It’s that time again…it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. woot! That means I’m back with another project making use of textiles that most will overlook and toss aside. You can see my past projects in my gallery HERE. However, for today, I’m back to one of my favorite textiles…linen. Linen is one of those fabrics that is natural, soft, oh so very wonderful to work with. Check out this blue striped linen top I found secondhand. I’ve had my eye on a creating a refashioned linen jacket and this shirt needs a new life.
Isn’t that blue stripe perfect? This shirt is 100% linen, has pockets, rolled sleeve tie-ups, and plenty of space to do what I’m after.
What I have in mind is a sweet, ruffled, button-up jacket that will allow me to have a flowy frock to use over my dressers and shirts. How does one go about making that happen? Let’s grab our sewing scissors and have at it!
CUTTIN’ IT UP
While there’s nothing wrong with the pockets on this shirt, they weigh it down for what I have in mind. First, I use my seam ripper and take them off. Oh, and don’t worry, I save the pockets and all the buttons for a future purpose. My inspiration is a jacket priced at $184 HERE. eep!! While not in my budget, I can certainly DIY it.
This is the tedious part, but so worth it. Here’s a peek at the shirt on myself with the pockets removed. It’s ready to go! And, I just have to say I’m still lovin’ my new DIY haircut though some gave me flack! boo hiss.
Next, I take my scissors and cut off the collar.
After that, I take my scissors and cut off the bottom on a slight curve.
Lookin’ cute! In my world, it’s waste not, want not, so I take the bottom half and cut it into strips to make ruffles.
ASSEMBLY TIME
With my pieces in hand, I head to my sewing machine to attach my two strips short end to short end using a flat felled seam.
Then, once I have my strip, I use my serger to give the ruffle a finished edge.
Instead of a basic gathered ruffle on the bottom, I use a pleat to pin and assemble with my serger. In addition, I also add a ruffle to the neckline.
One last thing…I need to add buttons. While the original buttons were tiny, I want to add larger. In order to do that, I switch up the placket side. I’m old enough to know that ladies’ blouse plackets are on the left, while men’s are on the right. What’s a placket? It’s the side of a shirt, coat, or jacket that the buttons are sewn to. I remember when there was a difference, but always wondered why. Well, back in the day, ladies of stature had maids to dress them, so the buttons were sewn onto the left to make it easier for the maid to dress the lady.
For my purposes, I want to switch the placket for two reasons: (1) I want a vintage vibe to my refashioned linen jacket (2) I need to do something about the original buttonholes. In order to do that, I sew my buttons over top of the existing buttonholes.
ONE MORE THING
Before I wrap up this project, I just want to say that I have a literal BLAST creating my own clothes, my own style. I always make my own clothing when I really want to get what I am after – from pjs to swimsuits, to accessories, to everyday clothes. You can do it too as there are oodles of tutorial and patterns bloggers share! To finish my vision, I grab my linen sheet and my super comfy lounge pants to make myself one more thing…
Of course, according to my lot in life, I not only ended up with my kids’ head cold, but also, by serger decided to stop working. sigh… Even my sewing machine zig-zag stitch is out of sorts and sweet pup, Loula, begs for attention.
That leaves me to assemble using a basic stitch with intent to serge when it is repaired. Not only does a gal not quit, but head to the finish with a smile. Am I right?
STYLIN’
While I create these two items in a couple of hours, I’m so stoked to be able to share this refashioned linen jacket with matching bloomers (or pantaloons – however you see it). ta da!
Yes, I’m a sucker for all things linen (and all natural textiles, actually) – they can’t be beat! Because this is a thrifted shirt in like-new condition, it is softer than new, and is perfect for what I’m after.
And how about those blooms!?!
Talk about soooo comfy. Notice they don’t have finished edges, but I don’t mind the carefree look. In addition, I just have to say my entire outfit (including my wool hat found HERE) costs less than $70. Whereas my inspiration jacket and bloomers alone would cost me over $350 – not even including my boots, dress, and hat!! BAM!! Plus, I even save the ribbon that my washcloths come wrapped in and it perfectly suited as belt to keep me modest. ahem.
Next, the cherry on top is being able to call these my own. One label is custom made, but the other I iron on to satin ribbon and place in seam.
Finally, I’m happy as a lark in my newly refashioned clothes because they’re (1) comfy (2) are designed to fit ME (3) beautiful (4) and oh so budget friendly.
SHARE
Now, it’s your turn to dish…have you ever refashioned any clothing or thoughts on my inspiration here? Let me hear it! Leave me some comment love below. Likewise, pin and share to inspire others to think outside the chain store clothes and give DIY a try.
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Also, more refashion fun like my refashioned linen jacket:
Love the remake. The jacket is adorable. I also like the new look. The haircut is perfect for your face structure. Don’t listen to the nay-sayers, you did nothing wrong.
Thanks! I sure had fun getting this done and faster than I thought. On the hair…no skin off my back, just unbelievably rude of those folks. 😉
I absolutely love the new hairdo and have saved it and your outfit is so classy. I’m so thankful you know how to stand up to the naysayers.
Thank you, thank you for feeling free to be you in all ways,jo
Thanks! I’m so excited for my outfit to come together so quickly – even without my tools working. haha. Hugs!
I never write comments, but after reading what others said I have to compliment you on your new hairstyle. You look beautiful and confident with the short hair and without the extra weight pulling it down, it is now even curlier! Great job! You look beautiful !
You’re so sweet, Janet. Thanks for the love! Now to plan a place to wear my new duds.
Your outfit is AWESOME especially the bloomers! You’re beautiful inside and out and the new do is amazing. All we can do is pray for the hateful comment people for they are not without sin.
Thanks so much! I certainly had fun with this and am lovin’ my hair. We all have sin and some have a heavy burden they need to give to God. God is good!
Well, I must say it turned out a whole lot cuter than I thought it was going to when I thought ‘bolero!’ It’s very cute and you styled it perfectly with the rest of the outfit. It’s hard to pass up linen and then to cut it – I thought you were C-R-A-Z-Y!
BUT IT LOOKS GREAT (AND SO DOES YOUR HAIR BY THE WAY!)
haha! I know…it takes grit to cut linen! 😀 I’m so tickled with the outcome (it’s super comfy!). Thank you for the love, Gwen.
I love your outfit it looks gorgeous I also love your new ‘do’, what I don’t get is why anyone would be nasty about it. Why say anything at all and then to bring the bible into play is sickening to say the least. I really do hope you can ignore these low lifers they must be very sad people. Xx
I’m so happy with all of it. Thanks, Janette! Oh yes, already moved on and praying for those that feel the need to degrade. Ain’t nobody got time for that! 😀
Larissa,
You are beautiful! I absolutely love, love, love your haircut. I am envious of your curls. Thank you for sharing!
You are the sweetest, Carri. Thank you for the kind words and even more, making me smile.
Love this jacket and I think it turned out cuter than your inspiration!!!!! And your new haircut looks amazing! I’m a curly girl too and I know how difficult it is to cut, so I admire you for your bravery!!!!
Thanks! I’m so happy with it, Audra. It feels better than it looks to me. Yes, cutting hair is no thing, but wavy is a whole new ballgame for me. It was easier than I thought.
You look amazing! The outfit is adorable! And that HAIRCUT is PERFECT for your face.
You are such a fun gal, Laura. Thanks! I’m happy with my new snazzy outfit, and my hair is just that…hair. It made sense for me to cut it while in transiiton so I can learn and grow it to any length I want. 😀
You are absolutely amazing with all your craftiness, and I look forward to reading each and every one of your posts! You are a true inspiration in our throw away world! Also, I think your hair cut is cute and suits you very well.
Well, you sure know how to make a gal feel loved, Verletta. Thank you! I have a blast with not only creating but sharing. hugs!!
I think this is a darling refashion! The whole outfit has a prairie girl vibe- I love it, makes me think of spring!
I love looking for good fabric pieces (especially linen ones) when I’m out thrifting, and I’ve been inspired by you to try some sewing!! Thank you for sharing your talents and I LOVE your haircut! It looks so bright and fun, it’s perfect!
I hope you can tell I had a blast. Thanks so much, Jill! I’m so eager for spring and summer both, so I need to find me a spot to wear this out that doesn’t include mud. 😀 I love that you’re inspired! That just made my day. Sending hugs!!
Cute, cute jacket! But even more adorable haircut. Love it on you! Don’t let the bitter, negative people wear you down. God is about love. Not about inflicting bitter hate filled comments on other people. It takes a very special person to put themselves out there so as to share their talents with the world. Thank you for being willing to do that.
Happy day! Thank you, Gayle. Yes, He sure is and so am I. There’s enough negativity in this world to last eternity, but God will see fit to end that on Christ’s return. Yahoo!!
Boho is back baby…..yeah!! So cute Larissa! I especially like the pants. I’m more into comfort than style, but you blended it perfectly here. Being too heavy for some of the cute things I see in stores right now is a bummer. I really want a baggy jumper or romper but nope- plus why make it hard to go to the bathroom?? On another note, you are too cute. I’m trying to weed out sarcasm because, well; it’s not fruitful- however I just absolutely love it when people use out of context scripture to shame me or others.😖
P.S. So glad you are feeling better, and I’m not going crazy!
Right?! I loved Magnolia Pearl clothing back about 12 years ago and have always been inspired. Though, they’ve changed their style to more modern, so I prefer their older line. About jumpers…yep…tall girl, wedgies, and no time for that. haha!
I rarely comment, but I was heartbroken by the nay sayers. To each their own! As christians we are not to judge. Your short curly hair looks darling on you. Again, the outfit is not for everyone, but looks great on you. I admire your talent.
Thanks! That’s why I sew for me and what I want for me, and cut my hair FOR ME. 😉 Many have said I should have my own line of clothes, so that’s a whole other adventure. 😀
Love this jacket! Looks adorable on you especially with your darling new look!
Happy day! Thanks for saying so, Tess. I just love the relaxed look and making it myself is the cherry on top.
The haters are jealous! And to quote scripture to you? How about Matthew 7, about not judging others. I have been working on this myself this last year.
I LOVE your new linen jacket also. I am not a girly girl, but I do love me some ruffles! Great job.
Keep being you!
I know what it feels like to dump on someone and regret it, so I hope that’s just the case and they had a bad day. However, because screens make it easy to vent, I wish people would think twice before publishing and maybe look at themselves further. Anyhoo, I’m a happy gal and living life with JOY.
I love the new hair cut and the cute outfit, keep up the great work you do and thanks for sharing.
how fun! Thank you, Carolyn. Creating in any form brings me such joy.
I say go for it!! — your own clothing line. Something you love doing and you’re so talented it would be a success. I hope you will give it some serious thought.
aww…fun!! I would if I had time…maybe one day. I’m one of those that could dabble in just about everything and have a blast. I love to cook, bake, sew, craft, build, and so on. Makes life fun!
I think your hair is adorable…just love those curls!!!
aww…thank you for saying so. I sure am having fun learning a new me.
I never comment, although I always enjoy reading and seeing what you’re doing. But the hair is ADORABLE! It looks like it suits you perfectly. The jacket is also so fun, a great remake of a boring shirt! Keep on keeping on
I just have to say that you and other who say they never comment…you’re making my day! I write for y’all, so hearing from you means the world. Thank you for the sweet affirmation and love. Hugs!
Larissa you look absolutely beautiful with the new haircut and love your outfit. It suits you. I am so sorry that people feel they have the right to criticize everything. We sure live in a sad world where people cannot say something nice or nothing at all. That’s how we were taught to live. Kudos to you and your imagination.
You are a sweetheart to say so, Darlene. I have been going against the grain all my life and I’m not going to stop now. Hugs!
Hi Larissa, I Love lovd love the hair! So pretty. I cut my own hair the other dy. I couldn’t stand it. Then I stopped by a super cuts or something like that and the sign you see walking in says, “Thank you for not cutting your own hair.” Hahal. too late. I didn’t do such good job as you di.d. But got the ball rolling.
Good on ya for trying! You’ll never know until you try and it will grow back. haha. Thanks so much, Sarah! And…I have to say boo on that sign. meh.
I love your cute jacket, you are so talented. Good job. As for your new hair cut, just beautiful, it suits you. Surprising how some people can be so rude. Shame on them.
What fun for me to get to create and share. Thank you for bringing sunshine, Edna. 😉
How CUTE is that! You are stylin’ girlfriend!!!
It makes me so sad that some people were so judgmental about your haircut. It’s beautiful as you are inside and out 💕💕
Yippee!! I am tickled to death to hear it, Susan. Not only is creating fun for me, but sharing and hearing from you is the BEST. Thanks!
Oh my gosh….so adorable ( meaning you too 😉). You are such a clever bird! A totally impressive “store bought “ look. Plus I still love your hair.
Smiles, alice
tee hee! Alice, I can’t say enough how fun creating is for me and even better is hearing from those I write for. Thank you for sharing love!
Your jacket is adorable reminds me of the 60’s. You certainly do have a great sense of style. Your haircut that you did yourself looks especially sweet and love those curls!
Fun! I just love fashion, but have little time to mess with it. I’m tickled that of all the years of me cutting my hair I finally know the best way to deal with it. Thanks!
I love the outfit and I love your new sassy haircut It really suits you and your face and it just give you an extra boost of sass.
Between your hair and your outfit, you have left me smiling today. I just want to give you a big ole bear hug because you are just too cute to be real. Lovely job on you jacket today.
I wish you could hop over here and give me that hug because I sure could use it. You’re so sweet, Marietta! Thank you for the smile, the hug, and love. {{HUGS}}
You look the best I’ve ever seen you!!!! Mostly because you’re radiating from the inside and it’s showing on the outside! That outfit is absolutely adorable on you and I am LOVING seeing you become a beautiful butterfly!!! 🦋🥰
aww…that’s so fun to hear, Rebecca. Physically, I feel the best I’ve been in a very long time since I’ve been taking care of myself and setting boundaries. Thanks so much!