Sakura-Con took place in Seattle several weeks ago. I helped Caitlin and her friends with some of the costume making for their characters. One piece needed was a white, short sleeved, button-down-the-front blouse. I started with one of Greg’s old business shirts. In order to make it fit a 15 year old I needed to remove a total of 10 inches from the circumference of the shirt.
I cut straight down the back of the shirt and trimmed off 2 inches on either side. I sewed the seam back together. You can see this in the image above as the seam that’s been pressed open down the back. Result: 5″ removed from the back.
I wasn’t sure what I was going to do in the front and then a solution struck me. I cut the center button placket off leaving 1/2 inch on either side (leaving it buttoned the whole time). I then took off 1 inch on either side of the remaining shirt front. Result: another 5″ removed from the front of the shirt (I think that math works! — 2 inches cut off, 1/2 inch plus 1/2 inch on the right side of the placket in seam allowances and turn unders, the same on the left side of the placket.)
I turned under 1/2 inch on the shirt and topstitched each side back onto the extra fabric hanging off the button placket, positioning the first button where I wanted it to be relative to the new neck line.
Since it was a costume, I cut the neck even and finished with a zig zag around the edges. I ended up really liking the technique. It would be fun to mix and match plackets from different old shirts. I know there’s a whole movement of talented people re-purposing clothes, I’m very ready to experiment with this more. I’d love for you to share what you’ve done or give a shout out to your favorite resources in the comments!
I love that costume for Caitlin!
Is she helping with any of this sewing? Has she ever shown interest in it at all? Or Leil? Just curious…..
On another note…
I had no idea that Janet Bolton taught classes here in the States!!!
I, too, would have jumped on that one! I guess that we should look into future classes taught by her here, don’t you think?
wow……
My love to you….maybe I’ll call you little later today (it is 4:15 am right now…tee hee….)
xo
yes, let’s talk this afternoon! It is extremely rare for Janet Bolton to teach a class here. It’s taking place in Sisters, Oregon at the Stitchin Post. I looked at her schedule of workshops on her website and that was the only US stop. Lucky Margret!
This is terrific! I was always so grateful to have a Mom who could sew, she made us the most terrific costumes and clothes when I was growing up. Did Caitlin enjoy herself at Sakura-Con? Any photos of the finished costume?! So fun!
OK, I knew someone would ask that question
We were so late trying to make the ferry we didn’t have time to stop by the shop to grab my camera. Caitlin took photos with her camera of her friends but there is not one of her. Next time…
Whew…that just blew me away. You make it look so simple and yet i know you must have agonized over the whole “should I cut here? how much? what will it look like when i put it back together? will she even wear it after all this work?” mucho kudoos to you my friend. Ann
Which anime series has Caitlin enjoyed? One I am excited about watching is Soul Eater, the main character who happens to be female is suppose to be amazing.
I would love to see a shot of the whole costume! I love that stuff.
I guess it would help if I would read the comments before I made one.
Very satisfied with your blog post, many thanks.