Longer days, time in the sun, and lots of bare skin—summertime can be challenging for the style maven. But just because spaghetti straps and cutoff shorts are the order of the day doesn’t mean you have to give up on your own inimitable fashion sense to dress like everybody else.

Born-Again Vintage author Bridgett Artise offers up advice on creating a head-turning piece from the best elements of a vintage blouse, combined with modern fabrics for a one-of-a-kind summer look.

—

Refashioning old clothes is a great way to revamp your wardrobe without spending a ton of money. Take, for example, a vintage housedress that might feel a little frumpy as is. But chop off just the skirt, attach it to a cute T-shirt, and voila! A ho-hum dress becomes a funky conversation piece.

One idea is to combine a fabulous vintage blouse (think Saturday Night Fever with a large collar and bold print) with a simple cotton T-shirt or tank. This is an especially great alternative when you have a vintage blouse that is stained or damaged, or if the collar is all that you like and want to take from the blouse.

All you need is a collared blouse (which can be picked up for cheap at a thrift store, a garage sale, or perhaps for free in the back of your own closet!), a tank or T-shirt, and some basic sewing supplies. If you’re using a printed tank, make sure that the two colors complement each other.

1. Cut the sleeves off of the blouse at the shoulder seams, and fold the blouse in half lengthwise, with the front facing out.

2 . Mark the desired shape on the blouse with chalk or fabric pen. Add a 1/2-inch seam allowance on the outside of all markings. Cut and remove the marked section from the blouse.

3. Cut and remove the binding from the neck of the tank and fold the tank in half lengthwise, with front facing out.

4. Place the blouse piece on top of the tank top, lining up the center front and back. Fold the edges under so right sides are together and pin securely.

5. Add a 1/2-inch seam allowance and then cut away the fabric of the tank top where the vintage blouse section will be inserted.

6. With the right sides together, pin the bib and the tank top in place. Machine-stitch using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

7. Trim all seams to 1/4-inch and finish using a narrow zigzag stitch or serger.

For another spin on this look, you can keep the placket of the blouse intact. Just cut the tank top (or T-shirt) open, and sew the vintage placket and collar into the tank by lining up the unfinished edges.

Check out Born-Again Vintage for more of Bridgett’s ingenious tricks for refashioning clothes for every season.

Categories: Sewing |

Tags: born-again vintage, bridgett artise, refashion, revamp, vintage

Browse all articles from August 2010