Friday 3 August 2012

Refashion Friday Inspiration: Contrast Sleeve Smock Top Shirt/Blouse


As I've mentioned before, I'm really into reworking men's button-up work shirts because the fabric is often such lovely quality and it's so nice to sew. Many of them are made from pastel/candy coloured striped or checked fabric, which is very on-trend (if that kind of thing concerns you!) and can look lovely when paired with another fabric with similar colouring. 


For these smock tops I wanted to contrast the traditionally male work shirt with an ultra feminine ditsy floral fabric: to play with those different aesthetics within one garment. The pattern I used here was at one point Simplicity 3835, but has been heavily altered and adapted by myself over a period of years. One of the main changes was to make puffier sleeves with a sleeve band. This band provided another opportunity to mix up the fabrics.  


The smock incorporates the button stand, pocket and hem line of the original garment. Although the buttons can still be undone, it is not necessary for putting on or removing the finished smock. Here's a whole load of contrast sleeve smock tops which blend men's work shirts with ditsy floral fabric sleeves:

11 comments:

SLMPetersen said...

These are so cute. I need something like this in my closet. Thanks for the idea...pinning for later.

Dora said...

Lovely! Do post more men's shirt refashions if you have them, I recently found out I can get them very cheaply in a second hand store near my place. And the fabrics really are great.

Anonymous said...

I've got five sitting in my sewing room and been wondering just what to do with them! Thanks Zoe

Roxy said...

Such a great idea. The local op shops where i live often have top quality men's shirts. I will have to give this a go!!

Marie said...

Very, very pretty!

Marghe said...

Ilove men's shirt fabric...and I think you did a very cleaver wark whit it!!!

wendita said...

These are adorable! I'm always looking for ways to refashion button up shirts, and I really like this one :) Now I just have to figure out how to make similar sleeves...

wendita said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Really good idea. Thanks for sharing it.

Mode Chocolat said...

It's verry cut!!!! I love this principle!!!

EmSewCrazy said...

I love these! What a great project and I love how it doesn't scream man shirt when you are through. Super cute!

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