A Gentle Old Shirt Refashion

I found this shirt at a Northern Ontario thrift shop circa 1997. It was love at first sight. I spent the couple bucks they were asking to make her mine forever. I wore her tons at first. I loved how vibrant she was. And how happy. After a while though, I grew a little tired of the old thing. I began to see her for what she really was. A shirt that didn't become me so much. It was her line mainly that bugged me after awhile. She just sort of hung there. I never got rid of her because I just couldn't say goodbye to that crazy-beautiful fabric. I've kept her closeted for years unused and forlorn. I think the last time I wore her was around 2005, poor thing. I have no idea how old she actually is, but I once bumped into someone who laughed and told me they'd worn the exact same shirt back in the 70s. That story leads me to believe that my shirt is around 40 years old. No spring chicken.

Anyway, I rediscovered her again a few days ago and vowed to do something with her. Either get rid of her or fix her, but do something. In the end, I just couldn't part with her. That fabric had bewitched me. My decision was made. I guess I was updating the old girl.

Here's what I came up with:

And here's what she looked like on... Underwhelming, to put it mildly. (I was actually trying very very very hard to smile in this picture. But I guess my insides just refused to let me.)

I made all those changes (cut the collar and sleeves, shirred the upper waist and added a decorative cord) and here she is all freshened up.

And now here she is on and out in the daylight...

She was bursting to come out of that closet and be freshened up. Look at her now!

Not too bad for the old girl, eh?

♥M

As mentioned here, I'll be playing along with the Refashion Files June Rainbow Challenge! Join me, won't you?

Patriotic Rainbow Leaves Maybe?

Today I'm thinking about leaves. Of the maple kind.

There are a few events happening this month on the web that interest me and I'm seriously considering playing along. I mostly live in my own little bubble over here (because that's where I'm most comfortable honestly). But sometimes it's important to step outside, get some fresh air, stretch a bit, play with the other kids.

The first event on my list is June's Point of View run by my good blog mates Gwen and Amy. This month's theme is "Patriotic". I'm somewhat embarrassed to admit that I've never made anything that shows my love of my great country... BUT, I'm hoping to rectify that situation very soon.

So, here in Canada, our nation's symbol is the maple leaf. I'm thinking maple leaves will figure into the project, whatever that project may be.... Hence the above sketch.

The second event in which I'd (maybe possibly) like to participate is The Refashion Files June Challenge. I'm actually wondering if it would be possible to create one project that, somehow someway, meets both events' criteria. Sneaky, eh? Don't know if it's entirely legal but it's worth a shot. What do you think? By the way, The Refashion Files is a new site run by Amy and Jen, two crafty bigwigs you might have heard of. This month's theme is "Rainbow" and there are some lovely prizes to win. So stand aside because once I decide to (maybe possibly) join in, I will (maybe possibly) be "in it to win it" and you'll be going down. Yeah, that's right.

For more info on both these events, click on the many and varied links above.

Have a glorious weekend!

♥M