More Sewing and Alterations

I've been doing a bit more sewing lately, trying to get my project basket down a bit, as it was looking a bit piled high.

Firstly, I altered this Zara blouse that I bought from a car boot sale for £1. I didn't like the sleeves, or more specifically the piece of fabric between the bodice and the embroidered sleeve. It wasn't comfortable when I tried it on and looked very odd, so I cut these extra pieces of fabric out and restitched the embroidered part of the sleeve onto the bodice. A small alteration, but I was much happier with the result and I will be much more likely to wear it as a consequence.

I also re-started work on a gilet that I cut out a while back. Having cut out the pieces and wadded them, I started to quilt the back panel. The print on the fabric had lines of polka dots, which did help me to keep the quilting lines relatively even, although I did veer off a little in places. I did probably make the quilting lines too close together, but for a first attempt it's coming along okay. I'll keep you posted on progress.

I did a couple of other small alterations, one being to repair some favourite vintage plaid woollen trousers. Moths had unfortunately got to them and created some holes near the crotch seams. Luckily, the trousers were a bit on the generous side fit wise, so I was able to sew inside the existing seam to exclude the holes. I then noticed a couple of very tiny holes outside of this repair line, which I reinforced with fusible webbing and stitched closed with matching thread, so they are hardly noticeable. I was lucky the moth damage was where it was with these and could be circumvented. I really need to take care to prevent moths getting at them again.

I then completed a third cross body bag, which just needed the straps sewing on. I've posted separately about these. They are a staunch favourite and have been so easy to make.

I also did another alteration to a Zara blouse/dress I bought at the Jumble Trail at the weekend. When I got it home and tried it on, there was something about the sleeves/shoulders that I didn't find flattering. It looks nice on the hanger, but not on me. In this instance, I decided to cut off the flouncy sleeve and hem them into cap sleeves. I also shortened it by a good six inches to make it a more flattering length.  I much prefer it in it's new guise. It did have tassles on it too, which I removed before I even took the first picture, as they are not really my thing and were looking a bit scraggly and worse for wear. More work than I expected, but I'm happy with the outcome. Here's a before and after picture:

Before

After

There's still lots more things in the basket to work on, but I'll keep you posted as and when I progress further with the various projects.