Super Scarf
So… I’ve had this scarf for a little while. A few months. It’s got a really pretty colour scheme and is shiny without being too shiny. I bought this in Sweden over the summer (in the Red Cross/Röda Korset shop in Arvidsjaur) and if I remember correctly, it was in a sale bin where everything was SEK 5:- (about 50p). Given that it’s marked SEK 25:-, I think I got a good deal. I actually picked up several scarves and doilies from the same bin which have yet to make it to the blog.
Anyway, it’s polyester, which is fine, because look at the colours! It’s actually quite a big scarf (a metre square, or so) and I’ve been pondering what to do with it for a while. I was going to cut it into a couple of squares and make a basic top, but wasn’t really feeling like that would do it justice.
In this month’s Love Sewing (Issue 19) there’s a pattern for a refashioned scarf top with the back and sleeves made out of jersey – perfect for my scarf as I thought I could add that little something extra!
I cut the size 4 based on my measurements, and I lengthened it a good 10cm based on measuring the paper pattern. For the back, I used scraps of sweatshirt fabric that I had lying around, and for the sleeves and neck band I used some offcuts of white scuba jersey, which again was lying around left over from another project.
I didn’t take many (any!) construction pictures because to be honest, it was very straightforward to put together, and the steps are fully photographed in the magazine. I whipped it up in no time on the overlocker. The only bit I’m not completely happy with is the neckline. The reason is that you have to stretch it when sewing it to the neckline to get it to lie flat , but that causes the front neckline to gather a bit when it’s unstretched and you’re wearing it. I could have stretched it less at the front neck and had it not lie flat I suppose, but I’m not sure that would have looked better. I suspect there will always be some imperfections when sewing woven fabrics to knits, especially in this case when the knit bit has to be stretched, and it hasn’t stopped me from wearing the top.
I finished the hem and sleeve hems with a twin needle stitch on my regular machine in white thread. I decided to try twin needling the neckband seam allowance to the scarf section/back section and it has done a reasonable job of flattening out the neckline area, though it’s not perfect.
To make up for the lack of construction pictures, here is a rather gratuitous amount of pictures of it on, taken on a day out to Leeds Castle in Kent. If you haven’t been there, it’s pretty special and well worth a visit. The entry ticket is actually a year’s pass, so don’t be surprised if you see more Leeds Castle pictures from me sometime soon :)
The length is still not really long enough (despite already lengthening it 10cm), it still barely meets my jeans so I could have done with another 3-4cm. Note that the fit is nothing like the top shown on the model in the magazine – this is a very short, boxy, snug top – but personally I think it is more fashion forward this way.
Another view of the castle.
The sweatshirt fabric I used on the back is a houndstooth cloqué (can you get cloqué sweatshirt?!! – it means ‘blistered’) and because I was working with scraps, there’s a seam up the back (that isn’t in the pattern).
I just love the colours.
Love Sewing 19 is only available until 5th of November in the shops but I think you can still get it online, which you should definitely do because it’s a great issue (and I’m not just saying that because there’s an article by yours truly in it). I’ve also cut the Marilla Walker sailor top so will be making at least two projects from this one.
Charity Shop Chic 
Gorgeous, and I love the textured back!
Thanks Claire – it’s just made from offcuts of other projects. I’m not sure I can claim it as a ‘design feature’ ;-)
Very,very nice! You look stylish and hip at the same time. :)
Thank you, Sondra! So kind of you to comment.
Aww what a pretty scarf! Love that this was a total scrapbuster! So pleased you’re making the most out of this issue!
Yeah I’m getting my money’s worth out of it ;-)
so nice !
Thank you! :)
Your version is so beautiful. I did a similar refashion with a silk scarf using the back of a thrifted top. I hope you will check out the pictures on my blog http://www.vintagethrifter51.com. I love the colours of your scarf, beautifully done refashion. I love your projects. Thank you. Michele
Thanks Michele. It helps that the scarf has white in it – so it looks like the fabric matching is intentional!
What a gorgeous top. As a scarf refashioning fan (who wears scarves like this?) I think that yours is perfect. The backdrop is pretty special too!
Yep, I often see them in thrift stores and think, I’ll make a top out of it! But there is rarely enough fabric, so this is a good workaround.
I love reading your blog because you are so talented and creative. The scarf idea was awesome!!!! And looks great :)
Thank you Cheryl – I really appreciate your encouragement.
Love it! The colours are amazing. 😀
Thanks, glad you liked it as much as I do!
Reblogged this on Vintage Thrifter and commented:
This is an amazing refashion from an amazing lady.
Thanks for the reblog!
Stunning: both the top and the location. Thanks for the inspiration, as ever-I so enjoy your blogs!
You are welcome – I am glad you are enjoying reading!
I love this scarf! I too would have bought it. I’m going to check out this pattern for myself since most scarves-to-shirts are flowy butterfly things, so this is a good alternative.
Thank you so much! I think you can get back issues on the magazine website if it’s too late to get it in the shops. Do be careful of the length if you make this yourself – I added 10cm to mine and it was still a bit short.
Fab, I have seen these where you use the jumper shape and add a front panel. I didn’t think of using a scarf. Jo x
Yes, you could use anything – scraps from another project, even…
That is a great looking top. I love that back fabric too.
Thanks, Nicole! I have a whole dress in the back fabric :)
Having just stepped into the Mall today, this is very on trend! And better than the Mall’s offerings, your top is unique and waaaaay more interesting with it’s mix of fabrics.
JJ
http://www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com
Thanks so much JJ, I’m glad you like this as much as I do!
Gorgeous! Going to put Love Sewing magazine on my shopping list for this afternoon!
Hope you got a copy! I was a bit late posting. I think you can get back issues online if not!
LOVE this! What a great idea. <3
Thank you, Kathie! It’s the magazine’s idea but I agree, it works well.
Wow, I love the it. It looks stunning.
Thanks, Kim! You are so kind.
O wow, that is super cool! Would do sth similar, but unfortunately my machine is not good to sew on elastic fabric.
Thanks Kasia. Be sure to sew stretchy fabrics with a zig zag stitch. If jersey gets eaten by the machine, sweatshirting or scuba are a bit more stable and might be easier. Good luck!
Hi!
I love this refashion! The shirt is beautiful in the front and in the back! Who knew?
Kisses from Portugal!
Thank you so much, Helena! I’m glad you liked it.
Great idea. Big rectangular scarves don’t suit me at all but print top like this is wonderful. Good job!
Thanks Shelley – I’m glad you like it. This is a great project for scarves if you have some lying around!
I really like this. How are you successful sewing with a lightweight polyester like a scarf? I find it difficult to work with.
Yep, it’s tricky. It helps that you’re sewing it to a thicker fabric – I used sweatshirting for the back and scuba for the arms – less chance it will get ‘eaten’ by the machine. I find it helps to keep a little tension on the fabric as you sew. Or in extreme cases, sew it between layers of tissue and then rip the tissue away. Hope that helps.