tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75262886244557625722024-03-14T03:38:26.626+13:00Boutique Narellea beauty solutions platform and modesty blog - creator of the modesty mallNarelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-5121355399183070762023-07-23T19:00:00.002+12:002023-07-28T15:51:15.754+12:00Modern Modest Elegance Goes in an Art Deco Parade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b>DECO DALLY: BLUE SERENADE</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvJEG7JGZynRFzCOMMhiZ-2iZtgBSd1brTEsZsfJ27vCNmg_P4b-QXz_bN0L-NYD1wsJ2EM7_DfC82Z9t8FCFmeG2chHk5iBSBFWa4UGDwjw-Nqz2a4QYLvK24dPAtCO-P-CwAJTFOffPttY6AlNDNdLn_PeBUf2oObUmW2p_8lDTaG7h5AmYvD776JNT/s3216/20230722_170657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="1808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvJEG7JGZynRFzCOMMhiZ-2iZtgBSd1brTEsZsfJ27vCNmg_P4b-QXz_bN0L-NYD1wsJ2EM7_DfC82Z9t8FCFmeG2chHk5iBSBFWa4UGDwjw-Nqz2a4QYLvK24dPAtCO-P-CwAJTFOffPttY6AlNDNdLn_PeBUf2oObUmW2p_8lDTaG7h5AmYvD776JNT/w225-h400/20230722_170657.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p>This weekend was the Napier Art Deco Winter Festival 2023, an event that people travel from overseas and around New Zealand to participate in.</p><p>A storm was forecast, but happily it cleared up in time to allow for the street parade in honour of first responders and everyone else who has chipped in to help in the recovery from Cyclone Gabrielle, which devastated the region and prevented the summer Art Deco Festival taking place this year.</p><p>Following the parade, folk wandered through the streets enjoying live music, dancing, games, vintage car rides, and a host of other events. Many were dressed in costumes of the Prohibition and Depression eras (1920s and 1930s). There was much to see, and it was lovely to meander slowly, stopping to chat with any friendly person I encountered, acquaintance or stranger, taking time to offer praise for costumes I particularly appreciated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGonxFDr5og5sNLi-ptTevOAlrkwmKffK6y-woUOa83eNzxqyqApKxs5JwyC9nvc508YikgZfZC8NHJdSmHirZ9XMHrTbInZALji0KCmV223OqcS484T6BzYmZAJ1Z0lDlNmHLL-g_RKcQAV5celLkBKJ5Gpobx584SE9ZveY0cO20-rdtL_bEcc4zlzZL/s3091/20230722_165504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3091" data-original-width="1460" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGonxFDr5og5sNLi-ptTevOAlrkwmKffK6y-woUOa83eNzxqyqApKxs5JwyC9nvc508YikgZfZC8NHJdSmHirZ9XMHrTbInZALji0KCmV223OqcS484T6BzYmZAJ1Z0lDlNmHLL-g_RKcQAV5celLkBKJ5Gpobx584SE9ZveY0cO20-rdtL_bEcc4zlzZL/w189-h400/20230722_165504.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTQ34_T7JdJpwpdVQsgNBNepjCjsk-dhNiGvuZPeX97hsnxD4s7EZSld5Wt4Nrnbsd8a-_YouuiRtvzvH8-XlmvyCi_DbHdf-Hwbm8HsWBFgZwcviGPmjXJODRxdIpAnlu8mg9lITZzsaIPX5T8GAgG6Yk6Cd0M_ZydBI0UErSMXJ7zjHxX27wLs_lBwa/s3032/20230722_170228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3032" data-original-width="1443" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOTQ34_T7JdJpwpdVQsgNBNepjCjsk-dhNiGvuZPeX97hsnxD4s7EZSld5Wt4Nrnbsd8a-_YouuiRtvzvH8-XlmvyCi_DbHdf-Hwbm8HsWBFgZwcviGPmjXJODRxdIpAnlu8mg9lITZzsaIPX5T8GAgG6Yk6Cd0M_ZydBI0UErSMXJ7zjHxX27wLs_lBwa/w190-h400/20230722_170228.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br /><p>As I was leaving the Soundshell, the always dapper "Bertie", Art Deco ambassador for Napier, approached me with a light in his eye, saying, "You look wonderful, darling." (He addresses all women like this.) "Why did I not see you in my Fashion Flaunt?"</p><p>"I'm sorry, I arrived late and you were halfway through."</p><p>"I would have stopped the show for you," he said gallantly. "Where did you get your hat?"</p><p>"I made it."</p><p>"I like it very much."</p><p>I chuckled. "The first time I met you, about twenty years ago, you were hosting a beauty pageant at the Municipal Theatre. I was there as a journalist. We met on the steps and had a wee yak. I was wearing a hat and you liked that one too. You told me I should have been in the competition."</p><p>He laughed. "That was a strange show."</p><p>"Yes, it was. I was sitting centre front, fourth row back. I got sprayed by the flammable liquid from the fire eater on the stage." I didn't get to hear what aspects he thought were strange, because he had to rush off to compere another event.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex_ZgU2G0EtM91Lf4fj1fvnSWJnTEJnsXf9XfoCR0DUGyy764_7qkDpGJbszBmm5Z_AhfyKL1qGjC_7695hxOC-3bzWC-nb43dm_1RJMnbEIlsWStKEOS4QM8fgy6LePPEjOEwjA_RZusV1Xt6bCOpAf8gcYIjAgNTpsCKbZ8i9iQ-DOAnCgwu0FX9iaa/s4032/20230722_140041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjex_ZgU2G0EtM91Lf4fj1fvnSWJnTEJnsXf9XfoCR0DUGyy764_7qkDpGJbszBmm5Z_AhfyKL1qGjC_7695hxOC-3bzWC-nb43dm_1RJMnbEIlsWStKEOS4QM8fgy6LePPEjOEwjA_RZusV1Xt6bCOpAf8gcYIjAgNTpsCKbZ8i9iQ-DOAnCgwu0FX9iaa/w300-h400/20230722_140041.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>Near the archway exit from the Soundshell, I met a picturesque Gary in vintage motorcycle garb, keeping an eye on his shiny red Indian motorcycle parked across the road, which was attracting a lot of attention. He crossed the road with me as we discussed motorcycle things, like how many cycles can you fit in a standard garage in comparison to the narrow-chasis Model T Ford like the one chugging past us giving rides. Gary owns twenty motorcycles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExeQB6fueG658oBATnZ7ws7FsyYxwSJIUywwSdrKBvxE5JBy0hsVJ9yFNvVRpqs8KFCeC7XYFICrr1gIx6bZM7GHla8A1j1P8_lADJXS-gPj0dkFPag0dICtUWdxSKzuXgkKkmYHnet4DUlvpIqaHp3g-7f5tMyBzWXYefx_oBJXXo6vHehby38yQDqc_/s4032/20230722_135943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExeQB6fueG658oBATnZ7ws7FsyYxwSJIUywwSdrKBvxE5JBy0hsVJ9yFNvVRpqs8KFCeC7XYFICrr1gIx6bZM7GHla8A1j1P8_lADJXS-gPj0dkFPag0dICtUWdxSKzuXgkKkmYHnet4DUlvpIqaHp3g-7f5tMyBzWXYefx_oBJXXo6vHehby38yQDqc_/w300-h400/20230722_135943.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p>A lady clad in pleated wool cullottes with a white fox around her neck asked to have a sit on the bike. Gary coached her in the best riding position, and invited her to try the horn. We bystanders chuckled and shook our heads at the rude sound. I said, "That would get annoying very quickly."</p><p>An eager Asian man stepped up to me. "Please may I have picture with you?"</p><p>"Sure," I said, wondering who was going to take the picture for him. He stepped in beside me, up in the air went his phone, and click!</p><p>"Thank you!" he said.</p><p>I smiled, blinking in astonishment. A tourist just took a selfie with me!</p><p>Next thing I knew, a tweedy-looking gentleman was saying, "Hullo!" like we'd met before. Which we had, but I didn't know he was an Art Deco tour guide. While we were discussing the interesting combination of four tweed patterns in his outfit, a man with a large modern camera hanging around his neck said, "Excuse me, may I film you?" We obliged, and adjusted our position so he got the best background to represent the Art Deco capital of the world.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYWOFbDwWB39xCFC1l-Of5WcGpL2cNvCx7n8VABpRuRFeGRfMiDVw3Gcz24UU8-IjeeMdrlUON7vpgYvpIRLdfYXIEVOOQvKd5MjUbF5BI41xVxhY42-Etr9YIq20l9lKhpAlHjgNlNdBTfys2YtxtJfWh5NB9yQia3xWGpASx7CEKJHvWLwZ_N-TN1i8/s4032/20230722_140850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYWOFbDwWB39xCFC1l-Of5WcGpL2cNvCx7n8VABpRuRFeGRfMiDVw3Gcz24UU8-IjeeMdrlUON7vpgYvpIRLdfYXIEVOOQvKd5MjUbF5BI41xVxhY42-Etr9YIq20l9lKhpAlHjgNlNdBTfys2YtxtJfWh5NB9yQia3xWGpASx7CEKJHvWLwZ_N-TN1i8/w400-h225/20230722_140850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>"I love the colour you're wearing," he said to me as he filmed. "By the way, it might be on TV. Would you like me to take some photos of you with your phones?" We presented them, and he quickly took a series of pictures on both phones at once, looking like he'd done it many times before.</p><p>After that, a group of ladies gathered me into their company and took me for a leisurely browse at the Antiques Fair and then Decorum Vintage Store (Decorum of Art Deco Napier New Zealand) where we considered aspects of vintage feminine apparel and how to orchestrate them for modern comfort and delight.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfgIA4Z3Pw75hV98YBgQu-Ob6RZJ8AeWfktYzSupox5cxPJMabOawo3q1_8w6TVfebwzu3wrgI6VKIbojhNe41W5O_ll-grV5PYwfO8-AvpxErxif050zmexRQIT6ur0zK7GqGX7zp_3vU_gUdXsCxeQeWgSK7i7VXH9eUjc4AzIDeWITt7F3hjQNf1UB/s3178/20230722_174606.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3178" data-original-width="1506" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyfgIA4Z3Pw75hV98YBgQu-Ob6RZJ8AeWfktYzSupox5cxPJMabOawo3q1_8w6TVfebwzu3wrgI6VKIbojhNe41W5O_ll-grV5PYwfO8-AvpxErxif050zmexRQIT6ur0zK7GqGX7zp_3vU_gUdXsCxeQeWgSK7i7VXH9eUjc4AzIDeWITt7F3hjQNf1UB/w190-h400/20230722_174606.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZhdsenjcGwxwse3-M3b3RXituipiCvYRU3HPYk10obH-HyMYqT4UmnktChJ5fXRyhi22ouWX2SzBG2iJ7c1BWOA50qb6uLx_5nXuAgGcR5DryAxylZ4rxTkWR8H6h-q9SqdGukjGS6sVoiEShWTNq6OD7xko_CWhnMqyn8RKovToiQeP184pKnZkhU2U/s3308/20230722_164329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3308" data-original-width="1565" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZhdsenjcGwxwse3-M3b3RXituipiCvYRU3HPYk10obH-HyMYqT4UmnktChJ5fXRyhi22ouWX2SzBG2iJ7c1BWOA50qb6uLx_5nXuAgGcR5DryAxylZ4rxTkWR8H6h-q9SqdGukjGS6sVoiEShWTNq6OD7xko_CWhnMqyn8RKovToiQeP184pKnZkhU2U/w189-h400/20230722_164329.jpg" width="189" /></a></div><br /><p>When I do Art Deco outfit parades like this, I use regular items that are already in my closet. Modern clothing styles abound with vintage influences. It's not hard to dress with echoes of times gone by, but PLANNING IS KEY if you want to pull it off with pizzazz.</p><p>When putting together an outfit, especially when you want to look spiffy and leave a good impression, give yourself a trial run. Put on all the pieces you intend to wear and photograph yourself in them. Looking at the photos will help give you a "third eye" perspective which will make it easier to see if you've got the combination right. I photographed four versions of this outfit to find the right combination.</p><p>I hope you found some inspiration here today.</p><p>Until our next Deco Dally, wishing you a Happy Hattitude.</p><p>Narelle</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQpDBOT6l7zlch4ikm1we01LwJy2BrkCq_QnmIj4RJmOAlqOMZcOQUbW91DLGYw9leYzY5-38MLDJ1msMnwHVYqhpbJj7QNjHY0TQ8nQTUdUjIWIWcXbUEwjbFlOwUPqZQsJj5aJKyTblgLS80EYt1J4Q7BwYss0NJW8YzkxVA1DCNPFLHUEul2Li6P-j/s3216/20230722_121715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="1808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQpDBOT6l7zlch4ikm1we01LwJy2BrkCq_QnmIj4RJmOAlqOMZcOQUbW91DLGYw9leYzY5-38MLDJ1msMnwHVYqhpbJj7QNjHY0TQ8nQTUdUjIWIWcXbUEwjbFlOwUPqZQsJj5aJKyTblgLS80EYt1J4Q7BwYss0NJW8YzkxVA1DCNPFLHUEul2Li6P-j/w225-h400/20230722_121715.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p>#BoutiqueNarelle</p><p>#HappyHattitude</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-1649788368317059042023-05-28T22:30:00.053+12:002023-07-28T14:13:58.195+12:00Modern Modest Elegance Goes to an Arabian Nights Party<p><br /></p><p>DAFFODIL DREAM</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi9e769cWWFm7q3MaJUx71mCWt0O_EndZhC1XQ_VL4PZp_cieOiaIisYJIGXygEX2nn9uuQZZKNuJ2aG9LCeZWuN7R_B7jMYhhEShdv8TOYBBWp8u0ooSORyILqgSUMQLuMCDeZ58ZWiZ27syVQH12xKgE0oSIOMylh23VYPkOTxZQcbYAaB-Z_lSaE7Y/s4032/20230527_172748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi9e769cWWFm7q3MaJUx71mCWt0O_EndZhC1XQ_VL4PZp_cieOiaIisYJIGXygEX2nn9uuQZZKNuJ2aG9LCeZWuN7R_B7jMYhhEShdv8TOYBBWp8u0ooSORyILqgSUMQLuMCDeZ58ZWiZ27syVQH12xKgE0oSIOMylh23VYPkOTxZQcbYAaB-Z_lSaE7Y/w225-h400/20230527_172748.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p>This evening I had the privilege of attending a party in a stunningly beautiful setting. The birthday girl is a skilled decorator. Look what she created for her Arabian Nights theme. 🤩</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkeTZV2YfY3WBtBQz4D0VLmiHqhM8hrnrW57rXPPkzNtYkC5ZnVQ1XTrKwgyCsxJnrGSiopW7GlIkJpyV8lcvWS3C8Lef_dogzLPI_lDJ7ls6dUEmHYIHnbsGpXLbmIOYRAs2k25X95mQQiKMSC9hyzcZjQbX74UdbI_18pyMUDE-pRH851ljdaRvl5_4/s4032/20230527_173055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkeTZV2YfY3WBtBQz4D0VLmiHqhM8hrnrW57rXPPkzNtYkC5ZnVQ1XTrKwgyCsxJnrGSiopW7GlIkJpyV8lcvWS3C8Lef_dogzLPI_lDJ7ls6dUEmHYIHnbsGpXLbmIOYRAs2k25X95mQQiKMSC9hyzcZjQbX74UdbI_18pyMUDE-pRH851ljdaRvl5_4/w400-h225/20230527_173055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJyKV9uj0fh8IlezT6BmnflEKI9cLik9UOnDHEYjtKsq5Ef7yFghcLAgLDNWLwW6E-R2xi-Iv5l6RgcFUVGOzYVpEDGBDz2p-BrYmYKl-lK-GoFaGqPXUHEiX8Z9w38g3eG9RKQWPEAJr3Fm4XimqPmF_BxHQdCKuiGzLsPIG6JYboMDqI5HkK8U_r5cJ/s4032/20230527_173103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJyKV9uj0fh8IlezT6BmnflEKI9cLik9UOnDHEYjtKsq5Ef7yFghcLAgLDNWLwW6E-R2xi-Iv5l6RgcFUVGOzYVpEDGBDz2p-BrYmYKl-lK-GoFaGqPXUHEiX8Z9w38g3eG9RKQWPEAJr3Fm4XimqPmF_BxHQdCKuiGzLsPIG6JYboMDqI5HkK8U_r5cJ/w400-h225/20230527_173103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LS9Kj-LCtCDJDZQGQdcFPezhzRiDz9AMmyYuAM5Cw46iqiqsw81KWl6SO-Mc0dCiDOjdw4AYv2X-p_6VsUn2cRCtYaiDLzetkYf7PHJn4aob2blW14egkdu5HXbE5MthftFmPgls7R85cUNTkz4ValmoX6FWnrjUiSYz8WRz1yeXrrirJNuY9Es_bv3s/s4032/20230527_173117.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6LS9Kj-LCtCDJDZQGQdcFPezhzRiDz9AMmyYuAM5Cw46iqiqsw81KWl6SO-Mc0dCiDOjdw4AYv2X-p_6VsUn2cRCtYaiDLzetkYf7PHJn4aob2blW14egkdu5HXbE5MthftFmPgls7R85cUNTkz4ValmoX6FWnrjUiSYz8WRz1yeXrrirJNuY9Es_bv3s/w400-h225/20230527_173117.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I didn't have much time to come up with a costume for the occasion. I went with a refit of a #BoutiqueNarelle bridesmaid dress (what a good thing I put some flexi in those seams!), and the simple strategy of 👑Princess Up👑.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqCSvsnwe-pFSp3a6pbyBygMkkna7ij4debeNkkWbHRRGfU5umKgKiQv81JTClXyD5-OLLXUYiqPJ5K8PYZdgIQmbPiQ6FBhVSAEgpqdn6--SJtpiFWoQXeAUhpIQ3_ploiEZdWnJ_UmyThM3fUqCooDIMETE6jdpJHdEsmKBmKaMzaxygmLky_1uquy5/s4032/20230527_172858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqCSvsnwe-pFSp3a6pbyBygMkkna7ij4debeNkkWbHRRGfU5umKgKiQv81JTClXyD5-OLLXUYiqPJ5K8PYZdgIQmbPiQ6FBhVSAEgpqdn6--SJtpiFWoQXeAUhpIQ3_ploiEZdWnJ_UmyThM3fUqCooDIMETE6jdpJHdEsmKBmKaMzaxygmLky_1uquy5/w225-h400/20230527_172858.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div>It's remarkable that the rose fascinator matches the dress so well, because I created it long before my sister's wedding was in sight. I was delighted to get a chance to wear "la belle fleur" tonight. It's one of my favourite fabric flowers, inspired by a rose in my grandmother's garden which I've never seen anywhere since. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KSMKheHqKqTrymNttTkNFQWY1C4qC6CSfBw4a62TsAmN3LQuhN3QIqtD2nyNpT5r8KgDgWt6uxMVXCALjgh8DA6rttheeRUc1koOrdU_QndE15-2ln20EMfrufN4CNJZNKkrnYUnMcrI7fg5o-pYG5SwNjPAcmm8VF4_yD8TCzJbhPIxdcRgxhyFufIg/s4032/20230524_230524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KSMKheHqKqTrymNttTkNFQWY1C4qC6CSfBw4a62TsAmN3LQuhN3QIqtD2nyNpT5r8KgDgWt6uxMVXCALjgh8DA6rttheeRUc1koOrdU_QndE15-2ln20EMfrufN4CNJZNKkrnYUnMcrI7fg5o-pYG5SwNjPAcmm8VF4_yD8TCzJbhPIxdcRgxhyFufIg/w400-h225/20230524_230524.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I was in my early teens when Grandma moved in next-door and planted dozens of rose bushes. As I was walking along her garden path one day, this enormous lemon bloom caught my awed attention, and I moved in for a sniff and a closer look. I've never forgotten it. Maybe one day I'll find out what its name was.</p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Fiat lux!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">Narelle</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTud7n_-SaNbJ-sX9LZ4Eyk7IXgOM3OCq-mHllNswBN7lVqJKXr6IKTmQu_sOKM4ylJBVmEuBtGZtjphk1CodUAHNSYwAiF6_tO776B6v1ZQWTlpwx1EHitz98wTIZ_aaitKirQuVL0e11mD_zBfpK_9rlMxoEaP7rq4EIhGmKNTvu_A8nsSqWVJyuRNJ/s3216/20230527_162346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="1808" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyTud7n_-SaNbJ-sX9LZ4Eyk7IXgOM3OCq-mHllNswBN7lVqJKXr6IKTmQu_sOKM4ylJBVmEuBtGZtjphk1CodUAHNSYwAiF6_tO776B6v1ZQWTlpwx1EHitz98wTIZ_aaitKirQuVL0e11mD_zBfpK_9rlMxoEaP7rq4EIhGmKNTvu_A8nsSqWVJyuRNJ/w225-h400/20230527_162346.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p>#BoutiqueNarelle</p><p>#HappyHattitude </p><p>#ByNarelle</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-68495702022324757462021-09-22T22:39:00.005+12:002021-09-22T22:57:13.790+12:00Melon Lace Dress: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Two Ways to Wear One Short Shift Dress, including Five Tips to Make Your Outfit Smarter</span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TATo8vYg1yA/YUsA5k_oDiI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/2KE5Fw6-rWksRPOuV3iNXAkWhr2WcsuLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_130558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1296" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TATo8vYg1yA/YUsA5k_oDiI/AAAAAAAAQYQ/2KE5Fw6-rWksRPOuV3iNXAkWhr2WcsuLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w254-h400/20210922_130558.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 15px;">It's Spring and I currently spend much of my time getting grubby amongst plants, so it was nice to have an opportunity recently to dress up a bit.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">My parents came to visit on the day the latest lockdown lifted, for which exciting event I planned a special outfit. I woke up to see the sun shining on it...</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDl3WblCBtw/YUsBIBS3uzI/AAAAAAAAQYU/uCgeWeB4sMwc8HFRe0V8jsMKk8up--lGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210908_075338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bDl3WblCBtw/YUsBIBS3uzI/AAAAAAAAQYU/uCgeWeB4sMwc8HFRe0V8jsMKk8up--lGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/20210908_075338.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">This thriftshop dress is cotton lace with gold plastic buttons. It came with a matching nylon chemise which the factory had sewn in back-to-front - probably why the previous owner gave up wearing it. It was a simple task to detach it from its moorings with an unpicking tool.</span><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_210922_221115_342.sdocx--><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">CASUAL DRESSY</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22hEU7v15Pc/YUsBhfffTYI/AAAAAAAAQYg/ysfnnT_Z-UgVnuJ1OqR5N6IWFXnDWxa-gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210908_143815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-22hEU7v15Pc/YUsBhfffTYI/AAAAAAAAQYg/ysfnnT_Z-UgVnuJ1OqR5N6IWFXnDWxa-gCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/20210908_143815.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQzdT-nOSPQ/YUsBhRQi6tI/AAAAAAAAQYk/kDusoHXDRDIx2bi_cwb7cRES-MYrjgaHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210908_150239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQzdT-nOSPQ/YUsBhRQi6tI/AAAAAAAAQYk/kDusoHXDRDIx2bi_cwb7cRES-MYrjgaHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/20210908_150239.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 15px;">The forecast temperature was a bit chilly, so I chose to wear a long-sleeved tee shirt underneath, a white chemise over top of it, and white spandex trousers, keeping all the under layers unobtrusive.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">The jacket is a cheap and baggy fleece I've had in my closet for a while and not liked very much other than the colour. To improve the fit and add some class, I pinched a pleat at each side of the back of the jacket, and sewed a pretty button on top. I think I shall like it a lot more now.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-Xnbw5Kvbo/YUsBhMFmzgI/AAAAAAAAQYc/qgDQQoeBK5cjGdROQByHhYvtGztQRD4xACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210908_151049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1151" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i-Xnbw5Kvbo/YUsBhMFmzgI/AAAAAAAAQYc/qgDQQoeBK5cjGdROQByHhYvtGztQRD4xACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/20210908_151049.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">My mother liked my outfit so much that she wanted to take photos of me. I'm happy that my clothing choices brought her pleasure. Other people have to look at me far more than I look at myself. I like to know that what they see is </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">a well-groomed and attractive picture, </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">a good representation of a King's daughter.</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">MAKING IT SMARTER</span></h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk94dfTkAWE/YUsCQMYvc3I/AAAAAAAAQY0/vl_Ak_YVsm88nLEmrwRaB_F8R7eIokWjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_125844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1296" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vk94dfTkAWE/YUsCQMYvc3I/AAAAAAAAQY0/vl_Ak_YVsm88nLEmrwRaB_F8R7eIokWjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w254-h400/20210922_125844.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: 15px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSkAQWQJqOQ/YUsD8UFmEXI/AAAAAAAAQZY/oNMrOTTzgisOtX5jlG5nv7pJ1tsf5X9OQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_130906.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1217" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XSkAQWQJqOQ/YUsD8UFmEXI/AAAAAAAAQZY/oNMrOTTzgisOtX5jlG5nv7pJ1tsf5X9OQCLcBGAsYHQ/w238-h400/20210922_130906.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><br />Here are five fashion secrets that can upgrade the classiness of nearly any dress.<p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;">UNDERLAYERS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;">If underlayers can't be hidden, but without them you feel exposed, you need a change of plan. Here I've ditched the tee shirt, and switched to the matching melon chemise which blends seamlessly with the dress and hides the waistline of the trousers.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">OVERLAYERS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;">Instead of underlayers for warmth, a tailored hip-length jacket or longline coat will maintain warmth as well as style.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">TREWS</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;">Choosing a pair of tailored trousers adds a more formal touch to the outfit. The stiff, wide drape of these trews works well with the slimline pencil dress, and the textured stripe is a stylish contrast to the soft lace fabric.</span>
<br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">SHOES</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;">Granted, any shoes will look dressier than socks, although dare I say bright pink socks are rather snazzy. Choosing a chic pair of sandals or heels will immediately elevate the smartness of your outfit.</span><br /><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_210922_221558_145.sdocx--></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2qDQ_PRb8c/YUsF2L-Fn6I/AAAAAAAAQZg/VVnx16e7WdMTZ_CHNqtCgQiwTd9LUOOlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_132146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n2qDQ_PRb8c/YUsF2L-Fn6I/AAAAAAAAQZg/VVnx16e7WdMTZ_CHNqtCgQiwTd9LUOOlACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/20210922_132146.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">PURSE</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;">Carry a pretty purse and viola! your outfit upgrade is in the bag. It was a simple task to transform this plain gold gift bag by gluing on a strip of craft card, adding an interesting swing tag, and attaching a fabric flower. The flower has a crocodile clip on the back, which slides onto a tab which I glued on the front of the bag.</span><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4u4mPcerz0/YUsCm5VzhQI/AAAAAAAAQZA/Ap1mvx8D_xsNEe_vTbsB36WYvvESWD9BwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_134656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1430" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L4u4mPcerz0/YUsCm5VzhQI/AAAAAAAAQZA/Ap1mvx8D_xsNEe_vTbsB36WYvvESWD9BwCLcBGAsYHQ/w279-h400/20210922_134656.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66pH3lmqU4A/YUsCm18yQOI/AAAAAAAAQZI/snay229_IDoLcYoptXAlQgseiDZ2oZZxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_134813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1420" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66pH3lmqU4A/YUsCm18yQOI/AAAAAAAAQZI/snay229_IDoLcYoptXAlQgseiDZ2oZZxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w278-h400/20210922_134813.jpg" width="278" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D97tdUCtlM8/YUsCm_inUEI/AAAAAAAAQZE/CNwUL9gbHWQF_UkedLbI53pNPQdycLr9wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_134837.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1435" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D97tdUCtlM8/YUsCm_inUEI/AAAAAAAAQZE/CNwUL9gbHWQF_UkedLbI53pNPQdycLr9wCLcBGAsYHQ/w280-h400/20210922_134837.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 15px;"><span>I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today. Now you know some simple fashion tricks for creating different outfits using the same dress. </span>
<br /><br /><span>Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span>
<br /><br /><span>Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span>Narelle</span><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_210922_222005_365.sdocx--></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 15px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAnsbEUQ990/YUsGRRTCDDI/AAAAAAAAQZo/p_pGnM10SgoKDsuBp6mp5BzrJgqHwBdcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210922_125740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1271" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AAnsbEUQ990/YUsGRRTCDDI/AAAAAAAAQZo/p_pGnM10SgoKDsuBp6mp5BzrJgqHwBdcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w249-h400/20210922_125740.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><br /><p></p><!--/data/user/0/com.samsung.android.app.notes/files/clipdata/clipdata_bodytext_210922_220856_355.sdocx-->Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-39245275558677607002021-05-07T20:30:00.000+12:002021-05-07T20:30:00.204+12:00Discover the Potential of a Multipurpose Shirt: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYf5N61f_0Y/YH1fOhn4JJI/AAAAAAAAQMw/sUmq8C2a05ABQDwoNaQvsTzo-dQ8nmxRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1558/BN%2Bblue%2Brack%2Bshoot%2B054-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1558" data-original-width="1040" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYf5N61f_0Y/YH1fOhn4JJI/AAAAAAAAQMw/sUmq8C2a05ABQDwoNaQvsTzo-dQ8nmxRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/BN%2Bblue%2Brack%2Bshoot%2B054-001.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br /><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Do you have a solid wardrobe staple that you're tired of wearing? Let these ideas bring fresh inspiration and help you love that garment again.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">one shirt or tunic<br /></span></span></h2><h2><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">worn at least three different ways</span></span></h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lU68UCXscc/YH1fyYay3AI/AAAAAAAAQM8/cKhJUxxwiPA_d-XJfyCuS1fA0SJsSi7SwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210401_184435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1295" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5lU68UCXscc/YH1fyYay3AI/AAAAAAAAQM8/cKhJUxxwiPA_d-XJfyCuS1fA0SJsSi7SwCLcBGAsYHQ/w253-h400/20210401_184435.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZv07ZtMjA4/YH1fyYQGXsI/AAAAAAAAQM4/8zoSq8iA1lgLxrKzdBFMwz0OjeysHJiFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210402_025026.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1306" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZv07ZtMjA4/YH1fyYQGXsI/AAAAAAAAQM4/8zoSq8iA1lgLxrKzdBFMwz0OjeysHJiFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h400/20210402_025026.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxWzC7trOV4/YH1hXLztNyI/AAAAAAAAQNs/991eeAENVwA8io4j_P6-gzKx_Hc0j_JPQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210402_025541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1306" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxWzC7trOV4/YH1hXLztNyI/AAAAAAAAQNs/991eeAENVwA8io4j_P6-gzKx_Hc0j_JPQCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h400/20210402_025541.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KfnBOezOG0/YH1gNRf5evI/AAAAAAAAQNI/DgZJXKtMU_ohgaR29PMYGRNILRCVb0tLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_232444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KfnBOezOG0/YH1gNRf5evI/AAAAAAAAQNI/DgZJXKtMU_ohgaR29PMYGRNILRCVb0tLwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20200619_232444.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbNoLm1pv1w/YH1gNHsoQbI/AAAAAAAAQNE/b6NEnPSan0wWuUUbu7tFwoHUCDFUE87pgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_185905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kbNoLm1pv1w/YH1gNHsoQbI/AAAAAAAAQNE/b6NEnPSan0wWuUUbu7tFwoHUCDFUE87pgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20200619_185905.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This Boutique Narelle tunic is made from a quality quilting cotton which has proved durable and held its colour well. I bought the fabric at an Everything Half Price closing down sale, paying an extravagant NZ$13/m when I would normally look for yardage in the $6-$8 range. It has proved worthwhile.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The cotton is soft and breathable, comfortable to the skin, good protection from the harsh southern sun. The dark colour with subtle floral print is feminine without seeming impractical for the outdoor adventures I've worn it on, yet easily adapts to more elegant occasions.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This was one of my early explorations of tunic styles. Princess seams have remained a favourite for the classic streamlined look they give. Other features recommended for a classy look are topstitched seams and lots of buttons. As trouser leg fashion has narrowed, I've lengthened my tunic hems to maintain a balanced silhouette. This length works well with wide-leg trousers.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Recent photos show the tunic with pleats over the shoulders. When an overzealous washing machine tore a hole in the shoulder, I decided that pleats would hide the rip and give me a better fit at the shoulders, which were a bit wider than I needed.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bi-BEWuewoc/YH1gucW5OzI/AAAAAAAAQNU/GP2ofkx4LBUYOJP7u-pDKkjKzGF4H5z3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_165949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bi-BEWuewoc/YH1gucW5OzI/AAAAAAAAQNU/GP2ofkx4LBUYOJP7u-pDKkjKzGF4H5z3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20200619_165949.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Ia4KVzPAk/YH1guseybAI/AAAAAAAAQNY/24T2fE3n4doJhZ__JuHfiZWbB7IcO-rMQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200619_172738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w8Ia4KVzPAk/YH1guseybAI/AAAAAAAAQNY/24T2fE3n4doJhZ__JuHfiZWbB7IcO-rMQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20200619_172738.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>You can increase the styling contrast with:</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">different hats</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">different shoes</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">hairstyle changes</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">carrying a purse, wallet, or bag</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">rolling up the sleeves</span></li><li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">buttoning up the collar</span></li></ul><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fiat lux!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br />Narelle </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15vXaGzBsWc/YH1hHnuq_cI/AAAAAAAAQNk/o3aFoMd5NdAWML85brEX4crshnEBQvp4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1553/BN%2Bblue%2Brack%2Bshoot%2B057-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1553" data-original-width="1034" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-15vXaGzBsWc/YH1hHnuq_cI/AAAAAAAAQNk/o3aFoMd5NdAWML85brEX4crshnEBQvp4QCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/BN%2Bblue%2Brack%2Bshoot%2B057-001.JPG" width="266" /></a></div></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-4412486110313199862021-04-30T20:45:00.013+12:002021-08-03T09:42:39.658+12:00ANNOUNCEMENT: My Commitment to You<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xG4ai4iPCc/YIvBJ8_SjII/AAAAAAAAQO4/SyOTvhZ6WWghxE2cdwUPVV00FWKYCNHTgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/Commitment%2BNotice-BN%2Bcease%2BMusic%2Bcommence-NW%2Bat%2Bkeyboard%2B210430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6xG4ai4iPCc/YIvBJ8_SjII/AAAAAAAAQO4/SyOTvhZ6WWghxE2cdwUPVV00FWKYCNHTgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/Commitment%2BNotice-BN%2Bcease%2BMusic%2Bcommence-NW%2Bat%2Bkeyboard%2B210430.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I spent Anzac Weekend at musicprenuer bootcamp. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I am not the person I was a week ago.</span><p></p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">This week marks the beginning of a new journey for me. I'm choosing to walk into my destiny to live in my true value and make my dream come true.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">My commitment to you is that from today, I'm going to do something to work on my dream six days a week. You have my permission to check in with me and say, "How are you doing with your commitment? Are you still working to make your dream come true?"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I don't know yet what the end result will look like, but I do know that today I have to change some things for that to happen. One of those is <b>narrow my focus</b>. Something has got to go.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">For thirteen years here on Boutique Narelle</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> I've been giving away my knowledge and expertise for free. I knew I should monetize it, but I didn't know how. Every time I tried, I got bogged down in the systems and technology skill it demanded.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Today I'm saying 🤚THAT'S IT, no more labouring to create value for other people <b>without being rewarded for it.</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Feedburner has alerted me that in July their free notification service will cease, which means those of you who receive an email notifying you of a new Boutique Narelle post will no longer receive that. I don't have the technology skills to create an alternative.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I also will not be returning to curating the modesty mall. Thank you to those who have messaged me with requests to explore the modest clothing services you offer. I apologise that I have not been able to accept your invitations due my lack of internet access.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">After four years of not having broadband internet, now that I suddenly do (YIPPEE!!! #happydance), I've realized that my focus has switched -- from fulfilling the service that I have enjoyed bestowing through Boutique Narelle, to my song-writing passion which will bring me better reward for the time and energy I put into it. What this will look like on the BN blog, I don't know right now. The monthly Boutique Narelle post on the 1st Friday of the month will be discontinued in its current form following next week's post. If you are subscribed using Feedburner you will not receive notifications from July 2021.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I suggest that you follow me on the social media platform I currently use (</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.facebook.com/NarelleWorboys&source=gmail&ust=1619857584274000&usg=AFQjCNHeaSjsQbtA9EnvXg9uiIsZrsdGmw" href="http://www.facebook.com/NarelleWorboys" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>NarelleWorboys</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">), where you can see and get involved with my music journey, and of course details of my outfits and fashionista fun exploring beautiful modest fashion, because that's still me to the core.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I'm reminded of the quote, </span><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>"BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD."</b> </span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I'm making space for me to visualise what that will look like for me. Maybe my doing that will inspire you to keep pursuing your dream, to be the change that you want to see in the world. I would love to hear that you're doing that.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Fiat lux.</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #888888;"><br />Narelle </span></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-84812767999660387222021-04-02T23:00:00.019+13:002021-04-02T23:00:03.354+13:00Mint Check Men's Shirt Makeover: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">How to Turn a Men's Shirt into a Woman's Dress</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWz3Sc7OJ0w/YFhbcfQC6NI/AAAAAAAAQJU/liTI6pB98QU48tUwRVZrRl48DgF_6zgCACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210312_003820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1357" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fWz3Sc7OJ0w/YFhbcfQC6NI/AAAAAAAAQJU/liTI6pB98QU48tUwRVZrRl48DgF_6zgCACLcBGAsYHQ/w265-h400/20210312_003820.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ink365DkHpg/YFhdE1GQNlI/AAAAAAAAQJ8/xUd3lLN551gRDQAiWFt6ewSwUZFC5i0_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_122745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1371" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ink365DkHpg/YFhdE1GQNlI/AAAAAAAAQJ8/xUd3lLN551gRDQAiWFt6ewSwUZFC5i0_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/20210304_122745.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>This summer, I felt very frustrated with the lack of quality fabrics in the women's section of the secondhand clothing shops. Almost everything was stretch knit or polyester. If I'm going to spend time and effort upcycling a garment, it's got to be made of a natural fibre that will be durable as well as comfortable.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Sighing in disappointment after another fruitless assessment of the women's racks, I passed by the men's section and did a double take. I blinked at a row of crisp cotton, long sleeved shirts in summery colours. The cotton was soft, in pristine condition. All I needed was for one to be larger than me...</span><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vM8Sj662zGk/YFhb4SemLdI/AAAAAAAAQJc/jYEWW76duSkyl4uMqplVgiHiK13QnsBYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201117_150231.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vM8Sj662zGk/YFhb4SemLdI/AAAAAAAAQJc/jYEWW76duSkyl4uMqplVgiHiK13QnsBYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201117_150231.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dZ0nkN8mrM/YFhb4-TeBBI/AAAAAAAAQJg/hsfJr4rYIkknPfX7wOu241puLKY-9disQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201117_150251.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3dZ0nkN8mrM/YFhb4-TeBBI/AAAAAAAAQJg/hsfJr4rYIkknPfX7wOu241puLKY-9disQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201117_150251.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Following in the pattern of the two-shirt dress (<a href="https://boutiquenarelle.blogspot.com/2020/01/the-two-shirt-dress-smart-fashion.html" target="_blank">which I wrote about here</a>), I prepared to remove the sleeves for functional reassignment. Taking these "Before" photos before ripping into the stitching with a seam ripper, I learned why the former owner had rejected his brand new shirt. Some of the buttons didn't line up with the button holes, creating puckers in the placket. So easy to fix once you know what the problem is!</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysiMsUYd1BQ/YFhcY1ar24I/AAAAAAAAQJw/Cw2hnu9VB3gGARqfTuqRksV08yqtx_-eQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210126_152817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysiMsUYd1BQ/YFhcY1ar24I/AAAAAAAAQJw/Cw2hnu9VB3gGARqfTuqRksV08yqtx_-eQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210126_152817.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6y5rPKqNStI/YFhcYhIRglI/AAAAAAAAQJs/ScySjim_QUUNLZPE4hjaJLJOwR5SY7UmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210126_152925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6y5rPKqNStI/YFhcYhIRglI/AAAAAAAAQJs/ScySjim_QUUNLZPE4hjaJLJOwR5SY7UmwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210126_152925.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Well, his loss was my gain. One shirt renovation coming right up.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">1. Dismantle the shirt carefully.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Remove sleeves. Remove cuffs and buttons from sleeve placket (but leave buttons on cuffs). Press open sleeve seams. Topstitch cuff plackets closed.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">2. Upgrade the centre front button placket.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Remove buttons on shirt placket. Measure, mark, and sew new buttonhole between each existing buttonholes. (This prevents any gaping at the bust, and makes the buttons more of a feature.) Sew buttons back in place, using those from the sleeves for the new buttonholes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">If you're going to use the cuffs as pockets, you may want to leave the cuff buttons in place. If you're short of buttons for centre front, check the tag in the side seam, which usually has extra buttons stored there. You can also use the buttons from the collar.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc1AvUWjuQk/YFhdj9gwBkI/AAAAAAAAQKI/u5o9GZ4NyjM1ihbIB0xHVNt5Y2HV-rE2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_122605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1393" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc1AvUWjuQk/YFhdj9gwBkI/AAAAAAAAQKI/u5o9GZ4NyjM1ihbIB0xHVNt5Y2HV-rE2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w273-h400/20210304_122605.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZlSbueRZ_Q/YFhdjUaVuXI/AAAAAAAAQKE/hOi4A8t8qmA9_YFznbqzGat73b57Dd_dQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210312_003931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1568" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VZlSbueRZ_Q/YFhdjUaVuXI/AAAAAAAAQKE/hOi4A8t8qmA9_YFznbqzGat73b57Dd_dQCLcBGAsYHQ/w306-h400/20210312_003931.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">3. Adjust the shirt to fit your body.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Classy dressing begins with perfect fit. Take your time on this. I do not have the muscled shoulders that this shirt was designed to accommodate, so a number of darts were necessary to remove gaping around the armholes. The two shoulder blade darts extended so far across the back, I joined them together for continuity. The front darts begin at the armhole and extend down to the chest pockets. If I didn't point them out, most people wouldn't even notice they are there.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The last step of fitting the shirt is choosing where the waistline is going to be and trimming the hem thereto. Remember to allow wriggle room for getting the dress over your hips or over your head. The more fitted you make the dress, the more difficult it will be to climb into it. If you're not creating a dropped waist, you don't have the benefit of the button placket descending below your hips.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">One more thing to consider before you cut the hem: straight across is quick and simple, but a curve will be more pleasing to the eye. I didn’t think about this until after I'd attached the skirt and was feeling frustrated by the boxy look. To mitigate this, I added a bias binding trim topstitched in a swoop up over the hips and down front and back. I'm much happier with the feminine look this gives.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--i81XiKEVjc/YFheGLfdfbI/AAAAAAAAQKU/5YKqRYOx0bICRDxsVlimvufoGsiydcPVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210128_130402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--i81XiKEVjc/YFheGLfdfbI/AAAAAAAAQKU/5YKqRYOx0bICRDxsVlimvufoGsiydcPVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210128_130402.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">4. Plan the skirt.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">What shape skirt?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">What style waist fitting?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Side pockets or patch pockets or both?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I chose a fitted waist, an A-line flare, and a contrasting waistband. I placed the sleeves cuff-upward this time (on the two-shirt dress, the cuffs are at the hem), allowing the armhole scoop to be a feature of the hem.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">It was a challenge gleaning enough width from the small quantity of coordinating fabric I had available. I would rather have had more vertical bands of narrower width, and perhaps a third coordinating fabric, but sometimes you just do the best you can with what you have. (Ok, let's make that you *always* do the best you can!)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">When you're satisfied with the skirt layout, cut and sew the pieces. If you've planned side pockets, apply each of the four pockets pieces to its corresponding side seam as your first step. Next, join each of the two side seams, stitching around the pocket shape as you go. Press the pockets forward. Now join the rest of the skirt pieces together.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bo1v-aGLl4/YFhehIFX8UI/AAAAAAAAQKc/4oQSsnLEc4M4XOYs4R67s6lkVgB27WR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210206_094401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1bo1v-aGLl4/YFhehIFX8UI/AAAAAAAAQKc/4oQSsnLEc4M4XOYs4R67s6lkVgB27WR9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210206_094401.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV5kXDSJSr4/YFhehM8epRI/AAAAAAAAQKg/6DwgobmRMF0IFhc6azaHGLOXzVewPlxwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210206_094529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV5kXDSJSr4/YFhehM8epRI/AAAAAAAAQKg/6DwgobmRMF0IFhc6azaHGLOXzVewPlxwgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210206_094529.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">5. Prepare skirt lining.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I had intended to use an emerald polycotton remnant for the lining, as it brightened the floral layer above it, but I hesitated over the coarseness of the polyester fibre in it and the knowledge that it would pill quickly. Contemplating my options, I realized that I had a supersoft lawn that matched the chambray colour of the collar and shoulder facings. Nobody would see the skirt lining except me, but I knew having the upper and lower linings match each other would please my eye. I also knew which fabric would be more pleasing to my skin.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Cut the skirt lining to fit the skirt. Sew the pieces together. Place the lining inside the skirt, and with wrong sides together, sew them together close to the seam allowance at the waist.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">6. If you have a waistband.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">You can join the waistband to the skirt and then join the skirt to the shirt.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Because my waistband added two parallel seams across my belly, I decided to create a smoother internal finish by lining the waistband as well as the skirt. I cut a band of lawn to match the floral cotton and pressed up the lower seam allowance. Laying the upper seam allowance against the shirt/skirt seam, with right side of band to wrong side of shirt, I sewed the inner band to the seam allowance. After I attached the skirt to the shirt, I pressed the inner band down over the raw edges of the two waistband seams, and handstitched it close to the lower band seam.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">7. Join top and bottom.</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Place skirt and shirt right sides together, and sew around the waist with a normal seam allowance (15mm or ⅝ inch).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">8. Hem the skirt. Hem the lining.</span></h3><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><h4><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">9. Make bias binding to edge the armholes.</span></h4><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;">You might choose to do this step before you join the skirt to the top so there's less fabric to manoeuvre around the sewing machine. I did this step last, because I needed to use the largest floral scraps for the skirt. I used what was left over to cut the strips for the armholes.</span></span></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezXX0esdGUQ/YFhgd31V12I/AAAAAAAAQK0/qzhbdvM1jSAQn33Wt1DcqYSwOP8i-Ac1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210131_121840.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ezXX0esdGUQ/YFhgd31V12I/AAAAAAAAQK0/qzhbdvM1jSAQn33Wt1DcqYSwOP8i-Ac1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210131_121840.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPi9Yqo-vg/YFhgSvLqXJI/AAAAAAAAQKs/8M7kB6sfHLAOc-Mmhy4zgKvEzhDVX4J_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2701/20210131_122154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1164" data-original-width="2701" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KMPi9Yqo-vg/YFhgSvLqXJI/AAAAAAAAQKs/8M7kB6sfHLAOc-Mmhy4zgKvEzhDVX4J_ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h173/20210131_122154.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4P3yZTJsul0/YFhgbSKrYrI/AAAAAAAAQKw/XGvAI5fWX40Kn4-BTousaKKaJrG5pm3uQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210131_130409.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4P3yZTJsul0/YFhgbSKrYrI/AAAAAAAAQKw/XGvAI5fWX40Kn4-BTousaKKaJrG5pm3uQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210131_130409.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>To make bias binding:</i></b></h4><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Cut 40mm wide strips of fabric across the bias (at 45 degrees to the selvedge).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">If your strips aren't long enough, cut the ends at 45 degrees and stitch together with a very narrow seam. Press seams open.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Press the strip in half, then press one side in towards the centre fold. Stitch the other side to the garment at 10mm seam allowance (right side of tape to wrong side of garment). Press the seam open. Turn garment right side out. Pin or tack the tape to the right side of the armhole, and topstitch close to the edge.</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuW9shqI8k0/YFhhTB8tMzI/AAAAAAAAQLM/nZNNAgwGftM7F---2xdckQoOeb5joGUcwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_113221.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuW9shqI8k0/YFhhTB8tMzI/AAAAAAAAQLM/nZNNAgwGftM7F---2xdckQoOeb5joGUcwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210304_113221.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><b><i>For an adaptable fit:</i></b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">After trying a variety of ways to bind armholes, I've decided adaptable fit is my priority, so I no longer sew a circle that fits the armhole and sew it to the armhole.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">For an adaptable fit, open up an inch or two of the side seam and sew a straight piece of tape around the armhole from one raw edge to the other. Pin the folded edge to the right side, and topstitch close to the folded edge.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Now pin the side seams for best fit. Sew up the rest of the side seam where your pins are, edge stitch the seam, trim any excess tape to the seam allowance, and press the seam allowance to the side. If it's still visible when you're wearing the garment, add a few stitches to keep the seam allowance out of sight.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">This method means if you put on weight, you can easily let out the seam and give yourself more room.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWgirwt35Sc/YFhhsiE6S5I/AAAAAAAAQLU/ABi8q5pV2zwsxKMeB6Zj2n72t7PpE5vhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210130_181439.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xWgirwt35Sc/YFhhsiE6S5I/AAAAAAAAQLU/ABi8q5pV2zwsxKMeB6Zj2n72t7PpE5vhACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210130_181439.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">10. Add patch pockets.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Shirt cuffs make dinky patch pockets. Make sure all seam allowances are tucked under. Pin or tack the cuffs flat so they sit even to each other. Place them on the skirt and pin. (I use a cardboard sleeve poked between the skirt and lining to prevent pinning to the lining as well.) Topstitch pockets to skirt.</span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VJvfYTbzPM/YFhiCnwUU_I/AAAAAAAAQLc/i69YxarXZR8cphxYQG0TBUR1EUIOsnnIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_111211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5VJvfYTbzPM/YFhiCnwUU_I/AAAAAAAAQLc/i69YxarXZR8cphxYQG0TBUR1EUIOsnnIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210304_111211.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Voila! That's another satisfying Frugalista Fashion project completed. I find the blend of colours and patterns very pleasing. I adore the feel of the cotton shirt and the soft skirt lining. The fabric quality is excellent-- no ironing required. The design elements fall a little short of what I was aiming for, but I love wearing the dress, so I am content.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today. Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Fiat lux!</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-size: small;"><br />Narelle </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XADRk1UY4b0/YFhiOSnUvzI/AAAAAAAAQLg/qO_lXp_UJj8LNLhospU5LZi3g4ORDEzYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210312_004921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1117" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XADRk1UY4b0/YFhiOSnUvzI/AAAAAAAAQLg/qO_lXp_UJj8LNLhospU5LZi3g4ORDEzYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w219-h400/20210312_004921.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-38169431385944667672021-03-07T00:02:00.006+13:002021-03-22T22:34:22.627+13:00Shabby Chambray Tunic Upgrade: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<h3 style="text-align: left;"> <span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Upcycle an old tunic in 4 sim</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">ple steps</span></h3><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJHXN5S_F-I/YENXmxyY_8I/AAAAAAAAQHY/-DXelvD-bFIfU9Ww65ghzC3tREeHhm8GQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_121428.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1307" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DJHXN5S_F-I/YENXmxyY_8I/AAAAAAAAQHY/-DXelvD-bFIfU9Ww65ghzC3tREeHhm8GQCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h400/20210304_121428.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgts4kYgSE4/YENZ405LvOI/AAAAAAAAQH8/MWicErRv0v8weH3uRZS3gx8pbO43cs9EACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_121520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1319" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgts4kYgSE4/YENZ405LvOI/AAAAAAAAQH8/MWicErRv0v8weH3uRZS3gx8pbO43cs9EACLcBGAsYHQ/w258-h400/20210304_121520.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I love being the recipient of donated clothing. It's a treasure trove of possibilities. I don't always get to wear the garments myself or use the fabric in my homemaking, but even if I end up giving them away to someone else, the exploration of potential is great fun. Very often, with a little creativity added, I do end up with something I love to wear.</span></p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The original state of this chambray tunic didn't look impressive - stained, a bit faded, and with deep armholes edged with a bulky wad of folded self-fabric trim. I marvelled that a designer would choose to position a wad of fabric under a woman's armpit... Anyway, I saw Possibilities.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The washed-out blue is not a good colour on my Spring complexion that's naturally blue-toned already, but given the permanent stains, I figured I'd only be wearing it in the garden. And as soon as I touched that soft, light cotton, I knew I very much wanted to wear it in the garden and I knew I'd feel very comfortable when I did.</span><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">ESSENTIAL UPGRADES</span></h3><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The essential upgrades required for this to be achieved were as follows.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">1. Remove those ugly arm bands and fit the side seams properly under my armpits.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">2. Make bias binding to edge the armholes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">3. Use the rejected armhole fabric to create modesty-enhancing breast pockets.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">4. Add a dome/press stud between gaping buttons.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW1E2cRKYSQ/YENYQ3f_igI/AAAAAAAAQHg/8-M_bP55IzsvCvHdgp0mMrfgHvvghBIAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_121336.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1509" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW1E2cRKYSQ/YENYQ3f_igI/AAAAAAAAQHg/8-M_bP55IzsvCvHdgp0mMrfgHvvghBIAgCLcBGAsYHQ/w295-h400/20210304_121336.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">FIT TO THE PITS</span></h3><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Removing the armhole bands and shifting the side seams closer to the body removed most of the problem of immodest gaping. Adding bias binding to the armhole edges added an exta centimeter coverage and helped pull in the soft edges to maintain a firm, close fit.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_m_97nlxOI/YENY7av80eI/AAAAAAAAQHs/MPy9FHL4EVQzjmEAlPLACUpudQAIxkJ9gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210128_140109.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_m_97nlxOI/YENY7av80eI/AAAAAAAAQHs/MPy9FHL4EVQzjmEAlPLACUpudQAIxkJ9gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210128_140109.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raQGqu_rs5w/YENY6GgslhI/AAAAAAAAQHo/n8uj7DvGNcA9FN2UGKZd0gLNCpaol6ivQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210128_154213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raQGqu_rs5w/YENY6GgslhI/AAAAAAAAQHo/n8uj7DvGNcA9FN2UGKZd0gLNCpaol6ivQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210128_154213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">HOW TO MAKE BIAS TAPE FOR THIS PROJECT*</span></h3><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Cut 40mm wide strips of fabric across the bias (at 45 degrees to the selvedge). *Photo examples from another project</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">If your strips aren't long enough, cut the ends at 45 degrees and stitch together with a very narrow seam. Press seams open.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Press the strip in half, then press one side in towards the centre fold. Stitch the other side to the garment at 10mm seam allowance (right side of tape to wrong side of garment). Press the seam open. Turn garment right side out. Pin or tack the tape to the right side of the armhole, and topstitch close to the edge.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The cotton gingham I used for the bias tape is light and soft, so I didn't trim off any of the 10mm triple-fold tape after sewing it to the armhole, allowing the bulk of the seam allowance to create a firm edge.</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIgEhavVPM/YENZtmlwzoI/AAAAAAAAQH4/sSaKd7voc8c97L1biCa0QZsxBgbUQm0pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_122029.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1394" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8yIgEhavVPM/YENZtmlwzoI/AAAAAAAAQH4/sSaKd7voc8c97L1biCa0QZsxBgbUQm0pwCLcBGAsYHQ/w273-h400/20210304_122029.jpg" width="273" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">CREATING FEATURE POCKETS</span></h3><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">When I opened up the armhole fabric strips I'd carefully removed from the tunic, I found a fascinating combination of pleats and fade lines which I immediately knew I wanted to make a feature of the new version.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Throughout the process, I was careful not to press the pieces and lose those pleats. I sewed together the long edges of the two long strips, and from the length of this, cut two extra-wide pocket pieces, with the new seam running down the centre of each.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I cut a pocket lining (actual pocket width, plus seam allowance) from a matching cotton gingham, and interfaced it.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGdwsR61PZM/YENcqGvuPWI/AAAAAAAAQII/4B3gz42w75sb7EP2zVL-bt7oc4uFsPv5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210114_155450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vGdwsR61PZM/YENcqGvuPWI/AAAAAAAAQII/4B3gz42w75sb7EP2zVL-bt7oc4uFsPv5gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210114_155450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><i>Photo from right to left: 1) old arm band pieces stitched together; 2) pleated chambray pinned to gingham lining; 3) chambray and lining stitched together and turned right side out. 4) Bias binding waiting above, one edge folded and pinned ready to be pressed (right), then (left) pins removed ready to sew the raw edge.</i><br /><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Right sides together, I pinned the chambray to the lining, pinching and folding the pleats and fade lines so they would show to advantage. (I didn’t tack them, which I regret, because one pleat switched direction under pressure from the sewing machine foot. Did you notice?)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I sewed around the edges of this pocket square, leaving a small gap in one side so I could turn it inside out.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I carefully pressed the seam edges of the pockets, still avoiding the centre pleats.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0I4ZIm9IUgw/YEPtXH3yCFI/AAAAAAAAQIg/uFXSAtOlBosfszJYA6E_bsFj3oOZ7Vi-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210114_164233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0I4ZIm9IUgw/YEPtXH3yCFI/AAAAAAAAQIg/uFXSAtOlBosfszJYA6E_bsFj3oOZ7Vi-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20210114_164233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><i>From left to right: 1) raw edge of bias binding ready to be sewed to the top edge of the pocket (right side to wrong side); 2) bias binding folded over to the right side and topstitched close to the edge.</i></p><p><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I prepared bias binding from the gingham, and bound the top edge of the pockets. Now the pockets were ready to be topstitched to the tunic.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMhvgf6QQZk/YENeLToPgNI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/Lntm0q5VxUETSfFBRYZ_3r_HNaVWETAPACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_121623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1310" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMhvgf6QQZk/YENeLToPgNI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/Lntm0q5VxUETSfFBRYZ_3r_HNaVWETAPACLcBGAsYHQ/w256-h400/20210304_121623.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Voila! An old, stained tunic has a new lease of life, and I love wearing it. I had all the materials I needed in my stash. The only expense was in time and creativity.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Here endeth the tale of another satisfying and enjoyable Frugalista Fashion project. I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Fiat lux!</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-size: small;"><br />Narelle </span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OazsZwOQM2I/YENeppzJzSI/AAAAAAAAQIY/wjbpKaFTJpM0VRbJflqfLmuYUqTredCqQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_105904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OazsZwOQM2I/YENeppzJzSI/AAAAAAAAQIY/wjbpKaFTJpM0VRbJflqfLmuYUqTredCqQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20210304_105904.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4y-R8ycOJ5Q/YENWpOogcII/AAAAAAAAQHQ/zeq-kvfGOw4u3Cu0bPU_i-gRpvPhT5UdQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210304_121623.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-5890393612399739192021-02-05T23:00:00.029+13:002021-02-05T23:00:05.600+13:00Lime Daisy: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Skirt Upcycling Technique #6</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Failed Tank Dress Re-Upcycled into Fabulous Faux-Two-Piece</span></span></h3><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 15px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzTypFMEYiY/X8oLnITOIsI/AAAAAAAAQBI/9rnPQE08EAQoZyGCXG7L84evlbc_kS3_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_185512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1432" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzTypFMEYiY/X8oLnITOIsI/AAAAAAAAQBI/9rnPQE08EAQoZyGCXG7L84evlbc_kS3_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w280-h400/20201204_185512.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Once upon a time, I bought a tank and blouse set with the intention of sewing the tank top to a purpose-made skirt to create a loose tank dress, and wearing the blouse over the dress. I thought I was getting a quick new outfit. Little did I know...</span><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIBMFimKPag/X8oL2R4OE6I/AAAAAAAAQBQ/vcp9bjkPYhMD015OfxeNeGX8_EmcfFxZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1834/NW%2Blime%2Bgreen%2Bcami-dress%2Band%2Bshirt%2B042-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="1225" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DIBMFimKPag/X8oL2R4OE6I/AAAAAAAAQBQ/vcp9bjkPYhMD015OfxeNeGX8_EmcfFxZgCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/NW%2Blime%2Bgreen%2Bcami-dress%2Band%2Bshirt%2B042-001.JPG" width="268" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The knit tank top was too loose to support the skirt well, creating an uneven hemline. The Indian cotton blouse shrunk in the first wash, shortening the sleeves by several inches.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">My first fix attempt was to use machine embroidery, braid, twill tape, and fabric remnants from the skirt to lengthen the shirt sleeves and try to make the additions look intentional. It never felt quite right, and I didn't wear it much.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jI-FP7CEH-s/X8oL2oV-Q3I/AAAAAAAAQBU/9CCmRgbMfaQ_c6jHb0ubG9igr1brwZ7PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/NW%2Blime%2Bgreen%2Bcami-dress%2Band%2Bshirt%2B032-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="2048" height="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jI-FP7CEH-s/X8oL2oV-Q3I/AAAAAAAAQBU/9CCmRgbMfaQ_c6jHb0ubG9igr1brwZ7PQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h329/NW%2Blime%2Bgreen%2Bcami-dress%2Band%2Bshirt%2B032-001.JPG" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAl5hQnfiMM/X8oL0z4wFwI/AAAAAAAAQBM/-8hlNfVRxfkYOladxa7gw66sJeTWNGrjACLcBGAsYHQ/s491/NW%2Blime%2Bgreen%2Bcami-dress%2Band%2Bshirt%2B040-001.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="334" data-original-width="491" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OAl5hQnfiMM/X8oL0z4wFwI/AAAAAAAAQBM/-8hlNfVRxfkYOladxa7gw66sJeTWNGrjACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h272/NW%2Blime%2Bgreen%2Bcami-dress%2Band%2Bshirt%2B040-001.JPG" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I'm glad I didn't give up there. In contrast, my second fix attempt has worked very well indeed. I feel great wearing it, and it gets many appreciative comments.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-psSkceB5A/X8oNPWTfEII/AAAAAAAAQBs/laYeXTuIGH4YUPskDZl7KnZpx_SMjZq-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_185702.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1314" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g-psSkceB5A/X8oNPWTfEII/AAAAAAAAQBs/laYeXTuIGH4YUPskDZl7KnZpx_SMjZq-QCLcBGAsYHQ/w256-h400/20201204_185702.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I sent the wrangled shirt to a charity shop. I separated the knit tank top from the skirt and set about creating a fitted bodice that would properly support the skirt.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The original skirt had side pockets, and their bulk meant I couldn't gather the skirt evenly all around the waist. I chose to centre the gathers at back and front, leaving easy access to the pockets.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAf3QVsXnqw/X8oNehtkF9I/AAAAAAAAQBw/pZMLAqdthFkBG82Y3bhbU1z3buvCg885wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1937/20201204_193202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1700" data-original-width="1937" height="351" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zAf3QVsXnqw/X8oNehtkF9I/AAAAAAAAQBw/pZMLAqdthFkBG82Y3bhbU1z3buvCg885wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h351/20201204_193202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Based on a favourite dress pattern, I sewed a bodice lining from the same smooth green cotton I lined the skirt with, and attached the skirt to this.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I sewed another bodice in quality quilting cotton in a daisy print that coordinated with the seersucker cotton of the skirt. The outer bodice has a floating hem, giving the dress the appearance of a two-piece outfit. The daisy fabric is attached to the lining at neckline and armholes. The zipper was sewn to the outer fabric, then the lining handstitched to the zipper tape inside.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BP8S_IXyMdU/X8oNwd43HDI/AAAAAAAAQB8/S9O0vKX4jFoxE3yPQ-NJZgX0tGg0wE5ewCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_193238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1401" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BP8S_IXyMdU/X8oNwd43HDI/AAAAAAAAQB8/S9O0vKX4jFoxE3yPQ-NJZgX0tGg0wE5ewCLcBGAsYHQ/w274-h400/20201204_193238.jpg" width="274" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I love how versatile this dress is. At home, I wear it sleeveless or with a cardigan. When I go outside in the searing southern sun, I protect my sensitive skin with a voile overblouse. In the evenings, I add some class with a shrug made of polyester stretch net (found on sale at <a href="http://www.bfc.co.nz">www.bfc.co.nz</a>).</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjDiL1yAFQk/X8oOMpzKM0I/AAAAAAAAQCQ/-hrKYKHP5VkDksk_m0GDArFaBqyPYvx2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_200200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1318" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WjDiL1yAFQk/X8oOMpzKM0I/AAAAAAAAQCQ/-hrKYKHP5VkDksk_m0GDArFaBqyPYvx2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w258-h400/20201204_200200.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R3HC245l_Q/X8oOMDtjI1I/AAAAAAAAQCI/AtCxsBmHZaM2BmJSaGRVsmI5j1o0evz3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_185849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1326" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1R3HC245l_Q/X8oOMDtjI1I/AAAAAAAAQCI/AtCxsBmHZaM2BmJSaGRVsmI5j1o0evz3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w259-h400/20201204_185849.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWK6bHbVtqg/X8oOMagRcHI/AAAAAAAAQCM/cPrVm8mu24MBho_ije9hPvOGzAIDGE9VQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_185407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1386" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWK6bHbVtqg/X8oOMagRcHI/AAAAAAAAQCM/cPrVm8mu24MBho_ije9hPvOGzAIDGE9VQCLcBGAsYHQ/w271-h400/20201204_185407.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3TeWHgvcs8/X8oOho3nBYI/AAAAAAAAQCk/osw8o_anic86rjtmZ6cdQA6ZpjRXxo5HwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_192517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1349" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M3TeWHgvcs8/X8oOho3nBYI/AAAAAAAAQCk/osw8o_anic86rjtmZ6cdQA6ZpjRXxo5HwCLcBGAsYHQ/w264-h400/20201204_192517.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5aSVGEy8qM/X8oOiGfAJKI/AAAAAAAAQCo/MlTV1N7sjNQ9fmad5J7UqDQqkJg1DWCsQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_190222.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t5aSVGEy8qM/X8oOiGfAJKI/AAAAAAAAQCo/MlTV1N7sjNQ9fmad5J7UqDQqkJg1DWCsQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20201204_190222.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cLvJ0AUrQU/X8oO9IjBj0I/AAAAAAAAQC4/Q6XUm24u3GYaU74zVPZpjQqfUV8is9KrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_194541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--cLvJ0AUrQU/X8oO9IjBj0I/AAAAAAAAQC4/Q6XUm24u3GYaU74zVPZpjQqfUV8is9KrwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20201204_194541.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Bonus Tip: Make a Pretty Purse from a Paper Gift Bag</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">For the frugalistas among us, or those just in a hurry, a quick and low-cost way to make a pretty purse for a special occasion is to titivate a paper gift bag. Here, I used a plain gold-toned bag with satin cord handles. I chose neutral colours for the bag so that it will go with any outfit. I can quickly coordinate it with any outfit by changing the flower clipped to the front.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCZtrSQ_5PQ/X8oPRgGtEyI/AAAAAAAAQDE/z-fEPqanqLAS048sUSG3l9CaFQgJlOLUgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_184758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gCZtrSQ_5PQ/X8oPRgGtEyI/AAAAAAAAQDE/z-fEPqanqLAS048sUSG3l9CaFQgJlOLUgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20201204_184758.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGgL1xJPS3o/X8oPQ0p_IDI/AAAAAAAAQDA/zOEjc4dDjQY72dvopXhMG3dFUBDdYGEVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_184731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGgL1xJPS3o/X8oPQ0p_IDI/AAAAAAAAQDA/zOEjc4dDjQY72dvopXhMG3dFUBDdYGEVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/20201204_184731.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">To make:</span></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">1. The handle construction is a very important pizzazz factor. If you like the bag, but the cord doesn't meet your requirements, try swapping the handles for a pair from a different bag, or make new ones from ribbon or cord that you do like.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">2. Cut a square of fancy craft paper to fit the front and glue it in place. My bag measures 14cm x 16.5cm.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">3. Cut a strip of stiff craft paper to make the flower bracket. My bracket strip measures 37mm x 27mm x 3mm. See photo illustration for how the sides are scored so they bend neatly. Glue just the outer tabs to the bag front. Now you have a bracket upon which to attach a hair accessory or brooch. My two-toned organza rose has an alligator clip on the back which slides neatly onto the bracket.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">4. Cut a third strip of craft paper for a hanging tag. Punch a hole in one end. Pop the cord out of the bag (you may have to undo the knot), thread it through the hole you punched in the tag, and re-secure the cord in its place.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">There you have it, a simple but surprisingly sturdy little tote that matches your outfit.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiZsXyqwxeI/X8oPzRFzTFI/AAAAAAAAQDU/C8XeejCOnckxt_avni1gdytLamvBb_mwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_200619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1411" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oiZsXyqwxeI/X8oPzRFzTFI/AAAAAAAAQDU/C8XeejCOnckxt_avni1gdytLamvBb_mwACLcBGAsYHQ/w275-h400/20201204_200619.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here today.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost. You also know that a paper gift bag can make a gorgeous purse.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Fiat lux!</span><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;">Narelle<br /></span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cb7UVhAlSw/X8oQAJh32HI/AAAAAAAAQDY/0FLK30rlcd0CTX1q1_HlsicsH0pfWOwRwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201204_185735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1345" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9cb7UVhAlSw/X8oQAJh32HI/AAAAAAAAQDY/0FLK30rlcd0CTX1q1_HlsicsH0pfWOwRwCLcBGAsYHQ/w263-h400/20201204_185735.jpg" width="263" /></a></div><p><br /></p></div></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-84035238797543426742021-01-01T23:00:00.038+13:002021-01-01T23:00:00.312+13:001930s Lemon Butterfly: repurposing a modern bridesmaid dress<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;">In "Bridesmaid Revisited", I asked what does a bridesmaid do with her fabulous outfit after the wedding ceremonies are over. In this post, I'll show you another way I've repurposed my gorgeous yellow gown.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se2hsK3muSM/X8DVXAOM8pI/AAAAAAAAP_M/w3tbzyXUEt876fcOaf-cday4go5FV4A8ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200216_191848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-se2hsK3muSM/X8DVXAOM8pI/AAAAAAAAP_M/w3tbzyXUEt876fcOaf-cday4go5FV4A8ACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20200216_191848.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Every summer, the Art Deco capital of the world hosts the Napier Art Deco Festival. I bloom modestly in the midst of it because I live there. A modest and moral lady does have to be particular about what celebrations she exposes herself to from that era. Mostly I enjoy exploring the wide variety of fashion stylings that ladies of the period enjoyed, and creating portraits that salute them.</span></div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Desiring to celebrate the resourcefulness of the 1930s, and being a fashion frugalista myself, I give myself two boundaries.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. I don't buy ready-made clothing from the city's plethora of specialist costume providers eager to tap my purse. I occasionally wander through their displays, but only for inspiration. Clothing comes out of my existing closet, and any new accessories required are made during the festival using my existing fabric and haberdashery stash.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">2. I aim for verisimilitude rather than historical accuracy.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I have one other guideline that shapes my clothing choices. I'm not looking to emulate a promiscuous pin-up girl. I am interested in the moral women of the Depression era, whose courage, determination, and ingenuity formed the heroic linchpins of family stability in my Kiwi heritage. It's their legacy I want to honour as I enjoy my dress-up games.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGA74paMInE/X8DVqwpI0jI/AAAAAAAAP_U/32xwrotb0KMZyuo2HJwXRQ4YjgyfI_OngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_124017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGA74paMInE/X8DVqwpI0jI/AAAAAAAAP_U/32xwrotb0KMZyuo2HJwXRQ4YjgyfI_OngCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_124017.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Satin Dress</span></h3><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The bridesmaid outfit I wore for my sister's wedding comprised of two pieces: a sleeveless, ankle-length, A-line underdress, and a lace overdress with angel sleeves and asymmetric hem. The lined satin underdress was designed to be worn without supportive underwear. Being extremely well-fitted, this modest lady won't wear it without something drapey over the top.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><p></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpT2BCEpN7o/X8DWACavTEI/AAAAAAAAP_c/N1bG4fUWVNYi5z5kMp4hUpxXHfL0RLjYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200216_193009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpT2BCEpN7o/X8DWACavTEI/AAAAAAAAP_c/N1bG4fUWVNYi5z5kMp4hUpxXHfL0RLjYgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20200216_193009.jpg" width="266" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeaAJCn6AP4/X8DWAGdcGoI/AAAAAAAAP_g/fkAnWF1bByEmZA6_S4yU0Yb3aWqCBKtsgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200216_193457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TeaAJCn6AP4/X8DWAGdcGoI/AAAAAAAAP_g/fkAnWF1bByEmZA6_S4yU0Yb3aWqCBKtsgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20200216_193457.jpg" width="266" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Chiffon Shawl</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Four square chiffon scarves sewn into a butterfly shawl created the perfect Art Deco answer as a modesty fixer, and it took very little sewing to accomplish it.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJE9MFkSgbY/X8DWhqbd69I/AAAAAAAAP_w/enpqMCpyH7ACn1uMUcYLX89Fo1EtRafdACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200216_190622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uJE9MFkSgbY/X8DWhqbd69I/AAAAAAAAP_w/enpqMCpyH7ACn1uMUcYLX89Fo1EtRafdACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20200216_190622.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The two sides of the back are overlaid slightly, delicately secured from the top to midway with satin-stitched dots every couple of inches.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The backs and fronts are joined at the shoulder for about three inches, applying a reinforcing patch of bias tape to each side before sewing the two together with a decorative honeycomb stitch.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The two sides of the front are fastened with two gold buttons and a toggle crocheted from narrow satin ribbon.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mb1VnLU0qE/X8DW5eFWXXI/AAAAAAAAQAM/DXeZ-Zp-obkxXBpjbl3a3IKy8v_Z-OPXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201126_115642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mb1VnLU0qE/X8DW5eFWXXI/AAAAAAAAQAM/DXeZ-Zp-obkxXBpjbl3a3IKy8v_Z-OPXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20201126_115642.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkIwqJyLVVU/X8DW5Z_WQLI/AAAAAAAAQAI/i7vGemHeMjQe2K0qTAPiDwNLPnLhCkMPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20201126_115827.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VkIwqJyLVVU/X8DW5Z_WQLI/AAAAAAAAQAI/i7vGemHeMjQe2K0qTAPiDwNLPnLhCkMPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/20201126_115827.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The Silk Bandeau</span></h3><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The quickest way to get a 1930s look is with accessories. A headpiece is king.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I purchased this luscious silk sample during an extensive hunt for bridesmaid fabric for my sister's wedding. At only 10cm wide, the sample offered limited possibilities...you'd think.</span></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hOnwJXot74/X8DWjtYGJRI/AAAAAAAAP_0/jErgVBgha5oLRzHdQoG7cxltkdgRotdiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200215_153729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hOnwJXot74/X8DWjtYGJRI/AAAAAAAAP_0/jErgVBgha5oLRzHdQoG7cxltkdgRotdiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20200215_153729.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">But there are many ways to tie two ends. Bunch it this way. Turn it that way. Add a fulsome rose of satin ribbon and a squiff of floral mesh between... I was very excited with the result.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfre-U3BFcw/X8DWhY5RwyI/AAAAAAAAP_s/8qJMb8ihyZI_05AkJz64RzsluTkVeZnygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200215_163703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lfre-U3BFcw/X8DWhY5RwyI/AAAAAAAAP_s/8qJMb8ihyZI_05AkJz64RzsluTkVeZnygCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20200215_163703.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hope you've seen something beautiful and inspiring today.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing modest fashion techniques.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Fiat lux!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Narelle</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW-oobjuXHg/X8DXDR-V54I/AAAAAAAAQAQ/MYGDrDhWRkMHnotjpNGd_HC5XBiqwOG2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200216_193410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nW-oobjuXHg/X8DXDR-V54I/AAAAAAAAQAQ/MYGDrDhWRkMHnotjpNGd_HC5XBiqwOG2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/IMG_20200216_193410.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br /></div></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-81817798425352580262020-12-04T23:01:00.207+13:002020-12-04T23:01:02.338+13:00Bridesmaid Revisited: a look at the sartorial details of my modest wedding glamour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2is6pgmJaxw/X7jz4o0o14I/AAAAAAAAP6g/GfJlkIPWfk0efGksvME-v63R1nyBdj-wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_115747.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2is6pgmJaxw/X7jz4o0o14I/AAAAAAAAP6g/GfJlkIPWfk0efGksvME-v63R1nyBdj-wgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201111_115747.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After the deliciously romantic wedding day is over, what does a bridesmaid do with the gorgeous dress, the gasp-worthy shoes, the sparkly jewellery, the cute jar lantern hand-decorated for her by the bride?</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqj0E9yB01Y/X7j0JBaj5VI/AAAAAAAAP6o/v8iRpHK8tWoL9z7XTM3MmhQFvn-ScmrDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1512328604491.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xqj0E9yB01Y/X7j0JBaj5VI/AAAAAAAAP6o/v8iRpHK8tWoL9z7XTM3MmhQFvn-ScmrDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/FB_IMG_1512328604491.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">My sister's forest wedding was four years ago this week. You can <a href="http://boutiquenarelle.blogspot.com/2019/09/designed-my-own-modest-bridesmaid-dress.html?m=0" target="_blank">view the Boutique Narelle post about Sarah's special day here.</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /></span><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Today I'm revisiting the particulars of my luscious bridal array so that we can enjoy them together.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIV6sAJ99Qo/X7j0-dE6tzI/AAAAAAAAP60/mUVvRIjXwPAL4CPumwq_wLSI5WcoT2yeACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_125216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KIV6sAJ99Qo/X7j0-dE6tzI/AAAAAAAAP60/mUVvRIjXwPAL4CPumwq_wLSI5WcoT2yeACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_125216.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZoSgSrjlC4/X7j39w4tWII/AAAAAAAAP7A/egYQLn18KYkboJ6o72JeAXAB5vimQuDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_123520.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dZoSgSrjlC4/X7j39w4tWII/AAAAAAAAP7A/egYQLn18KYkboJ6o72JeAXAB5vimQuDbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_123520.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2hTJZoSYHU/X74lwoH-c8I/AAAAAAAAP78/0DYbq2QbSEEJdez6l1P4lQO7VHnmv-8QACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_124051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O2hTJZoSYHU/X74lwoH-c8I/AAAAAAAAP78/0DYbq2QbSEEJdez6l1P4lQO7VHnmv-8QACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_124051.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div></h3><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">My Satin and Lace Dress</span></span></h3><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The *daffodil* stiff bridal satin and thick polyester lining were sourced from China (</span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.JayJays.com&source=gmail&ust=1606042010800000&usg=AOvVaw2FS1KYnhNT6PDeLDR9yW1l" href="http://www.jayjays.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;" target="_blank">www.JayJays.com</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> - best tip: always order fabric samples first). The pale yellow nylon lace was found at the back of a local general supplies shop. It took 5 months of effort to get that far. And a knobfustered courier, who wandered past the house and into my back garden with the delivery from China, and deposited the box amongst pots on a garden bed. Where I happened upon it a couple of days later, thankfully before it rained.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLvlvWOtGog/X74lA14U47I/AAAAAAAAP7s/o0yTKAI57qMyY8FRaQbtOgdJy5r2T5z9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_114653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cLvlvWOtGog/X74lA14U47I/AAAAAAAAP7s/o0yTKAI57qMyY8FRaQbtOgdJy5r2T5z9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201111_114653.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sarah was a generous and thoughtful bride. She offered her maids a dress pattern that was flexible, suited to our different figures and tastes. She gave us a preferred colour palette, and the two of us individually hunted for fabric that would please both bride and maid. This was an extended shopping effort conducted from our residences in three different cities. We could not have done it without handy phone cameras and photo messaging. Clearly we all have good taste, because we all approved of each other's choices.</span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9OKvaTuNcA/X74mxFEo9JI/AAAAAAAAP8I/2FkLmITUmPkc3DMyssazuy1si5oAXFgDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/Screenshot_2017-03-19-18-59-04.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N9OKvaTuNcA/X74mxFEo9JI/AAAAAAAAP8I/2FkLmITUmPkc3DMyssazuy1si5oAXFgDACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/Screenshot_2017-03-19-18-59-04.png" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiE8u780Im8/X74nAkDPbuI/AAAAAAAAP8Q/o0uDTDIhwC86ORbQS55S6LX1Gc29k03SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_142905.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GiE8u780Im8/X74nAkDPbuI/AAAAAAAAP8Q/o0uDTDIhwC86ORbQS55S6LX1Gc29k03SQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201111_142905.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfahY6bgL8E/X74nNOtzIzI/AAAAAAAAP8U/_MSLkyvgqbQb4shasvvvoo4L1KAYXlftQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_143043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YfahY6bgL8E/X74nNOtzIzI/AAAAAAAAP8U/_MSLkyvgqbQb4shasvvvoo4L1KAYXlftQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201111_143043.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYN6jGlrve8/X74ncylax7I/AAAAAAAAP8g/nq__IHXmYB0KH0oKSkAEh6kgcrTxgP3JQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_142620.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYN6jGlrve8/X74ncylax7I/AAAAAAAAP8g/nq__IHXmYB0KH0oKSkAEh6kgcrTxgP3JQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201111_142620.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><i>To avoid the prickle of nylon lace,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><i>I covered the neck and armhole seams </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: black;"><i>with narrow satin ribbon.</i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRXjNOc6Yo/X74nqfBgOAI/AAAAAAAAP8k/aba7Ti_6DlM8tcSaMX06Cyy9f14rzWd2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_142655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRXjNOc6Yo/X74nqfBgOAI/AAAAAAAAP8k/aba7Ti_6DlM8tcSaMX06Cyy9f14rzWd2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201111_142655.jpg" width="300" /></div><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lQRXjNOc6Yo/X74nqfBgOAI/AAAAAAAAP8k/aba7Ti_6DlM8tcSaMX06Cyy9f14rzWd2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_142655.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="font-size: small;"><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It took me seven weeks to create my gown. I sought professional tutoring to help with getting a perfect fit. It meant it wasn't a cheap dress, but it was the most luscious and best fitting gown I'd ever worn. It was designed for me, and I felt like a princess in it.</span></div></span></span></div></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The frustrating part is that after 10+ years of not being able to put on weight, in the four months following the wedding I put on over a stone (6.5kg). I've dropped some of that now, which is why I was able to attempt this photo shoot. The gown does, however, give evidence of being under strain. The buttons down the back met perfectly on the day, giving one guest, who conveyed he has an eye for the particular, a focal point to ponder.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoI4cocPdzk/X74qF6iGSTI/AAAAAAAAP80/6T_cJXXEC7U4U5JXGcyRrys1wqvt7Jq_wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_123339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KoI4cocPdzk/X74qF6iGSTI/AAAAAAAAP80/6T_cJXXEC7U4U5JXGcyRrys1wqvt7Jq_wCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_123339.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">My Bejewelled Shoes</span></span></h3><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>With leather upper and lining, these fit my feet perfectly and felt great...except when walking. The factory missed a key point that the sole ought to be level and without ridges. I liked the upper portions enough that I decided not to return them to China. Besides, China had been a last resort because I couldn't find suitable shoes in New Zealand. I took yellow Jandeys (a Kiwi flip-flop brand) sporting a yellow gerbera each (my addition) to wear for the more casual reception.</span><br style="font-size: small;" /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGe5o8KbC9c/X74q09uTM1I/AAAAAAAAP88/hPJaJfD_ia4UoHmF74e6csb37EyXHZXHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201015_120422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OGe5o8KbC9c/X74q09uTM1I/AAAAAAAAP88/hPJaJfD_ia4UoHmF74e6csb37EyXHZXHgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_20201015_120422.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMORTN35GCM/X74rB3C4m1I/AAAAAAAAP9A/I_cyBLQUKTcycr--O5OTg0HBSLDPJBiXACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201015_120132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WMORTN35GCM/X74rB3C4m1I/AAAAAAAAP9A/I_cyBLQUKTcycr--O5OTg0HBSLDPJBiXACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_20201015_120132.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WY06t5bXzgA/X74rtCdfe5I/AAAAAAAAP9Q/fdcc3R1JZ6oKn4dnksngy4cros5i-fe_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20170815_093528.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WY06t5bXzgA/X74rtCdfe5I/AAAAAAAAP9Q/fdcc3R1JZ6oKn4dnksngy4cros5i-fe_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20170815_093528.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The winter primroses flowering when the jandals arrived gave inspiration for the summer gerberas... Creative note: I didn't find a glue that would adhere plastic to flexible rubber. I recommend tying the flower onto the thong with thread.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPXo_uip2bk/X74rw6sFWuI/AAAAAAAAP9U/8fYKB7LE4xA3yAaRdAKzT3xenI_0aUaugCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20171118_193125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MPXo_uip2bk/X74rw6sFWuI/AAAAAAAAP9U/8fYKB7LE4xA3yAaRdAKzT3xenI_0aUaugCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20171118_193125.jpg" width="300" /></a></span></div></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">My Golden Coronet</span></span></h3><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>Sarah planned to wear her long tresses loose with just a little bit caught away from her face. She enhanced this by crafting her own floral wreath using satin flowers and ribbon which she also used on her dress.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0Fz8tEyRJw/X74t6AGOlPI/AAAAAAAAP9k/Uqo6NVh0Bg8MOGvv3ZQGkrkPoydO1PgzACLcBGAsYHQ/s1812/received_10155832894183844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1812" data-original-width="1020" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U0Fz8tEyRJw/X74t6AGOlPI/AAAAAAAAP9k/Uqo6NVh0Bg8MOGvv3ZQGkrkPoydO1PgzACLcBGAsYHQ/w225-h400/received_10155832894183844.jpeg" width="225" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;">We had begun pondering bridesmaid hair styling when I spotted a hair band at Farmers department store that seemed to blend quite well with the floral theme. A bonus was it came in both silvertone and goldtone, offering options to suit the different skin colouring of the two bridesmaids. I sent a photo to Sarah. She liked it. We showed Bethel. She liked it. Bethel bought a silver one. I bought a gold one. Everybody happy.</span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMJFG1wx-Wg/X74unFjI9aI/AAAAAAAAP98/oofjHsvPJsMLoFPMEEf7kCdxwS9afj5WACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201015_103145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HMJFG1wx-Wg/X74unFjI9aI/AAAAAAAAP98/oofjHsvPJsMLoFPMEEf7kCdxwS9afj5WACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_20201015_103145.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vszFW0Mwppw/X74um3ioQWI/AAAAAAAAP94/nwe-vpbNyEcMIDRUOxzViEYRH9SOnszxgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201015_103355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vszFW0Mwppw/X74um3ioQWI/AAAAAAAAP94/nwe-vpbNyEcMIDRUOxzViEYRH9SOnszxgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_20201015_103355.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLsBRBWmYU4/X74uRafpQII/AAAAAAAAP9s/WG_8wG_EGCU9Wks-nhxdnnFeMZP8foatACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_122811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLsBRBWmYU4/X74uRafpQII/AAAAAAAAP9s/WG_8wG_EGCU9Wks-nhxdnnFeMZP8foatACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_122811.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">My Lantern Bouquet</span></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The bride didn't want her bridesmaids carrying flowers. Instead, she handcrafted for each of us a glass jar lantern toned to match our dress, using brown construction paper and yellow and white tissue paper for mine, red construction paper and pink and white tissue paper for coral-gowned Bethel.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9GdD9jLuL0/X74vwqf4TCI/AAAAAAAAP-U/7WDkt4kjR_A9mAMU3L4XWb2in3IV6zg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201015_100629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w9GdD9jLuL0/X74vwqf4TCI/AAAAAAAAP-U/7WDkt4kjR_A9mAMU3L4XWb2in3IV6zg2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201015_100629.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApScScjx4Vs/X74vxvidHOI/AAAAAAAAP-Y/hm9MpYige-YlStXyWarbqF1DlBhNUfhlACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201015_105411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ApScScjx4Vs/X74vxvidHOI/AAAAAAAAP-Y/hm9MpYige-YlStXyWarbqF1DlBhNUfhlACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201015_105411.jpg" width="266" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Sarah placed four battery-powered tealight candles in each jar. Their flickering light reflecting against the coloured tissue paper lining, caused the jar to glow. It created a beautiful effect in the glade of the redwood forest. The lanterns also created a thematic reflection of the Bible that the bride carried instead of a floral bouquet.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dg6b9xwCbgM/X74wXULaegI/AAAAAAAAP-o/3CcpcnlCoFUKjJyE_gdcxYyReqIYVXb7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_131136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1364" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dg6b9xwCbgM/X74wXULaegI/AAAAAAAAP-o/3CcpcnlCoFUKjJyE_gdcxYyReqIYVXb7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_20201111_131136.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">My Bridal Emergency Kit</span></h3><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Fulfilling my handmaiden duties with aplomb would not have been possible without my Bridal Emergency Kit. See today's bonus bridal post for more details on what my kit contained, and how the kit saved the bride from a wedding day disaster.</span></div><div><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I hope you've been inspired today by something modest and beautiful.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Fiat lux.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Narelle</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDlEGPbCGRk/X8DTI0RuDXI/AAAAAAAAP_A/pMCYjqzR4tIb2NUYwT0M8HN88Ly7HoL7gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_123632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YDlEGPbCGRk/X8DTI0RuDXI/AAAAAAAAP_A/pMCYjqzR4tIb2NUYwT0M8HN88Ly7HoL7gCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_123632.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMjFimPBJNc/X8DSm7X0O3I/AAAAAAAAP-4/AJciHeFN0XwEs7q_GTo0rMgfa7NQog3KACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201111_122514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMjFimPBJNc/X8DSm7X0O3I/AAAAAAAAP-4/AJciHeFN0XwEs7q_GTo0rMgfa7NQog3KACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201111_122514.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-44223855863935890622020-12-04T23:00:00.041+13:002020-12-04T23:06:54.347+13:00Narelle's Bridal Emergency Kit: what to tote to prevent wedding day disasters<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf-7f6776BI/X7jtRIzP7hI/AAAAAAAAP5Q/1792auKKzUsiZe_AFpccXGQJCHNOtfXHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1512445775197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pf-7f6776BI/X7jtRIzP7hI/AAAAAAAAP5Q/1792auKKzUsiZe_AFpccXGQJCHNOtfXHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/FB_IMG_1512445775197.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Having heard many horror stories of wedding day trauma caused by a variety of mishaps, I prepared a Bridal Emergency Kit to have handy on my sister's wedding day. I was determined that she would not suffer from any such distresses if I could help it.</span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKowr8hI32o/X7ju7dsUHOI/AAAAAAAAP54/DrMeQ8fSRsAu1b0mIbl_JVHUNQwX0efpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20171206_131004.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bKowr8hI32o/X7ju7dsUHOI/AAAAAAAAP54/DrMeQ8fSRsAu1b0mIbl_JVHUNQwX0efpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20171206_131004.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Narelle's Bridal Emergency Kit</span></span></h3><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Stowed in a tote bin:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Bottled water</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Include bottle of water+salt for hayfever cure (¼ tsp of ground rock or sea salt per litre of water)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Box of tissues</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Small rubbish bag</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Chair, footstool, cushion</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Rain umbrellas or shade parasols</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Cool-weather shawls for bride and maids</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Handheld fans for hot weather</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Non-messy energy snacks</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Phone, payment card, and cash in case of vehicle breakdown or empty fuel tank</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Stowed in a zipped purse:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Adhesive tack</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Paper & pen</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Wet wipes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Another small rubbish bag</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Sewing kit (needles, reel of white thread, sharp scissors, straight pins, safety pins)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Painkiller (water bottle in tote bin)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Lens cleaner</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Cotton buds</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Bandaids</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Mirror</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Makeup</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Nail file</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Tweezers (I packed my SwissCard multi-tool)</span></span><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2UXqyb7ZX8/X7jva-nbGTI/AAAAAAAAP6A/qRaq2MPVmssVMthkDGGV4Oy0O9kX88TgACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20171203_173433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2UXqyb7ZX8/X7jva-nbGTI/AAAAAAAAP6A/qRaq2MPVmssVMthkDGGV4Oy0O9kX88TgACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20171203_173433.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The key to creating an effective emergency kit is envisioning likely difficulties. Of course, sometimes things happen that no-one would have imagined, and it's then you have to get creative with what you have.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">On the wedding day, the nail file was needed to smooth the bride's rough shoe heels that were snagging and tearing her net petticoat.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">The sewing kit was in high demand, used for finishing the principle bridesmaid's dress hem, fixing parts of the groom's costume, and cake decorating. (Scissors, needle, and thread to bind the flower bunches, straight pins to skewer the calligraphy poster to the icing, tweezers to position the sugar-sticky loose petals.)</span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZKEwM2LVOU/X7jvyUR-ZaI/AAAAAAAAP6M/73xpM-8MalQaQS-jaLIOkwBfD1DINVHWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/FB_IMG_1512464909934.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eZKEwM2LVOU/X7jvyUR-ZaI/AAAAAAAAP6M/73xpM-8MalQaQS-jaLIOkwBfD1DINVHWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h225/FB_IMG_1512464909934.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">There were two items I wished I had: an extra clothes peg to hang my music from the microphone cord when I played the piano at the reception (the peg I used at the wedding ceremony got lost in transit), and a cigarette lighter to seal the ribbon ends on the cake decorations when I became the emergency cake decorator.</span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CKVC7pekLE/X7jv-Z4MW5I/AAAAAAAAP6Q/oRsY5gLnEzA8qN-l-l9c7uOvZZN85-1TQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_0876.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9CKVC7pekLE/X7jv-Z4MW5I/AAAAAAAAP6Q/oRsY5gLnEzA8qN-l-l9c7uOvZZN85-1TQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_0876.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">I hope this list helps you and your loved ones be prepared for unexpected mishaps on your special occasion. Relax, laugh, work together, and I'm sure you'll have a good one.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Fiat lux.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">Narelle</span></span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Click here to <a href="https://boutiquenarelle.blogspot.com/2020/12/bridesmaid-revisited-look-at-sartorial.html" target="_blank">view more modest and gorgeous wedding details</a>.</span></span></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-83854546079037357812020-11-06T23:00:00.102+13:002020-11-06T23:54:20.910+13:00A Better Stripe: How to Upcycle a Miniskirt into a Pinny Apron<p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">What might a modest woman do when she's given a miniskirt?</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8k4k2m8N6o/X6UiuSw3k_I/AAAAAAAAPf4/xbMhW8hBCp8g-C6a-Pl0yipYKDhfTudpACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_182706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N8k4k2m8N6o/X6UiuSw3k_I/AAAAAAAAPf4/xbMhW8hBCp8g-C6a-Pl0yipYKDhfTudpACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201106_182706.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">She might upcycle it. Here's the miniskirt I was given...</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sC9TdsgJsHU/X6UjSkS5qCI/AAAAAAAAPgA/orAj5_-J80gBcur8AjKDHW5ulu9bz1CGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201026_102425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sC9TdsgJsHU/X6UjSkS5qCI/AAAAAAAAPgA/orAj5_-J80gBcur8AjKDHW5ulu9bz1CGQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201026_102425.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lgvGP1KxlE/X6UjStYmE7I/AAAAAAAAPgE/0ZJGiIcpYLEsPPKGjR1Q3Xu9BLHWjx_OwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201026_102441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8lgvGP1KxlE/X6UjStYmE7I/AAAAAAAAPgE/0ZJGiIcpYLEsPPKGjR1Q3Xu9BLHWjx_OwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201026_102441.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>It looked worn and dirty, stapled together at the front, saggy and stained at the back. But the label said linen/cotton</span><span style="background-color: white;">, so I thanked the giver with delight and gave the brief little skirt and its self-fabric tie belt several rounds of attentive laundering.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Many of the stains remained, but for what I had in mind for it, they would be in good company. With a crisper fabric in hand, I deconstructed the skirt, removing the side zipper and back pockets and unpicking the side seams.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's how I reconstructed it, turning a miniskirt into a pinafore apron.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UanUvPj2V7w/X6Uj9IZwACI/AAAAAAAAPgY/Yr2Z9tmdXPI0gqjFMQYFJt74uJhTjaRhACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201104_130825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UanUvPj2V7w/X6Uj9IZwACI/AAAAAAAAPgY/Yr2Z9tmdXPI0gqjFMQYFJt74uJhTjaRhACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201104_130825.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aq2bZHpwQ9A/X6Uj9AplXdI/AAAAAAAAPgU/YC4eZJ0BmI4d_oXT71CaWrt5rhWxD2ypACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201104_131048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aq2bZHpwQ9A/X6Uj9AplXdI/AAAAAAAAPgU/YC4eZJ0BmI4d_oXT71CaWrt5rhWxD2ypACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201104_131048.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. Shape sides of pinny bib.</b> Keeping the skirt front in same position for pinny, use the skirt back for the pinny bib. Flip the skirt back topside-down so that the waist band stays at the waist and the skirt hem is now under the chin. Fold under the extra width until it's a good fit at the shoulders, and stitch these flaps down the sides at the seam edge (but not across the top).</span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fvS3hVqrDA/X6UkVkGcpcI/AAAAAAAAPgo/Z8h-TsYX7bYe2hUAqbUEKQ5IhtFf5vbrACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_083241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1343" data-original-width="2048" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9fvS3hVqrDA/X6UkVkGcpcI/AAAAAAAAPgo/Z8h-TsYX7bYe2hUAqbUEKQ5IhtFf5vbrACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h263/IMG_20201106_083241.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Reattach pockets.</b> Cut and stitch linings for the two pockets, then sew them to the bib.</span></p></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1UR5VKWR_U/X6UkVlWcwaI/AAAAAAAAPgk/UgZp2fcsDj8nHb6VcVwl1n09VQLON2wlgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201104_144306.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T1UR5VKWR_U/X6UkVlWcwaI/AAAAAAAAPgk/UgZp2fcsDj8nHb6VcVwl1n09VQLON2wlgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201104_144306.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><b>3. Shape upper edge of pinny bib.</b> Pin about 5 inches of 1 inch cotton tape at centre front on the reverse side to stabilize the fabric (the linen had stretched and warped where the skirt got sat on). Sew a gathering stitch down each side of the tape, securing the stitches at the bottom end. Pull up the gathering threads, arrange the gathers, and handstitch the threads to secure the gathers.</span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0nCBU6zxuM/X6Uk_johvmI/AAAAAAAAPg8/9g8EPmEC0JYDERhr4bKenpnocW8XJn27ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_083424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N0nCBU6zxuM/X6Uk_johvmI/AAAAAAAAPg8/9g8EPmEC0JYDERhr4bKenpnocW8XJn27ACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201106_083424.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sflcAIBSuRg/X6Uk_g1F0vI/AAAAAAAAPhA/4Ywez_6uTakgcVcVaPN1UsbOEzPKS-fcACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_083450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sflcAIBSuRg/X6Uk_g1F0vI/AAAAAAAAPhA/4Ywez_6uTakgcVcVaPN1UsbOEzPKS-fcACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201106_083450.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jY5DD-QdzQ/X6UmI-LrwvI/AAAAAAAAPhY/qeiQm81k7fwXP3l4mvI3uvl5j8zCIm-QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_093705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jY5DD-QdzQ/X6UmI-LrwvI/AAAAAAAAPhY/qeiQm81k7fwXP3l4mvI3uvl5j8zCIm-QwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201106_093705.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><p></p><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Prepare skirt front.</b> Stitch any seams or hems that were opened during the deconstruction phase. (Do this also with the waist edges of the bib.)</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. Join bib to skirt.</b> Lay the bib waist on top of the skirt waist, making sure they are centred. Pin and stitch together.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. Prepare straps.</b> Cut tie belt at the halfway point. At upper edge of bib, insert raw ends of belt into the outside corners of the facing created when folding in the bib sides. Pin. Stitch across upper edge of facing.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. Add hanger loop.</b> Using a strip of cotton tape or bias binding, attach a bar behind one strap so you can easily hang your apron on a hook.</span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Sew button holes.</b> Use an interfacing on the underside to give the buttonhole stability. Mark location for buttons and stitch on buttons.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60e3kTk97PM/X6Umyrsl62I/AAAAAAAAPhw/3REv-sw-F5QTnYRTZFW9Lgsj7la8hedOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1922/IMG_20201106_181212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1922" data-original-width="1442" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60e3kTk97PM/X6Umyrsl62I/AAAAAAAAPhw/3REv-sw-F5QTnYRTZFW9Lgsj7la8hedOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201106_181212.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPku7Evy8ic/X6Umyq7GH8I/AAAAAAAAPhs/KffFPsFwYzw7o1cQGSyExmo1ldUWNC-cACLcBGAsYHQ/s2009/IMG_20201106_183131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2009" data-original-width="1507" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DPku7Evy8ic/X6Umyq7GH8I/AAAAAAAAPhs/KffFPsFwYzw7o1cQGSyExmo1ldUWNC-cACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201106_183131.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY7O8cdhAx8/X6UmyhsJ1uI/AAAAAAAAPho/3mwChNCa3PcX55NEIAhvz-d8PE_c5iedgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_183415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY7O8cdhAx8/X6UmyhsJ1uI/AAAAAAAAPho/3mwChNCa3PcX55NEIAhvz-d8PE_c5iedgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201106_183415.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like that this apron style is cool and light, no bands around my waist, no dragging at my neck. I tried fastening the straps with just the button in the centre, but the apron shifted around too much as I worked. Adding the side buttons improved stability. If the apron needs to accommodate more bulk under it (likely in winter, when I wear more layers), I could place buttons at the hips and not use the upper and centre buttons.</span></div><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sCrLaptqdA/X6UncwLqwZI/AAAAAAAAPiA/vmoMMpuTlLYfREfnBduI9V7NUWtEI6aBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_111207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6sCrLaptqdA/X6UncwLqwZI/AAAAAAAAPiA/vmoMMpuTlLYfREfnBduI9V7NUWtEI6aBwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201106_111207.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="background-color: white;">The flower was glued to a button, which was glued to a felt dot, which was glued to an earring clip.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is7EHyZoJKo/X6UncoAqt4I/AAAAAAAAPh8/gEELIzYMF50pOVJn9fIOVLe5BBaXMmW1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_184645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is7EHyZoJKo/X6UncoAqt4I/AAAAAAAAPh8/gEELIzYMF50pOVJn9fIOVLe5BBaXMmW1gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_20201106_184645.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="auto" style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: inherit;">Now you know how to upcycle a miniskirt into an apron. I hope you've been inspired today to look at old garments as new possibilities.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Fiat lux!</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Narelle</span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQmIQFPmDNU/X6UnugHAaqI/AAAAAAAAPiI/6bzti3JmjskfW8XibWyLO_QSnBX63j9HQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201106_184058.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQmIQFPmDNU/X6UnugHAaqI/AAAAAAAAPiI/6bzti3JmjskfW8XibWyLO_QSnBX63j9HQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201106_184058.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div dir="auto"><br style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;" /></div></div></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-21547250941055328932020-10-02T23:00:00.008+13:002020-10-02T23:00:07.015+13:00Hummingbird Blue: Assembling an Elegant Outfit from Awkward Pieces<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQgg2gAfv_g/X3bmZHZTTaI/AAAAAAAAOrE/uNHQIG1eTjMab4VoNh4GJkil_gaNsgdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_174521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQgg2gAfv_g/X3bmZHZTTaI/AAAAAAAAOrE/uNHQIG1eTjMab4VoNh4GJkil_gaNsgdhwCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201002_174521.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Tragically, my city no longer has a fabric store. Here's how I get over that hurdle when I need coordinating material to make an outfit. Instead of buying new fabric yardage, when I shop for an outfit at a secondhand store, I source fabric from other garments on the rack.<p></p><p>I look for one main piece in a fabric or colour I like. Any adult size will do, usually the larger the better. Next I look for other garments in fabric that will coordinate with my first piece. I then rearrange the fabric from these garments to create one outfit or dress.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qOdxb6XTmQ/X3bmkZ0Z3EI/AAAAAAAAOrI/MKjsd662MkQAwz_V4hwfAwZ526rqYAeCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_190331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6qOdxb6XTmQ/X3bmkZ0Z3EI/AAAAAAAAOrI/MKjsd662MkQAwz_V4hwfAwZ526rqYAeCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_190331.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hummingbird Blue</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I spotted this hummingbird fabric, I immediately loved it and longed to wear it. Given that it was assembled as a spliced and skimpy jumpsuit, it would take some creativity to make it modest and wearable. But I was willing to try, because I loved the fabric so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I knew I was looking for blue. I hunted around the racks and to my delight found a floor-length taffeta skirt in a shade that matched the hummingbird beautifully. The skirt was far to big for me, but this made me even happier - I had more fabric to work with.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHXFFP-cfBw/X3bouycIpTI/AAAAAAAAOsE/JP14MZyym28EyjLnAszCaYX6-YZdHPe4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_185540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHXFFP-cfBw/X3bouycIpTI/AAAAAAAAOsE/JP14MZyym28EyjLnAszCaYX6-YZdHPe4wCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_185540.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then I found a chiffon tunic with a knit camisole attached to it. The tunic was too big and too revealing to wear as it was, but I really liked the drape of it and it was in a shade that toned with the other items.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZWbJADpFio/X3bo5OZpjjI/AAAAAAAAOsI/_DeruIxfqucPGQVvmLIEPcQTkxDXLn1RQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_185927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZWbJADpFio/X3bo5OZpjjI/AAAAAAAAOsI/_DeruIxfqucPGQVvmLIEPcQTkxDXLn1RQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_185927.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Concerned about cool evenings in a sleeveless dress, I was happy to find an elegant cardigan, although this too had a fit issue.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now I had my ensemble, but they needed assembling!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Deconstruct the Skirt</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 1. Unpick the skirt waistband and zipper. Sew up the seam where the zipper was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reconstruct the Skirt</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 2. Detach the camisole from the tunic. Sew the skirt waist to the camisole, creating a tank dress. (Before stitching them together, I added a short skirt lining using a remnant from my stash - lined skirts feel so comfortable to wear!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Reconstruct the Jumpsuit</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 3. Unpick the leg/crotch seam of the hummingbird jumper suit and cut away the scoop of the crotch extension, leaving a straight edge down the back and front. Unpick the hem a little on each side of the raw edges to give you room to work. Sew the fronts together and the backs together, then rehem the bottom edge. Now the jumpsuit is a tunic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xK3MabAxnTg/X3brDr19S8I/AAAAAAAAOsw/XJ8_8e9dF2UdTpY01UtNEoeq5rGrTQUwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_212547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xK3MabAxnTg/X3brDr19S8I/AAAAAAAAOsw/XJ8_8e9dF2UdTpY01UtNEoeq5rGrTQUwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_212547.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fix Fit Issues</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Step 4. The hummingbird tunic still had some gaping areas with keyholes front and back, and low armholes. These were easily fixed with some pinch and stitch action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovnY_lb_uQc/X3brkDaFf4I/AAAAAAAAOs8/zzZbG7yYUugrv_uH2PnbaDf9_NipVdd1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_185450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ovnY_lb_uQc/X3brkDaFf4I/AAAAAAAAOs8/zzZbG7yYUugrv_uH2PnbaDf9_NipVdd1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_185450.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhDHRS_99IU/X3brrinUcCI/AAAAAAAAOtE/DTcqz4IjfKw9PFB-EC5IXsqhTxbATqfpQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_211836.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhDHRS_99IU/X3brrinUcCI/AAAAAAAAOtE/DTcqz4IjfKw9PFB-EC5IXsqhTxbATqfpQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_211836.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Step 5. The fitted chiffon tunic sat too low on my bosom, making puckers in odd places and allowing for more movement than felt safe for my modesty. The armholes were also too large. Because the fabric was so light, I was able to pinch the shoulder seam up without creating too much bulk. This improved the fit at the bust and front neckline, and reduced the armholes. I arranged the sleeve gathers to please me, then handstitched them in place at the shoulder.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZnT3NJlPbE/X3br2A2Xf1I/AAAAAAAAOtM/GnhuafGqXK0ToIY_MkUWGmabQgkJXxUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_175705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ZnT3NJlPbE/X3br2A2Xf1I/AAAAAAAAOtM/GnhuafGqXK0ToIY_MkUWGmabQgkJXxUDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20201002_175705.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Step 6. The knit viscose cardigan was designed for a lady with longer arm scye and more bosom than I have (this is also why the chiffon tunic didn't fit me). I gathered the extra fabric into a series of pleats and stitched them by hand, turning them into a style feature that encourages me to wear my hair up so they can be seen.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBBPZ6jqdxw/X3bsA8_TWjI/AAAAAAAAOtU/MggkUcED9HU-HzMXReuEknkDyUUKR8mhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_184549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QBBPZ6jqdxw/X3bsA8_TWjI/AAAAAAAAOtU/MggkUcED9HU-HzMXReuEknkDyUUKR8mhgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_184549.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6pXPM8jBCY/X3bsJZHxGwI/AAAAAAAAOtc/kzz2FM2cxKAl0Gw2uoFgohj7FTkpgm8iwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_184645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n6pXPM8jBCY/X3bsJZHxGwI/AAAAAAAAOtc/kzz2FM2cxKAl0Gw2uoFgohj7FTkpgm8iwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_184645.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Styling Choices</h3><div><br /></div><div>An alternative might have been to make a long dress by sewing the hummingbird tunic to the taffeta skirt, but this way the soft drape of the delicate tunic is retained, and the outfit is more flexible. I can change the look by changing the style of tunic. I can also wear a tunic over a different dress or with wide-leg trousers.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you've seen something beautiful and inspiring here today.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fiat lux!</div><div>Narelle<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGS-q4OTvBc/X3bsWoVD6UI/AAAAAAAAOtk/CzYHXHR457gD2ZO9fmsQvB-XwHF7FEbIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_185037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MGS-q4OTvBc/X3bsWoVD6UI/AAAAAAAAOtk/CzYHXHR457gD2ZO9fmsQvB-XwHF7FEbIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_185037.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0ByyC_apYQ/X3bsd-lRrVI/AAAAAAAAOts/z7grSmafrA4E_WrTB1rbnaDFs21xv4cIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201002_182631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x0ByyC_apYQ/X3bsd-lRrVI/AAAAAAAAOts/z7grSmafrA4E_WrTB1rbnaDFs21xv4cIACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_20201002_182631.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-82106885435516043672020-09-04T23:00:00.060+12:002020-09-04T23:00:01.696+12:00Facing Unsolvable Clothing Problems: Searching Out the Benefits of Admitting Fashion Failure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-cfGZU1TAc/Xz0D4SJ8V7I/AAAAAAAAOG8/SHenoAjZSKgkJvgmG-HAA7jGDjmBcX9bgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_164711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-cfGZU1TAc/Xz0D4SJ8V7I/AAAAAAAAOG8/SHenoAjZSKgkJvgmG-HAA7jGDjmBcX9bgCLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/IMG_20200819_164711.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">I've resisted writing this. I'm the person who thinks up do-it-yourself solutions for everybody else's fashion troubles. It's humbling to admit I get desperately stuck in the wilderness of dressing well. To add that it happens periodically feels downright shameful.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">But a mentor recently reminded me that his most raw and honest story produced the strongest connection with his audience, and the most uplifting outcome. So I will gird up the loins of my courage and share with you where I fail.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">There is a fashion challenge that brings me into a state of frustration and despair, burdening me with a sense of depression I try to ignore but cannot shake for months at a time.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">HELP! I've Got Nothing To Wear (That I Like)</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">It starts when my available modest clothing choices become saggy, stained, torn, or too small. I run out of repair or upgrade options, I don't have the time and energy available to make new garments, and shops don't stock the kind of modest clothing that I want or in my price range.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">This leaves me with a sense of panic and much wasted time browsing my closet when I'm dressing to go out. It also leaves me with a sense of miserable disinterest in getting dressed for the day when I'm not going out.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Plan Something To Wear *That I Like*</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">I've learned to prioritize two things.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">A) Prepare one smart outfit and reserve it for outing occassions. Keep it clean and looking nice.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 1em;">B) Prepare one practical at-home outfit that I love to look at and that makes me happy when I get dressed. Wear it every day.</span></p></blockquote><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">This might sound simple, but this year I couldn't even stay in control of these two solutions. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">In the southern winter of 2019, while I spent hours on the couch recovering from a sprained and broken ankle, I planned one all-occasions dress for the following winter, to make me cosy and presentable whether I was visiting friends or convening a meeting. </span></p><p dir="ltr">
</p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">As I regained my mobility in the spring, I got the fabric cut out...and came back to sew it towards the end of a super-hot summer. Feeling victorious, I hung it untested in my closet to await cold weather. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTUdN2uXgio/Xz0B31OHakI/AAAAAAAAOFo/EcMutuyemtY-AKAZt5tanjvP1v4KxVP-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_164628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mTUdN2uXgio/Xz0B31OHakI/AAAAAAAAOFo/EcMutuyemtY-AKAZt5tanjvP1v4KxVP-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/IMG_20200819_164628.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF5msWoBIss/Xz0B9LFYBUI/AAAAAAAAOFs/by1IBbqEKOkAa1nBUGLQ7uUaY9OrE0GRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_164525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FF5msWoBIss/Xz0B9LFYBUI/AAAAAAAAOFs/by1IBbqEKOkAa1nBUGLQ7uUaY9OrE0GRQCLcBGAsYHQ/w268-h400/IMG_20200819_164525.jpg" width="268" /></a></div></div><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Mistake Academy</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">When chill airs arrived, I realized that some of my newly enjoyed plumpness had departed. I'd measured the dress for a bigger me, and because it was lined, it would be a mission to resize it. I was too disheartened and too busy to fix it. The empty bodice felt demoralizing, but I had to wear it anyway.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Then I discovered I'd made three other mistakes.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">The layering I'd planned for the dress didn't work as well as my mind had imagined. The drapey stretch polyester dress clung close enough to my waist to show the lumpy outline of large jeans pinched smaller. The merino top, which I'd bought specially so I had ONE without moth hole repairs, turned out to have a neckline too low to hide my cheap cotton/spandex tee (NZ $9, which after just three months' wear become saggy and off-colour). Even if I'm wearing a fresh tee shirt, the shifting tide of the different layers seems disorderly and I do not feel well-groomed.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">After a winter of wearing my embarrassing Priority A outfit, I still feel frustrated at myself for not planning better. I have not yet found a solution that makes me feel good wearing it. Maybe by next winter I will have.</span></p><p dir="ltr">
</p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">However, a few weeks ago I had a BREAKTHROUGH DISCOVERY with my Priority B outfit.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8FuJdOtv1I/Xz0Co-SVXAI/AAAAAAAAOGA/aAIeRStFY20ESqgxkWtI_tQjIrK1pfhOwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_165220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J8FuJdOtv1I/Xz0Co-SVXAI/AAAAAAAAOGA/aAIeRStFY20ESqgxkWtI_tQjIrK1pfhOwCLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/IMG_20200819_165220.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Happiness Versus Cosiness</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Practical and comfortable for at-home, Priority B is the denim <a href="https://boutiquenarelle.blogspot.com/2020/03/yoked-tunic-dress-in-denim-smart.html" target="_blank">Yoked Tunic Dress</a> featured in a previous Boutique Narelle post.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">I realized I was feeling repelled by the delicate viscose bodice becoming unsightly with pilling and pulled threads. A tidy-up with a snag needle soon had that resolved.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Those cheap white tee shirts did not make this outfit look beautiful either, but a navy polycotton tee with a smarter rib neckline made me feel gloomy with all the dark fabric. </span></p><p>
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raSBVxS8mDY/Xz0DLjRwE0I/AAAAAAAAOGg/7XDJV0kJvUsNn627HZE0pwtx_PJDmdliQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_181141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-raSBVxS8mDY/Xz0DLjRwE0I/AAAAAAAAOGg/7XDJV0kJvUsNn627HZE0pwtx_PJDmdliQCLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/IMG_20200819_181141.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">A royal blue merino top was an improvement, but my *Bingo!* of delight came when I tried my aqua cashmere top with it. Merino is warmer than cashmere, but I decided to put up with less cosiness because of what the colour of this cashmere does for me when I look at it. It makes me feel HAPPY.</span></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zE0Yj-58gyo/Xz0JsN8JiHI/AAAAAAAAOHM/fXTCnxNJAl4lZTXhg9oWqteey7xEX7ArACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_155454.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zE0Yj-58gyo/Xz0JsN8JiHI/AAAAAAAAOHM/fXTCnxNJAl4lZTXhg9oWqteey7xEX7ArACLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h400/IMG_20200819_155454.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">I haven't totally neglected the cosiness factor, because, surprising though it may seem, in southern winter temperatures, happiness won't keep you warm for long. I can say this cheerfully, because I found an aqua replacement for the warm but inky fleece I was wearing over the dress.</span><span style="font-size: 1em;"></span></p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Du9f7NUcSD8/Xz0KT96iw1I/AAAAAAAAOHY/RX9ENAHgoisRmpAV18nFIUmJcFab2qbbQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_180418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Du9f7NUcSD8/Xz0KT96iw1I/AAAAAAAAOHY/RX9ENAHgoisRmpAV18nFIUmJcFab2qbbQCLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/IMG_20200819_180418.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 1em;">At NZ$9, it looked overpriced for a slightly pilly, slightly grubby secondhand fleece hoodie, but I really wanted the colour, so I took a risk. A warm soapy wash did wonders.</span><p></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Thence followed a loose-thread-snipping and de-pilling session, then cottonbud application of isopropyl alcohol to stubborn stains. I've been comfortable, cosy, and happy ever since.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: x-large;">What I've Learned From This Process</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">It helps a lot to...</span><br /></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">admit that clothing impacts my state of mind;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">acknowledge how my closet challenges are making me feel;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">identify one simple solution to pursue;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">be patient with myself while I'm searching for that solution;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">be humble in admitting my failures;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">be kind to myself, remembering that failures are natural, acceptable, and valuable;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">encourage myself that through openness, creativity, and persistence, there is hope for success;</span></li><li><span style="font-size: 1em;">take photos of the problem and discuss it with someone -- I might see it differently and discover a solution!</span></li></ul>
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</p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">I hope you've seen something beautiful and inspiring here today.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1em;">Narelle</span><br />
</p><p dir="ltr"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66wDGbV-0qk/Xz0KwOK94_I/AAAAAAAAOHg/9p3kWL-DrEAWWrR_TcMtIYS6PIY7mEjuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200819_164847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-66wDGbV-0qk/Xz0KwOK94_I/AAAAAAAAOHg/9p3kWL-DrEAWWrR_TcMtIYS6PIY7mEjuQCLcBGAsYHQ/w267-h400/IMG_20200819_164847.jpg" width="267" /></a></div><p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 1em;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p dir="ltr"><br /></p></div>Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-13512744523577596902020-08-07T23:00:00.000+12:002020-08-07T23:00:04.359+12:00Eleven Ways to Keep Your Legs Warm in Winter<br />
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<span style="font-size: 1em;">How to Stop the Cold Air from Breezing Up Your Skirt</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Let's talk about cold legs. Actually, no. If you suffer from cold legs, you don't need to know about cold legs. What you need is solutions. Let's talk about ways to keep your legs warm.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymFJIzxiLu8/XxPvdCgRSwI/AAAAAAAAOCA/zHxZ83GWtkwDwUnhkbELwyqKEu87TPCRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200719_110121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ymFJIzxiLu8/XxPvdCgRSwI/AAAAAAAAOCA/zHxZ83GWtkwDwUnhkbELwyqKEu87TPCRACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200719_110121.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I made this dress for an inland valley region of New Zealand which can experience lows of 8°C during the day and -2°C at night. Typically we only heated a couple of rooms in the house. Wearing layers was key for comfort.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1em;">Long Hems, Warm Fabric, and Linings</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1em;">This dress is made of medium denier cotton corduroy. The skirt is lined with premium cotton flannelette. The bodice is lined with smooth cotton gingham for that helpful slippery effect when pulling one garment over top of another. I added a hem extension of doubled cotton sateen, stitched to the lining, so the dress reached the top of my sheepskin slippers (Snugglefeet from Classic Sheepskins).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Wool, Multiple Pairs of Socks, and Leg Warmers</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">In that climate, I would wear a mid-calf length brushed knit chemise (BN design) underneath the dress, merino wool socks, and chunky knitted wool leg warmers bunched around my ankles.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">When I moved two hours north to a Mediterranean seaside climate (lows of 11°C to 1°C, but typically 5° warmer than my hometown), the hem extension was excess to ankle warmth requirements, so I removed it, which also made my more active life easier. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">A short, store-bought chemise is sufficient now, but I still wear merino socks, and the leg warmers if it's a very cold day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I don't need the sheepskin slippers now (which is a relief</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">, because the wool was</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> wearing thin and the price had risen by NZ$100). A second pair of socks is sufficient indoors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">There are three places I typically wear this dress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">It's great on a beach excursion, for which I wear two pairs of socks inside my aerated crosstrainers, or rubber boots if I'm planning to get damp feet. The hem is weighty enough that I'm not worried about the wind blowing it up around my waist.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The same garb works for a visit to my neighbours in their unheated, uninsulated house, where I sit on the floor to play with their young children. The dress hem is full enough that it doesn't impede my movements. With my shoes off, I'm very grateful for the wool leg warmers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The dress is a flexible style. I also wear it to meetings. It's easy to elevate it from casual to smart by changing the jacket and the footwear, and adding some pretty accessories.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Further Layering Tips</span></h3>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>Five other ways to keep your legs warm</i></span><br />
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<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">wool or thick denier nylon stockings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">wool or cotton knit leggings (footless tights)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">thermal leggings (long underwear)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">wool or cotton knee-length socks</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">fleece track pants</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: 1em;">Now you know eleven ways to keep your lower limbs more comfortable in winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
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<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-92222068609946705002020-07-03T23:00:00.001+12:002020-08-20T23:35:06.387+12:00Nifty Navy Chop: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<h3>
<i>Dress Upcycling Technique #5</i></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This summer I've been reminded of a key to dressing well on a small budget:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><b>As long as fabric endures in good health, it holds possibility as wearable and a potential money saver. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">If you're</span><span style="font-size: 1em;"> interested in limiting your waste footprint and reducing your financial expenditure, take a second look at the old clothing you've been thinking is past its usefulness. Your favourites may gift you another life of wear after all.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">You may have seen how I achieved that with the yellow beach skirt. For my next project, I assessed a favourite polyester rayon</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> shirtdress that I bought new for NZ$2, fourteen years ago at a Red Cross sale.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpZXrg55hys/XmNUAaKdLCI/AAAAAAAANlg/SUpPKJzRMK44f-l0pQ3GVQpHtO-oqkHHACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200221_183929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpZXrg55hys/XmNUAaKdLCI/AAAAAAAANlg/SUpPKJzRMK44f-l0pQ3GVQpHtO-oqkHHACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200221_183929.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This dress introduced me to the delights of the classic shirtdress, a style that has been reinvented decade after decade for over a century because of its flexibility, comfort, and practicality. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">What I most love about this one is the back ties allowing easy fit, and the lightweight but opaque fabric allowing cool summer modesty.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh6zo3qWwyQ/XmNU4Cri_CI/AAAAAAAANlw/JbWdv-4tAc889Qi2OC6a9KwXJqWVpTVIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20191212_124522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh6zo3qWwyQ/XmNU4Cri_CI/AAAAAAAANlw/JbWdv-4tAc889Qi2OC6a9KwXJqWVpTVIwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20191212_124522.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxhOKgWtPOs/XmNVESykXkI/AAAAAAAANl4/J0vvJEQB-JgxqlthWQ58HhwnRLYkT_BFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20191212_124646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yxhOKgWtPOs/XmNVESykXkI/AAAAAAAANl4/J0vvJEQB-JgxqlthWQ58HhwnRLYkT_BFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20191212_124646.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">When I bought the dress, I needed an ankle length hem. Adding a coordinating strip at the base achieved this. I also needed to trust that the narrow button placket wouldn't gape, so I handstitched closed the edge of the placket from hem to crotch, and added invisible domes (snap fasteners) between the buttons at the bust.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnJEfNOgmvs/XmNUMJDAH5I/AAAAAAAANlk/TX81OIFYSRsclWwHS3ut1y6Qzva8_Un2QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200307_092421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZnJEfNOgmvs/XmNUMJDAH5I/AAAAAAAANlk/TX81OIFYSRsclWwHS3ut1y6Qzva8_Un2QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200307_092421.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lox7tO6TbpE/XmNUMQxhcsI/AAAAAAAANlo/OTWHiDojEM09O_dXRSr12Cb2x8UjiLwGACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200307_092751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1065" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lox7tO6TbpE/XmNUMQxhcsI/AAAAAAAANlo/OTWHiDojEM09O_dXRSr12Cb2x8UjiLwGACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200307_092751.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My current need is for knee-length dresses that I can wear with trousers underneath, so I decided it was time for the chop. It was a quick job to shorten the dress. I took time to use the discarded length to create four patch pockets, the upper two for modesty, the lower two for practical use.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5zjyDCnroY/Xn8BctWVATI/AAAAAAAANoE/Qne8l4-ad0MnKfoYI0-Uo-_Vzwf9ngXdACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200328_111807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l5zjyDCnroY/Xn8BctWVATI/AAAAAAAANoE/Qne8l4-ad0MnKfoYI0-Uo-_Vzwf9ngXdACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200328_111807.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Extra Style Tip</span><br />
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The dress designer made pearly shell buttons a feature down the front of the dress. I didn't like the contrast of white buttons on dark navy, so I turned them all upside down. The sandy brown underside of the shell has an uneven texture I really like on this dress.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGyxAz9Wonk/XmNUAUJE9vI/AAAAAAAANlg/qJTDc0P7Ju0W0muu9M-RQQy0wSIAM3fEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200221_184416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fGyxAz9Wonk/XmNUAUJE9vI/AAAAAAAANlg/qJTDc0P7Ju0W0muu9M-RQQy0wSIAM3fEwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200221_184416.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">In these photos, I'm wearing the dress as a costume for the Napier Art Deco Festival, celebrating the Depression-era resilience and creativity of the survivors of the 1931 Napier earthquake, who rebuilt the city into the architectural splendour it is </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">today</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Now you know a quick trick for upcycling an old dress into a new one for very little cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-25876353748546720242020-06-05T23:00:00.000+12:002020-06-05T23:00:04.714+12:00Spit-Spot Waterproof Clothing for a Lady Cyclist<br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>Practical Solutions for Active Women who want to be Modest and Stylish</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">When I moved to the city, a bicycle became my primary means of transport in all weathers.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9znDbCBkq0/XZmjjuGPmrI/AAAAAAAAMt8/ml3h-QGlI-oVRa4CcpROJYtjcTdzvj5OQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_153839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u9znDbCBkq0/XZmjjuGPmrI/AAAAAAAAMt8/ml3h-QGlI-oVRa4CcpROJYtjcTdzvj5OQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_153839.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Modesty Challenge</h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">How to stay dry, covered, safe, and comfortable while cycling, taking into special consideration rain from above, splashing from below, and wind from any and all directions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Functional Challenge</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The bicycle that started me on my adventures was 22-year-old Plum, a step-through Town&Country mountain bike adapted for urban living. She did not have the safety features of chain guard and rear wheel cover that vintage ladies bikes are often equipped with, allowing modest ladies to cycle safely in long skirts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I put great effort into finding a clothing or equipment adaption that would allow Plum to accomodate the long hems in my wardrobe, but I was unsuccessful. Even stovepipe jeans (worn under a tunic) were a hazard without ankle clips.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My everyday garb became knee-length dresses with ankle-hugging trousers underneath and an acceptance that, while riding, very often the dress would be rumpled up well above my knees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">That is, until I welcomed a new steed into the stable. Angel is a modern urban cruiser. She doesn't have a vintage chain guard and rear wheel cover, not even spray guards on her wheels, but the design is sufficiently protective to the rider that I can </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">re-explore</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> options in ladylike cycle wear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My first experiment was with rainwear.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6VOFeq4D9c/XZmjjWK3omI/AAAAAAAAMt4/Ibefl2OkbHc16yeFzrTvu-PrBEGmoYkTgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_160329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V6VOFeq4D9c/XZmjjWK3omI/AAAAAAAAMt4/Ibefl2OkbHc16yeFzrTvu-PrBEGmoYkTgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_160329.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Action Challenge</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">It's raining.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I have to go out on the bike.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">How can I stay dry?</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KC2kdNTIxYc/XZmjoCMhH9I/AAAAAAAAMt8/UWpXTdQP6Z8A-PsHsyZD5z0ezFYiWZsHgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_163200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1074" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KC2kdNTIxYc/XZmjoCMhH9I/AAAAAAAAMt8/UWpXTdQP6Z8A-PsHsyZD5z0ezFYiWZsHgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_163200.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oAKdCt9wIM/XZmjrssrK_I/AAAAAAAAMuM/RDS_hlaDEawjfwvhwimTkqiIdOn3gu-6wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_163308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1118" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9oAKdCt9wIM/XZmjrssrK_I/AAAAAAAAMuM/RDS_hlaDEawjfwvhwimTkqiIdOn3gu-6wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_163308.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Solutions</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">1) Parka in a Pkt by Denim & Co, a thrift-shop treasure found at </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">SaveMart</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> for NZ$10 -- light, portable, windproof, surprisingly waterproof.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaiItODVyAw/XZmjv1IT0CI/AAAAAAAAMuM/ifIVjs1_M0MV6vXSqQNwZGrv8Kzvb8QUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_161634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SaiItODVyAw/XZmjv1IT0CI/AAAAAAAAMuM/ifIVjs1_M0MV6vXSqQNwZGrv8Kzvb8QUgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_161634.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">2) BoutiqueNarelle rain skirt made from PUL waterproof fabric (sourced from a DIY nappy company</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">). Designed to cover </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">ankle-length</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> skirts, its Velcro fastener tabs also make it easy to wear hitched up shorter.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laCsJoyrFgM/XZmjpL-UyiI/AAAAAAAAMuA/OfZ0mjsBwUchLfRekpxDigJ41qrpBAivQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_161403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-laCsJoyrFgM/XZmjpL-UyiI/AAAAAAAAMuA/OfZ0mjsBwUchLfRekpxDigJ41qrpBAivQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_161403.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpemsyhktxw/XZmjuKA8tpI/AAAAAAAAMuE/lIOwAsxuiOgwXfymJJ2oC4W5H6Vs1PiygCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190909_163416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1177" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mpemsyhktxw/XZmjuKA8tpI/AAAAAAAAMuE/lIOwAsxuiOgwXfymJJ2oC4W5H6Vs1PiygCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190909_163416.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The trial was conducted on a frigid wintery day (forecast high of 10°C). I wore the above waterproof layers over top of a thick knit tunic and tee shirt, fleece jacket, heavy denier stretch jeans, two pairs of socks, and leather ankle boots. When I reached my destination, I was able to shed the parka and skirt to drip at the door and take care of my errand in a dry and comfortable state.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xHrwhFaFBc/XmNXVTgxDGI/AAAAAAAANmM/uDBKev-k_WwylUonWcVYbqVDtdN5mVuRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20190909_161003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3xHrwhFaFBc/XmNXVTgxDGI/AAAAAAAANmM/uDBKev-k_WwylUonWcVYbqVDtdN5mVuRACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20190909_161003.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">It was a calm, almost windless day, so the skirt remained covering my knees for most of the journey. I think I flipped it back down twice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My basket cover is made from PUL, the same fabric as the skirt. More commonly used for reusable baby nappies (diapers), I've found it keeps liquid out equally well as keeping liquid in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I hope you've found something fabulous and inspiring here </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">today</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-63467005375483960462020-05-01T23:00:00.002+12:002020-08-20T23:34:43.481+12:00The Three Lives of the Yellow Beach Skirt: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Skirt Upcycling Technique #4</span></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6jiluHodvs/XmIaWNxuPSI/AAAAAAAANko/0bcatncGYRkDQb54lMq8b6aY5-pN_mg-wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200219_192225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6jiluHodvs/XmIaWNxuPSI/AAAAAAAANko/0bcatncGYRkDQb54lMq8b6aY5-pN_mg-wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200219_192225.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">There is currently no fabric shop in my city, and I'm living on a very small income. This summer my need for a modest, pretty dress led me to take apart a favourite dress and remake it...for the third time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This crinkle cotton skirt started life 11 years ago as a delicate, half-lined beach skirt with a fold-over knit waistband. When I bought it from Ezibuy for NZ$10, I separated the skirt from the band, added a full lining of gingham, then reattached the waistband.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odDiRvQo7F8/XmIaHKJDAtI/AAAAAAAANkc/KpuBmuIKovoT2CH8AowKwyuB9Gvc6CpZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200114_110754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-odDiRvQo7F8/XmIaHKJDAtI/AAAAAAAANkc/KpuBmuIKovoT2CH8AowKwyuB9Gvc6CpZgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200114_110754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO5-ycCpkmI/XmIaOjUY29I/AAAAAAAANkc/N_tFY6zJkLEiO7NmwUQ8jWbGdDGftQz4QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200114_110843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XO5-ycCpkmI/XmIaOjUY29I/AAAAAAAANkc/N_tFY6zJkLEiO7NmwUQ8jWbGdDGftQz4QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200114_110843.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Oh, how I loved that skirt. But soon the stretch band lost elasticity, and I lost weight, a combination prompting me to remake the skirt into a tank dress, meaning the garment would hang from my shoulders and it wouldn't matter what fluctuations were taking place at my waist. For this I used a JayJays knit camisole with a double layer at the bust and adjustable straps.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ts40pSm6qY/XmIZ5WAAJpI/AAAAAAAANj0/4OZc5qIL68A6UL2_ptKLeaGuPARblsOgACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191214_135555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ts40pSm6qY/XmIZ5WAAJpI/AAAAAAAANj0/4OZc5qIL68A6UL2_ptKLeaGuPARblsOgACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191214_135555.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn6nlbP7Dy0/XmIZ44zcgOI/AAAAAAAANjw/_T_DqaP_5mkuTQNzPNo3RlMYi0p_PsPmACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191214_135611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jn6nlbP7Dy0/XmIZ44zcgOI/AAAAAAAANjw/_T_DqaP_5mkuTQNzPNo3RlMYi0p_PsPmACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191214_135611.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">After a few seasons of happy wearing with a blouse or tee shirt over the top, the knit fabric of the camisole was beginning to disintegrate around the top edge. To extend its life, I stitched a supportive lining (visible in the above photo) along that edge using a strip of the camisole that had been cut off when attaching the camisole to the skirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This 2019-2020 season as we skipped Spring and jumped straight into Summer's intense heat, I realized two things. One, I wasn't wearing that dress because the worn knit camisole now felt a little icky. Two, the summer temperatures experienced here mean I need to avoid knit fabrics if I want to stay cool. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1em;">The woven fabrics of the skirt were still in excellent condition, so once again I unpicked the knit upper portions. This time I created a fitted, zipped bodice of woven fabrics (worn below with an overblouse of burnout cotton).</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfEol1YBex0/XmIcodxCUJI/AAAAAAAANks/vUWoVCxV3v808JgF34ZY984RB2N-KFApACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20191230_084554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RfEol1YBex0/XmIcodxCUJI/AAAAAAAANks/vUWoVCxV3v808JgF34ZY984RB2N-KFApACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20191230_084554.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ0Yuc83z-c/XmNN7YDes6I/AAAAAAAANlA/shQQD4r-ouQatp9IM5tD0NYzX7OImZ_mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200307_092833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UJ0Yuc83z-c/XmNN7YDes6I/AAAAAAAANlA/shQQD4r-ouQatp9IM5tD0NYzX7OImZ_mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_20200307_092833.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F_24jEVPWw/XmIZ8ZRrZFI/AAAAAAAANj0/58nYMB6T5p87LE08mJBNVTKXLMHGKw7fQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200114_110017.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1446" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9F_24jEVPWw/XmIZ8ZRrZFI/AAAAAAAANj0/58nYMB6T5p87LE08mJBNVTKXLMHGKw7fQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200114_110017.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4PN-mycJyQ/XmIaRIphhdI/AAAAAAAANkY/QFzmZAZbPCcpm37HBKZv-SFsCKi6TfnMQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200114_164739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A4PN-mycJyQ/XmIaRIphhdI/AAAAAAAANkY/QFzmZAZbPCcpm37HBKZv-SFsCKi6TfnMQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200114_164739.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbLishNpE9Q/XmIaPujN3ZI/AAAAAAAANkU/AQ9dekXZ0XMXiKqNZGoZx9FhxHrlJOj7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200114_164628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qbLishNpE9Q/XmIaPujN3ZI/AAAAAAAANkU/AQ9dekXZ0XMXiKqNZGoZx9FhxHrlJOj7ACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200114_164628.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The yellow striped sleeveless bodice is a delicate polycotton I had in my fabric stash. I lined it with Egyptian cotton from a bed sheet given to me by a friend whose husband wears through his side of the bed linens with unfortunate rapidity. I'm sorry she has to buy new sheets so often, but I feel very blessed that I'm on the receiving end of this luxurious, quality cotton that feels silky soft and cool against the skin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I've learned two things from the many lives of this outfit:</span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Clothing made</span><span style="font-size: 1em;"> of quality, natural fibre woven fabrics is worth the effort to acquire because it lasts so well.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">As long as fabric endures in good health, it holds possibilitied as wearable and a potential money saver.</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">If you're interested in limiting your waste footprint and reducing your financial expenditure, take a second look at the old fabrics you've been thinking are past their usefulness. Your favourites may gift you another life of wear after all.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUk9qHgelEk/XmIaYF73IBI/AAAAAAAANko/ksPFYRFamu4a5ay4wkUpkDWXBD4dL8FGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20200219_192351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUk9qHgelEk/XmIaYF73IBI/AAAAAAAANko/ksPFYRFamu4a5ay4wkUpkDWXBD4dL8FGgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20200219_192351.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Napier Art Deco Festival 2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-79862506110850741812020-04-03T23:00:00.002+13:002020-08-20T23:34:24.837+12:00Aqua Splash: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Skirt Upcycling Technique #5</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>How not to wave goodbye to a favourite skirt that no longer fits</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_4RDHfr-RI/Xms72LFwE2I/AAAAAAAANnE/h59E6RnwJVQ68Gsu4rSTtCLO_zWx20hpACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_110535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_4RDHfr-RI/Xms72LFwE2I/AAAAAAAANnE/h59E6RnwJVQ68Gsu4rSTtCLO_zWx20hpACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_110535.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEQHDjAGxXk/Xms741djDjI/AAAAAAAANnI/LOmmTNeFojw4OH1GFImz7jC_rWJrPqcTACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_110616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CEQHDjAGxXk/Xms741djDjI/AAAAAAAANnI/LOmmTNeFojw4OH1GFImz7jC_rWJrPqcTACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_110616.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">So you've put on weight and your favourite ankle-length skirt no longer fits? You feel like you should give it away, but you love it soooo much. I know how you feel.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Assuming that the fabric is still in reasonable condition, this post details a way to alter it so you can continue wearing your favourite skirt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCjlQBEdTV8/Xms72XbaT8I/AAAAAAAANnQ/AoOuImYIDMsmXcA9GY4prs3e_ViaY6gyACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180825_123347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SCjlQBEdTV8/Xms72XbaT8I/AAAAAAAANnQ/AoOuImYIDMsmXcA9GY4prs3e_ViaY6gyACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20180825_123347.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My skirt was already lined, in a soft dobby cotton that is part of what makes it so blissful to wear. If your skirt is not lined, you can create a lining in the same shape as your skirt, which will make it super quick to create neckline and armholes. Alternatively</span><span style="font-size: 1em;">, you can hem them or use bias binding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Prepare</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Unpick any elastic or band at the skirt waist, preserving as much fabric length as you can. Press the waist seam open.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RXtlKK0aWI/Xms72eSHn3I/AAAAAAAANnM/eDF6y_yZRDktySsc731TIM_w-9JdQG6dACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_110502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RXtlKK0aWI/Xms72eSHn3I/AAAAAAAANnM/eDF6y_yZRDktySsc731TIM_w-9JdQG6dACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_110502.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d53xQJrtYIo/Xms7yj4m56I/AAAAAAAANnA/mQGJM-UB7OAIpUCqn1Eqih_Q2fCpq0tUgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_110353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d53xQJrtYIo/Xms7yj4m56I/AAAAAAAANnA/mQGJM-UB7OAIpUCqn1Eqih_Q2fCpq0tUgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_110353.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fit Test</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Check that the skirt is roomy enough for the skirt waist to fit over your shoulders. The easiest way to do this is to lay the skirt over top of a sleeveless dress or tank top that already fits you. If you want to utilize the full length of the skirt, the skirt waist seam will become your shoulder seams.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1em;">If the skirt is not wide enough, but it does fit under your arms, use the Skirt Upcycling Techniques (detailed in Boutique Narelle posts listed under the Frugalista Dressmaking tag) that turn a skirt into a yoked dress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">If it is too wide for your shoulders, you'll need to cut it to fit your shoulders and realign the side seams to fit under your arms.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Design</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Before you cut, decide if the neck opening is going to be big enough to pull over your head. If you want a closer fitting neckline, you'll need to insert a zipper at the back or front. If the skirt already has a zipper, you may need to lower it to match where your new neckline will sit. I had plenty of width so I removed the zipper entirely and stitched up the seam</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Mark</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Using pins to replicate the fit of your sample dress or tank top</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">, mark on the skirt where you want the neckline and the armholes, making sure there is sufficient seam allowance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Cut and Sew</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Cut out the shape of the neckline and armholes, extract the lining, and sew the shoulder seams on the dress and lining separately. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">If you don't have a lining, bind or hem the neck and armholes, press, and you're done.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">If you do have a lining, reinsert the lining (ensure right sides together) and sew around the neckline and armholes. Clip the curves and trim the seam allowance. Understitch the seams to help them sit flat. Turn the garment right side out. Finish off by pressing the seams.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er0ps8V27KI/Xms768lPRtI/AAAAAAAANnQ/jzeQi5B7tuompjrZKsPVwRmTMKv23CsnACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_111126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-er0ps8V27KI/Xms768lPRtI/AAAAAAAANnQ/jzeQi5B7tuompjrZKsPVwRmTMKv23CsnACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_111126.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<h4>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Extra Fit Tip</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My skirt had a lot of fullness which created a lot of bulk between the armholes at the back. I cinched this fullness by sewing D-ring loops with ribbons attached</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> for a pretty and easy way to create shape at the waist.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0BuDlC2sAA/Xms76oFl5wI/AAAAAAAANnM/9NrAp3AmRhUtR9up2imilqMm6pKQ-32twCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_121348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i0BuDlC2sAA/Xms76oFl5wI/AAAAAAAANnM/9NrAp3AmRhUtR9up2imilqMm6pKQ-32twCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_121348.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJTBhiGzwmc/Xms7wvwb6rI/AAAAAAAANnE/YeTRA0KPt7U0Kdz-D9wZmUZArN9LuzqFgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20200307_110308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJTBhiGzwmc/Xms7wvwb6rI/AAAAAAAANnE/YeTRA0KPt7U0Kdz-D9wZmUZArN9LuzqFgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20200307_110308.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Now you know a nifty trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost.</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr">
Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr">
Fiat lux!</div>
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</div>
<div dir="ltr">
Narelle</div>
<br />
<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-60071735715854788372020-03-06T23:00:00.001+13:002020-08-20T23:33:57.833+12:00Yoked Tunic Dress in Denim: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i>Following on from my posts about the Speedy Tank Dress and the Green Yoked Tunic Dress</i><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t0K5V0MTjU/XZhV8GFlCqI/AAAAAAAAMrE/xTlapehI_pwCUXENJP_Akht9NUStb-eXACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191005_173316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--t0K5V0MTjU/XZhV8GFlCqI/AAAAAAAAMrE/xTlapehI_pwCUXENJP_Akht9NUStb-eXACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191005_173316.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Have you ever been in that desperate state where you wail, "HELP! I need a new dress, it's got to be modest, and I only have a few dollars to spend on it!!!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Clothing availability, coverage, and cost are factors that often bring a modest-hearted woman to feelings of desperation. I had an urgent need for a warm modest dress. Here's what got me out of that desperate place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Skirt Upcycling Technique #3:</span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Yoked Tunic Dress Revisited in Denim</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">A few months prior, I had come up with a new technique, turning a skirt into a tunic dress by setting the skirt's waist under the armpits and sewing a bodice yoke to the skirt waist band. It worked the first time, so I decided to try it again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This denim skirt is onto its second upcycle. The first round (pictured above), I removed the elastic waistband and sewed the skirt onto a knit tank top. For the second round, I unpicked the tank top from the skirt, and prepared a bodice yoke to fit to the skirt, turning it into a tunic dress.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Finding a fabric match for the denim was the first challenge. The only piece in my fabric stash that worked was a navy polycotton which would be great for the yoke lining.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I went hunting at nearby SaveMart recycled clothing store and compared a collection of wide scarves. I took a risk with a loosely woven viscose because the colours went so perfectly with the tones in the denim. At $10, it wasn't cheap, but having seen the denim and viscose together, it was 😍 and I really, really wanted to keep them together.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The loose weave and delicate nature of the viscose scarf (featuring the word PARIS and a picture of the Eiffel Tower) were in stark contrast to the sturdy and durable denim. I improved the viscose stoutness by adhering a thick iron-on interfacing to it and careful edge-stitching to hold the threads in place and reduce wear to the seam allowance while I worked. The yoke lining was given a lighter interfacing, and the two yoke layers were top-stitched to give added support to the still-mobile viscose threads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The risk and effort have been worthwhile. Wearing this yoked tunic dress makes me feel warm, comfortable, feminine, modest, and classy. It has earned a number of approving comments, so I know that other people are enjoying it too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand skirt into a new and gorgeous dress for very little cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span><br />
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Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-51244978219581727402020-02-07T23:00:00.001+13:002020-08-20T23:33:27.530+12:00Blue Tank to Tunic Dress: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Tank Upcycling Technique #1:</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Turn a Tank Top into a Tunic Dress</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>Thrifty Tricks for Modest Sporty Women:</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>Low-budget fashion tips to keep you stylish, safe, and covered while active outdoors</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The Design</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> Challenge</span></h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Early in my exploring of ways to cheaply and quickly add classy options to my activewear, I discovered the technique of adding a skirt to a sleeveless top or tank. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This tunic with faux kick pleat was my first trial of that concept. I was just starting to cycle, so garment length and hem width were also experimental. My goal was a knee-length tunic. Keep reading to find out why I didn't achieve that.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The shaped tank top, bought secondhand at nearby SaveMart for about $5, is viscose, soft, drapey, and durable. The fit is excellent -- loose without looking like a sack.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I had a strip of cotton denim that was a good colour match. Basing the skirt design on an adorable dress with contrast kickpleats that my mother had been sewing for her granddaughters, I found a way to recreate the look with the limited fabric I had available. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I folded the selvedges to create an attractive horizontal border that showed off the rightside/wrongside contrast of the denim, and used bias binding to join the panels and add further impact. To hem, I sewed a zigzag stitch 15mm above the raw skirt hem then pulled out the horizontal threads as far up as the stitching, creating a fringe.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My next step was to sew the tank and skirt together. At this point I found that the top ratio greatly outweighed the skirt ratio, and the weight of the denim created unsightly ripples in the viscose where the seam </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">sat</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> level with my crotch. So I created big tuck pleats in the tank until the bottom-to-top ratio looked balanced and the problem seam had enough support for the weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This outfit </span><span style="font-size: 1em;">has been great for cycling to the post shop, clambering on rocks, harvesting seaweed, gardening, bush walks, and relaxing at an urban barbecue. I feel smart, modest, and feminine, while also knowing my limbs have the freedom of movement demanded by my activities.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This viscose/denim combination is easy wash-and-wear. The only aspect other than a bit more length that I'd want to change is creating more hem width, because the stress where the pleat flaps</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> join has been more than the fabric and stitching could well sustain (see seruptitious repairs in photo of garment interior).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I originally paired the tunic with wide-leg Tencel jeans, but I've grown out of them. Wide-leg trousers are hard to come by at present, so I'm modelling this outfit</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> with stovepipe jeans.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Now you know a fabulous trick for upcycling a secondhand tank top into a new and classy dress for very little cost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-33024952219372870952020-01-03T23:00:00.001+13:002020-08-20T23:31:03.531+12:00The Two-Shirt Dress: Smart Fashion Tricks for Modest Women on a Budget<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Shirt Upcycling Technique #1</h3>
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Cost Challenge</h4>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">When you don't have funds readily available to buy clothes, you're always looking for ways to give yourself new clothes without spending money on them. When I discovered the following </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">frugalista</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> dressmaking technique, it opened to me an exciting world of fresh opportunities within my existing wardrobe.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8QfzoxTo0U/XN_Nx2tID-I/AAAAAAAAMTs/U_k--R9u9yU1RnVtj_9fyrp73vvybnoGQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190205_171214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h8QfzoxTo0U/XN_Nx2tID-I/AAAAAAAAMTs/U_k--R9u9yU1RnVtj_9fyrp73vvybnoGQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190205_171214.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Here are the items I started with. I had two favourite shirts that I could no longer wear because my biceps and wrists had increased in size (a novel problem for me). The shirts were still in good condition. I loved their fabric. Hated the thought of parting with them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Inspiration suddenly bubbled when I realized they shared the same colour palette. I pulled out my unpicking tool (Quick Unpick) and carefully got to work.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Creative Challenge</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Is there enough fabric in two shirts to make </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><u>one</u></span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> modest dress?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I removed the long sleeves from one shirt and opened up the </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><u>long</u></span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> arm seams. I used bias binding from my stash to neaten the armholes on the now-sleeveless shirt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I removed the short sleeves and collar from the other shirt, and dismantled it at the shoulders and side seams.</span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxQUcXgKifc/XN_N94r4GnI/AAAAAAAAMUA/h_E5-swnj30pyGfFb-wCSSuWMLXUxyXtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190206_142809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XxQUcXgKifc/XN_N94r4GnI/AAAAAAAAMUA/h_E5-swnj30pyGfFb-wCSSuWMLXUxyXtgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190206_142809.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Now to rearrange the parts, trim them to size, and put the jigsaw together. The trickiest part for me was lining up those two shirt pieces with the long sleeves and deciding how to get the most length out of them for the skirt. I used a coordinating </span><u><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">crepe</span></u><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> fabric from my stash to add fullness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">When I'd stitched the skirt pieces to each other in a circle, I gathered the top edge and joined it to the hem of the sleeveless shirt.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K4fFBCBA9E/XN_N_htHeXI/AAAAAAAAMUA/J_Q4glCM80cb2atuM4Mo4hOcSsrDNphDACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190205_170831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_K4fFBCBA9E/XN_N_htHeXI/AAAAAAAAMUA/J_Q4glCM80cb2atuM4Mo4hOcSsrDNphDACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190205_170831.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">It's so much fun showing people my </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">two-shirt</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><u>tunic</u></span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> dress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">"See one shirt? See</span><span style="font-size: 1em;"> the second shirt?And </span><span style="font-size: 1em;">here's the sleeves!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPe1kS62nzU/XZhRvHRqUPI/AAAAAAAAMqA/3WM1TTlX40UlOITJt7Tbu-UXIT0nUMGEACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191005_205325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1098" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GPe1kS62nzU/XZhRvHRqUPI/AAAAAAAAMqA/3WM1TTlX40UlOITJt7Tbu-UXIT0nUMGEACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191005_205325.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-_3Fbfmy0/XZhRtlJO2pI/AAAAAAAAMp8/2LLNu7rWtj0SaHJkvvUR0IQ1L8EoLU7NgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191005_205250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1115" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sx-_3Fbfmy0/XZhRtlJO2pI/AAAAAAAAMp8/2LLNu7rWtj0SaHJkvvUR0IQ1L8EoLU7NgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191005_205250.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBAE97FA5cI/XZhRsVl82bI/AAAAAAAAMp4/yyZR3Bkk1Jc6YCYCSFFikapl4QhZ6o51QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191005_205202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1128" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aBAE97FA5cI/XZhRsVl82bI/AAAAAAAAMp4/yyZR3Bkk1Jc6YCYCSFFikapl4QhZ6o51QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191005_205202.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unFnPAT0qio/XZhRrSSRg4I/AAAAAAAAMp0/WAvHp11vbL8NvhbFK1xFO2F-s3HfXfbGQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20191005_205111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unFnPAT0qio/XZhRrSSRg4I/AAAAAAAAMp0/WAvHp11vbL8NvhbFK1xFO2F-s3HfXfbGQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20191005_205111.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">It always makes them smile. It makes me smile too. It's become one of my favourite dresses. I didn't have to lose something I loved. Instead, I gained something special by </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">upcycling</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> it into usefulness again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Learning the clothing tricks defined in this post has vastly increased the quantity of secondhand garments that are useful to me. I no longer feel so limited or frustrated by my clothing options.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing frugalista dressmaking and liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
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Fiat lux!<br />
Narelle<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gZhGcU5PDE/XN_OAn-YHAI/AAAAAAAAMUE/ucMM0K46cq8CYE5bHbEl_3a6oo8rX7BjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190319_113712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_gZhGcU5PDE/XN_OAn-YHAI/AAAAAAAAMUE/ucMM0K46cq8CYE5bHbEl_3a6oo8rX7BjwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190319_113712.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-55229095314341419982019-12-06T23:00:00.001+13:002020-08-20T23:31:25.489+12:00Resurrecting the Love Blues: modest summer wedding outfit gets tweaked<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dress Upcycling Technique #4</i></h3>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d28ofnuDpxk/XNvYjHibOsI/AAAAAAAAMTM/9q3raijVqKU41dzwtvs4LiqawDlIJqiugCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20181028_184728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1061" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d28ofnuDpxk/XNvYjHibOsI/AAAAAAAAMTM/9q3raijVqKU41dzwtvs4LiqawDlIJqiugCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20181028_184728.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Modesty Challenge:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Create a modest outfit for a laidback summer wedding in the park. It needed to protect from the </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">sun</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">, receive layers for evening chill, and be casually elegant to accommodate both my sense of occasion and the outdoor theme.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Cost Challenge:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Try not to spend any money on it because I just spent the year's clothing budget on underwear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">My Solutions:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fourteen years ago, I attended a summer wedding in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, known as the Mediterranean of the South. The season can get very warm despite the southern latitude, and the </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">sun</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> is fierce.</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> For the occasion, I found at SaveMart a viscose button-front dress with a lovely swish to the hem for NZ$8, and set about improving its style and usefulness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I removed the short sleeves and replaced them with long sleeves (no sunburn for this fair skin, thank you). I replaced the boring shell buttons with shiny silver anchors (all twenty of them), and where the button placket still gaped, I added invisible plastic domes. I sewed matching loose trousers. And I decorated a navy hat to match.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Some ladies look at the trousers and long sleeves and think the outfit looks hot. Actually, it's very comfortable. The fit of the dress is so good no underwear is required, yet it's loose enough to allow air to flow. The fabric soaks up sweat which, with air flowing over it, turns the outfit into a personal cooling tent. The colour, design, and type of fabric make wet patches invisible. Wins all round.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">That labour of love got worn once and has been hanging in my closet since. I pulled it out this Spring to inspect its state of wellbeing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">There was a little rust on the collar, which a scrubbing session with soap and finger soon made more or less invisible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I'd put on weight so the trousers no longer fit. I removed the side zip, dropped the fitted waist to hip level, and inserted a soft</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> elastic waistband.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">All that remained to be done was redecorate the hat and decide what shoes to wear. (The ivory roses are tied to the jandal thongs with white thread.) Add a fan for the heat, an umbrella for the rain (yes, you can expect both in one afternoon), and I was ready to enjoy my friend's wedding in the park!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I hope you've found something beautiful and inspiring here </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">today</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
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Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-15869505750613375032019-11-01T23:00:00.001+13:002020-08-20T23:31:46.852+12:00Modestly Seeing Red: 5 ways to tweak a top to get the coverage you need<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>
Dress Upcycling Technique #3</i></h3>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObTYUaq9Hdo/XN_RFUODFOI/AAAAAAAAMUY/rdzbOof7UfQyk35icFxuGjJoBbzvouzRQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190425_162749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ObTYUaq9Hdo/XN_RFUODFOI/AAAAAAAAMUY/rdzbOof7UfQyk35icFxuGjJoBbzvouzRQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20190425_162749.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Modesty Challenge</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Even in an enormous shop with a huge range of stock, it can be difficult to find a garment that has modest coverage and meets all of your needs for fit, colour, and style. I'm currently blessed with easy access to such a store, but it is rare that I find a garment perfectly ready to wear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Cost Challenge</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">When they're not perfect but MIGHT be made better, the trick is in assessing whether the items you're looking at are worth the time and effort to adapt them.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I spotted a mid-calf length cotton sateen coat-dress with three-quarter sleeves at SaveMart recycled clothing shop.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">It was in beautiful condition, but I shook my head over the neckline, the hem, and the sleeve length. At NZ$14 ("branded" price level), it was pricey. There was nothing else on the racks that day that demonstrated potential for winter warmth and modest</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> coverage. I decided to take the risk.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-5_osSvJJY/XSMSAl8IKcI/AAAAAAAAMfI/J24ABsxQKc4i0Jze25wGf036veJAVqswQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190708_142500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1114" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r-5_osSvJJY/XSMSAl8IKcI/AAAAAAAAMfI/J24ABsxQKc4i0Jze25wGf036veJAVqswQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190708_142500.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbbSpKL62GM/XSMSYz5pj7I/AAAAAAAAMfc/dvqTfo2ngpMdr-iiI7TZdCr2iFWwVITOACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190708_141444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1168" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbbSpKL62GM/XSMSYz5pj7I/AAAAAAAAMfc/dvqTfo2ngpMdr-iiI7TZdCr2iFWwVITOACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190708_141444.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qL-dOIrwAPY/XSMSQYh0RBI/AAAAAAAAMfM/7n1glKxuyNst_NCJ71dAfYzTiFg-pw-PwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190708_142100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qL-dOIrwAPY/XSMSQYh0RBI/AAAAAAAAMfM/7n1glKxuyNst_NCJ71dAfYzTiFg-pw-PwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190708_142100.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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<h3>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Figuring Out How to Do Shorter Well</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">First round of remodelling, I shortened the mid-calf hem to just above the knee (I thought) so the dress silhouette would work with wide-leg trousers. This combination meant I could cycle in the outfit, provided the trouser cuffs were clamped at the ankle for safety.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">As an early starter in my exploration of tunic lengths suitable for cycling in a breezy environment, in hindsight this one is shorter than necessary. I had to learn, by testing how different fabrics respond to diverse air movements, what is too long to be safe and what</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> is too short for best coverage.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I also forgot that what looks covered in the mirror isn't so covered when you perch or sit down.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Placket, Button, and Dome</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The double lapel took a deep plunge, and gaped at my narrow collarbones, so I folded half of one lapel back on itself to create an extended placket, installed a gold feature button with buttonhole, and secured the rest of the new placket with large domes.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkKDiSk98gA/XSMSUCil1NI/AAAAAAAAMfk/kB8TZv5y3vAlutk03Kv2czOs9xWV9kQ8wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20190708_205533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MkKDiSk98gA/XSMSUCil1NI/AAAAAAAAMfk/kB8TZv5y3vAlutk03Kv2czOs9xWV9kQ8wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20190708_205533.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Shorter Again</span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">After a winter's wear, I'd had enough of trying to slide a fleece jacket over the three-quarter sleeves, so the second round of remodelling took the sleeves up to a flattering (and practical) quarter length.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">The dress is occassion-adaptible. I've worn it for everyday activities like cycling and shopping, to meetings, and</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> to a birthday party. I recently found out it goes well with red poppies and the New Zealand flag. I clipped a corsage (designer BN) on the dress collar while filming an </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">ANZAC</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> Day music video.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1I5eBo2XZV0/XN_TN5mnf0I/AAAAAAAAMUo/Rf4vg0EEZIQdx7xaga1mab3C5Eb-P9v3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20190518_214037.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="992" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1I5eBo2XZV0/XN_TN5mnf0I/AAAAAAAAMUo/Rf4vg0EEZIQdx7xaga1mab3C5Eb-P9v3wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20190518_214037.png" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>Click here to view music video</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><i>HEAL OUR BROKEN LAND</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;"><a href="https://youtu.be/JcsfeB8LHXc"><i>https://youtu.be/JcsfeB8LHXc</i></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">I hope you've seen something beautiful and inspiring here </span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">today</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing frugalista dressmaking and</span><span style="font-size: 1.00em;"> liberating modest fashion techniques.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Fiat lux!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Narelle</span></div>
Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7526288624455762572.post-58016972162409693722019-10-04T23:00:00.002+13:002020-08-20T23:32:21.962+12:00African Dress: Thrifty Tricks for Modest Sporty Women<div dir="ltr">
<i>Low-budget fashion tips to keep you stylish, safe, and covered while active outdoors</i><br />
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<i><b>Dress Upcycling Technique #2</b></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGUHI9zALCI/XMwlh84p8RI/AAAAAAAAMP8/lHQsLNMzNRY8nSVNj9ZGh0MDhAB4E3b3ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20171103_213713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1041" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WGUHI9zALCI/XMwlh84p8RI/AAAAAAAAMP8/lHQsLNMzNRY8nSVNj9ZGh0MDhAB4E3b3ACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20171103_213713.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After</td></tr>
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<h4>
Modesty Challenge:</h4>
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What to wear for outdoor cycling and gardening activities? I want modest garments covering me from neck to knees while allowing easy, safe movement, with expectation of getting grubby and sweaty.</div>
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Dollar Challenge:</h4>
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Try not to spend money on it, because my income doesn't include a clothing budget. 🤔😬</div>
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My Solutions:</h4>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FzztEdZowE/XMwlpwmQpzI/AAAAAAAAMQE/YJF41bQkdesi7tuNYDZHxMGa0ahtY5azACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20190503_225334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="778" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2FzztEdZowE/XMwlpwmQpzI/AAAAAAAAMQE/YJF41bQkdesi7tuNYDZHxMGa0ahtY5azACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20190503_225334.jpg" width="193" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">This is my Ghanaian dress, a gift from Africa, originally made with sleeves. I removed the patch pockets and sleeves, let out the massive side seam allowance and shortened the hem for ease of movement, and turned the exterior patch pocket and sleeves into an internal side pocket. Yay for dress pockets!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 1.00em;">Learning the clothing tricks defined in this post has vastly increased the quantity of secondhand garments that are useful to me. I no longer feel so limited or frustrated by my clothing options.</span></div>
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Look out for more Boutique Narelle posts detailing liberating modest fashion techniques.</div>
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Fiat lux!<br />
Narelle<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4CmkLAkRpE/WTfpwe_z0AI/AAAAAAAAJ18/A53SIGQZYHM8cHmiR1Aij672NeasIgyFgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20170217_182337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="546" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I4CmkLAkRpE/WTfpwe_z0AI/AAAAAAAAJ18/A53SIGQZYHM8cHmiR1Aij672NeasIgyFgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_20170217_182337.jpg" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swinging into Art Deco Style</td></tr>
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Narelle Worboyshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06377163404063785391noreply@blogger.com0