Ricë Freeman-Zachery and I have traded garments with each other through the U.S. mail for some time now. We both haunt thrift stores and when we see something we think the other might like we snatch it up and off it goes. I have to admit this shirt was sent to me over a year ago and I finally chose it to work on. I somehow lost the photo of the shirt before I cut it but I think you'll get the idea of what it looked like from the first picture.
Here we go on the reconstruction progression:
Sleeves and collar were cut and removed. I shortened the sleeve and then cut it open along the seam.
The sides of the shirt were slit open and the sleeve part was inserted.
This was my first design attempt for the back. I took the cuff ends I cut from the sleeves and pinned them onto the sleeves insert part. I thought this was a good idea for using more of the actual shirt parts.
However I didn't really like this and came up with another idea. The shirt top really needed more of a skirt for balance and the cuteness factor so I took a tiered flounce skirt and cut the bottom tiers off to add to the shirt.
Here is the skirt pinned onto the shirt looking at the inside.
The collar was cut away and I decided to make it vee necked.
I originally thought I would add this crochet lace to the arm opening but decided against it.
And added this instead along with the vintage lace collar piece.
Finished front and back
For those who made it here to the end I have a question for you. After I finish a garment I like to give them a name. I usually send my sister Jan an email with pics and she comes up with most of the names for my garments but I'd like to know what you would name this garment? For those who leave an answer I'll choose which name I like best and the winner will receive a surprise package with some of my hand dyed silk ribbon and other fabric pieces. Be sure to leave your email so I know how to contact you!
Remember there are still a few openings for my reconstructed garment classes at Art Unraveled and Art Is Petaluma. See my events page or side bar for links and info.
Wow--really, really cool! Love seeing your thinking as you worked on this!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful (of course). I've never named a piece of clothing, but how about naming it "summer in the piazza"
ReplyDeleteLOVE It! How about Breezy Tunic?
ReplyDeleteI love it. Lacy romance comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteyou did a wonderful job. Lynhead52@gmail.com
Thankyou for the step by step. Fascinating to watch your (great artistic) mind at work. Love the end dress. The 'new shirt dress'
ReplyDeleteGreat to see this process! I'm looking forward to taking your class at Art Unraveled. I would call this "Buttoned-Up Romantic"
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a 'Lisette' to me--a little Boho, a little French = I love it ALOT!
ReplyDeleteZhulia
oohzhulia@yahoo.com
I would love to take your class sometime. Your work is awesome. Since I just got back from Paris, how about "Parisian Stroll".
ReplyDeleteHow about "Marcheline"? I like that name. I can imagine a Marcheline wearing your beautiful blouse! Patsy from
ReplyDeleteHeARTworks
"Beau Blanc" , love all your designs sweet Lorri!! Looking forward to seeing you Friday!! Hugs, Lexi
ReplyDelete"lacey dreams" it is lovely!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful reconstruction! I don't know why, but the name "Theodora" comes to mind. The blouse exudes theatricality...
ReplyDeletesharla.luther@gmail.com
Just beautiful - The Zelda comes to mind for a name!
ReplyDeletePI love reading about your creative process! My name is "flyaway lace top" in honor of your recent plane adventures.
ReplyDeleteThere are some great names above. I figure family can't enter your give-away but that's okay. I'm still throwing out my suggestion ... Dream Cloud.
ReplyDeleteHow about "Abigail", that is the word that came into my mind when I saw the blouse. Lorris
ReplyDelete"romance me" i think is fitting of a name....love your work...play well....
ReplyDeleteNice re-use of once precious handwork. I like the lengthening as a tunic as well.
ReplyDeleteThis has inspired me to use the huge bin bag of lace and doileys that I got for a $12.50 charity/thrift purchase here in England.
I fancy making a very lightweight coat to cover a lacy blouse and skirt combination.
Name that blouse? "Pierced Pleasures"
Beautiful creation Lori. Love it. I would call it "Summer Breeze"
ReplyDeleteHow about "La Feminique"(the spelling may need to be corrected)...this shirt is soooo feminine and sooo beautiful...
ReplyDeleteLove your work! Always a pleasure seeing your beautiful pieces! xx
ReplyDeleteLorri..
ReplyDeleteI love this shirt and all your work.. I think you are amazing.. How about the" Emma "
Jasmine would be the name for me soft breeze beautifully designed
ReplyDelete