Pattern Mixing

I've finally converted to full out pattern mixing obsession. How it happened under my nose I will never know, but I am addicted. There are some things you just can't run away from. Like chocolate and Tom Hiddleston. I digress.

This dress was made from an old shirt, and a dress that was a complete fail. I tried really hard to save this dress, but it quickly became a DIY fail. I'm super good at those, but I always fix them in the end. Somehow. After awhile I grew really bored wearing this dress. It didn't flatter the places I wanted it to, but I couldn't just throw away the fabric. So I unpicked the skirt bottom from the dress and decided to turn this into a shirt. 

In my fabric stash, I had these 4 pieces of fabric left over from a previous project. The fabric is super soft, making it a dream to wear. Not to mention the bright hues in the flowers are super eye-catching. Of course I'm gonna use it! 

1. I stitched the top together, leaving enough space for my neck to pop through. 

2. Near the shoulders I marked where I felt the sleeve opening should be. Then I cut from one pin to the other, making an opening for my arms. 

3. I did, however, leave a little portion of the sleeve together from the original stitching. It kept everything even for me. 

Starting just underneath the area I left stitched, I cut the blouse close to the bust area. Then I pinned the floral fabric, right sides together, and straight stitched the floral fabric to both parts of the striped fabric. Repeat on the back of the shirt. Flip the shirt inside out, then continue to sew the sides back together. I went ahead and finished off my seams with a zig-zag stitch.

Using  an extra piece of material left over from where I cut out the sleeves, I rolled it up, pinned it right sides together, to the sleeves, and sewed in place. Press with your iron to make it look more presentable. 

For the neckline I rolled the raw edge over twice, pinned and stretched it along as I went. Stitch in place. Make sure to press all your seams, along with the neckline.

To add a little detail to this shirt, because, lets face it, who doesn't love details, I found 2 little red buttons and sewed those little jems to my sleeves on the curve of my shoulder. 

All done!

Can you see how lovely it is outside here in Utah? I wore the leather jacket to keep myself warm, but ended up taking it off. 55 degrees to some is freezing, but if you live in Utah you know people are outside in shorts and flip flops. I haven't reached that point yet.