My Modified Bloom...

The only thing better than the versatility of the Bloom from Tina Givens is the fact that the pattern is currently free. She is, at heart, a basic T-shaped dress and yet has the potential to be so much more.

This version is the result of my need to not waste fabric and interject more fun into my wardrobe. I have made it twice and have another in the works.

To make your own you will need the Bloom pattern and instructions,  your usual sewing supplies, yummy fabric, elastic, and a sense of adventure. (54 inch fabric makes for easier long sleeves.)

Please read this post in its' entirety before beginning.

1. Determine the length you want your top to be and cut it out using the bottom of the pattern as a guide to cut the bottom edge of your top. For reference,  I am 5'8" and my top was cut at 30". Elongate the sleeves by continuing the lines to the end of your fabric . If necessary you can add more fabric onto them.

You should now have this:

Clicking on the pics will show a larger one.

2.  Sew the shoulder, side, and sleeve seams. Finish your neckline. I always stay stitch my neckline before finishing to lessen the chances of my stretching it. Then because my fabric unraveled gloriously I simply ran a small zigzag stitch 1/4" from the edge. 

3. Now the magic happens! We will be using the leftover fabric (marked x") to assemble our frill/flounce/ruffle/bottom edge.

Measure the shorter edge and using half of that number cut the fabric in half lengthwise.

 You will have 4 sets of this:

Sew the eight pieces together in any order you wish to make one long uneven strip. Be sure the keep the straight edge across the top.

Run a zigzag stitch along the edge of the sides and bottom of the strip. Gather, ruffle, or pleat. 

5. Attach your strip to the bottom of your top. I sewed mine with wrong sides together so I could take advantage of the wonderful fray that the fabric gave me.

6. Sew casings for elastic in sleeves and cut your elastic with plenty of room for your arm. Thread elastic through and secure.

7. Snip all loose threads.

8. Put her on.

9. Find a mirror.

10. Admire your cleverness.

11. Smile!

Please post pics and a review of this tutorial on our Facebook page and be sure to share it with any sewing groups you are in.

Looking for a wonderful sewing group?  Here ya go! Tell them I sent you. ;)

As always... have fun,

 Phyllis aka Queen Sheet


P.S. I received permission from TG (via Christine her customer service rep) to post this using her Bloom.

Upcycle Sew Along~

...or Two Birds One Stone.


STTGLABS and WNWN are collaberating in an Upcyle Sewing Challenge of sorts that begins today and that prompted me to make a pair of bloomers that I have been contemplating for some time.

I have always had a thing for bedding textiles and love thrifted sheets and pillowcases. I know, you are so surprised. ;)

In light of the sew-a-long collaboration, today, my friends, I bring you the recipe for creating your very own pair of Pillow Case Bloomers, or as I like to call them, 'PCBs'.

I started with a pair of  luscious 100% cotton pillow cases that were manufactured in India. I turned them inside out and using a side seam as the 'fold' I cut the crotch using a favorite pair of bloomers as my guide.

I loved the 'top' of the pillowcases and wanted that to be the hem in my bloomers. Once the bloomers were sewn I added a casing near the hem and inserted 1/4" elastic that was half as long as the width of the bottom of the leg. I did this in two pieces per leg due to there being side seams on both sides of these cases. 

The Jaqueline that is destined to pair with these has not been finished so I have worn them with my Cara and Zelda so far.

I am adding these PCB's to the Perpetual Sew Along here at Who Gives A Sheet. If you make some of your own I would love to feature them in a post. 

Do tell me what you have been sewing lately! Do you also upcycle? 


Yours,


 Phyllis aka Queen Sheet

OMST submissions

Or...You Show Me Yours and I'll Show You Mine.

On 4/14/18 Reader Tammie L. Powell submitted before and after pics of her awesome take on the OMST and had this to say,

This is striped handkerchief linen.  My process was to shorten the sleeves and only tacking down the sleeve cuff so it keeps a soft, relaxed look, remove the collar and bind the new neck opening with the excess sleeve fabric, refashion the bottom, add a few front pleats for fit and a few at the sleeve, just for texture.  I also added a few additional button holes/buttons for modesty swapped out the original white buttons for an assortment of old brown buttons I had on-hand.  I left the bottom edge raw but stay-stitched it twice.  I plan to wear this with either white slips or skirts.

The difference in color is due to lighting.

                                                                       

-Thank you, Tammie! I love the sleeves and the pleats!

Reader and dear friend Donna Kay Lacey made her own OMST and has this to say:  My twin Phyllis Lough-Williams inspired me to steal my son-in-laws shirt and create an OMS tunic. 😄 

Now I just need a TG sugar slip to go underneath. 

-no laws were broken to produce this garment as permission was granted before any cutting took place.

-Thank you, Donna! I love the lack of sleeves and collar on this. 

                               

Thanks to both of your for sharing your OMSTs. I look forward to sharing more of your beauties! Your creativity is inspiring.

                             

Wanna see how I did it? Click here and then join us in our Perpetual Sew Along! Who will be featured next? It could be YOU!

Before I go here is the action shot of my latest OMST as promised. Well, there are two. Sometimes I play around with my pieces to get an idea of what I have and what I need.

The outfit consists of my green OMST, a dark green knit dress, a wonderfully floral sundress, brown boots, my $2.00 Vera Bradley bag, and a beige skirt with great lace detail. The pink is a sheet. There WILL be pink Plinkas in my future.

I will be cutting out a gloriously pink Zelda this evening. What are you sewing today? Tell me in the comments!

On Pins And Needles~

...or will you join us for the OMST Sew-Along?

Due to the wonderful response to my OMS*  Tunics here is a general 'how-to' and an announcement.

It has been suggested by Tammie L Powell that the making of the Old* Man* Shirt* Tunic be a perpetual sew-along and I think that is an excellent idea.


Consider today (the day YOU read this) to be Day One of the OMST Sew-Along!!!



                               *****Without further ado I present "How I Did It".*****



 1. Find an old man. Steal his shirt. Or, should you prefer to not risk a night in county lock-up, procure a button-up shirt by more acceptable means. I buy mine from thrift stores. I try to buy the largest sizes in order to harvest the most fabric from them. This time, though, the perfect shirt to go with my knit top was a small. Although not shown in this how-to I used the sleeves from the OMS to give me the additional fabric needed.

2.  Choose a knit top that fits your shoulders, bust, and arms as this will be the top to your tunic.

 

3.  Remove the pocket from the OMS and then decide if you will keep the buttons and button holes or remove them. Then cut across the shirt just under the armpits. I save the pockets, sleeves, cuffs, and seams for use elsewhere.





















4.  Cut the knit top at the length you want it to be making sure to leave a seam allowance. I suggest stay-stitching around the bottom to prevent it from stretching as you work with it.





















5. Pin right sides together and stitch.





















6. If needed, sew side seams to your widest point plus a few inches.




7. Try on your creation.

8. SMILE.

9. Consider sending me a pic so I can post it here. You can find me on Facebook here or send your before and after pics through messenger here.

                                                                       

I wear mine over or under other layers depending on my outfit. I will post todays' make in action as soon as it runs through the washer and dryer.

In the meantime here are some of the others:

 

Thank you for coming by today. I look forward to seeing your interpretation of the OMST.

A special and sincere thank you goes to Tammie L. Powell!!!



Yours,


Phyllis aka Queen Sheet