Thursday, October 29, 2009

Changes


Did you notice something was a little different? I have made a few changes to my blog.........not necessarily better, just different.
Do you like to shop? Shop for clothes that is? Not me!.... so when I find something that fits relatively well and is reasonably priced I buy several, even if they are all the same colour. Of course, the folks at the bank, library, grocery store and the like probably wonder if I ever change my clothes (like Jerry's date on a Seinfeld episode)
Recently a bought a couple of these shirts and decided I would do something to make one different. Starting with an idea I have often seen done to sweatshirts, I began by selecting bits from my black and white stash that I simply cut into various sized rectangles to be stitched onto the shirt. I removed the stitching from the side and underarm seams so that the shirt could be laid flat for easier sewing. I stitched the pieces on leaving raw edges to fray and then restitched the seams putting the shirt back together.
As you can see, I did not put a whole lot on but you could totally get carried away with this sort of thing, maybe some applique, orphan miniature quilt blocks or perhaps using scraps of your favourite fabrics, along with some thread couching to hold it all in place. This could be a great way to rescue a favourite garment that you can no longer wear because of a stain or tear.

8 comments:

Melissa ;-) said...

Very inspiring! If I ever finish all of my swap commitments and Christmas presents, I might like to try this!

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

The shirt looks really nice, and mainly because it is not covered with fabric scraps. Has the feel of an abstract painting.
When you said you'd made some blog changes (from my dashboard reader) I thought---OH! I hope the little fur-buddy is still there!
I can rest happily..... ;)

XXOO!!
Anne

Diane J. Evans said...

What fun! I'm so impressed that you took the time to open the seams before adding the embellishments -- what patience! And I DO like the new look of your blog -- very easy for my old eyes to read.

Diane

Anonymous said...

You've once again amazed me with your talents! I immediately noticed and liked the sleeve tabs! Wonderful addition there as well as completing the look with the back shirt tail! Job well done..and applause from the hollow!

Sherri said...

It's been a while since I've been to your blog! Life seems to be a tad busy these days. :D As always, love your creative postings! This post too, what a great idea, to use this technique to cover up a spot or stain on clothing!!! Maybe I can save some of my favorite things that I don't wear, because of a spot or three. :D Thanks for the inspiration!

Debra Dixon said...

Pieces topstitched on bases must be very popular right now. I just saw a little doll quilt that was this same idea--pretty cute.

I realized a long time ago that most people are more worried about what they are wearing than what you are wearing so I wear the same clothes all the time. My philosophy is that denim isn't good until it's about 5 years old.

Clare Wassermann said...

Yes that's a great idea - I have a fave pair of jeans that I mourn because they have rotted into holes (nice!!) - I might get going with the patching now that I've seen this!!

Unknown said...

Love this idea! I've been playing around with knitting and crocheting with oddball yarns, and have thought it would be fun to add some cuffs, collars, pockets, or just patches to store-bought sweaters.

Copyright Jill Buckley