Marilla's Top + Top Shop Top

Two new tops. Both from re-fashioned fabric.

First up is a relaxed V neck top by Marilla Walker. It is view D from the Robert's Collection and I have been meaning to make this for a while now. I wanted to use a fabric with a nice drape, cue this M&S wrap skirt that I bought from Traid in Camden a few months ago. I bought it for the black geometric viscose which seemed ripe for a re-fashion.

After unpicking the waist-band and removing eight darts I was very lucky to squeeze this top out of the remaining fabric. I cut the V detailing at the back on the cross-grain to take advantage of the interesting silhouette.

I used French Seams throughout and sewed them down for a faux felled seam - I actually really liked the effect of this technique more on the inside than the 'right way'. Maybe next time I will use this technique on the outside as a feature?

Cool V detail at the back!

I used a black cotton to face the neckline which has given it a nice bit of stability.

There is nothing nicer than a well-behaved facing

Marilla's instructions are great and her construction methods direct you to make a beautifully made garment. Lovely on the inside too (just like Marilla).
When I finished this top I realised my friend Charlotte would love it and so this will be gifted to her tomorrow - I hope she likes it!

Next, a quick and easy re-fashion on a Top Shop dress that I bought in a second hand shop purely because it was 100% silk and it was a bargain at £6.00. It was however one size too small for me. Never fear, I knew I could chop it up into a top as the dress wouldn't fit over my hips. A simple rolled hem later and voila, a new silk top!

Done. Two Autumnal-looking tops ready for the next season.

Traid #secondhandfirst pledge

Last week I discovered an interesting week-long event that promotes sustainable textiles.
It is run by Traid and the idea is you make a pledge to wear second hand / refashioned clothes for a full week starting on the 21st November until the 27th November.


What / who is Traid you might ask?

TRAID is a charity working to stop clothes from being thrown away. They turn clothes waste into funds and resources to reduce the environmental and social impacts of clothes.

• They want to increase clothes reuse across the UK reducing waste, carbon emissions and consumption
• They fund international development projects to improve conditions and working practices in the textile industry
• They educate people of all ages about the impacts of textiles on the environment and people’s lives, and how we can make more sustainable choices

I made my pledge here and I don't think it is too late for you to get involved too.
There are also lots of fun events happening at Traid stores around the country. Check them out here.

If I recall I think I may have been rather optimistic and pledged to wear 60% second hand clothes this week. It looks like I will be wearing some of my favourite vintage / re-fashioned dresses this week with thick woolly tights and cardigans!! I will update with a visual round-up at the end of the week.

If you want to join in, use the hashtag #secondhandfirst and upload to social media!
Happy second-hand-wearing this week!