the finishing touch... a cumberbund!

We've always loved cumberbunds... they are so cute, and add such a dash of panache.  They were used widely in the 1950s by really famous designers.  We can see why!  This tutorial is a simple interpretation of a vintage-style cumberbund.  Keep in mind that these can be made out of other fabrics, too... you don't have to use old cut-off sleeves!

you will need...

~the shirt sleeves left over from this project, if they are long enough to fit around your waist with a couple of inches to spare (if not, try finding a larger shirt in a coordinating color or print, using fabric, or even a pair of lightweight cotton pants legs!)

~scissors

~1/4" elastic

~matching thread

~decorative buttons, hooks and eyes, or safety pins (to use as a closure)

sew it up...

1.  Neatly trim the edge of your sleeve (where the shoulder used to be).  Roll the raw edges under with your fingertips-- about 1/4"-- and press.  Pin the pressed edges together on each sleeve.  Stitch.  Press seam to one side.  (You'll still have two separate sleeves at this point.) 

  

2.  Cut a piece of elastic a little over half the length of the sleeve edge.  Using the method we used for the waist of the shirt, stitch the elastic to the wrong side of the sleeve with a zigzag stitch.  You may have to ease in some of the fullness of the sleeve.  Be sure to stretch the elastic to fit as you sew.  Repeat for the remaining sleeve. 

   

3.  Cut off the cuffs of your sleeves, right above the seam.  Stitch the ends of your two sleeves together, with right sides facing each other.  Pin the placket closed if need be, to keep it together.  Stitch elastic down the center of the seam on the wrong side of the cumberbund (see step 2).  Turn the edges under about 1/2", and stitch in place with several stitches (by hand or machine).  That will make the outside of your cumberbund neat.

    

4.  When wearing, wrap the cumberbund around your waist, having the opening to the side.  Achaia uses safety pins (pinned from the wrong side) to hold her cumberbund in place.  But you could also use several hooks and eyes, sewn at the edges on both ends of the cumberbund, to fasten it.  And, for the really adventurous, you could sew on button-and-loop closures!

 

So, what do you think?  Would you consider these tutorials helpful?  What kind of projects would you like to see in the future?  Just wondering~

We hope you're having a lovely day!

love, us Long ladies

PS... Wouldn't this adorable shirt look great with a new messenger bag?  We thought so, too!

Comments

[Carreen]

This is wonderful -- thank you so much for sharing your ideas! My mom, sister and I are already planning a trip to the thrift store for some super-large man's shirts. :-)

In Christ,

Carreen A.

[Lavender Dreams]

The tutorials are great! I can figure things out so much better with photos! Thanks! VERY CUTE!

[Myra]

I love this! What a great idea!!

I'm featuring your Nana's dishcloths on my blog today! :)

[Elizabeth]

Hello! Yes...the tutorials are GREAT! You ladies are so creative and delightful! I would love to see more tutorials in the future!

Joyfully in Jesus,
Elizabeth

[A]

oh! oh! keep them coming!!!!!!!!!!! i have already learned so much!

[True Religion Brand Jeans]

Di seguito trovate alcune informazioni su questo bravissimo autore di Glasgow e su un'iniziativa ideata da Fazi Editore

che potrebbe farvi vincere una copia del romanzo.

[true religion outlet]

When wearing, wrap the cumberbund around your waist, having the opening to the side. Achaia uses safety pins (pinned from the wrong side) to hold her cumberbund in place. But you could also use several hooks and eyes, sewn at the edges on both ends of the cumberbund, to fasten it. And, for the really adventurous, you could sew on button-and-loop closures!