Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

Ladies’ Smocked Blouse from Refashioned Pants

As another month rolls by, it’s at the last Tuesday that I get to share with you another Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION project. yahoo! This is a fun time for me as it gives me a chance to work with other textiles and (hopefully) inspire you to give this a try as well. Take a look at these adorable pants I found at the thrift store with brand new tags on it. They’re about to become a ladies’ smocked blouse. Check it out…

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Striped Cotton Pants Before Refashion by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

When I first found the pants, I was hoping they were in my size. Sadly, they are a size small and too short for me. However, I couldn’t resist the ticking stripe and so home with me they come. Also, I notice in the store that the smocked waistband is coming loose from the legs. Not a problem for me.

Open Seam on Cotton Pants | prodgialpieces.comDIY TIME

First order of business is to finish the dismantling of the smocked waistband that has already starting. I use my seam ripper to take it off the legs of the pants and set it aside.

Seam Ripping Refashioned Pants into Ladies' Smocked Blouse | prodigalpieces.com

Then, once I have the waistband off, I cut up the leg seams to open each up for making the most use of the fabric. I’m a unique sort that I like to make my own patterns. Many years in the making using desk calendars or recycling my paper to make my patterns. Here’s a stack of some of them. Notice my upcycled sweater dog coat pattern is on top. I miss my dog, Teddy. sniff.

Handmade Sewing Patterns by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Also, here’s my doodle of my vision for the pant fabric. I, honestly, don’t know if I’ll have enough fabric, but there’s only one way to find out.

Sketch for Ladies' Smocked Blouse from Refashioned Pants | prodigalpieces.com

Next, I pull out a pattern I made for a nursing nightgown a decade or so ago, and use it to cut pieces for my blouse. These are to be the sleeves.

Refashioned Pants Cut into Sleeves for Ladies' Smocked Blouse | prodigalpieces.com

After that, I cut the smock top, and then the rest of the leg becomes the skirt of the blouse. My goal is not as much to show you how I did it, but that it can be done. This projects is pretty simple and straightforward with basic knowledge of sewing. If you want to try, there’s only one way to start…today! Cutting up a pair of thrifted pants is affordable – you can even use clearance fabrics to practice on.

ASSEMBLY

Finally, now that I have my pieces, it’s time to assemble. I use a combination of my serger and sewing machine to add the sleeves to the top, then add a casing for elastic on both the neckline and sleeves. Handy tip: I use my crochet hooks to pull the elastic through the casings and attach.

Serging Refashioned Pants into ladies' smocked blouse| prodigalpieces.com

Inserting Elastic into Hem into Ladies' Smocked Blouse| prodigalpieces.com

Next, I use elastic thread to add my top to my smocked middle, and then the bottom as well. This stuff is da bomb! Ever try using it?

Elastic Thread Spool for Sewing by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

This makes it handy to attach the pieces while allowing them to stretch to fit. I will admit that I totally forgot to use this on my first assembly. However, after getting completely stuck with my arms in an upright position while trying to make this thing go on, and while laughing my head off because I couldn’t get it off by myself, I had a revelation. Maybe more like a head smack. ahem.

Yeah…elastic is a godsend.

THE REVEAL

After using my seam ripper AGAIN, I finally got my ladies’ smocked blouse together…and ON. woot!

Handmade Striped Ladies' Smocked Blouse made from Refashioned Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #sewing #fashion #women #diy #style

Cotton Striped Smocked Blouse for Ladies' Fashion by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #fashion #style #women #sewing #refashion

My vision was a peasant style, comfy look and feel. I think I achieved that and I’m excited! It’s the little things, right?

Ladies' Smocked Blouse Back View by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #fashion #refashion #handmade #style

Refashioned Ladies' Smocked Blouse Handmade by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #fashion #upcycle #refashion #sewing #ladies

If you haven’t tried your hand at sewing or it’s been awhile since you gave it a go, be sure to try! It’s fun, challenging, and even relaxing as well. Feel free to send me pics of things you’ve refashioned. I’d love to take a peek!

DIY Ladies' Refashioned Smocked Blouse from Pants by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #fashion #upcycle #repurposed #diy #clothing

Larissa of Prodigal Pieces in Refashioned Ladies' Smocked Blouse | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #upcycle #fashion #clothing

In addition, let’s inspire others to give refashioning a try. Do pin and share!

 A damaged pair of pants is refashioned into a ladies' smocked blouse by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #diy #handmade #style #sewing

Up next, I’m eager to show this pediment piece in a whole new style. See it in its new life HERE.

Box Stoire Pediment Before | prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

blog signature

let's get socialMEWE | PINTEREST | GAB

Also, more refashion fun like my ladies’ smocked blouse upcycle:

Absolutely adorable refashioned tea towel bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces for Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun | See more at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #fashion #bag #handmade #style #ladiesSew much fun! You can create these upcycled sock dolls & animals with just a few supplies. It all starts with SOCKS! Head to Prodigal Pieces to get the DIY details | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #handmade #toys #dolls #crafts #giftidea #kids

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    So adorable!!! It looks so sweet on you! Elastic thread?? ?Hmmm…. what will they think of next?!?! I need it and didn’t even know it!! ??

    • Larissa says

      tee hee hee! Right? I’ve used it for years for smocking and various things. It’s such a fun and handy notion. Thanks for the smiles, Rebecca!

  2. Shelley S says

    So cute, and I love that it’s 100% one of a kind!

    Sewing is one of the things I miss most as a result of my hands being disabled. It’s a combination of the unique creativity aspect and the fact that it reminds me so much of my mom who was a fantastic seamstress who made ALL of our clothing when we were kids. We were truly the best-dressed kids I knew. She taught me everything I know about sewing.

    I used to buy name-brand jeans at yard and garage sales not just for the fabric to make other things, but specifically for the tags on the pockets to add to my homemade jeans. When all my girlfriends were complaining that store-bought jeans – which back then were mostly designed for boys bodes and didn’t fit their curves – mine fit fine and were much more comfortable because I’d created them from my own pattern.

    I’m sure I violated some rules when I copied added the particular pocket stitching design and tab, but no one ever knew the difference unless I told them.

    My last big project several years back was to sew a 3 layer renaissance wedding gown for a dear friend. I was a silk peasant-style dress as the inner layer, then a gorgeous electric blue iridescent full satin skirt, all topped by a suede dress created in a very authentic manner. Other than cheating and using the sewing machine everything was done without zippers or buttons. The sleeves were tied on, the bodice laced, neck and waist of the inner layer and skirt had ties where I used a specific handy tool called a bodkin to pull lacings through similar to your crochet tool.

    My friend looked stunning, and the performers at the venue where she was married were quite impressed with the authenticity of her gown. It was my last proud sewing moment.

    • Larissa says

      That is AMAZING!! I’ve always wanted to try period sewing in my “free time” (whatever that is). Closest I’ve come is prairie dresses, smocks, bloomers, and bonnets for my daughters. I can only imagine what a treasure it was to learn from your mom. Is there someone you pass down the blessing to?

    • Larissa says

      aww…thank you, Noelle! I certainly had fun recreating it.

  3. Marie - Interior Frugalista says

    I’ve never heard of elastic thread and it’s been added to my Must Have list. What a pretty smocked blouse creation, Larissa, it looks very nice on you!

    • Larissa says

      Ooooh…you gotta try it! Perfect when my kids were little for waists and such. Even smocked dresses! You will have a blast with it. Thanks for the love, Marie!

  4. Kaycee says

    Hi Larissa, you did such a beautiful job creating your peasant blouse. I love that fabric and it looks just gorgeous on you.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces