Corporate ZIP!....spring top challenge #4

From corporate drab to FAB! 

I combined ruffles and the edge-y trendy look of zippers to create this refashion upcycling Spring top!

It's my 4th entry into the Made by Rae Spring Top Challenge. I created all my tops by refashioning or up-cycling existing tops (top #1, top #2, top #3).

Here is the BEFORE.....

And a close up the details AFTER -
Zipper ruffle detailing down the front....

Zipper lined collar....

The shirred bodice adds texture and femininity.... (love the look!)

go feminine or feminist....go corporate or go to lunch! This top can do it all! 

Want to make one? :)

Here is the full tutorial or download it as well! 

add your photo to the Brassy Apple Flickr group if you give this a try! 

Materials:

Mens dress shirt (1-2 times larger. We used a short sleeved shirt)

Zipper - color coordinating - 60 inches

straight pins

elastic thread

2 buttons - optional

measuring tape

Step 1: Remove front pockets if desired. Rub the fabric and the holes where the thread was should disappear.

Step 2: Determine how tall you want the shirred area to be and how much you want left unshirred around the bottom hem. I measured 3" up from the side hem to the 3rd button from the bottom.

Step 3: Mark and pin the button area closed from the top of the shirring mark all the way down the bottom hemline. Cut off/remove the buttons in the shirring area and sew closed following the stitching lines on each side of the buttons.

Step 4: Take one end of the zipper cutting off hardware if necessary and separate the 2 sides from each other. To keep the ends from fraying, melt the fabric lightly with a match or flame.

Step 5: Place one end under the inside corner of the collar and pin. Line the entire collar with the zipper (about 24.5" on our collar).

Corners - make a small fold at each corner for a smooth transition around the collar. Sew and stitch the zipper in place along the collar.

Step 6: Zipper ruffles. Measure from the top of the shirring line to the top of the shirt (12" on our shirt). Add 4-8" to the measurement you get and cut 4 strips of zippers for the ruffles.

Use a basting stitch on the fabric edge of the zipper and pull the bottom thread to gather each strip.

Step 7: Place 1 strand of the ruffled zipper about 1/2" from the center buttons. Pin down the front to the top shirring mark. Sew in place.

Step 8: Place the 2nd strand against the center, overlapping slightly over the 1st strand as pictured below. Pin and sew into place.
Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 9: Shir the bottom half of the top starting at the top mark and finishing at the bottom mark. Space the shirring lines 1/4" - 1/2" apart.

Step 10: Sleeves - Fold each sleeve so it has to a 2" cuff.

Step 11: Pin the top and bottom of the sleeve and sew a straight stitch on the top and bottom to keep the cuff folded.
OPTIONAL: Shir 2-3 lines on the top part of the sleeve to create a gathered look.

Step 12: Adding a zipper loop - Cut 2 10" strips of zippers. Place one end of the zipper about 1" under the top of the cuff. Pin in place.

Step 13: Fold the zipper onto the front/top of the cuff and pin.

Step 14: Create a loop with a 1" tail. Fold the tail under and pin.
Pin the top of the loop to the shoulder. Sew the top of the loop and the bottom into place securing the zipper in place. Repeat on the opposite sleeve.

Step 15: Add a button (large, small, different color, etc) to the middle of the loop for added design interest. 

and you are done! 

linking up with these parties - Life as Lori, Someday Crafts, Beyond the Picket Fence, Somewhat Simple, The Shabby Chic Cottage, Everything Etsy, Fireflies and Jellybeans, Tatertots and Jello

thanks to HowDoesShe.com for featuring all my TOPS! You can see their write up and interview with me here!