Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top! ~ Diane's Vintage Zest!

Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!

Today, I actually have a new sewing project to share with you!  Stitch Once, Rip Twice's latest challenge was a Simple Top, and I knew that I had to make something nice and breezy for this 80°F weather we have been having here!

Read on for all of the details, including how I turned a huge mishap into a fashionable detail and how this only cost me $1!

*Update* Check out everyone else's garments here!

Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


As you remember, we had a challenge and I had a few ideas in mind when I announced it in this post.  I kept wanting to complicate the design with all kinds of details, but I finally just settled for a really simple top!


Simple Top Challenge Button: Diane's Vintage Zest!


I used Simplicity 1614 from my pattern collection for its breezy silhouette.  I decided to go with version D's front and version A/B's back with the detail.  Already getting not-so-simple...


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


For the fabric, I was going through my enormous fabric stash to find something breezy but not sheer.


Finally, I remembered that I had a box of articles of clothing I bought from the swap meet for $1 each with the tags still on them, even if it would make things more complicated for my simple top...  But this shirt was perfect and I couldn't pass it up!  Also, I am a new contributor to the Refashion Co-op and this would be a perfect first post for them!


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!
See, there's a little blue tag on the left arm.  Never worn!


This is the final garment!  I love this blouse.  :)


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


Here is a shot of the back with the buttons.  Reminiscent of my last refashion, no?


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


Now, what is the deal with the pocket?  I actually accidentally cut right through the fabric while taking the blouse apart.  Eek!  More complications!  There was a huge V cut over the left chest, so I decided to add a pocket after I patched it up.  Actually, part of me wants to make the pocket a contrasting black fabric instead, which I may revisit later.


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


I used my rolled hem foot for the teeny-tiny hems!


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


One minor detail that came about from the small amount of fabric that I had to work with.  A little section at the underarm that basically includes part of the original sleeve and a seam.  It's almost like a detail on purpose, but it's not perfectly done.  As long as no one stares at my underarm area, I'm okay!


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


Also, for the back detail, I decided to "borrow" the original cuff and the buttons, so it would have an extra bit of detail.  This is one of my more favorite details and I did not even have to use my buttonhole foot!


Challenge #5: A (Refashioned) Simple Top!: Diane's Vintage Zest!


Yay!  Another challenge down, and next week I'm going to share the rest of the group's projects.  They're rolling in on the Facebook page, and I can't wait to share them with you!


Lastly, a question for you: Do I keep the pocket I have or trade it in for a contrasting black fabric?




31 comments:

  1. Nice shirt! I like the pocket and the back strap!

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  2. Thanks! :) It was a definitely a non-simple simple top!

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  3. I really like the back detail. I need to get over my aversion to sleeveless blouses!

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  4. I love what you've done here. I think a black pocket would look great, but I don't dislike it how it is now either. The little under the armhole bit is such a good example of "making it work" I am really impressed.

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  5. Love it! The back detail is great. I love to refashion old clothes into something new, definately some of my favorite projects

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  6. Nice job. It makes me feel so good when I repurpose something. And then actually wear it!!

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  7. What a great top! I love the back. Hard to believe it started out as as a button down shirt.

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  8. Cute and clever redesign! Love it!

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  9. Thank you! Especially with the weather heating up, you probably want to start wearing sleeveless tops soon! :)

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  10. Thanks so much! I wish the armhole parts were a bit more even, but I'm still happy with how it turned out. :)

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  11. Thanks so much! I love buttons and back details, so this was an extra little fun part. :)

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  12. Ditto! Something clutter into something functional. Nice!

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  13. Thanks so much! Maybe I should walk backwards to make sure people see it. :) I'm seriously considering it!

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  14. Diane, these top is adorable and what a great makeover! I SO need to learn to use the sewing machine I got a year ago!!! Thank you so much for sharing at Best of the Weekend and will be pinning to our party board. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

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  15. featured you over at Nap-Time Creations today! Thanks for linking to Create Link Inspire! Come on over and check out all the fun features ;o) Emily

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  16. So cute. I love the pocket detail.

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  17. It looks so cute! I like how you added the cuffs on the back. It makes the top a little unique. Visiting from Wake Up Wednesday Linky Party!

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  18. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can start whipping projects out. :) Thanks!

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  19. Thanks so much! Lots of fun features and I'm so happy you included me! :)

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  20. Wow, nice job!

    Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!

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  21. Great job. Thanks so much for sharing with Adorned From Above's Link Party.

    Have a great week.

    Debi and Charly

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  22. Great job giving an old blouse a new life! It looks great! Thanks for sharing this project at The Pin Junkie. It was one of the features this week!

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  23. The top turned out awesome! Great job!

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  24. Love the top, it's very classy yet great to go casual too. Love the pocket as is seeing that you have an accent on the back. Such a great idea using the cuff with its button. Simple but elegant in the principle of Less is More.
    Alexa from Sydney Australia blogging as
    http://www.Alexa-asimplelife.com

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  25. Definitely keep the pocket! great job and fun challenge!

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  26. Thanks so much! I think it's definitely a top that can be dressed up or down as you said. I should sew up more tops like this one because they're practically 2 in 1!

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  27. Thanks! So glad to see that you started up the party again after you mentioned it to me at Patchwork. Can't wait to see all of the reader projects roll in! :)

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  28. Keep pocket. Probably weird idea but I think you have the skill to do it. Make a removable pocket and make different color pockets to match other parts if an outfit. I just got my first very basic sewing machine and tryi g to teach myself to sew so I don't know how to nake a pocket, let alone a way to make it interchangeable, but it was just an idea. Cool blog.

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  29. Hm... I'll have to think about how to do it, but that would be cool!

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I love to hear your comments! And putting in your two cents is always free. :)

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