Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Reconstructed Shirt Progression & Contest Give Away!




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.

23 comments:

Ricë said...

Wow--really, really cool! Love seeing your thinking as you worked on this!

Joanne Huffman said...

Beautiful (of course). I've never named a piece of clothing, but how about naming it "summer in the piazza"

Fran S said...

LOVE It! How about Breezy Tunic?

The Journey said...

I love it. Lacy romance comes to mind.
you did a wonderful job. Lynhead52@gmail.com

Socrates said...

Thankyou for the step by step. Fascinating to watch your (great artistic) mind at work. Love the end dress. The 'new shirt dress'

Unknown said...

Great to see this process! I'm looking forward to taking your class at Art Unraveled. I would call this "Buttoned-Up Romantic"

Anonymous said...

It looks like a 'Lisette' to me--a little Boho, a little French = I love it ALOT!

Zhulia
oohzhulia@yahoo.com

Kathy McElroy said...

I would love to take your class sometime. Your work is awesome. Since I just got back from Paris, how about "Parisian Stroll".

HeARTworks said...

How about "Marcheline"? I like that name. I can imagine a Marcheline wearing your beautiful blouse! Patsy from
HeARTworks

lexi said...

"Beau Blanc" , love all your designs sweet Lorri!! Looking forward to seeing you Friday!! Hugs, Lexi

Connie said...

"lacey dreams" it is lovely!

Sharla said...

Beautiful reconstruction! I don't know why, but the name "Theodora" comes to mind. The blouse exudes theatricality...
sharla.luther@gmail.com

Artfully yours, Linda said...

Just beautiful - The Zelda comes to mind for a name!

Amber said...

PI love reading about your creative process! My name is "flyaway lace top" in honor of your recent plane adventures.

jan b. said...

There 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.

lilylovekin said...

How about "Abigail", that is the word that came into my mind when I saw the blouse. Lorris

shelley said...

"romance me" i think is fitting of a name....love your work...play well....

Suella said...

Nice re-use of once precious handwork. I like the lengthening as a tunic as well.

This 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"

Anonymous said...

Beautiful creation Lori. Love it. I would call it "Summer Breeze"

Anonymous said...

How about "La Feminique"(the spelling may need to be corrected)...this shirt is soooo feminine and sooo beautiful...

Nellie Wortman said...

Love your work! Always a pleasure seeing your beautiful pieces! xx

pamelahuntington said...

Lorri..
I love this shirt and all your work.. I think you are amazing.. How about the" Emma "

Anonymous said...

Jasmine would be the name for me soft breeze beautifully designed