Refashion Co-op

Spring Cardigan

2012-02-27T02:06:00.000Z

I found this oversized cardigan on a thrifting adventure. I pinched and pinned the sides and arms to fit. To make it shorter, I cut off the ribbing, chopped off some length and sewed the bottom ribbing back on. Now I have a new sweater to wear for spring time : )

jillians refashions

Maternity top refashioned into toddler dress

2012-02-27T01:04:00.001Z

I took this old maternity top.

Chopped it in half to use the bottom half and took one of my daughters old (stained) tops.

Chopped the sleeves off, created new sleeves, a bow in the back, ruffle in the front...and ultimately created this new little dress for my 17 month old!

See my whole tutorial on my blog Feel free to follow me on Twitter or Pinterest @RefashionMama or like my facebook page

One top - three outcomes

2012-02-26T19:31:00.003Z

I was given this top from the friend of mine, who (I think) wanted to challenge me. The top was in excellent condition, so I didn't really wanted to cut it into pieces, but at the end I did and here is the outcome:
(I don't have BEFORE picture, but the top had long sleeves and was tighen around hips)

So fist part was turned into dress - I added red satin, faux leather rim and elastic to waist.

I turned second part upside down and added black satin, elastic to waist and lace to rims.

So I was left with sleeves parts. Here they are:

So I used 100% of the top and there was no leftover. Not bad I think!

Have a nice day and wish you great refashions!

PS You can find more of my refashions on my Bartinki Facebook page.

Girl's Skirts and Leggings...

2012-02-26T12:08:00.000Z

Hi, Pam here from Threading My Way.

My refashion started as two women's skirts, one woman's top and an adult t-shirt...

And ended up as two skirts, a pair of pantaloons and a pair of leggings. Four items of unwanted women's clothing, turned into four little pieces of clothing to mix and match, for a little girl.

You can find more details and photos here...

... Pam

Summer Loves!

2012-02-26T02:13:00.002Z

The other day at one of the many thrift stores I go to, I found these Royal Crown bags for 50 cents each...For that price I brought 20.00 worth. Now I am experimenting with them...I told my sister I was making this for her and some of her friends for the upcoming rodeo..I think they would receive a lot of notice...LOL!

This needs a hem or a ruffle, I'm not sure which one yet.. I used some old tablecloths and lace trim

Yes I even use yarn that I have found at yard sales or thrift stores...A friend and I use to make these tops, for a company in Laguna Beach, many years ago! For the summer I decided to resurrect the pattern and make a few little changes to up date the look...Now I'm ready for the summer to get here!

Ruffle Refashion

2012-02-25T21:47:00.001Z

This is the rather quick refashion I did on a rather long and frumpy cardigan.

Before:

And after:

More details over on my blog.

First Post - trousers to shorts

2012-02-25T07:11:00.000Z

Hi, I'm Ravs. I live in Brisbane, Australia and have loved sewing since childhood. My 21st present was a Husqvarna sewing machine! I found this site via Reana Louise at Curves, Patterns & Pins. It is very inspiring.
I don't get as much sewing done as I would like (who does?) but hopefully that will change as soon as I get over this 'flu. My second (& final) has just started school and I only work part-time.
Anyway, here's a little refashion I did just before succumbing to the dreaded lurgy.

From disreputable, worn out (and too short) jeans

To a pair of 'cool' (according to Mstr 7) shorts.

If you want to see more - come and visit at ravscreations.blogspot.com and ravsrecreations.blogspot.com (I've just recently separated the sewing etc blog from the garden / environment blog).
All the best
Ravs

Granny's Dress

2012-02-25T02:07:00.004Z

Somewhere in the number of old albums my mother saved, is a picture of my grandma Dorthy in a dress so much like this that I wonder! For 2.50, I thought why not and added it to my pile of thrift store finds...

the first thing I did was cut off the skirt and sleeves of the dress...turned the top upside down (because of the elastic band...it is too much effort to redo a casting if one is already there)...then the most simple thing would have been to reattach the skirt...but I wanted to push myself further..

so I thought perhaps I could take the sleeves, open them up and use them for the bottom of the skirt...perhaps use a draped belt with a great buckle...

after more thought, I decided I wanted a summer top with capris ...so I found some really great lace at another thrift store to add a ruffle...then I turned the skirt into capris...LOVE IT!...oh and please overlook the mess in the back ground..when I am preparing for a show I have to have everything out..that way I can get a better perspective of what to pair with what!

Bold and Beautiful

2012-02-24T18:14:00.002Z

As a child I was raised on the principals of the 7Ps ... Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance..these principles served me very well during my career in Juvenile Justice system..

However since my retirement I have embraced my youngest brother's revision of the 7Ps...Preparedness is the recipe for boredom

I don't see green grass..My grass is purple with bold yellows and blue! I love looking at things from a different perspective and allowing my mind to wander and wonder at what the potential is, not what it was...So today I would like to encourage others to implement my brother's wonderful freeing theory...boredom is not an option!
http://facebook.com/rubyz2day

More recycled wool knee patches!

2012-02-24T12:33:00.006Z

Yep, more wool knee patches! This is the first pair of jeans, that I bought new, that my son has put knee holes in. All the previous holey knees were from thrifted jeans, whose knees were already faded and on borrowed time. Hopefully this is not an indication of how things are going to be from now on... I can only patch them so fast ;) ! I asked my son what he wanted for this pair, and he said "stars... like on GI Joe stuff". Army green stars it is!

Here's the jeans, before and after....

and a close up of one of the knees, before and after...

It'll look cooler after they get washed a couple more times, and the stars get fringier.

Fyi, I have been asked a few times how the patches hold up in the wash, and if they will shrink further. The first one I made still looks great, and has not felted any further. I wash them on cold, and that first pair has been washed & worn at least 10 times!

ETA: Since a couple people asked on my blog how I got the jeans under my sewing machine, I thought I would answer here as well. I seam rip the easy seam (the outside seam) open about a foot, then sew it back up when i'm done. It only takes 2 minutes to seam rip it open, then closed when you are done, but makes it SO much easier to sew the patch on.
Also, it is easier to draw the design directly onto the jeans (I use my son's washable markers), sew on the marker lines (I go over it twice for extra strength), then do the cutting on the jeans & trim the excess patch off.

~ Reuse, Recycle, Resweater! ~
www.resweater.blogspot.com

Freezer paper stencilling

2012-02-24T02:00:00.000Z

The other day I made my two babies a lovely little matching top each out of a plain white tshirt :)

Full tutorial on my blog.

PONCHO TOP OUT OF COT BLANKET

2012-02-23T22:14:00.002Z

Watch video tutorial on you tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXOjvRiU2dc

CREATE RIBBED CUFFS WITH USING OLD SOCKS

2012-02-23T21:54:00.001Z

Vest alteration

2012-02-23T18:08:00.003Z

Yesterday, I posted here about a repurposed cocktail ring. Within the original post on my blog, I also had a few pictures of a simple vest alteration. One of our editors, Erica, asked if I would share more of the vest here on Refashion Co-op.

Several years ago, I altered a lot of clothing for costumes. When I would have the actors try the clothing on that needed to be altered, I would always have them try it on inside-out.

Simply pin the seams in until you are satisfied with the fit. Baste this new seam, try on again, and when satisfied with the fit--sew a permanent seam. I serge the new seam, but you can finish this new seam however you would like.

A vest is a perfect beginner project, because there are no sleeves to worry about. But if there were sleeves, I would still use this method, but unpick the sleeve a few inches either way from the seam being taken in. Then, ease the sleeve into the smaller section.

You just have to play with this! In costuming, we had the 10 foot rule~if it wasn't noticeable at 10 feet, the audience wouldn't notice. This rule, of course, doesn't work with everyday wear. :-)

I am not an expert in this area by any means, but I hope it was helpful! If you happened to miss yesterdays post, you can find it here.

Have a great day!

Kelly

ReStitch Me

New Blogger..change link!

2012-02-23T17:38:00.005Z

pick

possibility

Perfect!

Hi again..last night I posted the wrong link to my facebook page...One of a Kind Redesign..this is so new to me...so please hang in there with me..thanks!

Vested

2012-02-23T16:17:00.004Z

I rediscovered some pattern pieces I had cut out for a vest a long while ago and never sewed together - 3 of them actually.

mess 'o fabric cut for 2 of 3 vests

Now it was a wee bit small, but easily adjustable I thought...(ah huh)

Along the way I decided to make it reversible rather than line it...(sure, why not)

inside view of reversibility

Thought it would be cool to have pockets on both sides...(yea, wouldn't it) And how about making my own bias tape for the arm holes while I'm at it...(no problemo)

close up view of pocket, bias tape & tiny ties

I did have fun mixing and matching all the fabric possibilities. The vest is a great way to use up small scraps that I love, that aren't big enough for much else.

front

back

A feat of engineering (for me, anyhow) in figuring out reversibility with pockets, mitering bias tape, and getting the ole' loop turner happening - but it's all good.

Especially now that it's done.

Visit Project Minima to see Side B of my Reversible Vest

Nothing says "spring" like stripes!

2012-02-23T13:51:00.001Z

This XL striped shirt from my thrift store stash was just begging for a refashion. After re-sizing, changing the neckline and adding a Pom Pom Bib Necklace I think I'm ready for spring! There is a full tutorial with photos here on my blog.

New Blogger

2012-02-23T05:48:00.001Z

Okay so this is the first time as a Blogger..I am so excited! I have a passion for redesigning yard sale, thrift store, rummage sale finds..my family wonders what is really inside my head..but I have strong opinions and beliefs...I don't think that what you wear should be defined by your age...it should be something you love..that's what I like to do..make things that are wearable art!... correct link http://www.facebook.com/rubyz2day

Sweater + Camisole = Better sweater

2012-02-23T01:34:00.000Z

This black cardigan was one of my first "interpreter dress code" items. I can throw it over any outfit and instantly have the right backdrop for my hands to sign. (American Sign Language) It's super warm, but ridiculously plain and boring. I haven't worn it much lately.

I took a pink camisole from my mom's discard pile, cut it up into strips, ruffled them and added them to the edges of the cardigan. It's so pretty and feminine! I added black lace to the inside to cover my messy seam and a little eye hook in case I want to wear it closed.

It's no longer something I can wear to work.
It's retired.
Refashioned.
Recycled.
Yeah, it's better now.

Amy Jo at The Little Moments

Refashions from Zhenya

2012-02-23T00:16:00.005Z

Hello, and thank you for adding me to the Refashion Co-op, I couldn't be more excited. My name is Zhenya and I live in Minneapolis, MN, and no I am not snowed in and bored to death and that's why I am blogging. I blog, because I can't see myself not doing it. Maybe Every once in a while I spend too much time checking all of my social networks and apps, but it's all a great inspiration and a way for me to stay in touch.

I was born in Soviet Union, and grew up in Russia, and had very very little. But thanks to my mom, who sewed, knitted and crocheted, I managed to pull some pretty awesome looks in Junior High. I refashion because I grew up doing that, because it's a way to stand out, because it's FUN!

My blog - BeingZhenya - is a collection of posts about fashion, beauty (I work as a part-time Beauty Advisor at Clinique), my every day life, thrifting and DIY's. In the picture you can see some of the things I refashioned as well as some that I've made, I hope you enjoy them and I will have a refashion coming up for you guys in the next couple of days!

xo,

purse/bag/tote

2012-02-22T21:43:00.000Z

I am proud of myself..the past few bags I've tried to do haven't ended well. I don't have before photos, but it's made from a long women's jacket from old navy, that I had bought at a thrift store for $10...I was so excited, I didn't really pay attention to the fact that it didn't fit well. The lining is made from a skirt I got for free. I even used the part of the skirt with a zipper to make a change purse :) I used the original pockets for the outside, and made one for the inside.

Upcycled Cardigan with Peplum

2012-02-22T19:34:00.004Z

A great way to upcycle that old cardigan and make use of all those beautiful scarves.

Take a look at my step by step tutorial on my website here or go to You Tube and watch the video tutorial on my 'Stitchless TV' channel

It's a Beauty...on the Inside

2012-02-22T16:45:00.000Z

Unfortunately, not every thrifting adventure is a success. There are days when I go shopping for a specific concept, color, or material, and find absolutely butkus. And other times in which the refashioning gods smile down upon me and shower me with cheap and versatile goodness. When the former occurs, I usually regress and transform into a slap happy, impulse shopper capable of purchasing anything (no really, ANYTHING!) just because it would be downright criminal to leave empty handed. *Sigh* This little ditty is Exhibit A of one such incident:

Another home sewn treasure, albeit a little dated, and too much of...well everything

Finished product after TONS of seam ripping and reconstruction.

Proof that sometimes...less is more.

For more details on the transformation

click here

Toodles,

Maui Girl

Upcycled Cocktail Ring

2012-02-22T14:02:00.002Z

My daughter, Willow, broke one of her favorite cocktail rings. She threw it away, but I rescued it from the trash and made a totally new ring! You can read all about it on my blog, ReStitch Me. Included in the post is a quick vest alteration. Two super-easy projects for the price of one! You can't beat it.
Have a fantastic day!
Kelly

T-shirts to Girl's Top...

2012-02-20T08:43:00.000Z

Hi, Pam here from Threading My Way.

For this refashion, I began with three women's t-shirts and ended up with a little girl's top.

First up was to alter the neck line to suit a little girl.

Secondly, the t-shirt needed to be recut to a much smaller size.

Third step was to cut strips to make a skirt and attach to the altered t-shirt.

Last step was to attach a belt with a flower attached.

front view...

Three old t-shirts turned into a little girl's top, ready to be worn with a pair of black leggings. You can read more details here.

... Pam

Dress Refashion: Floral Top

2012-02-19T17:09:00.000Z

I made this top from a dress that I thought I could fit into, but turned out to be a bit too tight for my liking. So, since it didn't fit me well, I decided to give it a whole new look.

Check out my blog, Made by Evyline for more details..

Ombre Girl's dress {thrifted dress refashion}

2012-02-19T16:26:00.001Z

Do you remember wearing Amy Byer? I sure do. Back in the late 80's, early 90's I loved those dresses. I found this white Amy Byer dress at the thrift store for a whopping $1.50 and I knew it had potential. But not as an 80's fad, but as a sweet "grandma's sewing nook" inspired dress. What I did not expect was how much the jacquard pattern popped once it was dyed. Fun surprise!

You can find the basic steps to this refashion (and many more) on my blog, ThisMamaMakesStuff.com

Trying to "Think Spring"!

2012-02-19T12:04:00.002Z

Just as I promised, my first Spring Green refashion project. I know, it does look a little fallish, but it's still in the 30s here in Eastern Oregon. You can see how I made it on my blog.

DIY Accent Rings

2012-02-18T18:45:00.007Z

Made from old clip-on earrings. See more plus a full tutorial on my blog.

Pyjama bottoms from a preloved duvet cover

2012-02-18T08:58:00.000Z

I needed some new pyjama bottoms but couldn't find any that I particularly liked.

So when I discovered a cute duvet cover in a charity shop, I just had to buy it and make my own.

I always try to reuse as much as I can of any particular material that I find so I made sure I added the buttons from the bottom of the duvet to the pyjamas too.

I love giving something a new lease of life!

For more details on this and my other Refashions, please click here

One for the Road (or the Shoulder)

2012-02-18T06:04:00.003Z

Back again - still working on two refashions with a sewing student. Okay, my son's girlfriend, but still. She's got some SERIOUS design skills, and I'll post the maternity skirt to flirty sundress refashion as soon as she is done hand stitching the ribbon detailing to the shoulder straps. You'll be impressed, let me tell you. It sure isn't something I would have attempted when I first began sewing. They have been taking her awhile, as she can only come over to sew them on the weekends when we are both free. Not an easy feat.

In the meantime, I'll give you my latest jeans refashion, even though it isn't into another garment. I know, I know. But at least it was something I got done, in between client orders, percussion ensemble fittings & alterations, embroidery orders, and other work that keeps getting in the way of more refashioning posts.

I hope you'll forgive me, just this once:

This is the front panel, with an external zippered pocket.
The fabric was a freebie from Dorell Fabrics in Fountain Valley, CA -
they sell discount upholstery material but sometimes they have
bits and pieces that are just too small to do much with -
you can take one free sample every time you go into the shop.

The inside of the front pocket. It's lined with another
recycled garment, a blouse that a friend didn't wear anymore.

The inside of the purse, with a couple more open pockets.
Nothing moves in here when it's zipped shut, and it's not so
deep that I can't see things when I'm looking for them.
Bonus!

My favorite part of the pattern - a side zip pocket.
You can put one on either side of the purse but I opted to
put only one in this time - I only had one zipper of this
length and color. Next time I will line this particular
pocket (and the matching one on the other side, should
I put one in) with a fabric that matches the outer
fabric - the way the zipper is put in, you can just see the lining
around the perimeter of the zipper. Bummer. But this one's
not for sale, anyway, so lesson learned.

Nicely reinforced shoulder strap (while not being too stiff); bag is stablized with fusible fleece so it is still a bit slouchy but doesn't slump; lots of pocketses for everything to have its own place (with a nod to Lord of the Rings); overall a fairly easy pattern to work with. This may become my favorite bag pattern. And I have three boxes of jeans (donated by a friend) to go through....each pair renders one complete handbag using this pattern (Vogue V8661). I've already had two requests to make more, with fabric for the front panel that has special meaning for the recipients. A nice way to refashion jeans and to keep a treasured swatch of fabric close at hand!

Cream Appliqued Skirt Refashion

2012-02-16T17:05:00.004Z

Greetings Refashioners! It is LaLaLauren, one of your daily editors for Refashion Co-op. I haven't posted many posts recently but of course I keep up with all the behind the scenes. :) I am slowly getting back to blogging more. So here is a Refashion!

I started off with this $0.99 skirt I got one day that I thought had potential. I actually liked all the of the applique on the bottom. But...... the skirt was too long and just looked weird with the length. And it has these points on the bottom too. I did not like those!

I refashioned the skirt a shorter, straight bottom skirt.

To see what I did go to my website here. I have some good pictures of how I have gotten a bunch of compliments already and I have only worn it once!

Happy Thursday everyone! Here's to getting more refashions and blogging done! :)

xoxoxoxo,
LaLaLauren

a great idea for using up scraps!

2012-02-16T07:35:00.001Z

Hello, Refashioners!

We have been a bit absent as of late, sadly. But fortunately we are back with more projects and fun things that you can check out on our blog, To Catch A Thrift.

Our latest project involved taking a bunch of old scraps from previous projects:

And turning them into beautiful curtains:

It was so time-consuming but SO MUCH FUN!

And as always, you can see more here.

Have a great day!

xo,

ashley & ellen

To Catch A Thrift

To Infinity and Beyond Scarf

2012-02-16T04:14:00.002Z

I really like stripes and I like scarfs. As luck would have it, I just happened to find a striped shirt in the pile of "giveaway or redo clothes". Thus, inspired by this scarf here, I came up with this simple infinity scarf. Nothing fancy or original, but comfortable and a bit of relaxed class.

go to Sisters, Sisters for full tutorial

Flannel pants to mouth wipes

2012-02-15T18:52:00.006Z

I wanted a sanitary solution to wiping our mouths after brushing our teeth. Through an informal poll, I found out that most people wipe their mouths on the hand towel! I will be wiping my hands on my pants from now on when I go to other people's houses, lol. Anyway, we were using tissues (wasteful), and bath towels (probably not the most sanitary) in my house, so I decided to make some mini washcloths for the sole purpose of wiping our mouths after brushing. I found this pair of flannel pj bottoms at the thrift store, and made the wipes. There was enough material to make 46 4" wipes, enough to last over a week between washings.

~ Reuse, Recycle, Resweater! ~
www.resweater.blogspot.com

Table runner to denim skirt

2012-02-15T06:57:00.002Z

I could swear I've posted this refashion here before but apparently no! I found a denim table runner (!) on super sale (understandably) and thought it would look much better as a skirt. I took off the upper decorative border, halved it for a waistband, and fiddled around with pleating until it fit. Added a button and a zipper and voila!

I blog here.

DIY leather chain link necklace

2012-02-15T05:45:00.003Z

With the left over leather from a skirt I refashioned here, I made this cute new necklace. I’mloving all the inspiration I’m finding online at the moment, could keeping me DIY’ing forever!

Check out my blog, The Life of Clare for the full instructions.

Valentines Day Last Minute Refashon!

2012-02-14T05:23:00.000Z

This top is super easy and can be whipped together in about an hour if you have a mens T shirt hanging around. To see my tutorial visit me at

Sew Country Chick

Happy Saint Valentine's Day!

Justine

Recycled Sweater Head Wrap and Cowl Scarf

2012-02-13T16:40:00.001Z

I made Emily a couple of headwraps from some old sweaters and matching cowl scarves. I also made a headwrap for her cousin's 12th birthday. Don't they look so cute together? The headwrap can be worn plain or embellished. They are so quick and easy to sew. You basically cut out long rectangles, apply fabric glue to the long sides and sew the short ends together and you're done. I got the idea from Disney of Ruffles and Stuff. She's made some great tutorials, click here for the headwrap tutorial and here for the cowl scarf. Thanks so much, Disney, Emily loves hers. They keep her warm and stylish.

They were made from these two sweaters.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Sewing With Trudy

Ladies shirt to girls' dress...

2012-02-13T09:37:00.000Z

Hi, Pam here from Threading My Way.

For this refashion, I've taken a woman's shirt and turned it into a little, girl's dress.

Take off the sleeves and alter the neckline...

Take out fullness in the top, reduce the width and add a tie...

All that remains of the original is one sleeve and the band from the second sleeve, both added to my stash for another day...

I am very pleased with this quick and easy refashion. It's given new life to a shirt that was no longer used. You can read more details here.

... Pam

More Gray Refashions

2012-02-12T20:56:00.005Z

I have a lot of gray things I've refashioned. This skirt is something I've had for years but rarely wore anymore. I got the idea to put buttons down the side after watching the 1933 movie version of "42nd Street", where the chorus girls are dancing in black skirts with huge white buttons down the side. I also took 5 inches off the bottom. It already had the slit up the side; in the first picture it's on backwards since I had already put the buttons on. Simple, but I think it makes a difference.

This sweater is actually a very dark gray, and casual - with a hood and front pocket. I took off the pocket, trimmed off the hood, then cut it up the middle but slightly off center. I used a piece of the hood to add to one side of the sweater so that the new cardigan fronts would be able to overlap. Then I sewed a shiny-ish gray ribbon around the edge. It's actually not easy to find gray ribbon. This was a little too stiff and my original plan of ruffling the ribbon did not work at all. Then I added buttons (although it really closes with a snap) and the tie, which came from sewing together the two straps I had cut off a gray sweater jumper (American jumper) dress.

Note the cute doggie!

Metallica vs Mastodon

2012-02-12T10:54:00.000Z

Here's a really quick t-shirt refashion from men's ugly rock t-shirt to women's fitted tee, completed in about 10 minutes.

Before....

And after.....

I wore this to see a heavy metal/prog metal band called Mastodon, who were absolutely incredible. Here's me at the gig.

Anyway, call by my blog to see what I did and how I did it.

Adding colour with bias tape

2012-02-11T23:59:00.000Z

Hi all!

I've been a little bit out of action at the moment, looking for a new place to live (stuff all over the place but nothing set up for sewing, unfortunately), so I'm going to share with you all something I prepared earlier.

This skirt is actually my very first attempt at refashioning a garment--a skirt in block green colour, brightened up a little using some bias tape I made from a retro print. I added a strip all the way around the bottom, a few centimetres up from the hem, and two strips at the front where little brass shanked buttons used to sit (needless to say, I kept the buttons in hope they will be useful later).

Here is the before and after (you can just make out the original buttons):

I will be putting this skirt up for sale very soon in my eBay store, and I'll report back here with details when I get it all up and going. In the mean time, please keep an eye out on the website I've been setting up: www.retro-reinvented.com.au :)

Pin-spiration

2012-02-11T22:26:00.001Z

Like many people these days I've been inspired more than once by my Pinterest explorations. This shirt is no exception.

You can see the entire transformation on my blog

Pillowcases!

2012-02-11T19:42:00.006Z

Happy Saturday everyone! Pillowcases are one of my absolute favorite things to work with. They are inexpensive ($1 each at the Goodwill) and usually have interesting detailing at the hem that sheets often don't. Because of my size, I can make shirts, skirts and dresses from a pillowcase, and I just finished a skirt that I love!!

I was at the Goodwill the other day, and while perusing the pillowcase section (which is massive at my store) these two jumped out at me:

I knew right away I wanted to use the navy case as a skirt to highlight that fantastic edging material. I also knew I wanted to use the dotted fabric as a wide waistband. I didn't use any kind of pattern--just cut some of the navy fabric off so the length was what I wanted, added some pleats to the front and darts in the back for shape, and cut off a strip of the other fabric for the top:

I sewed the two together, added a zipper, and voila! I need to do a little bit of retooling with the zipper, as I ended up with a bit of puckering. But other than that, I'm thrilled with the way it came out.

Sleeves into toddler pj bottoms

2012-02-11T17:55:00.002Z

I cut the sleeves off a dress shirt and created cute little pj bottoms for a toddler.

Feel free to see my whole blog post at http://refashionmama.wordpress.com/2012/02/10/finally-something-for-a-little-boy/Also, follow me on Twitter or Pinterest @RefashionMama or like my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/RefashionMama/372278196122675

Visions of Sugar Plums

2012-02-11T04:05:00.001Z

I had a plum colored sweater that I haven't worn this season because it is wool and it has been too warm. I wanted to try refashioning it into a cardigan.

I found this B.Moss shirt at the thrift store that was a perfect match for the sweater. Since the fit was a bit off at the bust, I cut off the sleeves and made a belt.

Finished ensemble : )

more on the process at jillians refashions

Octopus Clutch

2012-02-11T03:44:00.001Z

I have a gift exchange coming up requiring a gift that is handmade.

Using bartered pastoral upholstery fabric, swiping a couple thrifted purse straps for shoulder and wristlet slings, and cannibalizing a zipper from a duvet from Value Village, I made this purse.

The lining was gifted, the bias tape from Goodwill (neither are shown). The D-rings were the only new purchase for this project.

The upholstery fabric was perhaps more worn out than I had realized, and there were some holes developing in certain spots. I embroidered an octopus on the parts where there were holes, backing it with another layer of the fabric and with some fusible webbing. The recipient loves octopuses, so I thought it'd be a nice addition. I used only what embroidery thread stash I already own, so I have mixed feelings about its efficacy on the fabric. But then, cephalopods are known to blend in well with their surroundings when they want to.

No post on this project at my blog until tomorrow night, so the recipient doesn't get to find out her gift before the party. But you're welcome to check my blog out in the meantime. I even have a post on sewn cephalopods.

Update: The post on the bag can be found here.

first dress

2012-02-10T02:07:00.002Z

i found this material at one of my favorite thrift stores a few months back. i love that it has an old vintage look to it. i thought it was really pretty, so i couldn't pass it up. there were around 4 or 5 yards (??) & it only cost me $4!!

i've kind of been on a sewing from scratch kick lately. so this is what i made with that material:

my first dress!

as you can see from the first picture i still have a lot of this material left over. trying to figure out what i want to do with it next. hmmm? any suggestions?

i made the victory pattern ava dress right after this one, also with some thrifted corduroy material. you can't go wrong with thrifted material!!

fingers. chopsticks & bobbins

DIY t-shirt necklace

2012-02-10T01:17:00.001Z

I’m so excited to be writing my first post for The RefashionCo-Op. It’s a fairly simple one, but Ireally love the outcome.

This morning I found an XL mans cotton polo shirt at theopshop for $3. It had a great look it to,rather than just being black. So Idecided to turn it into a necklace.

So from this:

To this:

If you want to know more please visit my blog here.

I can't wait to post more refashioned items!

Thanks, Clare.

Form-fitting t-shirt

2012-02-09T22:00:00.007Z

My latest refashion is not so ground-breaking. I had a too-big t-shirt that I wanted to make more form-fitting.

While working on this shirt, I decided that I needed my own dress form to be able to create more drastic, fantastic transformations with clothes. I want to try our more than just hemming and taking things in!

I enlisted the help of my husband to make a custom-fit dress form following these instructions from Threads Magazine: http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3631/duct-tape-dress-form-2 . I used a microphone stand for the base. Once the duct-taped form was cut off of me, I hung it from a hanger at the top of the stand. I closed up the bottom and the armholes using cardboard and filled it with styrofoam peanuts. She is a thing of beauty!

I used my brand new form to get a perfect fit on the t-shirt. I put it on inside out and pinned down the undersides of the arms and along the side seams.

After I took in the sides, I hemmed it a bit and had myself a perfectly fitted shirt.

I can't wait to try out some more awesome refashions now that I have my own body double!

Mom & Daughter Dress

2012-02-09T21:49:00.003Z

Hello everyone! This is my first time posting, so I hope you'll like my refashions.

I'll start with this mom and daughter dress. Unfortunately I don't have pictures of the before because I started this project longgg ago, but only made it recently.

I had this long stripped dress, and I wasn't pleased with it no longer, so, my idea was to make it shorter by cutting it a little. A little later (1-2 years?!), I am a mommie, and I found that piece of fabric I had cut out from the original dress.

So, what I did was to turn it into a little dress for my baby... matching mine of course.

http://houseofestrela.blogspot.com

80's Laura Ashley Refashion

2012-02-09T20:53:00.004Z

I found this Laura Ashley dress in a thrift store and had already cut off the puffy sleeves and lace collar before I remembered to take a photo. Here I am, holding the sleeve on so you can get an idea of the 'before'.

I remember this style from the late 80's.
Already so different. A lot can be done in refashioning garments just by cutting stuff off, whether sleeves or length or whatever.

So I made it into a jumper, as Americans say. Or a pinafore if you are Australian.

I love that it has pockets.

I don't know if I am completely happy with the neckline. Square might have been better.

2012-02-09T19:50:00.000Z

Hip Bag

Last summer while in Encinitas for my brother's wedding in Swamii Beach, I visited a great Farmer's Market and spotted the cutest Boho chic hip bag. It soon became an obsession of mine. I used the fabric from a well worn favorite Roxy skirt that I purchased in Rosarito Beach, a pair of cargo pants that I previously re-fashioned into a messenger bag (Dec 29th, 2011 blog post). I also picked up a grip of Singer Sewing notions on clearance at a Von's market and sewed the buttons I purchased onto the strap.

I will tweak it a little next time, I think I would like bags on both hips because I love looking Hippy as long as I don't appear too "hippy."

Check out my blog http://greengirlfaery.blogspot.com/ for more fashion ideas!

Worth It !

2012-02-09T11:36:00.003Z

Four years ago I bought this skirt at a Worth trunk show. Worth is one of my favorite clothing lines, but the clothes are expensive. I consider my Worth purchases very special.

I never wore the skirt because it didn't fit correctly. I decided to remake it although I was a little nervous about cutting such nice silk. As soon as I released a few stitches in the lining the skirt fit beautifully and I realized it had been a manufacturer's error after all these years. Since I rarely wear long skirts these days I proceeded with the refashion and used this old New Look pattern as my guide.

Here is the fabric after I took the skirt apart.

Following are the steps I used:

1. I cut the pieces out from the bottom of the skirt and used the top for the facings.

2. There wasn't enough fabric to cut the back piece out without leaving two of the original skirt seams in place, but they aren't too noticeable.

3. I really wanted a lined skirt but didn’t want to disturb the pretty border, so I lined two of the panels and left the front panel unlined. I sewed the lining to the left front panel and the seam allowance on the back. The right front remained unlined. This worked well giving the skirt enough weight to hang properly and feel substantial.

4. I attached small ties on the left front and inside the back to hold the skirt together. I finished it with a button on the right front to hold the panel in place.

Remaking the Worth skirt was a positive move and I have a piece of clothing far more versatile than before. It was definitely W O R T H remaking!

www.goodbyevalentino.com

Shirred Dress, Bag and Fabric Flower

2012-02-09T07:40:00.000Z

Hi, Pam here from Threading My Way.

This was my Round One entry in Project Recycle over at the T-shirt Diaries.

I began with:

a black, cotton jacket
an adult's halter neck baby doll top

And ended up with a little, girl's shirred dress, a fabric flower and a bag.

Here's how I did it...

Turtleneck into top

2012-02-09T02:11:00.001Z

I took this turtleneck that I never wear, flipped it upside down where the neck became my waist, took off the sleeves and took in the sides and created this new top.

See my whole blog post here. Follow me on Twitter or Pinterest @RefashionMama.

Silky dress turned into pretty top

2012-02-09T02:02:00.002Z

All of my refashions come from my own closet...I have a ton of clothes I've collected over the years, even though I donate, swap and give away...I still have a lot! I've had this dress for years and wore it once. I love the color and silkiness of the fabric so I chopped off the bottom portion and made it into a cute top.

Feel free to see my whole blog post here or follow me on Twitter or Pinterest @RefashionMama.

Shift into Vest

2012-02-08T22:56:00.000Z

I started with an old linen jumper I had that was now too small, too short and too stained.

old mini shift/ jumper - before

With nothing to lose, I cut straight up the middle to turn it into a vest. Using lace from an old prom dress, I edged the neckline and center front with it.

decorative vest - after

Then made substantial patch pockets out of a scrap of upholstery fabric in just the right color.

yeah, pockets!

And just for kicks I made a feather boa collar (detachable thank goodness!)

too much?!

See more of what's happening at Project Minima!

Buttons!

2012-02-08T18:14:00.000Z

As a part of the Sew Grateful Week I have refashioned a lovely cardi, simple but just what I need in this cold weather!

Blogged about here : http://charlottesewfarsewgood.blogspot.com/2012/02/sew-grateful-week.html

The 5 minute cool-down top

2012-02-08T17:00:00.003Z

As I'm actually starting to see results from my daily baby weight be gone workouts I thought I’d treat myself to a fancy cool-down top…until I saw the price tag. €40 for a shirt to wear at the end of a workout is a wee bit out of my budget – not to mention insane…it’s basically just a sweatshirt with holes in it…hey…think I can make one for free?

Yup! In about 5 minutes & no sewing! Here’s the how-to!

Tie Front Top Refashion

2012-02-07T17:44:00.004Z

When I bought this top at the thrift store, it had a high neckline which just drives me crazy. I can't stand anything too tight or high on my neck. So I used this handy little tutorial to adjust the neckline (it was really easy). And now:

www.mytwobutterflies.blogspot.com

Button up for Valentine's Day

2012-02-07T17:41:00.001Z

7 days before V-Day, there is enough time to make a button heart as a celebration of all creativity! Just take a small piece of leather (or sturdy fabric) and cut it in heart shape. Choose some beautiful buttons - I used a pink color range - and start sewing the buttons on the leather, overlapping each other. When you feel that you are finished, take a small piece of chiffong, fold it double, sew a loose seam on the open side, make it ruffled and sew it on around the edge of the heart. Fasten ribbons on both sides (so you can tie the heart around you neck). Sew a heart shape fabric on the back side for nice finish.

Man's shirt

2012-02-07T17:13:00.000Z

This is a simple refashion I did for my husband, but can of course be used for women's shirts.

I forgot to take a before photo, but it was just a normal long sleeve shirt. I shortened the sleeves and used the off cuts to make a pocket, which I then appliqued with the same fabric at different angles for a subtle effect.

Shorts Refashion - Polka Dots!

2012-02-07T16:08:00.001Z

Had fun transforming my old shorts into something fun for the beach (or anywhere that's full of sun!)

All my materials are shown below. Just cut out your dots and glue them down!! More pics at my blog!

Old shorts and maternity top!

Sweater Wrist Cuff

2012-02-07T15:15:00.003Z

This year I am trying very hard to make as many gifts as possible. I know I can't create something for everyone but I think with a little creativity I can share the gift of handmade with many. Having two kids in grade school means lots of parties and lots of gifts. This gift was for one of my daughter's friends. I made this wrist cuff from the cuff of a thrifted wool sweater. I lined the inside of the cuff with a knit fabric to eliminate the itch factor. The letter that looks like a "W" in this shot is actually a "M" for Madeleine, the recipient's name and is made from a thrifted cashmere sweater. I used embroidery thread to hand stitch the "M". Madeleine has her own style so this gift is fitting to her personality. Super quick and super fun! Next time I think I'll add some funky buttons.

Grandmother's Sheet

2012-02-06T19:16:00.009Z

On my third time around with this Cynthia Rowley pattern bySimplicity I decided to take a different route other than buying a new piece of fabric, and began this endeavor with a sheet I found while cleaning out my grandmother’s linen closet in 1998. The sheet with its beautiful hand crochet border was made by Grandmother’s neighbor who was a generation older than my grandmother. I suspect the sheet is around 100 years old at least.

I thought about making an apron or pillow with it but thankfully never got around to it.

I’ve always wanted a white tunic to wear with jeans, now I have a truly one-of-a-kind top with sentimental value.

Actually, I only had half of a sheet to work with, still trying to remember what I did with the bottom half of this sheet. Because of that I didn’t have enough fabric for the sleeves and had to piece them together. I put the heirloom sewing skills I learned 20 years ago to practice, and inserted a piece of lace in between the sleeve sections.

It’s easy in case you have never done it before.

My grandmother who lived in a small Kentucky town loved to play practical jokes on others and was constantly trying to get a rise out of people. She was always nicely dressed and had a gorgeous collection of Italian hats which I will never figure out! Grandmother would have never run around in an old bedsheet so maybe my tunic would get a rise out of her for a change.

My latest sewing project gave me not only a new f r e e piece of clothing, but also provided a gentle reminder that looking to the past often brings about modern results!

www.goodbyevalentino.com

2012-02-06T09:50:00.000Z

I made this blouse a few years ago. I really liked the fabric but never liked the collar. I regretted not making a dress or a tunic. I had very little of this fabric left over, just a single strip about 30cm in width just about enough to add a piece to the end but it wouldn't look right.

I spotted this skirt in the January sales for €1 at a guess I thought it might match the color of my blouse and it did!

I cut off the button stand and made a centre seam down the front. I did quite a bit of adjusting with the shoulder seams to get them to sit right. using the fabric for the skirt I made bias binding for the neckline.

I also added shoulder pads.

I added the strip of leftover blouse fabric to the end. After deciding what length I would like I added a strip of skirt fabric and ended up with a new dress!

Dandelion Dress: Toddler Dress Tutorial Made From Thrifted Mens Shirts

2012-02-06T04:23:00.000Z

A little dress perfect for picking dandelions and playing house.

To see my tutorial for making this dress from two mens button down shirts visit

Sew Country Chick

Stash-busting!

2012-02-05T21:37:00.005Z

First item in my huge stash to be refashioned this year is this beautiful silk skirt that I bought at a thrift store a year ago:

It was a size 4, and I am most definitely not a size 4 :) But i had to have it, and it had been lying in my sewing closet along with all the other pieces of clothes that did not get donated because I just had to keep (but yet cannot wear for one reason or another)

More on my blog, Memoryseed.

Killin' time 'til kickoff

2012-02-05T19:48:00.004Z

While sorting through the stack of mending and repairs, which I’ve been ignoring for a little while now, I came across the dress I altered to wear to a summer wedding last year. I’d pinned the long sleeves back in but hadn’t SEWN the sleeves back in.

I’ve always wanted to do something or other with the neckline and this was the afternoon to take at stab at it. The simple leaves and stuffed circles out of scraps of the original fabric give it a kinda medieval look, which is going to suit the occasion I need it for later this month.

I also lettuced a plain top given me by Little Sis but cut the new V neck FAR too much. However, I did find a way to fix it.

Make mittens from an old sweater

2012-02-05T14:36:00.001Z

Last Tuesday, I had a class on making mittens from old sweaters. I've now posted a tutorial on how to make mittens from an old sweater on my blog.

Wedding Dress Transformation...

2012-02-05T04:21:00.000Z

Hi, I'm Pam from Threading My Way. I discovered the Refashion Co-op via Charlotte, over at Sew Far Sew Good. I just had to come and take a look and of course wanted to sign up. So, here I am, writing my first post for the Refashion Co-op.

Today, I thought I'd tell you about a wedding dress I transformed. Yes, that's right! I cut into a wedding dress and made it into a formal day dress, complete with a matching clutch.

Here's the wedding dress, the first and only time it was worn as a wedding dress. After that day, it sat, carefully wrapped up, in a wardrobe.

I wish I could say that I made this gorgeous dress, but I didn't.

It wasn't easy making the first cut, but once I started, the nerves disappeared and I was away.

The new skirt is made from a lightweight, stretch denim.

Here's the finished dress in action at another wedding, but this time, not as the bride.

And complete with a matching clutch made from the original dress.

I was extremely pleased with the results and it certainly attracted many compliments. You can read the story behind the transformation here...

Mustard Cardigan Flower refashion

2012-02-04T17:03:00.004Z

Hi all! It's been awhile, thought I'd show off a creation (I admit it's from a couple months ago but somehow I forgot to post it here!)

First I refashioned a Mens L crewneck 100% merino sweater into a cardigan for myself:

Borrowed a BBW tee pattern from a friend to get the general shape, frankenpatterning that onto my favorite RTW cardigan to get a sense for the proportions I like. To make the sleeves, I cut them to be 3/4 length from the bottom of the mens sweater, so that when I attached them they would be about the right circumference and salvage the hems (does that make sense? my bicep now occupies the space where the mens elbows/forearms once did)

Then I added a ton of flowers.

Made from a wool blend. Somehow got really lucky and found a spot-on color match at Joann's. Basically I used a combination of online felt flower tutorials, made up a couple of my own, and Google Imaged "felt flower" as inspiration.

Added matching buttons. Instead of attempting buttonholes, the cardigan actually closes with snaps so the buttons are decorative. It probably took me 20 hours to make, but I wear it a lot and always get comments on it!

Turtleneck to cardigan

2012-02-04T15:35:00.001Z

Started out with a thrifted turtleneck and a large skirt

Resized the skirt and made the turtle neck into a crossover sweater. Using buttons from an old coat and lining from a thrifted shirt to refashion the sweater..
Check out my blog for more refashions.

Earphone bracelet

2012-02-04T14:03:00.005Z

Last month, I came across a new blog- hello hydrangea, by the lovely Lindsey, it's full of cute, creative ideas, one of which was this cool earphone bracelet. I had to give it a go and am very pleased with the finished result which fished tons of comlipments from my friends who all wanted me to make them some!

more photos on my blog : Rosie. liz and bunny

Roisin xx

New Accessory...

2012-02-04T00:15:00.005Z

I love loud, bright earrings.

I have a few that are my all time favourites ever.

My most favourite pair are my big, pink Kellie Christie vintage button replica polymer clay earrings (say that 6 times fast). I asked my husband to grab them and bring them to the city where we were meeting for dinner a few months back.

Unfortunately he lost one of them along the way. He was so apologetic because he knew I loved them. But I was already conjuring up a rescue plan for the lonely one left behind.

First I had to pry off the backing which I must say wasn't as easy I thought it would be.

Ready my hot glue gun which has been hibernating for a whole year along with a ring base and wait for it to dry (learnt that the hard way). I suggest calling a friend or making a coffee to distract yourself for trying it on too soon.

Now I have a brand spanking new big, pink Kellie Christie vintage button replica polymer clay ring instead.

Kellie would be proud!

Tree Pillow

2012-02-03T02:16:00.001Z

I was inspired by this pillow

scrap fabric

I used a template to cut out leaves

Then I appliqued them onto the pillow fabric. I ended up making 2 more : )

jillians refashions

felted wool cardigan to warm & cute skirt!

2012-02-02T12:50:00.005Z

I got this merino wool cardigan sweater from the thrift store already felted, and it was begging me to become a skirt! I love the rolled original hem, and little belts... it made for some great detail in the skirt. I originally had sewn the cardigan opening closed all the way, but since taking the pictures, I have seam ripped the bottom 4 inches back open. It lays, moves, and looks a lot better now!

For more recycled wool projects, and lots of tutorials, check out my blog!

~ Reuse, Recycle, Resweater! ~
www.resweater.blogspot.com

More Fun With Sweaters

2012-02-02T11:14:00.001Z

This is an oldie but goody. I apologize for the lack of before photos. I turned a small man's sweater into a sweater dress for the Little Miss by adding brown corduroy (from a failed sewing project) to the hem. I also had to take in the shoulders and shorten the sleeves to get it to fit her. She loved it and wore it til she outgrew it.

The Doodle Skirt

2012-02-01T13:54:00.007Z

Don’t you love it when scraps practically refashion themselves? The leftovers from my Not The Army Anymore project begged to be transformed into this cool creation:

...with some funky doodle-y details:

Here's how it's done.

*Are there any new mommies willing join me in my Baby Weight Be Gone journey?

moominy madness :)

2012-01-31T17:57:00.009Z

Way back at the start of second year (I think that's like middle school or something in America) we had a cushion design project in Home economics. Of course, being an AVID moomin fan since..... erm... a LONG time ago-ish, I had to make a moomin cushion.

I used an old pillowcase and appliqued on moomin characters that I made from upholstery samples! Sniff is faux leather!! I really enjoyed cushion..ing and last summer, I made this cushion with my Auntie Mo. You can definately see the difference in ability as I made this cushion from scratch (out of leftover curtain fabric and an embroidered flower from another cushion), but I personally favour the moomin one. Last weekend, I found the rest of the curtainy thing I used for the cushion and used it to cover a pin board to use as a jewellery..thing. The weird thing was, when I photographed the close up of Snuffkin (I love him !!) The camera said "blink detected" CRREEEEPPPYYY!!!

Roisin xx

Refashion Co-op: moominy madness :) http://rosielizandbunny.blogspot.com/ my new blog !!

2012-01-31T09:19:00.002Z

Hello all Re-fashionistas! This is my first contribution to this great community, I hope you like it. I'm into reusing and remaking and use to call my stuff for "beauty reborn" 'cause there are so much beautiful things just waiting for new users. Already Cinderella was a reuser/remaker - remember her gown...but her shoes were new (!?). So here are Cinderellas new shoes - old pumps, newspaper, lace, crocheted flower, voilá :-))

Mostly I reuse clothes and make different kinds of bags under my own label Mirkka. If you are curious you're welcome to visit my webshop at www.mirkka.com which is in english also. I also blog, but the blog is only in Swedish.

Have a nice day, we have a sunny but cold day today, -9° C.
maritta

Leather detail on denim jacket

2012-01-30T22:59:00.001Z

Hi ladies! Today I wanted to show you my "new" refashioned jacket. I've had this denim jacket for a long time and although I did wear it every now and then it needed a little something. So I went to the thrift store and purchased a leather skirt and refashioned my jacket. I should have used synthetic leather (easier to wash) but I was too impatient and I didn't find any good looking synthetic leather so I used real leather instead.

Before

After

Turorial here ^-^

Preposterous Skirt

2012-01-30T17:56:00.001Z

Hello Refashioners! Hope you're having fun making things into other things!

Here is a photo of me in the kitchen at university (New Hall, if you're wondering).

Do you like my trousers? I did... but they didn't fit me very well and the excessive amount of fabric made them difficult to wear if it was raining or muddy or dusty or... you get the picture.

Several years later, I decided to make something of them. I had a skirt pattern based on Design-It-Yourself Clothes by Cal Patch, which I had already tried out using an old bedsheet. I wanted some more exciting material. My old preposterous trousers seemed perfect! I cut the front of the skirt out of one leg and the back out of the other. Here's the finished item:

The centre seams on the front and back are the old side seams of the trousers. I wish I'd added pockets, but I think that would have been tricky (especially as I decided to put in a button fastening at one side). I'm still wondering about patch pockets, but I don't really have enough fabric left.

Here's a close-up of the buttons:

See my blog post for more (well, different) information (and to give me some advice about sewing on buttons, if you have any!)

Suit into Overall!

2012-01-30T17:22:00.001Z

Don't you just love wearing your boyfriends/husbands/brothers clothes sometimes? Well, even better when you get them handed down, right? It was like a second Christmas when I got this grey, old-fashioned suit:

...and turned it into this cool - brown! - overall:

Finally I get to have that overall that I've been wanting ever since they started popping up on the runways one (or two?) seasons ago...

I have posted a lot more pictures on my blog Of Dreams and Seams, and I will write a two-part how-to with all the information you need if you want to try this too. First installment coming tomorrow!

All the best to you re-fashioners out there! I love this blog and all your ideas!

Bags from sofa fabric samples

2012-01-30T17:02:00.001Z

Hello,
my name is Jana and sewing is my big passion just after hula hooping.
I am very happy to be part of this community and share my creations.

Here are two bags that I have done from fabric samples for sofas that you have in furniture shops. Some shops just through the old ones away when not needed, so don't hesitate to ask, they'll probably just give it to you.

This bag is made from old skirt, some leather sofa samples as straps and few doilies as a decoration. I really enjoy wearing it, it is soft and very comfy:

And this bag was made already last year and i use it for my collapsible hoops.

Happy sewing :)
Jana, Ula Oopla

High-waisted jean skirt

2012-01-30T03:06:00.003Z

Sorry I've been pretty scarce around these parts! I have no idea how it's nearly the end of January (did this month go really really fast for anyone else?) I think I'm getting my sewing/refashioning creativity back, though! I did a couple of quick refashioning projects today, the first of which was transforming this strange thrifted jean skirt...

...into the high-waisted jean skirt I've been looking to wear this spring (whenever spring gets to Boston, that is)!

More on my blog, Adventures in Refashioning.

2 too-short tees to 1 wearable tee

2012-01-30T02:38:00.002Z

I have a number of these long sleeves tees in various colours that I find too short to wear now. They have been sitting in my closet for a few years. I thought I could just combine them and make them into wearable tees.

This is the original tee in black. The purple one is identical and has already been partially cut up for my baby girl's leggings.
And here is the new tee! Another easy peasy refashion.

More details on http://lovenicky-froufrou.blogspot.com/

Fun with hats!

2012-01-29T20:09:00.004Z

The hats I made from sweaters provided loads of entertainment at our local ski resort! The perfect place for upcycled hats.
To see how I made these hats and mittens, check out my blog

Old Sweater Redos

2012-01-29T17:00:00.003Z

Hello there! Wishing all of you a very happy and productive 'new' year :) I have quite a bunch of things in my closet that survived several rounds of donation pile - can't wear/use as-is - so I am hoping this dragon year I will proceed with refashioning them into something else more fabulous. Hehe. All of your projects inspire me as always, so keep them coming!

Here are a few of my older, pre-blog projects using old/shrunken sweaters:

Slouchy hat from thrifted cotton sweater:

Cashmere Infinity scarf from shrunken thrifted sweater:

Neck warmer from thrifted sweater with thrifted pearl buttons:

Stop by my blog Memoryseed where I sometimes share my sewing projects :)

Take care,
Far

Frilly skirt

2012-01-28T22:25:00.002Z

I had this baby cord skirt which, to be honest, was a little on the short side for me. But I loved it and wanted to keep it if at all possible!!

So I decided to lengthen it.

But I couldn't find the perfect colour/style/fabric with which to add something to the bottom of the skirt.

And then I thought, hmmm, it has an underskirt - perhaps I could do something with that. So I cut it up and added a frill.

Now it's the perfect length!

There are more details about this refashion on my blog:

http://sewselena.blogspot.com/2011/09/how-to-rescue-short-skirt.html

2012-01-28T09:30:00.001Z

This is my first post to the Refashion Co op, and one of my first efforts in refashioning! More details can be found on my blog : http://charlottesewfarsewgood.blogspot.com/2012/01/making-effort-with-refashioning.html

The dress was far to big and a terrible length, such a nice print was worth saving.

So here we are a lovely top, not too exciting in refashioning terms but now very wearable!

Well, Hello There!

2012-01-28T04:40:00.009Z

Hey everyone!

Hellabella here--long time refashion co-op reader, first time contributor! I'm so excited to be a part of this fantastic community of creative people! I love all aspects of creation and crafting, but sewing is definitely my first love. Since I was in middle school I've been rummaging through thrift stores and altering what I find. Bed linens are a particular favorite resource of mine.

Today I thought I'd share my most recent transformation. My sewing machine is in the shop, but I've really been itching to make something, so I decided to jump in and do my first completely hand sewn piece. I think it came out pretty great!

I started with this shirt, which was buried down at the bottom of a drawer--it's comfy but had lots of small holes in it and a few discolorations.

I made a pattern from another skirt that fits me really well, and cut pieces from the shirt. I had to get creative to avoid all the holes and stains, but being forced to make do gave me the bright idea to play with the placement of the stripes, and (hours of hand sewing later) I love how it came out! I saved the bottom hem of the shirt for the waistband, and luckily the fabric had enough stretch I didn't need to add a zipper :D

Mama+baby+sling sleeve

2012-01-27T16:57:00.005Z

Hi, I'm a new contributor here (RefashionMama) and am very exited to share my refashions with you!

This is my latest refashion. I decided I needed to make something that would keep my little one warmer while in my sling when it's cold outside. I made a sleeve out of an old sweatshirt to wear over her.All you need is an old sweatshirt..

A sling...

A little one...

Plus scissors and basic sewing skills (if you need to resize your sweatshirt).Please see my full tutorial on my blog at http://refashionmama.wordpress.com/2012/01/24/my-creation-mamababysling-sleeve-diy/. Also, please feel free to follow me on Twitter or Pinterest @RefashionMama.

Boden Inspired Button Flower Cardigan

2012-01-26T19:16:00.004Z

A refashioned thrift store cardigan - inspired by Boden's Fun Button Tunic. You can see more details on my blog.

DIY tie dye

2012-01-26T04:47:00.002Z

On my recent visit to the trash and treasure market, I picked up a lightweight cotton top for a $1, stained on the front, perfect for tie dye.

I scrunched up my top into a ball, used t-shirt yarn to hold in place

Dunked in boiled hot water and RIT dye, and left for a few hours.

Rinsed out till the water ran clear, and I left my top to dry in the hot sun

Crocheted Afghan into Crocheted Skirt

2012-01-26T02:07:00.003Z

I'm always attracted to the many brightly colored afghans at my local thrift store. I finally bought this one since it's border and decorative flower just screamed to be made into a skirt.

You can find the basic steps to this refashion over at my blog, ThisMamaMakesStuff.com

T-shirt to Chic Top

2012-01-25T18:28:00.000Z

Hello everyone and welcome twenty twelve! :-)Just a simple refashion to start the year with, a chic top made from boring large t-shirt

Here's the after top

Made from this large t-shirt

I post a tutorial on how to make this top on my blog. Hop on to Made by Evyline for more details..

Brooke's new wardrobe

2012-01-25T13:50:00.000Z

Before:

My local thrift store was having a great holiday sale; if you donated 4 cans of food you'd get a free garbage bag full of clothes. Needless to say, I stocked up for my new refashioning hobby. (Sorry about the picture quality, I have since purchased a new camera, so I hope the quality will be a little better)

This all started when my daughter introduced me to Pinterest. I was fascinated by all the creative and talented people refashioning clothes. So I decided to give it a try. Now I'm completely hooked! I started with making some clothes for my 3 year old grand daughter from my thrift store purchases. Here are the after pictures:

Brooke's new wardrobe!

Check out my blog for tutorials on how to make some of these clothes. Thanks!