Mulberry Tunic Remix

I originally made this to join in the fun during the Willow & Co contests, but since it fits the theme perfectly this week at Project Run and Play, I am linking it up there as well.  I used my pattern, the Mulberry tunic, to make a dress for the youngest child a while ago. So I thought I would make one for Ania as well, but of course make it a bit different.

A while ago I was searching for things with cool zippers at the thrift store. I had a vision of a dress with zippers, but couldn't find the zippers I wanted. I did come across a Tommy Bahama men's shirt that I really liked. It was silk and I loved the print. It was also $14.99. There was not way I would pay that much for a thrifted shirt. Fast forward two weeks later, I was back at the same store, still looking for zippers (still no luck) and I noticed that the same shirt was $1.99. Now we are talking. :)

Ania, please stay still, I am not done! Of course she obeyed. :) Or maybe not. Back to the dress. I merged the two bodice pieces together, increased the length, straighten the hem,  reused the collar, changed the front pocket and added a bit of elastic in the back.

I also added a piece of twill tape above the pocket. Just because I felt like it. :) I meant the sleeves to be longer and thought I had enough fabric. Nope, not so much. :) They are a bit of an 80s throw back, but they dont' bother me enough to shorten them.

It's pretty easy and straightforward to merge upper and lower bodices, just cut or fold the seam allowances, and match the center front notches. If you wish to make a buton down shirt, all you need to do is to extend the placket and you are good to go. Here is another tip for upcycling shirts; it can be difficult to make left and right symmetrical, so the buttonholes and buttons line up perfectly. Cut the piece where the buttonholes are, put it on top of the other side, right sides together, and button up the two pieces together. :)

The drawback of upcycling the men's shirt is that the button placket faces the wrong way. I honestly don't think too many people will notice. Ania loves her dress, it is comfortable and feels great. I think next time I will flare it a bit more at the bottom and tighten elastic in the back, so there is more defintion around the waist.

Just pulling weeds. That's all. I mean your kids do that during photo shoots, right? :)