If you're anything like us over here at SoHappyICouldDIY, you're more than ready for chunky knits, knee high boots, and anything pumpkin-flavored! There's only one problem though: it's still a sizzling 80-plus degrees here in Long Beach, CA!!! Lucky for you, we've figured out a simple way to trade in those slouchy tank tops for a more polished button down that won't leave you feeling overheated. May we present to you...
(pictures courtesy of Pinterest and burdastyle.com)
Collared button downs with sultry-yet-subtle cut-outs are making an appearance this fall on both the runways and the streets. We love the geometry and complexity of the runway looks from 3.1 Phillip Lim and such, but feel the simplicity and casualness of the street looks are perfect for our collegiate SoCal-style. So grab your lifeless, oversized button down and let's get to chopping!
Here's what you'll need:
- A slightly loose button down blouse with a collar (it can be any fabric/print/wash you want!)
- Fabric chalk, or a colored pencil if you're desperate!
- Good fabric scissors
- An iron and ironing board/surface
- A handful of straight pins to make your sewing easier
- A sewing machine capable of any basic straight or zig-zag stitch
- Thread that matches or complements your blouse
Step-by-step tutorial:
1. Put on the blouse, fully buttoned, and mark your cut-out with chalk on just ONE shoulder. Start at the top by the collar and slightly arch down to where you want the cut-out to stop on the sleeve. The shape of the cut-out is complete personal preference and will take some time to get just right. Make sure to allow at least 1/4 inch to sew a finished edge!
REMEMBER: You can always take more off so err on the cautious side to avoid making your hole too deep.
2. Once you are happy with the chalked outline of one of your shoulders, use your fabric scissors to cut the shape out. Try the blouse on and mark anywhere you need to reshape... OR if you're happy with your cut-out, move on to the next shoulder!
3. To create a cut-out completely symmetrical to your first one, lay the blouse on a flat surface and then fold it in half lengthwise so that the cut shoulder is perfectly aligned on top of the uncut shoulder. Use this as your template and cut the second shoulder, simple as that! Try the blouse on once more to check for evenness and symmetry, and just to overall make sure you are happy with the new shape of your top.
4. Turn the blouse inside out and, on an ironing board or appropriate surface, iron back 1/4 inch of the unfinished cut-out edges all the way around. This will ensure an even and easily-sewn edge.
5. To make the sewing process even easier, pin all the way around your freshly ironed edges. This way they won't move or flip up and disrupt your stitches.
6. Using a sewing machine and your thread of choice, apply whatever simple stitch you are comfortable with to finish all the way around the edges. We chose a zig-zag stitch because it is the most secure one on our ancient sewing machine, and it will be nearly invisble anyways with all that shoulder cleavage you'll be showing off!
7. FINALLY... try on your shirt one last time to make sure the cut-outs are even and hang well and that the finished edges are flat. If you like what you see then...
Congrats little miss crafty! You just took your fall wardrobe from safe to SPICY. You may be giving the cold-shoulder in your revamped shirt, but everyone will be DIY-ing for this steamy fall look!
XOXO, Hanah
No comments:
Post a Comment