Refashioning a simple top to a funky blue one

I actually started this shirt here in an early post, and then it has been sitting on my desk for ages. I finally got around overlocking the edges to seal them so that I could turn it into a shirt.

It was going to be a simple top, but as with many of my creations that didn't last long!
I loved these different collars that I saw at a fashion show, and wanted to try one of them. 

They're just that bit different.

So I sewed it all together, made an off-centre, stiffened collar, and put that on too. I didn't mind it, it was very different. A little odd, maybe.

I decided to try wrapping the neck pieces around. Now I liked that better! A button to fix it in place.

And some stitches on the inside.

Only problem then was that the arm holes were too big and without the cover of the collar my bra was showing.

A family friend just gave me three boxes full of sewing stuff, including trims. This seemed like it could be useful.

I pinned it on and liked it. 

 But it didn't quite blend in...

 More trim from my own stash to the rescue!

A couple of lines of stitching and there's a new shirt. 

Horizon: Zero Dawn Designs

My latest game obsession has been Horizon: Zero Dawn. It was visually stunning, absolutely beautiful in some areas.

The costumes have inspired me throughout the game. It's a world with giant machines in it and all of the characters wear parts of them, from plates to cords. The heroine is no exception.

The jewllery and head gear is very cool but a bit much to be wearing around the streets.

 The colour combinations are fantastic, so bright and striking.

I really want to make this one below!

Metal plates are a little out of my crafting range, but the shape and design could carry over.

Better get sewing...

My mother's gift made into a shirt

Apart from passing on her amazing sewing skills, my mother also gives me great gifts! I get fabric and buttons a lot of the time, rather than pre-made clothes (unless they're op-shop, which we both love) so that I can make my own.
This fabric was a birthday present that I should have done something with some time ago...

It is very me! I love green and the outdoors, trees, streams. This fabric reminds me of what you can see at the bottom of a shallow creek when you look down at the rocks.

This fabric has a lovely drape, so I decided to make a cowl-neck shirt. To cut this, I laid one pattern over another so that the bottom of the front of the top was straight and the arm holes would be in the right place, which is off to the side. Basically I need to leave extra fabric in the middle of the neckline to create the drape look.

Sorry about the photos, the light wasn't great...

 This is the front drape, pinned to my mannikin.

I overlocked the edges on the front piece:

I thought that a cross-back would suit the fabric, but it's very flimsy and if the edges folded while I was wearing it you might be able to see the hemming.

 To stop this, when I cut the fabric I doubled it over so that I could make the back panels stronger. Luckily I had enough fabric to do this.

I pinned them inside out and sewed the pieces together, leaving a gap to pull the fabric back through to the right side.
Then it was a matter of joining the pieces together. 

 The cowl neck sat well on the front.

 The back kept slipping off my shoulders, so I put a cross piece in.

Final top on:

Another shirt to wear to work 🙂