I have a trio of totally game changing shirts to show you today, all made and worn aplenty during (Me Made) May - if you caught my round up posts then you'll have already seen them pop up a number of times. As ever, I realised my desperate lack of tops early on in the month, so whipped up my first cropped hack of the Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress with some #sewingleftovers. Then came another, also in leftovers, and finally a third version in fabric bought from Stoff & Stil on a recent trip to Berlin. It's a really easy, quick and versatile hack, and a new-to-me wardrobe staple.
 |
| Reeta Shirt in white crepe |
 |
| Reeta Shirt in leftover suiting fabric from a recent project |
Original garment made: The white fabric is leftover from a failed attempt at making something for someone else, and the pinstripe is leftover from my absolute fave M7661 trousers (I was given lots extra as it has a few faults to it)!
Leftover fabric amount: Just over 1m in both fabrics (this hack takes about 1m)
Sewing Leftovers make: Named Clothing Reeta Midi Shirt Dress, hacked into a cropped shirt
Leftovers-wise what did I learn?: Skip details to save on fabric - I left out the pockets and turn up on the sleeves. The back yoke can be cut as 2 separate pieces rather than on the fold if you're restricted by the length of your leftovers (I actually did this by accident for one of mine and it turned out fine)! I also learnt the great joy that having matching separates can bring to your life/wardrobe (scroll down for more on that)!
About the make:
 |
| White crepe Reeta with corduroy Landers |
Funnily enough, I don't like my Reeta Shirt Dress and I hardly ever wear it. It's a combination of the length, sleeves and waist gathering that just don't sit quite right with me, which is pretty disappointing as it seems to look great on everyone else! After seeing a Reeta Shirt hack by @craftwerking, I was inspired to make more use of the pattern, and I'm really pleased that I've finally found a way to make the Reeta work for me!
 |
My pattern was already cut out at a size 42 so I stuck with this. I could have downsized, but I opted to keep it bigger for a sort of boxy, oversized fit. To make it shirt length, I cut the pattern 3" below the waistline (marked out for the waist casing/gathering on the dress). Once hemmed, this is a pretty good length for me - let's say a 'gentle crop' - which can be worn loose or tucked in without too much bulk, depending on the mood/outfit.
 |
| Back view of the white crepe version |
 |
| The original version worn over a Nettie top, with Landers and Doc sandals |
 |
| *I got a tripod, hence the funny angles of these pics! |
 |
| Version 3, in wiggle print cotton |
 |
| Worn with a particularly bold pair of B6178 culottes |
 |
| Reeta/M7661 faux jumpsuit |
 |
| Reeta/M7661 faux jumpsuit |
Which version is your favourite?
Check out #sewingleftovers on Instagram for loads more inspiration!
Stay in touch!
- Tuesday, June 19, 2018
- 14 Comments
