I really, really, really wanted to finish this in time to submit it to Rae’s Spring Top Week. But I lost track of the time last week and, come Thursday evening, I realized that I was already an hour too late for the final submission. Alack.
There are a lot of great tops in the running though. You should definitely check ‘em out and vote!
So, here’s the top I made from a shirt my friend Mindy gave me. Man, she sure has dressed me this season.
And here’s the before, circa 1999:
Not a bad shirt. It is actually from Limited and pretty high-quality. But a bit low in the front for me. I added a buttonhole and changed the buttons (although I used similar ones because I liked the look). I (obviously) removed the sleeves, and I used the cuffs to make puffs. :) Then I took in the sides a bit to neaten things up. I removed the collar and made the neckline just a tad lower in the front. Using one of the sleeves, I made bias tape to finish the neckline and make a bow.
And I sewed a metal snap at the top to keep things nice and modest.
The bow is not permanent yet. I like it, but I’m not sure about it. Should it be moved to the side a couple inches? Whaddya think?
May 4th, 2009 at 4:07 pm
The bow is Absolutely Perfect! Each of the alterations you made to this shirt is charming.
May 4th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
I LOVE the shirt! It is such a bummer that you weren’t able to submit it. I think the bow looks sweet where it is…I would leave it.
May 4th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
I love this top! Don’t change a thing. The bow looks great right where it is. Too bad you didn’t make the spring top week, I would have definitely voted for you - what a transformation! Great work and thanks for sharing :)
May 4th, 2009 at 5:06 pm
amazing make-over !
i have to check the old shirts i still have, or even my husband’s checked shirts, and see if I can be half as creative as you are !
May 4th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
BUMMER. I love it all the same though (and totally would have voted for it!)
You are one skinny thing. Too cute.
May 4th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
This is so cute! And you look great in it.
May 4th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I love those little cap sleeves!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Awesome remake! You are indeed talented!
May 4th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
That is so awesome! I love the refashion. Great details and it’s just perfect with its simplicity! Sorry ’bout that deadline…a girl’s gotta stop somewhere! (:
May 4th, 2009 at 10:17 pm
Darling! Did you re-dye it?
May 4th, 2009 at 10:48 pm
Your redos are always so inspiring! One of these days I’m going to have to hack into something in my closet.
May 5th, 2009 at 3:03 am
I’ll have you know I have altered a few items of clothing around here due to inspiration from you :)
thank you!
May 5th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Great work on the top. I had hoped to join the spring top festivities too but I miss cut the fabric on the top I waited until the last day to work on….fabulous. I just love all of your repurposing. Such great inspiration! I hit our local flea market and pick up some amazing vintage repurpose-able pieces. Can’t wait to share!
May 5th, 2009 at 10:27 am
This is one of my favorites of your re-do projects! It’s a really great style for you - I think the bow looks good because you are petite and it just adds a little detail. Thanks for the inspiration you always give!
May 5th, 2009 at 11:05 am
good lord, this is so cute. I need you to come over and help me refashion some of my shirts.
May 5th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
Very, very fresh and cute. And by the way…are you melting, you tiny little figured person???
May 6th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
adorable! I definitely think the after is far superior to the before. Nice work!
May 7th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
This is adorable! I love the transformation. I’m pretty sure I have the exact same shirt in my closet right now
May 8th, 2009 at 2:41 pm
Dear Kristena,
Your top is gorgeous!!! What an incredible makeover! So sorry you missed Rae’s spring top week… wasn’t that fabulous?
I love the bow exactly were it is! You are such an inspiration!
Love, Paula
March 30th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
[…] made this last spring out of another shirt. And really tried to finish in time for Spring Top Week… but I was about an hour too late, […]