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  • The Refashioners

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DIY, how to, refashioning, Restyles, Sewing, the refashioners, Thrifting, Tutorials

The Refashioners 2015 – Me (gulp!)

28th August 2015

PORTIA LAWRIE - THE REFASHIONERS 2015 (1)

Aaaaand here we are! Unbelievably, at the end of an entire month of refashioning inspiration and…lets face it….more than a little genius thrown in for good measure! Helloooo again everyone! Feel like I haven’t seen you for aaaaaages!!

The trouble with organising an event like this is that, as the host, there’s an inevitable weight of expectation. Real or imagined. Actual or self imposed. Playing alongside this line up of talent is mildly intimidating. I can’t lie! But “comparison is the thief of joy” so let’s be real and stay true to ourselves. I’m not a couture technique kind of gal.  Never will be. I like simplicity. Both in terms of process and the finished garment. If I churned out something amazingly clever that just wasn’t me and I would never wear, you guys would know in an instant.  Trying to be something I’m not is not really my bag. So true to form, here’s a simple but oh so effective little refashion for you…..(secret squirell…..shhhh…..I actually really love this….just because it’s easy…don’t mean it doesn’t count, ha ha!)PORTIA LAWRIE - THE REFASHIONERS 2015 (2)

Ever noticed how an oversized man’s shirt, when worn, has the perfect armhole size, dropped shoulder and wide sleeve configuration for a kimono jacket??! That was my starting point….

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (1)

This shirt had been sat in my stash for months. Even before my first email went out about this series. I think it was originally intended for a magazine article. But I ended up taking a different direction so it sat there. What I loved about this shirt was it’s size. Lots of fabric to work with. It’s colour. I love a versatile neutral. and last but not least, the fabric. Not easy to photograph, but it’s medium weight and drapey with a very slight sheen.

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (2)

I started by removing the pocket. Often the biggest obstacle in a shirt refashion is having a pocket when you absolutely don’t want one. Luckily I managed to all but vanish the stitch marks using this technique.

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (3)

Next, cut all around the button bands and collar to remove…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (6)

Stay stitch the neckline so it doesn’t distort as you work. If you’re like me and do lots of trying on and test pinning as you work out what you’re going to do (I tend to work things out on the fly rather than have a plan) then stabilising that neckline curve is a 2 minute job that’s well worth doing…THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (1)

Here’s how it looked at this stage. (I actually quite like this shape too!) But I continued…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (4)

Fold up your shirt along the length, lining up the shoulders and armhole curves…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (5)

This enables you to cut both sleeves equally in one go. I cut mine just below the elbow…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (2)

I reviewed the shape and proportions at this stage and decided on my next steps…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (8)

Lop off the shaped hem to shorten and create a boxier hemline…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (9)

Take a line from the shoulder point/neckline curve right down to the hem….it’s a gentle diagonal in this pic…but you could also go straight down at right angles. Either will work.

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (10)

Mark a cutting line on both sides (eyeball if you’re brave…but I had a rep to protect on this occasion, lol!)…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (3)

And there you have your basic kimono shape. Just the neckline, hem and sleeves to finish…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (11)

Enter “donor” shirt number two! I had a moment of panic here. The stuff that I had planned to use for the kimono bands didn’t work out ( it was the remnants of this top and the combo really worked but in truth I bodged it!!) and I had nothing left in my stash that worked. So I nipped out to the local charity shop 10 minutes down the road and bought this one!

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (12)

I pieced a band from the sleeves, interfacing the pieces before I joined them….you’ll want the finished band to be about an inch shorter than the neckline/opening or your jacket so measure accordingly…if you want a less structured, more fluid lapel, you could try skipping the interfacing. Which I may try next time.

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (13)

Folded in half , RS together, the ends sewn, then turned through and pressed. (use a point turner or knitting needle to get those corners crisp) I had my neckline band…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (14)

Two important steps before applying the band. First press up the raw edge of the bottom hem by about half an inch.THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (15)

And notch into that neckline curve…up to but not through the stay stitching.

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (16)

Baste or pin the band all the way around the RS of the neckline and opening like so. It’ll need a little bit of easing on around that notched neckline curve…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (18)

When you get to the hem part flip it over like so.  The WS of the hem flips over to the RS and encloses the bottom of the neckline band like so. (Ignore the extra seam allowance of the shirt fabric on the right. I was just playing with the placement a bit)

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (17)

Sew right to the end of your hem fold like so and backstitch to secure…(I know this looks a bit odd if you’ve never used this technique before…but bear with me. It will make sense in a moment)

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (19)

I trimmed and bound my raw edges at this stage. I didn’t take the bias tape all the way down to the end. Because we’re going to turn that through in a minute and I didn’t want the extra bulk preventing a nice sharp corner….

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (20)

So here’s where we are at. This is the outside of the jacket. Looks a bit odd I know…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (21)

But look what happens when you turn that corner RS out 🙂 Creates a lovely clean finish. THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (22)

Here it is from the outside. Simply hem along that line where the pin is, and up to the seam where the band is joined to secure the hem allowance.THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (4)THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (23)

Here’s where we’re at…

THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (24)

Measure the sleeve opening….THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (25)

Create matching cuffs!THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (26)

Baste/apply…THE REFASHIONERS 2015 - PORTIA LAWRIE (27)

trim, bind, turn through, press everything…alot…

And you’re done!! Simples!PORTIA LAWRIE - THE REFASHIONERS 2015 (2)PORTIA LAWRIE - THE REFASHIONERS 2015 (1)PORTIA LAWRIE - THE REFASHIONERS 2015 (3)

And that’s it! Our job is done for another year and now it’s over to YOU!! Grab a shirt, get refashioning, share it, and be in with a chance of winning that awesome prize. Now worth just under £700!! Jaw dropping right?! We’ll be sharing a selection of your refashions right here throughout Sept and there’ll be inspiration posts to give you even more ideas and directions in which to go with your shirt refashioning. You have until 27th Sept to submit yours. 

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of the talented stitchers who shared their ideas with us this August. I for one, have a much longer sewing queue than I did at the start of August; there are so many ideas I want to try out!! Love and hugs and much gratitude to everyone involved. Phew…that’s it…we are done!

What now?

Over to YOU….show us what ya got!

 

Related

65 Comments

  1. Sasha says

    28th August 2015 at 10:19 am

    a kimono jacket ! love the idea Portia … and those pink fabric bound edges … wow

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:14 pm

      Aw thanks Sasha! I’m glad I took the time with that edging!

      Reply
  2. Seamsoddlouise says

    28th August 2015 at 10:33 am

    So simple, but so stylish. Very clever. Really suits your style too.

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:18 pm

      Thank you so much Louise! In the past I’ve refashioned stuff just to try an idea out and never worn it because it hasn’t been me! But I’m kinda done doing that!

      Reply
  3. Helen says

    28th August 2015 at 10:37 am

    Oh, this is perfect, and so you! What a great idea. Thanks, I have enjoyed this series soooo much. It’s been very inspirational, and just really enjoyable to read. You would never think you would have so many options with just one (or 3, or half a dozen) shirt(s)!! So, now I have no excuses, right? I just need to make up my mind what I want to do with mine (which is silk btw).

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:37 pm

      Silk would be perfect for this Helen!! So glad you enjoyed and have been inspired! I think our goal has been achieved!

      Reply
  4. Nicole McCarthy says

    28th August 2015 at 12:18 pm

    sew, sew, clever. Brilliant concept. I can’t even sew, so this is even more remarkable.

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:36 pm

      Nicole, thank you! And can sew. You just haven’t started yet 😉

      Reply
  5. Zoe says

    28th August 2015 at 12:22 pm

    Sooooo pretty! What an awesome and unusual shirt refashion, Portia! xxx

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:35 pm

      Wow, thanks Zoe! And thank you for your continued support with this. In in from the get go 😉

      Reply
  6. Hélène says

    28th August 2015 at 12:30 pm

    Originality of the project: 10/10. Finishing techniques: 10/10. Bravo Portia! This initiative of yours was most inspiring – I thouroughly enjoyed the whole series.

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:34 pm

      Ah, thanks Helene! So glad you enjoyed it. The response has been even better than I had hoped for thanks to all of you 🙂

      Reply
  7. Patti says

    28th August 2015 at 12:31 pm

    I love this refashion!! A great way to use that shirt and I love the trim and the way you covered the raw edges. Thank you for hosting this series!! Such inspiration!! I will never look at a man’s shirt the same way again. LOL

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:33 pm

      You’re so welcome Patti and so glad you found it inspiring! You’ll be eyeing up every man’s shirt you see from now on, ha ha!!

      Reply
  8. Natalie from Sewoutnumbered says

    28th August 2015 at 1:04 pm

    That’s SUCH a gorgeous jacket Portia!! And that hem technique is pure genius – my brain was boggling a bit at first but the beautiful neat finish made it worthwhile haha! My refashion is definitely next on the list. I took a mini break for a week or so but I’m determined to get it done now 🙂

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Natalie thank you so much! I’m really excited to see yours!!

      Reply
  9. Kristy says

    28th August 2015 at 1:23 pm

    well I have just asked to be added to the board – now its trying to find time – and a shirt (!) to refashion – excited!

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:32 pm

      Ooooh! Excited to see it! I’ve added you top the board!!!

      Reply
  10. Renee Gibson says

    28th August 2015 at 2:54 pm

    Beautiful jacket Portia! You have given me another wonderful idea !
    Many thanks for letting me join such an inspirational group of women in Refashion 2015.

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:31 pm

      Renee thanks so much and thank YOU for joining us!!

      Reply
  11. Wendy Ward says

    28th August 2015 at 3:11 pm

    I ABSOLUTELY bloomin love this! Wanna make me one?! Thanks so much for organising Portia and inviting me to take part, I’ve loved it. Wendyx

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:30 pm

      Ha ha! Thank you Wendy, for being part of it. You’ve been so awesome I can’t thank you enough. Now it’s just a race between us to see who can churn out a denim shirt version of this first, lol! Something tells me you might win that one!

      Reply
  12. Helen S says

    28th August 2015 at 4:10 pm

    I think your kimono works well with the typical colours you get in a men’s shirt.
    Thanks so much to you for this year’s refashioners project and to all the contributers for sharing their talent and inspiration. Who would have thought that a men’s shirt could be so versatile?

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:28 pm

      I know! Who knew right! 😉 😉 You’re welcome Helen and so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply
  13. JJ says

    28th August 2015 at 6:51 pm

    That is a technique I know how to do, but forget all about it and end up with less than smooth edges when adding a trim! Thanks for the reminder!!!!!!!

    JJ
    http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:27 pm

      I do that all the time JJ! If I don’t use a technique for a while some of the steps go clean out of my head!!

      Reply
  14. Lisa D says

    28th August 2015 at 8:29 pm

    I have loved the daily shirt refashions, very inspiring and numerous new ideas to try out. I’ve been wanting to make a kimono jacket so I love your refashion – so chic and tasteful and I’ve never seen it done before from two men’s shirts. Thank you for hosting this, and to all the participants who shared their creations and how-to information as well.

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:26 pm

      Lisa I’m so glad you enjoyed the series and that it’s given you ideas you want to try out! Woohoo!!

      Reply
  15. Kate says

    28th August 2015 at 10:25 pm

    It’s a great sew, Portia. I love the simplicity of the design, inspired!

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:25 pm

      Thank you Kate! Simplicity is my mantra, lol!

      Reply
  16. Margo says

    28th August 2015 at 11:38 pm

    Love your kimono! What a great refashion…so impressive!

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Margo, thank you! I think I might make another when the right shirts come along!

      Reply
  17. Sarah says

    28th August 2015 at 11:39 pm

    You clever lady! It looks terrific.

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:23 pm

      Thank you so much Sarah. I confess I was pretty pleased with the way this turned out considering I winged it all the way, ha ha!

      Reply
  18. Ute says

    29th August 2015 at 7:45 pm

    I love this SO much! What a surprise! This is so good and clever! And I absolutely love that band finish! Need to copy….. (And I know what you are doing with your hair! ;-))) )

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:21 pm

      Ute thank you so much. Please copy away. It will be nothing but flattering to me if you do 🙂 Just had my hair cut on Wednesday actually (FINALLY) so I’m intrigued, ha ha!!

      Reply
  19. Annie says

    29th August 2015 at 11:23 pm

    Nicely done!! Very clever of you to see the underlying shape. And I love how beautifully you finished everything.

    Reply
  20. Sarah says

    30th August 2015 at 1:04 pm

    Wow! I truly love it. so beautifully finished too. Xx

    Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 1:47 pm

      Sarah, thank you so much. I’m glad I took the time on that binding! I usually wouldn’t bother, lol!

      Reply
    • portia says

      30th August 2015 at 2:20 pm

      Thank you Sarah! Hope it get’s other peops refashioning too!

      Reply
  21. Anne says

    31st August 2015 at 2:02 pm

    Nice!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for this evening that links to your tutorial:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=84225 –Anne

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:19 am

      Anne you’re a superstar! Thank you!

      Reply
  22. Trine says

    31st August 2015 at 6:19 pm

    Seriously amazing! I would never have come up with that idea! You’re incredible! Love that kimono.

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:19 am

      Ah Trine….I bet you would have, but thank you so much! Mwah!

      Reply
  23. Begum Sen says

    31st August 2015 at 8:23 pm

    Awesome! I’ll try this technique soon, thank you for the inspiration!

    Reply
  24. Tasha says

    1st September 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Oh my goodness this refashion couldn’t be more perfect on you! And the colors together are so interesting, I love it. Thank you so much for organizing such a wonderful event! xx (Anyone else having Refashioners withdrawal or is it just me? 😉 )

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:15 am

      Thanks Tasha 🙂 Nope. Not just you 😉 and thank YOU for taking part!

      Reply
  25. Nancy Carter says

    1st September 2015 at 5:46 pm

    This is brilliant! I so need several light weight jackets to cover up my bingo wings. This is perfect, perfect, perfect!

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:14 am

      Ha ha! I have those Nancy 😉 So glad you like. Thanks you so much 🙂

      Reply
  26. Egle says

    2nd September 2015 at 9:03 am

    I love it! Was looking for same color top, now i can actually make one, just need to search for some nice shirts in charity shops.

    You look lovely in this, well done! 🙂

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:14 am

      Ah, thanks Egle! Get down that charity shop 😉

      Reply
  27. Michelle Mathis says

    2nd September 2015 at 3:48 pm

    I love it!!! Thank you for sharing it with the world 🙂

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:12 am

      Thank you Michelle 🙂

      Reply
  28. Amelia says

    3rd September 2015 at 11:11 am

    Wow, this is so chic! And it’s great to see how some relatively simple changes can completely transform something. And the result is something you’ll wear. Amazing. Definitely inspired to refashion me some shits!

    Reply
    • portia says

      6th September 2015 at 7:08 am

      Ah thanks Amelia! Glad you’ve been inspired by the series!

      Reply
  29. Bénédicte says

    4th September 2015 at 5:58 pm

    c’est magnifique!! bravo
    very inspiring!

    Reply
  30. kathryn says

    6th September 2015 at 8:02 am

    This is such a brilliant re-fashion! You either have particularly brilliant charity shops where you live, or a very good eye, or both?! That’s such a great tip for the corners too.

    Reply
    • portia says

      8th September 2015 at 9:44 am

      Thank you so much! I was quite pleased with this one 🙂 We DO have awesome charity shops here Kathryn! Like, PROPER old school charity shops where everything is under a fiver. The perks of living in a small rural town!

      Reply
  31. mono says

    13th September 2015 at 9:04 pm

    Super, very good idea.:-)

    Reply
  32. Chuleenan says

    19th September 2015 at 5:16 am

    I love it! Armholes on men’s shirts can be really huge. Such a clever idea to work with what you have and make kimono sleeves. Beautiful job on this refashion. The next time I run across a big men’s shirt, I’ll know what to do with it. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Lisa says

    23rd September 2015 at 4:35 pm

    Really love that pink binding on the inside. It’s one of those little details that really makes it.

    Reply
  34. Phyllis Chambliss says

    18th June 2016 at 2:10 pm

    Thank you for sharing, that is a great ideal thanks.

    Reply
  35. Keek says

    13th April 2017 at 12:12 pm

    Absolutely stunning! It’s obvious that you’re a skilled sewist as you used proper sewing techniques inside of one of those “kimono in 30 minutes” hack jobs. You’d never know that your garment was a refashion from mens shirts. I have some over-sized mens shirts in my stash that I’ve been saving for a project such as yours. The thrift store is a great place to find super high quality shirts like Brooks Brothers and other designers. The local dry cleaners donate them when customers don’t pick up their cleaning. I find some really good gems from time to time. I’ve got a stunning large scale black and ivory Hawaiian print I’ve been dying to refashion. Thanks so much for your very detailed pictures and tutorial.

    Reply
    • Portia Lawrie says

      16th April 2017 at 9:33 pm

      Wow thank you. That’s a wonderful compliment! Hawaiian shirts would be fab!!

      Reply

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