From this to this
I don't usually use tablecloths as the fabric of my garments, in fact this was the first time. It all started at Luke's birthday party. I wore one of my favorite A.P.C. dresses, actually sort of similar to the pattern on this tablecloth, and my friend Staci really took to it. She called me the next week to tell me about this tablecloth she found at TJ Maxx that she thought had the potential to be made into a similar shirt or dress. She didn't come out and ask me to make it, and I didn't volunteer either, but I recommended she buy it anyway in case she took up sewing.
The next week I found out her husband and friend were throwing her a
surprise birthday party, I knew I had to make the shirt for her. The problem
was I wasn't completely sure which table cloth it was or it it would
even still be there. The next morning I drove to TJ Maxx and picked out the most similar tablecloth to what she had described and what I had imagined. It was a bit heavier than the usual
cotton I use for blouses but I thought it could still work. The tricky
part was figuring out what pattern to use for the top that would fit
what she had wanted and work with the fabric. I finally decided on this
pattern, with a few adjustments.
I really like how it turned out. I love that it reminds me of my favorite book as a little girl, The Secret Garden.
Well maybe that's a stretch, but it does make me really want spring to get here, and quickly.
My favorite part about the shirt was being able to surprise the birthday girl. I think she went around the room and told the story at least six times, which I was happy with, but I had to draw the line at her wanting to try it on to model it for everyone. I couldn't take that kind of attention.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at 3:18AM
Reader Comments (14)
you are amazing! you need to open an etsy shop so i can start wearing alysha shirts, too.
wow, it turned out SO great! I was a little skeptical when I saw the table cloth. only proves how talented you really are! miss you...
It really is darling. And I think it was extra special that you went out and found the table cloth to make it.
beautiful shirt! you did a great job as always.
I am impressed and amazed!! I LOVE this shirt! You are seriously talented with clothing construction. I think it is the hardest in the sewing world of projects... I just can't do it! But you sure can! Kudos!!
-Hillary
Nice. I love using non-traditional fabric to make things... and it turned out really cute.
that is incredible. you really need to open up a shop soon. i would wear your clothes. maybe you could even market them to target and sell them nationwide. i am so jealous of your skills. mad skills.
so what started all this anyway? b/c all of the sudden you were making all these clothes.
that is awesome that you were able to make it work :)
I still need to do my tribute on my blog. I love the shirt, such an unexpected surprise. Probably one of the most thoughtful, planned out and executed gifts I have received. I love it! Thanks Alysha. You all need to see the great detail, she did a great job!
i love the shirt, very comfy looking! -kb
Alysha,
There is something very "Sound Of Music" about that sweet little story. It turned out adorable! I wish you were still here so I can see your cute clothes each Sunday. I'm glad you found my goofy little blog. Be forewarned...if you read it you may get to know me in way's you wish you never did:)
I have some curtains that in my apartment that I prob. won't be using for long...can you do any wonder to those?Ball gown perhaps? I hope your lil meeting with the ballet dancer/bag maker sparked some interest to start making some of those bags!
it turned out great!!
hey, how do you know my husband? Love your blog, so cute.