First Re-purpose

Thanks to Make It and Love It, Macaroni & Cheese, and Fabric Floozie, because of each of them I had enough confidence to attempt my very own re-purpose. (And a shout out goes to my Grandma, Mom, and my MIL, too! Grandma patiently taught me to sew and encouraged me, just like Momma. Carol left the new machine here for me to use after the one my mother initially gave me wore out.) For those of you who don't know what re-purposing means, it's exactly as it sounds. You take something and re-purpose it for another use. Kind of like recycling.

In a time not so long ago, I went to trusty Old Navy and came upon a shirt that looked vintage and just like the perfect shirt for Don. Being blue, I knew it would make his eyes pop. Well, fast forward a few years and it has gotten to a point where he was ready to donate it. It lay in the bag and I knew I was too emotionally attached to it. I stowed it away and had every intention of finding another use for it. Well, today was the day that I embarked upon that journey.

I took one of her dresses and put it on top of his shirt. I snipped away, and as I went, an idea came to mind to make it 3/4 length sleeves, with two ruffles going down the front. I'd never made ruffles before, so after inspecting over and over again, and watching a youtube video, I figured it out. And well, here's the end result:

I didn't take another clearer photo before writing this entry. In any case, I survived it and I am pretty happy with myself. Next time I do this, I will take photos along the way. I was unsure how this one would turn out, and I was fearful that I was going to have to cut what I started into quilting squares instead of having a dress as the end result. All in all, it took me just under 2 hours to complete. Not too shabby for a shirt that cost less than $10 because I found it on sale. Glad the wee gal is going to have some use out of it too! Hooray for a cutesy winter dress!

Here's to hoping she'll wear it!