It’s amazing to me the projects that take me a long time – mostly because of procrastination. I found this blazer in a thrift store, it was a rather boring cream colour – but it fit me perfectly, and wasn’t too long – which can be kind of hard for to find when you’re below average in height!
I instantly had this vision of a teal blazer with elbow patches (if you’re looking for an easy elbow patch pattern, download my free elbow patch pattern here)- and after a bit of work, I feel like the finished product is pretty darn close to what i imagined!! I like that it’s a nod to vintage menswear, but isn’t a recreation of anything. (Before photos and step by steps on how I changed it up are at the bottom of this post).
Now back to the procrastination bit – I got this blazer in – wait for – MARCH. yikes, right?! hehe but even though it took me 5 months to get around to finishing it, I’m so pleased, because now as the weather starts cooling down I’ve got the perfect little blazer to help me transistion. And you know whats even better? I’m the only one who has one just like it! Smiles all round :)
Top: gift from my SIL
Blazer: Talbots (hehe), thrifted – dyed using RIT dye & added elbow patches
Jeggings: (yes I admit it, they are jeggings hehe) GAP
Shoes: c/o Modcloth
Necklace: ??
And here’s a little look at how I changed up this blazer from boring to super cute!
I started with a cream blazer. First i checked to make sure it was a natural fiber – and since it was 100% cotton i knew i was good to go.
I washed it, and then dunked it in a dye bath using RIT Teal dye (I am ridiculously obsessed with this colour!!!)
After dying it i rinsed it, washed it in my machine and then dried it.
I couldn’t decide between light or dark patches, but after consulting my twitter pals i went with the light.
I pinned them carefully in place, and then slowly and carefully hand stitched them in a casual (but still neat) way.
I’m sooooo thrilled with how this blazer turned out!!!
If you want to re-create this project you’ll need:
- A cream blazer in a natural fiber (cotton, linen, silk, wool etc) as they take dye better
- A bottle of RIT liquid dye in Teal (or your colour of choice)
- A few dying supplies (a bucket, and rubber gloves)
- A small amount of leather (or contrasting fabric) for elbow patches
- FREE elbow patch pattern
- A needle, thread and scissors to hand sew it on.
