'MakeOver Monday' - Smock-to-Frock REinvent

'MakeOver Monday' 
... sharing how I cut up & REmake items from my wardrobe 
in the hope you'll pick up scissors & start cutting up yours!

The idea of having a throw-on-walk-out-the-door Smock Top 

was so appealing it meant I hung onto this one way too long

even as gorgeous as the soft & floaty dove grey 100% cotton fabric covered in beautiful floral displays was

due to an uncomfortable cut the style never looked good or felt right

which had to be the reason she ended up in my favourite oppy in near new condition

sometimes magic happens and a design comes to mind immediately 
that's so not what happened here

I had to get over my disappointment of not being able to wear her as-is
 before I could fathom what else she could be 

she was on the verge of heading downstairs to be filed-for-another-day
when I remembered an up & coming event requiring a special frock 
so decided the timing was perfect to volunteer her for the next MakeOver Monday.

***

With an idea in mind for a vintage look

the first to go were the sleeves

which once removed 

were opened up along the seams

so I could play with the idea I'd envisaged

it was round about now I was reminded how lucky I am to have a dedicated sewing space 

because when in the 'zone'

I can't be worried about getting in anyones way with sewing stuff  

or worse still upsetting anyones sensibilitites 

when it comes time to disrobe...

I took one look at these and knew I'd not be needing them again for a while

with a good feeling I was on the right track with the vintage-style idea

I went about reshaping the fronts & backs

when it became apparent I'd need to employ other fabric to help with the shortfall

ie. back bodice and false hem feature to gain extra length 

I scurried around in the small[ish] 'fabric shop' on site

and opted for the vintage rayon to the left

this was not a straight forward REinvent

where everything falls into place

because you've done it or something similar before

this was a first

which meant a whole lot of pinning & unpinning 

plenty of unpicking

[cold] cuppas

and eventually help from a commercial pattern with the bodices

which in true REinventor fashion 
I couldn't quite bring myself to use entirely as is meant

thus leaving room for adaptation

and darts

it was around 5pm the project nearly came to a screaming halt 

when I thought it a good idea to venture outside 

and combine sitting down, ball throwing & hand stitching with a cool drink 

note to self: 

don't open the bar while in the throws of a great Reinvent

have I mentioned bias binding yet

once again it saved the day by finishing off the back neck and armholes to perfection

don't you hate this

note to self: under no circumstances is it okay 

to put a threaded needle or other metallic objects with your pins

after all that 

the very last thing to happen was applying the false hem feature

which not only gave her a tad more length it gave her more weight

helping with overall feel of the finished garment

and in balancing out the detail at the centre front

even though she turned out way better than I'd first imagined

she's not quite right for a cocktail themed tropical wedding

although 

maybe when worn with my newly purchased

spanish sandals

she'll be perfect for the morning after brunch.

Next Week:

It could be one of two things...I'll let you know once I decide.

Jody x