Thursday, February 27, 2014

Pantone Projects (no. 1)

Winter is drawing to a close (Good riddance, right?) so it's time to get started on some spring projects. And what better way to get into the springtime spirit than by kicking off my spring refashion series celebrating Pantone's color of the year, Radiant Orchid?

10x10 - 5 image collage - radiant orchid 2

For my first Pantone Project, I pulled this coffee stained purple dress from my stash.

before copyYou can't see the coffee in this picture, but trust me, it's everywhere.

I started by removing the awkward triangles of fabric in the neckline and unpicking the cuffs and fabric inserts in the sleeves.

IMG_5513Undo the sleeves.

Next, I chopped off most of the skirt, leaving only about 6 inches. Then, I tossed the soon-to-be top into the leftover dye from my last skirt refashion. The fabric is synthetic so it didn't take much of the dye, but it took on enough red to camouflage the coffee.

IMG_5841bBefore and after the dye.

The sleeves were too long and didn't have much of a shape, so I cut them in a curve.

IMG_5818Shaping the sleeves.

Then I hemmed the sleeves and the bottom of the shirt. I was left with a boat necked, peplum top with fluttery sleeves...

after copy

... and some confessions to make. 1) I'm not really wild about Radiant Orchid. It's pretty, but not a color I see myself wearing very often. 2) This fabric is kind of itchy. 3) And I really don't like peplums, which you may remember from my turtle jacket. I'm afraid this top may have to be relegated back to the closet or the thrift store from whence it came.

But I do like the sleeves and the neckline, so maybe there's hope. There are a few more details about this project on my blog

There are three more Pantone Projects in the works. Perhaps the color will grow on me.

- Elizabeth
aka The Hungry Octopus
Now blogging at www.TheHungryOctopus.com!

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's a bummer that you have so many negatives regarding this blouse because in my humble opinion, it looks adorable on you! But if you do decide to donate it, I'm sure you will make somebody else's day! :) I would consider it a treasure if I found that thing at my thrift shop! :)
Great job Elizabeth! :)
~Jen

Andrea said...

very cute :) I understand finishing something and finding out that its not really to your taste, for sure. But there is still potential to turn this into something you love! Consider making a more casual top by chopping across just above the bust and creating a t-shirt/drapey knit bottom that just hangs straight down and can be tucked, belted or just worn loose. And is the blog new??? It looks awesome! I'm gonna start browsing over there now :)

Gema said...

Those sleeves are just beautiful!! Gorgeous job, very impressive :D

Amy Jo said...

I love this re-fashion! It's so pretty! I'm glad that the dye worked in the way that you needed it to. I have a polyester dress that I have to wear a shirt/ skirt underneath because it is too itchy to bear. Maybe you could line the shirt in some way?

jennifer elliott said...

I think the blouse looks great on you but I also understand personal choices and elements when it comes to fashion. We pick and find items that make us look good and feel confident. Anyway, great job on the refashion even if you're not a big fan.

Unknown said...

Thanks for all the positive and encouraging comments ladies! I'm going to try refashioning this refashion later on. I'll make it work whether it wants to or not. *evil laugh*

I've had the blog since early last fall Andrea. The posts dated before September were back dated so I could include older projects. I'm glad you like it! I'm a fan of your blog too.

- Elizabeth
aka The Hungry Octopus