I find that one of the hardest things about blogging is finding a title, so I thought I would exercise my creativity by attaching each title of my next 26 blogs to an alphabetical letter; hence, “A is for amend” (a bit Sue Grafton, I know, but I thought I would amuse myself anyway).
I have a massive bag full of things to be “amended” and quite a large number of those things are jeans. I decided to start with a pair of Mark’s Levis on the grounds that they are relatively big and I might be able to do something interesting. I laid so many patterns on those jeans, and I Googled a truckload of refashions, but in the end, I modified a pattern I have made before.
So (drum roll)… from this (semi-unpicked because I got carried away before taking a photo):
to this octopus like garment:
this is all that is left.
and this is what I made:
It is the 1936 Lutterloh pattern previously blogged here, and I think the woven fabric works much better than the knit. However, unlike the previous quite loose version, it is a tad tight (it’s easier to step into it than haul it over my head) so I had to put an invisible zip in the back and I heavily modified the sleeves. The original pattern has dropped sleeves and I felt that the denim was too thick for this look, so I hacked out an armscye and modified sleeves from another pattern. I had to take about two inches off the sleeve head, but they sit pretty well now.
The pattern has slight gathers at the waist. I knew I couldn’t gather this thick denim, although I did valiantly try to shirr it! In the end I stitched three pieces of elastic where the gathers were to be and this worked a treat.
My biggest issue is that I hadn’t realised that these had been Mark’s camping jeans and I keep finding brown marks where he has rolled in mud or something. Most of them are at the bottom of the legs on the bit that I cut off, but if they show up too much I will attempt to dye the top.
How do I feel about this top? Hmm, as always, I’m a bit ambivalent. I knew that the denim might be a bit thick, but I thought it would be an interesting challenge. I also really struggled with that neckline – notice this time that I have a little standup collar? My last effort had a completely flat neckline and I have no idea what I did differently, but hey, happy to have it!
I am also a tad worried about the gaping at the neck. I will have to sit up straight all day with hand clutched to bosom so that I don’t give some poor unsuspecting person an inadvertent eyeful!
Instead of using a button to finish off the top I decided to use a belt buckle (I think from the ’60s or ’70s) and I am pleased with the result although I’m not sure I have the placement perfect – yet.
The details:
Fabric reclaimed from a pair of Mark’s jeans
Clasp on the top is a belt buckle I bought at Buttonmania in Melbourne. I think it might be on its way to vintage!
Now, what will B be for??
Marks camping pants look fantastic!
My jeans never looked better !!!
I love this top!!! The retro pattern works so well in faded denim..gives it a really contemporary edge…style +++ I would not be ambivalent about this at all…looks sensational and the stand-up collar with the buckle detail just makes it for me. Fabulosity!!!
Thank you Rachel – I just about have the neckline stapled to my chest to stop inadvertent flashing!
Oh, it looks terrific! I like what you’ve done here a lot. It’s enormously satisfying to make something new and fabulous using up something old and unloved 🙂
Sue, I checked out your blog! I find it fascinating that you are using all of those cool vintage patterns. I love this top. Oh, and I recognized many of the dresses from the blog. You have so inspired me that I think I am going to the fabric store this weekend to find something to sew. Love, love, love it!
Hi Donna, greetings from Oz and thank you so much for your comment! If you do get to sewing, please share!!
I found you through Maria’s blog and am loving your Lutteroh adventures! I’m inspired to dig through the vintage one’s I’ve here – I use them for inspiration but have never tried one, I adore this one, with the standup neckline 😉
Thank you for your comment, I must make this top again as I love the shape. I would urge you to give Lutterloh a go, particularly if you have vintage editions.
Lutterloh has so many gorgeous patterns. I love this blouse – and the red buckle is amazing! You look so good!
Thank you, and yes, the Lutterloh patterns are still very contemporary, even the vintage ones.
This is amazing!
Thanks Amanda. I think we should have a go at this pattern next?