Refashion runaway – Mettalic

Last week I shared my sew along for Refashion Runaway. A friendly competition encouraging people to have a go at restyling former items of clothing. The theme this last week was metallic. It was a bit of a struggle to find anything in my local charity shops – I didn’t want to pay out and restyle a ball gown! I finally settled on a 1980’s handmade dress.

Its a shimmery slippery fabric from a manmade fibre.  The skirt has a reasonable amount of fabric in it. The plan – to make a top which can be dressed up or down, great for an afternoon or evening out.

To make this refashioned top pattern free I used an existing top as a pattern.

I started by cutting along the waistband.

As the fabric pattern does not have an obvious right way up I could use keep the slip at the back of the skirt as the opening along the rear neckline.

I decided to add an additional layer to the front, with a shimmery transparent fabric.

This was tacked in place. Thw shimmery layer is stitched into the left hand side seam, the shoulder seams, and the front neckline. The hem of the main top I machine stitched, and then hand stitched the transparent fabric.

I made bias binding from the remaining fabric from the top. This was not easy as the fabric moved around so easily, but still no one is going to be coming up to measure and check the evenness of the neckline!

The shimmery top layer is gathered near the shoulder seam.

I love the fact I have tried lots of sewing techniques new to me – for me that is the point of the sew along. Having a go, trying something new, not worrying about it going wrong. Will I wear me new top?? I’m not sure.. does it still look 1980’s to you?

To see and vote for the contestants makes this week on the theme of metallic visit Renegade Seamstress here.