Sheet to Chic

The next pattern I needed to make was this 1950’s blouse. My sister, Michelle, said she’d like it, so this one is for her. I liked the way the neckline looked on this pattern, and knew I would be learning something new with this sew. I had never done a neckline like this one before!

With each project I’m learning that I have a lot to learn!

In many of Simplicity’s reissued patterns, they include a little section of fashion facts. So here’s your fashion history lesson, courtesy of Simplicity patterns.

The pattern suggests a rayon, silk, or synthetic fabric for this shirt. I asked Michelle what kind of look she was going for. She said, well I have this old sheet set….oh? I was interested. I love being able to reuse or repurpose old fabrics into something new. For whatever reason Michelle didn’t like these as sheets, but we both knew it would be perfect for this blouse.

Here I am laying out the pattern, and cutting the top off of the flat sheet.

Designer sheets easily translate to designer fashion!

Starting with the darts.

Uh oh! It was beginning to get a little more complicated with these front pleats.

Wait, what?? Sometimes I have to look at these illustrations a long time to figure out what they are trying to show me. But I caught on.

Attaching the facing.

Pinning on the loops for the back buttons. I’ve done this before, and coincidentally on an outfit for Michelle.

You can see in this picture the design on the fabric. It’s not just plain blue, but has skulls, hearts, and lips as part of the design.

Working on the sleeves.

Hemming the sleeves.

And voila! A 1950’s styled blouse for my sister, and a new life for this sheet!

Looking casual by the bank.

I love the way the neckline turned out!

Who knew a sheet could look so classy?

Michelle’s new shirt has even made it into her work attire. Here she is hard at work wearing her shirt, but dressed down for a casual look.

I really do love how you can take a vintage style and wear it with anything.

When deciding to start this sewing challenge, and this blog to document it, I thought I would only be challenging myself. By doing this though, I have challenged everyone around me. The people I sew for have learned how to pose for a photo shoot, accessorize outfits, do hair and make up, and become photographers themselves.

I leave it up to the individual to get ready for their photo shoot. Each person must pick things that they feel the most comfortable in. You need to feel confident, or whatever I sew would look bad. Trust me, this is no easy task! My models also have to fit a photo shoot into their own busy schedules. Yes, so far it has been fun, but sometimes it is very inconvenient.

Never fear though, everyone has stepped up to the challenge of being part of my blog, with no complaints. I’ve gotten nothing but love and support.

I am continually grateful for anyone who goes along with me on this journey.

I am continually grateful that they take it seriously and step out in my creations, and make my sews look good.

And, after all, what would this little sister do if I didn’t have my big sister supporting me? That’s what they are there for, right?

Step out today in something that makes you feel comfortable and confident, even if it’s an old sheet. Go out and be your best self!

As for me, onto the next!