Kids Makes

Lacy Bolero/DC

This was originally a stretchy black, long sleeve shirt – another one of those work numbers that gets really boring after a while. Make into a bolero styled pull-over.

I always have preferred cardigans over pullovers because they’re easier to take on and off, so I slit the shirt up the middle and turned it into this subversive little number.

MATERIALS

* Snug-fitting long sleeve light-weight stretchy crew neck shirt
(acrylic, wool, polyester or Lycra blend)
* 76 cm (30”) pleated ribbon (2.5 cm wide)
* Large press stud
* Large Button

Steps to make

1. Put the shirt on and mark where you want the bottom of the bolero to fall. Also mark where your elbows hit the sleeves and take off the shirt.

2. Cut straight across the bottom and cut the sleeves at your marks.

3. Cut the shirt straight across the middle creating a cardigan.

4. Starting approx 2.5 cm (1”) down from the collar, make a 2.5 cm (1”) horizontal cut, then swoop in and down with the scissors to create a bolero shape on one side, ending at the seam.


5. Take the cut-out piece and lay it on the other side of the shirt. Use it as a stencil to cut out the same shape.

6. Hem the raw edges of the sleeves using a zigzag stitch.

7. Also hem the raw edges of the raw shirt at the bottom of the bolero.


8. If you don’t like the shape of the neckline, cut it to your desired shape.

9. Sew the ribbon around the neckline by machine (or hand) using a straight stitch. Leave an extra 2.5cm (1”) of ribbon at each end to be turned under and sewed down for a neat finish.

10. Sew on the press stud to either side of the collar so that it snaps shut in the middle.

11. Sew the button over the spot where the press stud sits to hide the stitches.

HANDY HINTS

Try adding appliqué pieces of fabric or lace on the arms, chest and back to add more detail.

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN YOUR LACY BOLERO/DC
1. Start your own garage band
2. Play air guitar on your bed
3. Find your old AC/DC tapes
4. Buy some black satin sheets
5. Connect with your favourite bands on MySpace
6. Cut the fingertips off your black gloves and glue jewels to them
7. Paint your nails black!
8. Apply for a job as a roadie for a heavy metal band
9. Just say 'no' to everyhting and everyone
10. Rip holes in your tights


Further information


Just for the Frill of It by Sonya Nimri (ISBN 9780823099979). Give your existing wardrobe a quick nip and tuck using the great ideas in this book for a fast and easy makeover. An ideal book for young (or young at heart) stitchers - it includes 25 projects to reshape and embellish plain and boring garments into fashion delights. Taking simple sweaters, T-shirts and skirts, Sonya shows how to cut, finish and trim items with lace, ruffles and ribbons for a more shapely and trendy look. Published by Watson-Guptill and priced at £7.99. Available from GMC Publications, tel: 01273 477374.