Yoga Pant + T-Shirt = Iconic Million Dollar Quartet Jacket

This up-cycle project took many twists and turns, but diligence paid off in the end. I started with an iconic rock n' roll T-shirt and a pair of grey harem-style knit pants from the Nike outlet store. These materials transformed into the sleeves, lower band, and collar of the jacket.

Discovering Hidden Details

The first interesting detail I learned was when I ripped off the upper wide waistband. Inside, I found it totally underlined with an almost girdle-type power net mesh fabric, along with some elastic. I snapped a picture to remember this construction method for future projects. I saved that powerful mesh. This wide waistband became the lower finish of my jacket.

That Nike outlet in Memphis was definitely worth a visit! Check out this price tag. Even considering these pants as 'fabric', this is quite a deal! Plus, the harem style provided that much more fabric.

Construction Necessities

Below, you can see the width of the harem style accommodating the sleeves. There’s a double layer present, and an angled seam on the lowest layer is visible on the right sleeve in the Back View Photo. The lower leg bands of the pants then became the cuffs at the bottom of the sleeves.

Note on the cuff above: when I cut it off the pant, I allowed a seam allowance worth of fabric. I always remember to cut things apart, leaving them larger than I think I might need.

Below is a close-up of the upper band of the pant used as the lower finish on the jacket. I serged along the folded edge very carefully to avoid trimming anything off as I ran the serger. I finished the top edge in the same manner. Since this was crosswise on a rib knit, I knew to engage the differential feed up to '2'. This made the front feed dogs move faster than the back feed dogs, preventing any stretch at that edge. To attach the band to the jacket, I serged the lowermost edge of the jacket, lapping the band on top and then topstitching them together. The black snap tape accents on the band help cover up the seaming and are a 'find' from my 'THIS n THAT' drawer.

If you look closely, you can see the 'quilting' using monofilament thread that attaches the very lightweight T-shirt to another layer of fabric, providing more 'substance' to the front.

YLI Wonder Invisible Thread - Clear or Smoke

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Back View and Fitting Challenges

This back view shows what looks like leather-type fabric, but it’s actually a lightweight black and silver knit. I did that center back seam twice, stretching it somewhat to prevent it from 'pulling up'. The tucks occurred not only to fit the back of my Size 12 dress form but also to reduce the circumference, ensuring that the ribbing I created would fit.

I love upcycle sewing because it constantly presents new challenges. Sometimes those challenges can halt progress for the day. I often think— and even dream— about solutions. I return for the next sewing session ready to tackle them.

Challenges with Closures

CLOSURES ARE MY NEMESIS

In the first picture, you can see how I used the black/silver knit fabric to bind the upper edge of the collar. I thought the nice covered large hook and eye would work, but you can see in the second picture that it just fell away and was exposed—YUCK! Another solution was needed. That was the end of that day, I assure you. The thought of using a machine buttonhole in that collar— even after interfacing it— didn’t sound like a good plan. It was dream time. Luckily, a dive into my Black Button Box yielded a fantastic large black button.

In the third picture, that red glass-head button inspired me to stitch it on with red thread. SCORE!

The night’s thinking led me to the Bound Buttonhole as a solution— even though it meant un-stitching the inside collar finish. Additionally, it was executed in a quite tight area, but I persevered. This kind of sewing accomplishment gives me the 'Atta-Girl' approval I need for the day.

This close-up is a bit blurry, but you can see how it worked out.

This iconic garment featuring the Million Dollar Quartet is waiting to be adopted! Make it YOURS - with FREE Shipping. Read all about it, including finished garment measurements, to help you determine if it will fit you by clicking on the link below.

Bomber Jacket - Million Dollar Quartet Misses Size 12-14

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A Growing Collection

I initially created nine garments for my collection centered around Rock n' Roll but have sold several since then.

In addition to teaching others of all ages to sew at my Jackson, TN, Sunroom Sewing Studio, I am currently creating with a dual purpose:

1. To transform my healthy 'STASH' into exciting, one-of-a-kind, made-in-America wearables while educating others in the joy of sewing. I share my How-To's on my Substack, YouTube Channel, and other social media platforms. (Find them at the top left of my website.)

2. To support causes that improve the lives of children. My current beneficiary organizations include:

• Lifewise Academy - www.lifewise.org

• St. Jude's Children's Hospital - https://www.stjude.org/