wardrobe redux: fitting a too-big blouse

As I may have alluded to once or twice, I have a huge pile of fixer-upper clothes bought with the best of intentions, but I don’t usually get around to fixing them up [this is the most notable exception]; so with that in mind, I debated long and hard [about 5 minutes] about buying this top… the fun print and price [$5.99] did me in, though. AND I fixed it the same day I bought it! Yeah… that’s probably never happening again.

Before [or at least halfway through the process, just imagine there’s a sleeve on my left arm, or maybe don’t, I’m not a huge fan]:



and after:



Much better.

materials -

• blouse that you would like a more tailored fit from
• sewing machine
• seam ripper
• pins
• iron
• bias tape [store bought or self made if you have enough fabric from the blouse]

process -

> Remove sleeves at the shoulder with the seam ripper. Set aside for bias tape making if you have enough fabric.

> Turn shirt inside out and try on. Pinch in sides to estimate how much you'll need to take in, then pin.

> Take off and sew up side seams. Try on again to check fit. Tweak as necessary.

> Once you're satisfied with the fit, finish your arm holes with the bias tape.

I use this method a looooot to rescue Goodwill finds that are too big. This is a double-edged sword because, while it opens you to way more options which is awesome, it also opens you to way more options ie purchasing more than you should. Just because it's there and cute and cheap doesn't mean you have to buy it. This is something I struggle with, haha.