Skirt To Top With Lace Sleeve

I am very found of broomstick skirts or really any skirt that is really gathered because there is so much material to play with and a plus size woman can get away with using a smaller size. In this case the skirt was an XL and my sister wears a 4-5XL. The material was white and navy but there were spots so I put it in some yellow dye, and took off the waistband.

I wanted something with sleeves in a kimono style but the top would be too short if I tried that from the top, so I decided to try something different. I cut the top straight across then measure down six inches come in straight. I already had the bust measurement plus 3 inches so knew were the line would end. I then angled the cut out to the bottom to give an a-line shape. We wanted a loose flowy top but not too loose. 

I forgot to take picture of the next step but all I did was measure 4 inch out from the center then measure from that pin to the edge of the sleeve (18") then cut a rectangle of lace 14" wide by 18" long. I like doing it this way because I can make the sleeve as wide as I need by adjusting the width of the lace without trying to force the fabric to the right size. It it is too narrow take off and redo. You can also taper the width if you want the ends more narrow or wider. I sewed that to the sleeve and finished the edges with a serger because the material unravels.

I finished it off with yellow binding all around the inside and the end of the arms. I did this instead of folding and hemming because there is nothing more annoying then a rough edge irritating you.

It actually looks good with a white or yellow bra or better yet a strapless. This took very little time and makes a nice summer top.

Refashion weird t-shirt sports bra combo thing

Okay this is one of those weirder shirts it was a combo of a tshirt and a sports bra. the body was dusty pink and the straps were white. Into the dye it went.

First thing was to get rid of those straps and back bra part. Then I saw on Pinterest where they added some shape to the front by ruching so I tried that.

Find the center seam then iron makes it much easier. I used a paper tape it is easier to draw on and does not leave residue. I experimented with distance and found that 3/4 inch was the right distance. Why this sounds obvious make sure that the bigger part of the running stitch is in the back. Even the experienced sewer can make this mistake especially if you are listening to a good song and not paying attention :)

I just bought a new toy a Bejeweler Pro and that heart finishes the front nicely. Well it still needed something so I decided to dress up the sleeves.

I tried freehand drawing but really suck so I printed the pattern I wanted and learned something. If the design is too close in some areas you cannot put the stones down. Also while it is not hard it is time consuming and stress full if falling a pattern because you have to stay steady and with my back problems I could only do a little then lay down so it took me even longer. In addition I have read that it is best to really push the stone down with something to force the glue into the material. Just to be on the safe side I put a piece of paper over the top and ran an iron over the whole thing to make sure I got everything.

Shirt came out pretty good and survived washing and drying with no problems.

Riv said it would look even better with a good bra that is going to be one of my projects