10/03/2016

Embellishment: Embroidery

This is the second in a mini-series about embellishment.

I picked up this top in Lewisham Scope (£3.50). It’s a very light poly satin, almost poly chiffon. It has an interesting neck band, which is sewn on doubled over but with the two edges off-grain, but it’s the print I wanted to investigate. It’s different shades of purple in a cross hatched, almost painted, pattern. I wanted to explore an embroidery that would complement the print and this being straight lines, it seemed like an easy place to start.

I picked out some colours matching the colours in the design, and thought a bit about placement, eventually deciding on the shoulder above the small pocket.

Then I just started sewing. I was doing this in front of the TV so I just had some fun with it, adding layers of different threads in vertical stitches, according to the print.

I went over the pocket a little bit (through both layers) because I liked the way it looked.

I finished it off with some horizontal stitches in the same colours.

It’s really hard to photograph, which I guess means I got the colour match spot on.

I’ve worn it several times recently, but here it is on a night out at Sticks ‘n’ Sushi at Canary Wharf.

This place is highly recommended. We had one of the the sticks and sushi selections which was beautifully presented and very tasty.

I can also recommend the Nippon ’75 cocktail, which I think is supposed to be a Japanese twist on the French ’75, substituting the Japanese spirit Shiso Shochu for the gin. It comes with a large shiso leaf as a garnish.

In case you’re wondering, this is how you drink it.

This top has been great on date nights around the capital and I typically wear it with a pink toned necklace.

Kanpai! (Cheers!)

28 comments

10/03/2016 - 5:09 pm sewcookgardenrepeat

Super cute! I love adding secret embroidery to my (and my hubby’s) wardrobe pieces

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- 10/03/2016 - 5:46 pm charityshopchic
  
  It doesn’t have to be secret! But I do find hand sewing theraputic so I think I will be adding more to garments from now on…
  
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10/03/2016 - 5:09 pm Joan van velsor

Did you remove the sleeves?

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- 10/03/2016 - 5:46 pm charityshopchic
  
  There were no sleeves – sorry, in the ‘before’ image I’m wearing it over a T shirt of a similar colour so it isn’t very clear.
  
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10/03/2016 - 7:02 pm vintage51

Reblogged this on vintagethrifter51.com and commented:
I absolutely love the colours of this top. The details of the embroidery stitches just finish it off perfectly. Lovely refashion. The sushi looks pretty amazing, I am drooling right now. Cheers, Michele

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- 11/03/2016 - 9:48 am charityshopchic
  
  Thanks Michele, we had a lovely evening!
  
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10/03/2016 - 8:07 pm Hannah

Love this idea! The shirt looks great! x

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- 11/03/2016 - 9:48 am charityshopchic
  
  Thanks! I think it’s really helped make it into something more special.
  
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10/03/2016 - 8:37 pm Deb C.

So adorable! That necklace sets the top off nicely too! You’re inspiring.

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- 11/03/2016 - 9:49 am charityshopchic
  
  Thanks Deb – you are too kind!
  
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10/03/2016 - 8:45 pm Elokitty

Your embroidery is such a great idea !
The collar is perfect with it :)

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- 11/03/2016 - 9:49 am charityshopchic
  
  Thank you, glad you liked it!
  
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10/03/2016 - 8:46 pm dr P

I really like this idea…it’s not too much, it’s just right. Excellent necklace matching too

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- 11/03/2016 - 9:49 am charityshopchic
  
  Haha, thanks! I have quite a large supply of necklaces to choose from ;-)
  
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10/03/2016 - 10:12 pm Fadanista

Such a great idea! I am becoming quite enamoured with the whole idea of embellishing and this is such a simple, but effective, treatment. Another winner Sally!

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- 11/03/2016 - 9:50 am charityshopchic
  
  Thanks Sue – it’s quite a quick way to spruce something up. I have a few more tops here that could use this treatment!
  
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11/03/2016 - 2:47 pm helentristam

I always like the details you give about fabric, original garment construction, price, and why you chose the item as a refashion project.

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- 14/03/2016 - 2:51 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thanks Helen, I try to keep it consistent!
  
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11/03/2016 - 7:51 pm Norma

Thank you for your lovely blog xx

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- 14/03/2016 - 2:51 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thank you so much Norma! And thank you for reading.
  
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11/03/2016 - 11:08 pm meinheels

The biggest difference the embroidery adds is depth to the outfit.

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- 14/03/2016 - 2:53 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thanks for the comment! I think it gives it a little extra something…
  
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12/03/2016 - 12:42 am Marg in Canada

Very clever and chic, thanks for sharing!

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- 14/03/2016 - 2:53 pm charityshopchic
  
  Thank you for reading, Marg!
  
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21/03/2016 - 10:32 pm fionaparker17

Such a great idea Sally! Looks awesome

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- 13/05/2016 - 11:55 am charityshopchic
  
  Thank you! I’m quite pleased with it as it’s rather subtle…
  
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28/03/2016 - 3:44 am Dolores

Hello! I m reading your blog from Argentina (so pls excuse me if I make some gramatical mistakes) and I just had to say it: you work is wonderful, so creative and meaningful! You truly inspired me to start refashioning clothes again. Looking forward for your new posts!

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- 13/05/2016 - 11:56 am charityshopchic
  
  Hi Dolores – thanks for commenting! I’m so happy you like my blog and have been inspired to start refashioning. Happy sewing!
  
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