I wanted to take part in #thebigstitch this year as I watched from Instagram a year ago and saw all the fabulous makes. Whilst Miss P was growing into quiet a little bump, I decided that 2019 was the year I was going to take part.
#thebigstitch is a garment recycling challenge from the charity The British Heart Foundation
www.bhf.org.uk . It was easy to take part -
Purchase a garment from one of their stores and upcycle it into a garment you would wear and share in the month of July.
I took myself to one of the stores just on the outskirts of Nottingham, I always seem to be lucky in charity shops located in the suburbs. I was looking for a dress or a suit that I could change into an everyday top.
My purchase for only £2.99 was a NEXT gypsy floaty dress in a size 14. I bought a bigger size so that I had more fabric.
The first thing I did was to remove the raglan sleeves (which made a cute baby bonnet btw!) and cut off the gathered lace detail on the bottom of the dress.
Using a piece of cream bias binding I gathered the dress flounce onto the bodice using the bias. After under stitching, I had made a floaty lace neck detail which was so flattering.
I loved the way it draped.
I then added bust darts to make the top more fitted under my arms. The top was way too long so I took it up to hip length and hemmed both top and lining.
Personally, I love this top. It feels so comfy on hot Summer days and a little more dressed up than a jersey top. A good £2.99 and lots of hacking fun!
Best Wishes,
Sam