Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Back in Harness


After several months' hiatus from sewing, I'm back in harness. Granted, I'm not used to frequent interruptions for feedings, naps, and playtime -- but such interruptions are quite delightful! I feel like I must be making up for lost time, because I've been up to my ears in skirts, cloth diapers, soft books, plans for a play mat, valances, and such. And this little number, which was a simple hour's work of alteration and creative addition.


Before




I found this American Eagle corduroy jacket at a yard sale recently, and since it was "all-you-can-put-in-a-bag-for-$1," I picked it up. Even though I already have a corduroy jacket...

Well, not even I can justify having two almost-identical garments. It just so happened that on the same day I bought the corduroy jacket, my mother-in-law passed along a denim jacket with 3/4 length sleeves. I fell in love with it immediately, since I realized it was something I could wear during the summer (a little warm, but manageable). And since my favorite nursing-friendly attire is a camisole or short sleeve shirt under a jacket or sweater, it works perfectly.

*cue light bulb*

While I realize that dark khaki corduroy isn't really summery, my wardrobe is so limited right now that I'm all for it! So after chopping the sleeves off my new jacket (I love knowing that if I totally mess up, I spent less than $1 on the garment in the first place), I have a new 3/4 sleeve jacket!

After




But then I had those lovely jacket cuffs sitting in front of me, and being the horrible fabric hoarder that I am, I couldn't bear to see them just thrown away. So a few fabric flower tutorials and some personal preferences later, this tidbit was attached to the lapel:



Perfect excuse for me to use one of my favorite thrifted buttons, which I believe was made out of the end of a spoon (or made to look like it, anyway!). It's been in my button box for years, waiting for the right project.



Not exactly spring sewing, I know -- but function is definitely trumping seasonal loyalty during this stage of my life!

6 comments:

  1. It looks lovely! Turned out so well, I can't wait to see it on. May you find much success in your creative endeavors!

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  2. Lovely! The chopped sleeves and the cute floral embellishment are a great idea. I know how you feel about having a limited wardrobe -- losing weight post-partum and needing everything to be nursing-friendly doesn't give you a lot of options. That's where being a creative seamstress will help you out a lot! ;-) Great job!

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  3. So cute! I love the addition of the flower. :)

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  4. Just adorable Shannon I love the flower and the button goes perfectly. Thanks for sharing. Blessings to you.

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  5. That is adorable. And, really, it's just the right season for it here! :)

    Tiffany

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  6. I love the jacket re-do! So much more feminine now.

    Jobeth from S&S forums :)

    Ps, I send you an email, and I wanted to make sure you got it. I used the address in your blogger profile. It will be from Jordan (at) gnuhaus (dot) com

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