I’ve finally gotten around to my first refashion! I bought this top at the thrift store when I was in Binghamton, New York and loved the print of the fabric. I’m a huge sucker for anything black and white. The shirt was about 14 sizes too big. Here is my before shot:
I decided to make Gertie’s Portrait Blouse from her book Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing.
First things first, I had to cut out those crazy should pads!
Even Guinness had something against them!
I unpicked the seams on the sides and the top of the shirt. I then folded each piece in half…the pattern fit almost 100%.
The pattern is very simple and instructions were easy to understand. The only real issue I had was that the fabric was so insanely slippery! I was getting very frustrated because it seemed to have a mind of its own. On the care label it said 100% polyester. I can’t tell exactly what type of fabric it was but I’d call it “slippery little sucker”!
Anyways, here I am wearing it:
I have realized that almost every post I’ve made has Guinness in it. He’s always photo-bombing anyway and I can’t help that he’s the cutest doggie on Earth and needs to be posted all over the interwebz 😉 He does get annoyed by the flash over and over though:
Back to the blouse… I highly recommend this pattern, it’s super simple and a great wardrobe builder. One thing I can’t stress enough is that it is very short – I had to add 2 inches to the waist and I still feel another inch would have been better. I made a size 4 and it seems to be a perfect fit.
This is the second Gertie outfit I’ve made from her book. The first pattern was the Pencil Skirt and I have made 2 versions of that: Black Pencil Skirt & Mad Men Challenge Pencil Skirt. I am currently working on a third outfit from the book. Do you have the book? What are your opinions on the patterns?
BONUS SHOT! Check out my handsome photographer and husband <3
so handsome <3[/caption]
I looooove it!!!!! The fabric is amazing!
Thanks Kenda <3
I totally love what you did with the shirt! This is really awesome girl!!!
Thank you 😀 Thanks for sharing my page too!!!
‘Sew’ cool!!!
You’re the one that is “sew” cool 😉
Oh, the top looks just adorable on you, love it! And, a nice shout out for keeping the recycling, re-using alive. I think it’s only appropriate that Guinness be in every post! Kitty, my cat, is my super sewing hero and helps out with both sewing and blogging. He makes cameos on all of my posts, invited or not. 🙂 I don’t have this book, but have heard good things about it although that it is not for beginners. I don’t what do you think? Do the patterns seem difficult to follow?
I love that someone else has their pet in posts all over too LOL I’m going to head over to your site and find Kitty! Guinness always has done that… I think it’s funny if the camera comes out he’s like “oh, don’t mind me.. I’m just sniffing the floor” 😉 I think the book is great for everyone. The first half teaches you everything you’ll need for the patterns. Then the patterns go from easy to hard. The current one I’m working on has given me some issues… BUT I think I’ve conquered it (I hope… I’m halfway through). I *may* be having a Gertie book giveaway in a week 😉
Great job on the upcycling – it’s always worth checking out the plus sizes rack for cool fabric. The top looks fantastic, as do the dog and husband!! I might have to place Guinness as number two in the cutest dog stakes though. Otherwise Truffle would get jealous 🙂
I have lots of outfits to refashion… I’ll be set for a few years! Guinness appreciates the compliments!! Truffle is a super cute dog!! They could be friends 😀 I love when bloggers post their pets – I’m a sucker for animals!
I love that fabric, what a great find, and what a fabulous top! I keep meaning to try refashioning but I haven’t got round to it yet. And I love Guinness, he is very photogenic.
Thank you and Guinness says thank you 🙂 I have about 100 other items to refashion LOL It’s fun though, you really need to give in and try!
I bought Gertie’s book a while ago but have been nervous to try any of the beautiful patterns out for fear that they are too advanced for a beginning sewist like me… but you have done such an amazing job with the pencil skirt and now this portrait blouse that now I am itching to do it myself! Keep it up, girl- I love your style!
Thanks so much! I checked out your blog and it’s looking great 🙂 The Pencil Skirt and The Portrait Blouse are the 2 easiest patterns in the book – so give it a try! If you mess up, oh well, try again! I have a few of garments that didn’t quite make it LOL
Hi,
new reader popping in. Just wanted to say that I love the upcycled top. The fabric and fit look amazing. You’ve inspired me to give the portrait blouse a go so thanks 🙂
I’m so glad I could inspire you 🙂 It really is simple and classic!
I like this refashion. I have been wanting to upcycle, but I am having trouble seeing the diamond in the rough. All I see is rough and second hand stores. So I buy fabric. What you have done is great!
Thanks! It is really difficult to see what I could make out of my second hand items. I have a lot of them to do but most I think “Okay, jumper” but I can’t make everything a jumper! LOL