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Antiqued Step back into the past with these vintage-looking craft projects. From "Creative Juice" episode DCRJ-704

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Victorian Deconstructed Ruffle Top

A plain work blouse is transformed into a romantic, frilly top that's ready for a night on the town.

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Victorian Deconstructed Ruffle Top

Materials:

fitted, collared women’s top
4 yds. lace hem tape
1 yd. gathered lacy trim
ribbons
scissors
hand-sewing needle and thread
sewing machine
disappearing sewing marker
measuring tape
clear ruler
sewing pins
optional: fabric dye and/or fun buttons

Figure A

1. Using scissors, remove the sleeves and collar portion of the top. Use the point of a sewing pin to fray the edges of the collar and sleeve holes. Trim threads, if necessary.

2. Working on the front of the shirt, use a measuring tape, ruler and a disappearing sewing marker to mark 6 straight lines, each approximately 1"-1-1/2" apart (3 on each side of the front buttons). The lines should be from the shoulder seam down about three-quarters of the shirt fabric (figure A).

3. Cut the lace hem tape into 6 pieces, each 20" long.

4. Pin-tuck lace along each line by folding the lace 1/4" under and pinning in place (figure B). Turn the lace under at the shoulder seam and at the end. Stitch the lace first to the shoulder seam, then stitch one edge of the lace in place using a sewing machine or hand-stitch; leave the other edge loose to create "tuxedo" ruffles (figure C). Stitch across the end of the lace at the bottom of each row.

5. Stitch the gathered lacy trim around the collar; turn the ends under to create a finished edge and stitch down the center of the lace (figure D).

Figure B

Figure C

Figure D

Optional Ideas

• If the shirt has long sleeves, cut them to be cap sleeves by marking 1/2" at the underarm and 3" from the top of the shoulder. Draw a curved line to connect the two measurements (figure E). Cut the sleeve, zigzag or serge the edge and stitch lace around the edge, keeping the underarm clear (figure F) (figure G).

  Figure E

  Figure F

  Figure G

  
  
  
  

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