Once Upon This March, or Former St Paddy's Day Plans

A poor quality pic of shirts I wanted to use

Believe it or not, I actually had plans to have a Sew Weekly and Refashion Co-Op post way back around St. Paddy's day. I had intended on taking two big t-shirts from Buddy's work party on last year's St. Paddy's day and whip them up into some sophisticated dress that I could wear to this year's party. But it was a significant fail. The "draping" I did on my person made it look like the dress may just work out beautifully, but instead, as I tried to interpret it into a useable outfit, things just got ugly.

So I scratched it. For now. I have to undo some elastic I put in there, and I anticipate a significant increase in cutting as well. Still not sure I've reached a point where I can reliably refashion without a pattern. At least not for dressy parties.

But I did a much simpler refashion that same day, and the clothing item was also green and grey.

You know how Mena has her "Mena test" for clothes, when she determines whether she actually needs to put a zipper in?  I think I have a "Seeks test" for refashions: If a top can fit over my hips and stay put, it is fair game for a skirt. In fact, it is almost automatically going to be made into a skirt.  See the first example here or here.

I picked up this Old Navy shirt at a Goodwill by my parents months ago. Loving the stripes, but not wanting to just wear it the same as usual way, I tucked it away in my far too big stack for refashions and stewed on it. But the refashion itself is quite simple: Cut off sleeves, Sew a skirt-appropriate silhouette, Wear.

It's super comfortable, and makes me excited to wear it too. As a shirt, it felt standard; as a skirt, it feels playful and a little less conventional.

What is nice about this particular shirt's neckline, is that it has a slight dip in the front. Which makes room for my 16-week, soon to be more glamourous (read: bigger) pregnant belly. :) The waistband doesn't pinch or squeeze, and sits right below the usual offended area for such things. I am unsure if the constant use I expect to give this skirt will wear out the "waistband", but I will definitely be testing it out. If it becomes unusable, I have some nice stretchy green knit fabric that would do quite well as a new waistband.

Though I couldn't think of a better lead-in to my happy news than this, (though Kat did a spectacular reveal!), I am very happy to announce a veer in sewing plans this summer. My vintage patterns for wiggle skirts and dresses will have to be put on hold for a little bit, as my body is doing all kinds of crazy things. :) As my plans solidify, I will happily share them with you!

Happy Sewing!