Want a custom look but you are short on time? Try Ready to Wear – Your Way! You don’t always have to sew a completely new top. This top started out as a solid blue blouse from Goodwill. A perfect fit, the top would rival brand new with creative intervention.
Resale shops are filled with clothing in good shape that can be made new with some creative updating. For my plain blue top, I decided to add interest to the hem with appliqué. I chose a simple shape (diamond) and cut many shapes from scraps of Japanese fabrics, and appliquéd them. Fusible web adheres the shapes in place. I sewed a satin stitch around the outside of each piece. Stitching secures the appliqués with some extra security and they survive the laundry much better!
Without unstitching and resewing any seams (because I selected a top that fit), I could focus on creating a new look. Think about other looks for appliqué. Try other shapes. Maybe you would like contrasting colors. Sometimes an appliqué on one shoulder adds asymmetric interest. Now I have a custom look without too much time spent pattern cutting and fitting! And you can, too, with Ready to Wear – Your Way!
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