This was a super simple ReInvention. On my last trip to the thrift store, I was searching for longer tops that I could wear like tunic tops with skinny jeans. This top caught my eye because of the pretty apple green color and the neckline, but it was an extra-large and I’m an extra-small.
No problem – turn an XL into an XS with elastic thread. There are a million tutorials out there about how to use elastic thread, and I’ve tried many, but it never clicked and worked right until I found one that said if you have a drop-in bobbin (like I do) to wind the thread normally, not by hand. Score! Not only is it easier for me to wind the bobbin this way (duh) it sews much better as well.
I marked (with a pencil) three lines in front of and three lines behind each shoulder seam, spaced 1/4 inch apart, since the shirt wasn’t just too big around, it was also drooping at the shoulders on me.
Then I sewed on each line, backstitching at the beginning and end.
I tried the shirt on to check the shoulders and mark where I wanted the waist shirring band to start. I marked lines 1/4″ apart all the way around, and sewed them in.
And I had this:
I decided to call it the Grecian T-Shirt because the draping reminds me of togas. (And I love that it makes me look like I have a Grecian bust when mine is anything but!)
Czykmate
I LOVE this idea! Empire waists hide my mommy gut and that makes me happy. That being said, I have never worked with elastic thread nor do I have $ or transportation to the fabric store to purchase some. I’m wondering if I could do the old “stretch and zigzag” deal with regular elastic on the inside of the shirt to achieve a similar effect. What do you think?
Sarah @ Sarahndipities
This is great!! Thanks for sharing your process!!
Grammy Goodwill
Oh, how I wish I could sew. That looks great.
Amy
Here’s a tutorial for faux shirring! I haven’t tried this so I’m not sure how it works, but I pinned for a rainy day.
tousled day
This looks easy and usefull. Thank you for shareing 🙂
Sarah McDonald
Thank you for sharing – I bought some tops when I was pregnant, and now I want them to fit better.
Mandy @ Sugar Bee Crafts
Thanks for linking to Take-A-Look Tuesday – you were featured today!!
– Mandy, http://www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
WhyCuzICan
Lovely and yes, “figure flattering”- you are inspiring 🙂
Thanks for sharing today where I’m spotting you from The Shabby Creek Cottage’s TRANSFORMATION THUR party.
Smiles, Suzanne in NW Illinois at WHYCUZICAN
Michelle
Awesome re-fashion! It looks so great on you! Thanks for sharing on Sew Darn Crafty!
Alison @ Oopsey Daisy
What an amazing refashion! I need your sewing skills! 🙂 Thanks for sharing at oopsey daisy!
Kristin
What a great idea! Might have to make a trip to the thrift store. 😉 This would be an excellent modification for those maternity shirts that are just too “boxy” (as if we don’t look big enough when we’re pg! lol).