Taking in a Thrift Shop Boho Top

I love checking out the local charity shops (thrift stores) in Cork city. I tend to find them rather hit or miss, but when I find something I love, it’s such a win. One such win is a new (New Look tags still on!) boho style top. This is the photo from the New Look website way back when it was available.

new look white stripe embroidered tassel tie bardot top

The one I found in the shop was several sizes too large for me, so some sewing was needed. It was surprisingly easy. Here’s what I did…

Sewing projects on evinok.com

The Materials

The detail and mustard touches made it love at first sight!

Sewing projects on evinok.com

Sewing projects on evinok.com

The Plan

I tried it on to estimate how much to take the top in. It was rather large.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

Now, how to alter it without too much work and completely reworking the whole thing. I considered using a seam to simulate longer sleeves, going in from the armpit toward the centre, then straight down to the hem. That would work, but then I tried it on an used clothesline clips to try a few options and in the end the best for shoulder space was to take it in straight down the back. This also would be the least obvious since some blouses have a back seam anyway.

Then I figured out how much to take the top in without losing the loose boho vibe.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

The top photo is the blouse at full size. The lower photo is the blouse with a section folded in the back. I think the proportions are just right in the latter.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

The Process

I decided to use yellow thread for this. I aimed for mustard, but didn’t want to put thread on a bobbin and had a butter yellow bobbin at-the-ready.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

Inside out, pinned the section then away with the sewing machine. I removed the pins as I went because with two small children I like to know where my pins are at all times.

Straight up the back with the yellow thread. When sewing at the elasticised neckline, I held it taut.

Sewing to alter some clothes. Read more at evinok.com

I matched the stripes as best as I could.

Sewing to alter some clothes. Read more at evinok.com

But narrows stripes are not as picky and I’m not bothered that it’s ever so slightly off.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

I just love the detail around the neckline!

Sewing projects on evinok.com

One more rows of stitches to secure it.

Sewing to alter some clothes. Read more at evinok.com

The Result

I LOVE the result. Here it is folded atop my Corona Shawl, designed and knit by Carol Feller. Carol’s blog is in the running for best Business Arts & Crafts blog (she won last year) in 2018 Blog Awards.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

This is how much fabric I took out of the back of the top. Not really much, but enough. I love the pattern so much, I’m saving it for a special project. Maybe a new clutch with tassels or pom-poms.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

Here I am sporting the new top and loving it.

Sewing projects on evinok.com

Sewing to alter some clothes. Read more at evinok.com

And I a better view with someone else wielding the camera.

Altering tops Evinok.com

Altering tops Evinok.com

Altering tops Evinok.com

What do you think? Success? It isn’t my normal style of top, but feels like a stylish alternative to a sweatshirt. Though not figure flattering, there’s something so cosy about a loose light layer with a fabulous design and tassels! What would you have done differently?

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