Repurposed from Mom:
I saved a few blouses and sweaters from my late mother’s wardrobe. One blouse in particular interested me. The Parisian-themed print was pretty, but the blouse itself was outdated. It had shoulder pads, and it was cropped short with elastic around the waist, like a jacket. Yet it was a lovely lightweight rayon material. I loved that it had different buttons, too.
Funny, I don’t remember seeing her wear it. It had a distinct eighties vibe.
I knew I’d eventually figure out some way of updating it, but it lingered in a wicker hamper full of scraps for ten years. Every so often, usually when searching for something else, I’d examine it, and then shove it back in in the hamper. Then inspiration struck after I picked up a pattern that looked perfect for different fabrics.
Recycled fabric
Rather than shopping for new fabric, I decided to make use what I had.
My desire to use what I had partly came from a Washington Post article Why You Should Buy Everything Used. In addition to furniture and appliances, the article encouraged buying recycled clothing. Did you know nearly 40% of all clothing purchases get returned? That leaves a mountain of stuff that needs to go somewhere, typically donation bins, landfills and thrift stores.
I seem to make a lot of regret purchases when it comes to clothes. At the same time, I like the idea of sustainability, cutting down waste, and uniqueness. So, I went through the clothes that hung unused in my closet, looking for fabric that coordinated with the print design.
The end result:
The bodice front is from my mother’s blouse, as is the rectangular panel on the back. I cut the salmon pink bodice facing and side panels (pockets were an extra bonus!) from a summer dress. All the rest came from shirts I don’t wear anymore. And of course, the fabulous buttons are also from my mother’s blouse.
I bet she’d love it. She taught me how to sew, after all.
Thank you for visiting!
Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist.
Learn more about her multi-finalist award winning novel, In the Context of Love.
Learn more about her picture book, Gordy and the Ghost Crab.
Learn more about her latest poetry chapbook, Sleepwalker
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