Not really refashioning per se, but made from some of the fabric I bought for the big red and white quilt which barely got used.
And guess what? It fits!! Yay!
I am still ever-so-nervous about sewing clothes and I figured this top was so simple that I couldn't possibly screw it up ( I did end up sewing the first sleeve the wrong way around and unpicking it - but every good project needs some seam ripping right?!). I would definitely make this again, the elastic neckline helped me avoid the gaping-at-the-bust, snug-on-the-hips look which I too often achieve with clothes sewing (I'm a classic pear shape). I might even be so adventurous as to add some darts on the next version
A good solid confidence boosting start I'd say.
I'm thinking of a Barcelona skirt next and I would be ever so grateful for any other simple pattern suggestions that you might have.
Good for you! I happily make skirts for myself, but every top I've ever made is just ... wrong.
Posted by: dottycookie | July 09, 2009 at 03:54 PM
I love the top and red with spots now that's a pure winner - you have far more confidence at making clothes than me. I just use the children for my efforts!
Nina x
Posted by: Nina - Tabiboo | July 09, 2009 at 05:06 PM
It's only through mistakes that we learn. Don't be nervous about an error. Some of my most important lessons were learnt from almighty messes!
Red and white spots are always lovely.
Posted by: tracey petersen | July 09, 2009 at 09:51 PM
I don't know that I'd be able to take that shirt off once I had it one. It's perfectly perfect. Brilliant fabric choice and great fit!
Posted by: Sara | July 10, 2009 at 08:42 AM
Good job Missus! And go for the Barcelona Skirt - it was my first ever garment and the pattern is really well written for nervous nellies! It also looks FAB on a pear shape (I speak from personal experience).
Posted by: domesticali | July 10, 2009 at 01:32 PM
I love that red and white shirt - it looks super on you!!!
Posted by: Teresa | July 10, 2009 at 06:04 PM
Barcelona is probably a good choice, given AB's lengthy instructions. After that I'd suggest something from Shop Onion, which have good things for beginners with instructions in English - maybe a simple wrap dress. Making things from them gave me the confidence to move onto Hot Patterns. To be honest, everything I tried to make from the big pattern companies came out horribly, and made me think I was just crap at making clothes so I'd avoid them for a while personally.
Posted by: Jo | July 11, 2009 at 05:42 AM
That top turned out great! I have been wanting to try the Barcelona skirt for a while now...it looks easy peasy!
Posted by: jessica | July 11, 2009 at 04:26 PM
Great top, love the spots.
Posted by: Thimbleina | July 13, 2009 at 01:58 AM
looks great! fantastic fabric, can't wait to see the skirt!
Posted by: driftwood | July 13, 2009 at 05:07 AM
Lina this is gorgeous, and I read somewhere (it might have been Grazia mag - eek) that spots are v fashionable this summer. Nice!!!
Posted by: Emma | July 13, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Do you have Weekend Sewing? If so, the wrap around skirt is simple to put together (but everyone seems to need to add extra panels) and really comfy to wear. Plus, she explains french seams really clearly and I got the bonus of feeling good about my finishing. (And the ability to use it on other projects.)
Posted by: Cara | July 13, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Oh - and Amy Butler's Cabo Halter top was another good experience for me. She walks you through fitting it.
Posted by: Cara | July 13, 2009 at 10:09 AM
nice work!!
Posted by: Lecia/A Day that is Dessert | July 13, 2009 at 04:06 PM
I love it! And the neckline is fabulous!
Posted by: Esther | July 14, 2009 at 01:16 PM
Just found you by chance and notice you too are in Montreal like me. I have the Built by Wendy pattern in my collection but haven't made it yet. I have had a lot of success with Simplicity top 4589 http://www.simplicity.com/dv1_v4.cfm?design=4589
It's easy for a beginner and has a nice neckline.
Posted by: Lisa | July 16, 2009 at 05:41 PM
Those Built by Wendy patterns look so good - I've almost bought that one a few times and not quite taken the plunge. I really like your fabric choice. Will look forward to seeing how you get on with the barcelona skirt as that's another one on my (very long) to-buy list!
Posted by: Helen | July 17, 2009 at 02:35 PM
it looks great on you!
Posted by: amandajean | July 21, 2009 at 03:18 PM
Ooh very cute. Gotta love dots huh?
Not sure if you'll remember me but we used to 'chat' here and there last year.
Glad to see you're still around. :)
Adele
Posted by: modernemotive | August 18, 2009 at 12:32 PM