Sunday, June 22, 2014

Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down

My b-n-law gifted me a stack of clothing after a closet clean out. Is there anything better for a refashionier? It was a little while ago, but I am so pleased to get around to one of his pieces! After gathering plenty of "pinteresting" ideas for men's button downs, I am happy to give one a try...

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down Before & After

For the direction I wanted to go with this, I knew this old blue, ribbed, Anthro tank with lace trim would be the perfect partner in crime.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down & Lacey Tank

I tried it on first, drawing in chalk approximately where I wanted the pieces to fit together, and made sure to cut below that line.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down chop 1

Then piece two got the axe.  I cut off the arms/chest/collar all in one piece, thinking I may use that portion for another refashion someday.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down chop 2

It took the power of my whole brain to figure this puzzle out: right sides together, top portion upside down, so when sewn and flipped up, full article will be correct. (Yikes.) 

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down puzzle

Starting with the underarms in place, then front center and back center, I stretched the tank to match the button down, like you would with elastic*, creating a bit of gather.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down pinned

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down pinned

A zig-zag stitch seemed right to use to sew these two together, so there would be a little give, and then I trimmed off the excess.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down zig zag

*In hindsight, I would not do this exactly the same. The knit fabric pulled too much in the back especially, and had a funny, puffy effect. I suggest not to stretch the tank portion, but pin the dress shirt to it in the same manner. But, rather than taking the stitches out and starting again, I created a few little darts to get the back to lay more flat, which helped, and was quicker solution.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down darts

All in all, I think this is a completely wearable summer top. Luckily for me, I have more dress shirts to play with, so I'll have ample opportunity to put to use the lesson learned here.

Ulterior Alterations: Refashioned Tank from Men's Button Down Complete

...and in the meantime, I'll stop and smell the roses. 



7 comments:

  1. Good for you - a perfect Summer refashion.

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  2. I love how it looks like the blouse, I have two shirts for my husband to recycle, but I still have not decided to do anything with them, but this look and this idea seems great, looks great.

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    1. Thank you! I think its hard to decide what to do with men's dress shirts because there are too many options! I have several more to play with and I think I may try to use one of Joy's latest creations as inspiration: http://xoxograndma.blogspot.com/2014/06/easy-sewing-turning-mens-dress-shirt.html
      Good luck deciding what to do with yours!

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  3. I Love Love Love this, it looks so easy to make and wear!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! It was! And it is! I hope you've had/ will have a chance to make one of your own! Please share when you do! :)

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