I’d been schlepping around town for too long, was probably dehydrated and unable to think straight when I bought this hideosity. Look how it hangs over the dummy’s curves. You’d be forgiven for thinking it was some kind of podgy Grim Reaper in there.
Sewn inside the neckline is a strip of ribbon designed to help the garment stay on the hanger. Does anyone know if this helpful feature has a name? I know what I‘d call it! Is it just me who manages to nearly get garrotted whenever I put on a top like this?
I decided to give the shroud a new lease of life because I liked its faux leather neck binding and I think the centre front/centre back seams are a nice touch. The end result is not quite stunning but it’s much more flattering and endlessly wearable with my many bright skirts. And I get to keep the centre seams and neckline!
How To:
You will need: a baggy jersey top with dropped sleeves, a close-fitting T-shirt pattern (mine is Sewaholic Renfrew), a ballpoint needle, a machine or overlocker and thread.
1. Cut off the sleeves. Try them on to see if they fit to the top of your arms then put aside.
2. Cut the side seams (the shoulder seam should stay).
3. Lay the top as flat as you can. Place your bodice front pattern on top, centre lines matching, then cut around it. Both centre fronts should match and the shoulder/armscye lengths should also be equal. Flip the pattern piece over and cut around the other side. Keep the cut-off fabric in case you want to make a pocket.
4. Repeat step 3 on the back.
5. Sew the side seams together.
6. Hem the bottom.
7. Attach the sleeves, pinning them first and matching each underarm seams to the side seam. You may need to stretch one or the other to make the sleeve circumference and the armscye fit. Luckily, jersey is forgiving.