I’ve had this babydoll floral-print top for about 3 years now. It’s been a favorite, and I often get compliments when I wear it. I put the top on earlier this week and took it off again. Truthfully, I’m not loving the babydoll style anymore. When I noticed a stain midway down the front, I gained the courage to toss it. But, then I hesitated… What if I could refashion it?
A few weeks ago I landed at Ruffles And Stuff, a beautiful, feminine blog full of fashion tutorials with a style akin to Anne Taylor Loft or Anthropologie. Disney’s work made up my mind that I would try sewing clothing again, but this time for ME! Afterall, I know I’ll appreciate all the work that goes into a project (remember that top that Aria couldn’t like?). Disney does many a refashion on Ruffles And Stuff. My idea for this top is not actually from her blog, but I still feel that seeing her work gave me the freedom I needed to start thinking outside the box.
So, I grabbed a black racerback tank that doesn’t get any wear (not bra friendly) and layered it under the floral print bodice. After snipping off the babydoll body just under the empire line, I pinned it over the black tank like so. Looks promising, right?
Sewing these knits took a bit of patience. I found that lightening my presser foot pressure eliminated a wavy seam, which I’ve struggled with before with knits. All in all, it was a very quick project (and one I actually did during the day!). On trying the finished top on the first time, I realized that the tie backs had to go. With the two-tone style the floral ties looked very odd – trust me.
Unfortunately, that’s where this refashion went from “success” to “good try.” Take a look at these pics. The one of the left (which I took myself, so please excuse the blur), shows how the bodice is supposed to fit. The one on the right shows how it actually fits. As I wear it the bodice creeps up, so that the empire line and ruffle hits at the fullest part of my cup. Not the most attractive. Apparently, those empire ties were holding the top down in the front, under my bust. Oops.
So, now this top is destined for Goodwill. I hope that it will fit someone else better!
A good try. You live, you learn, right?
Stitched in Color 