It’s Month 2 of my “Year of Re” projects. Last month, I chose the “reinvent” card and turned an unworn romper into a new pair of shorts and top. I’ve already worn them more than I ever wore the romper, so I’m declaring it a victory. This month, I picked “remake.” Even though I know all the words on the cards, it’s fun to see which one I’ll be working with each month.

Remake for a handmade wrap blouse

It occurred to me, as I pondered the card, that in order to remake something I would have had to make it in the first place. So I started by looking for a project I had made.

During my first sewing challenge a few years ago, I made 12 white shirts, one for each month.  The December shirt was a Merchant & Mills Workbook pattern I had been wanting to try, called the Heron Top. It is a shawl-collared, wrap-front shirt and it looked so stylish on the models. I made it in an embroidered cotton that was the perfect weight, and it turned out lovely. But you guessed it—I never wear it. It feels too dressy and fussy for the way I dress most days. I rarely need a dressy top anymore, so it has been languishing in the back of the closet, too nice for the thrift shop basket, but sadly unworn.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the fit and the fabric is just gorgeous. I find, though, that I fuss with the wrap and the ties, and that means other tops get picked first. This top was ripe for a “remake.”

I liked the collar and had worked hard to get it to roll just so and fit nicely around the neck and…