Friday, February 24, 2017

Un-Simplified

More and more, I find myself gravitating toward "simple." Simple routines, simple systems, less in general. But sometimes, simple is just a palette begging for more!

Especially when you've had a sweet little appliqued teacup-and-bird top on your pinboard for ages. Lately, I've become dissatisfied with how much "pinning" I do, and how little "executing!" I have so many marvelous ideas ready and waiting, but it seems that I never really get around to making them. 

So here's my effort to change that!




I used a clearance tee from Target that was only $2.10 (yes, I bought three in different colors!), and added my own applique using stash scraps. I used Wonder-Under to apply them, and Fuse-n-Tear on the back to provide stability. This was strongly Boden inspired, though the actual top that I copied was from Carters (which I suspect was also strongly Boden inspired!).




Overall, it was relatively simple -- though applique is not something I'm very experienced at, and you can see that bottom teacup handle is a little wonky thanks to my less-than-adequate Fuse-n-Tear application! That lack of experience also made it take far longer and require more seam-ripper-usage than it should have... But now I've learned something for next time, and Rosa will have a sweet little top for the summer.

One "pin" down, several hundred to go! *wink*

6 comments:

  1. Your applique made the shirt adorable. A little design can really change the looks of things. Very nice job!

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    1. Thank you, Cheryl! I thought we'd be waiting until summer to use this top, but it's been so warm here in VA that she got to wear it today -- perfect timing :-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  2. Shannon,

    You are so creative! I love this idea. I like the colors you chose better than those used in the original. I know exactly what you mean about Pinterest. I do usually find some great recipes, but seldom try any of the sewing/crafting ideas I pin.

    -Sarah

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    1. hank you for your sweet words, Sarah! :-) It was nice to be able to use a few favorite scraps, too -- sometimes they are so hard to get rid of, even when there's just a tiny piece left.

      I definitely try more recipes than craft projects, too. Perhaps part of the "Pinterest dilemma" is that it's often easier/cheaper to try a recipe than a full-blown pattern or craft project! A single recipe is less expensive (usually) than the necessary "ingredients" for a sewing project. That, and food is a more immediate need! :-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  3. Great job! I love your interpretation. Lavinia had the original shirt, and now this spring it fits Rosie. I like your colors better, although my girls like brighter colors than I do. Glad they like teacups as much as me, though. :)

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    1. Laura,

      Yes, shared teacup love is a definite boon! ;-) How sweet that both of your girls have been able to wear that shirt. I guess the design spoke to both of us! Thank you (as always) for your kind words!

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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