina x
Posted by: Nina - Tabiboo | July 01, 2009 at 05:24 PM
love it! like it that you are wearing it with pride!
Posted by: darlene | July 02, 2009 at 11:30 PM
that looks great - well done you
Posted by: periwinkle | July 03, 2009 at 09:29 AM
It's fab and very summery! Will have to have a look at that tutorial.
Posted by: Helen | July 03, 2009 at 04:18 PM
I would of been very giddy myself, i love the fabric, and it looks perfect as a top.
Posted by: donna | July 04, 2009 at 07:00 AM
And I can't understand why that pillowcase WOULDN'T be everyone's cup of tea. It's so great. And what an amazing shirt!! Love, love!
Posted by: Donna | July 06, 2009 at 12:01 AM
it's adorable!!! it looks soooooooo good on you! (now i want one, too!)
Posted by: amandajean | July 07, 2009 at 05:50 PM
Lina this looks great! and I so love that fabric...I have some in my stash as well that I'm so carefully using.
Posted by: duckyhouse | July 13, 2009 at 02:31 PM
Just found your blog (again) and am looking through your sewing projects and had to comment here. Lovely, happy top! I remember that pillowcase well - we used to have them when I was little. They don't make them like they used to!
Posted by: N. | February 20, 2010 at 07:39 AM