I do! (want this peplum top made from a wedding dress)

I started volunteering at a social enterprise eight months ago, a workplace where participants get the chance to follow a workfit program in an accessible and inclusive environment. Textile is one of the products they work with and make marketable products of. It's a really nice (work)place to be and contribute to.

Every now and then we get donations like leftover fabrics, old clothes, buttons, thread, yarn etc.. A while back, someone donated a beautiful wedding gown. I am always in awe of special fabrics like these and it makes me want to work with extra caution. I don't know the history of this gown, but it would be a shame for this fabric to only have been used once, wouldn't it?   

I wanted to turn it into a peplum top and it took some time to find a matching fabric for the peplum part, but I found it! 

I see leafs!

I chose a pattern I also used for a peplum top made from a pillow case a few years ago. The peplum has a box pleat in the front and 2 pleats in the back. 

I discovered an extra challenge in the form of a side seam of the top that had frayed (almost) too much. I couldn't really take in the seams, since the top is small, size S, but I'm pretty sure a drop of nail polish and some interfacing did the job. 

I've never particularly cared for ironing, but such a beautiful sleeve makes a sleeve board really show its use!

Le sleeve & le back

There's still some fabric left from the skirt, any ideas what to do with it? 

Hope you enjoyed this 'bridal' refashion! And you're welcome to visit vermaakster.blogspot.com for more details. 

Until next time!

Long time, no post. Then - pyjamas!

For the longest time, all my refashions went wrong. Not 'this was better in my head' wrong but 'this needs to be ripped apart and put in the scrap box' wrong. (There is still one I have not given up all hope on, but that's for another day). 

When all else fails - pyjamas. Low, low stakes and I'll don't mind wearing them if they look a bit odd. I don't fuss much with the seam finishes either so it's quick. I didn't take photos... because I was sewing something, anything, to get my sew-jo back. Of course, they went like a dream.

I have a large stockpile of stretch fabric that was either salvaged or off cuts, and weren't large enough for a full t-shirt part even for a child. I'd long tossed about the idea of patchworking them together to make larger pieces. There's a rough colour scheme and I overlocked the pieces together.

Tip 1 - It's easier to make a large piece of fabric and then cut out the parts, than to try and patchwork to the right shape. Waste a little more fabric, waste way less time.

Tip 2 - Check the fabric for flaws, worn areas and snags so you don't start mending immediately.

Next up, I wanted to test this pattern draft for pants: Thoughtful Creativity - How to sew basic pants and used an old flannelette sheet I had saved. 

Because when you can sew there is potential in all fabric so everything can be rescued, right? 😁 

Of course, the miracle happened and they fitted perfectly and are super comfy. First time, exactly as drafted. This. Never. Happens. (Your mileage may vary: I tried the basic bodice draft on the same channel and we were not aligned.)

 May your sew-jo never desert you!

Mimi 

Taco Bell T-shirts

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I was given a huge pile of t-shirts from a Taco Bell restaurant. They had a lot of graphics on them but I used the solid black parts to make a dress. 

Up-cycled t-shirts. 

I used the pieces of t-shirt to make a skirt to attach to this cropped shirt I made in the summer. Did I need a French Bulldog dress? Yes, I really did. 

 

This was fun project you can see more details at I Can Work With That. 
 

 

Vest/gilet upcycle embroidery: it's Sunday, relax!

 

Hi everyone! Those of you who've been following my refashion and upcycle projects probably know I like to throw in a a little embroidery every now and then. Well it's that time again!

The inspiration for this upcycle came from the book 'Close Knit' by the Danish Laerke Bagger. This inspiring book brings colourful knits to life with original ideas, modern and fun, and she makes use of leftover yarn. She is particularly encouraging to those who have tried and given up in frustration: 'forget everything you've learned so far' (I have the Dutch version myself, so forgive my if didn't translate  correctly). And yes, this is my honest and own opinion of the book which I bought myself:).

Browsing through the pages, I immediately fel for the funny font of 'Relax' and knew that it was the perfect way to upcycle my kind of boring vest/gilet! 

I chose a bright fuchsia pink as a counterpart to the dusty pink colour of the vest. It has a silver thread in it, which adds to the contrast. And it just so happened I recently dyed a pink second hand blouse in a matching colour!

I really enjoyed embroidering on this vest. When I finished I came up with another idea for embroiderment on the front! Feel free to look into that on vermaakster.blogspot.com. 

Enjoy your Sunday and 'relax'!

Can a Skirt Be a Dress?

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I'm sure you know the answer to that question, a skirt can definitely be a dress. Let me show you what I mean. 

I loved the colors of this skirt but it was too big and too long. The material and the tiers made this more difficult to shorten and hem the traditional way. I decided to make it a dress.

I cut in about 4 inches on each side, under the waistband.

 

I turned the waistband up at a 90 degree angle and sewed it in place. 

 

Now the waistband makes shoulder straps. I added a belt and a sweater to my new dress and I was ready to go. For more pictures and how-to details go to I Can Work With That. 
 

 

 

Last minute ideas for New Years drinks

Hi everyone, happy New Year! January is usually the month for new years drinks: a happy hour with the neighbours or a holiday party at work to ring in the new year. A chance to give your outfit some extra sparkle! This inspired me to do a throwback post on ideas for a last minute festive outfit. And of course, all projects are done by our own Refashionistas!

🌟 🌟 🌟

Split sleeve blouse

Let's start with this simple yet chic refashion (and my personal favourite), a split sleeve top by Pivot Point Patterns. She made it from a velour top, which is perfect for this time of year. She spotted the idea in a post by Laura (the Accidental Seamstress) and loved it so much, she decided to try it herself. 

Laura actually copied her 'Vine and Dine' split sleeve blouse from Beth Huntington, the Renegade Seamstress. So we could say the split sleeve blouse is one of Refashion Co-ops own classics! Anyone else want to try it? (Yes, me, me!)

Circus (lace) blouse

Carissa covered stains on the yoke of her 'circus' blouse with lace. Such a smart idea! The blouse had a beautiful print with little ponies, clowns and cute dancing ballerinas. She used the lace from an old bra (!) and it really made the blouse look very elegant. Styled with a black pencil skirt and black belt she looks ready for a New Years party!

Party proof cardigan

If you're the shivering type, like me, you could probably use some extra warmth around your shoulders. What about turning your basic (boring) cardigan into a party proof cardigan? A few sparkling buttons can make all the difference! I also cut the bottom and added a jacquard jersey hem and matching cuffs to give the cardigan an upgrade. Perfect for a happy hour with friends or neighbours, cheers!

Holiday Cocktail Party dress

Mary Alexa's Holiday Cocktail Party dress might take up a little more time, but is so cute and festive! And look at the bow. The idea is simple and elegant: she made the dress from a cropped top and a cut out circle skirt. The dress looks beautiful, with an almost golden skirt and the bow on the back, wow!

No-sew Party dress

If you're a fan of no-sew projects and have little time, this No-sew black party dress is a great idea. Chickie (I can work with that) made this little black dress from a big man's shirt and combined it with a see through button up blouse, tied in the front. The whole outfit just looks very flattering and you'd never guess it's a no-sew outfit! 

You might want to add a pair of glittery tights if it's cold outside (I would:)). And if black is not your colour, (or not in your husbands stash), I can totally imagine this dress being made from a dark red or blue shirt.

Glittery accessories to complete your outfit!

Let's not forget about your shoes and accessories! Here are a few amazing ideas on how to add glitter to them:

- You can paint your shoes with mod podge and sprinkle on glitter. Or if you're feeling bold, why not cover your heels in 2 different colours like the RefashStash did!.

- For more shoe-inspiration, take a look at this Glitter Shoe Make-over by Nina!

- And here's a great idea for a sparkling evening bag. Tailor promises this Evening party clutch is done in an hour...

- And last but definitely not least: Emme turned her old reading glasses into glitter-tactic eyewear. It just looks fantastic, doesn't it?

Hope you're inspired by this sparkly throwback! I really enjoyed diving into these festive projects and putting them in the spotlight again. I may try a project myself, I'm sort of snowed in here so plenty of time... I wish you all a creative sew year!

The Tie Dress

 Hello Refashion Co-op. The holiday season is so busy, my sewing time gets more limited. But I was able to make a few refashions. My favorite was this tie dress. It was so fun to make. 

The Tie Dress

I have been collecting ties for a while and I sewed tie after tie together. 

 

I made the dress sleeveless and I wore a shirt under it. You can see more details and pictures at I Can Work With That. 

Chickie
 

 

Tie front blouse from too long fitted blouse

 

Hello everyone, life got in the way lately. For instance, I was busy making 'surprises' early December. In the Netherlands we celebrate Sinterklaas on December 5, with surprise gifts that involve a lot af crafting. Which I love to do, but it does take time, especially when you have to make 4 surprise gifts(!). 

Apparently, it were also the Dutch who brought Sinterklaas to the US a long time ago. Who, with a little help from Coca Cola, eventually became the Santa Clause we now know. Funny enough Santa Clause made his way back to Europe and some European countries now celebrate both Sinterklaas and Santa Clause:).

Anyway, back to this refashion. I fell in love with the print of this blouse, just look at those cute hands! I bought it second hand at Zalando pre-owned, not as cheap as a thrift store but I must say the quality is usually worth it (almost new)! And I really like the aubergine colour, which also happens to be one of fashion colours this winter.

However, the shape was not really my cup of tea, too long and fitted. So I decided to turn it into a looser tie front blouse.

I've been trying to find the right translation for the Dutch 'knoopblouse' and came up with 'tie front blouse', but I also ran into alternatives such as 'knot tie' and 'knot front'. So let me know if I made the wrong choice here. 

I used another tie front blouse to copy the 'knot part' and cut the excess fabric. I had measured that I wanted to shorten the blouse by 10 cm / about 4 inches (with the exception of the 'knot parts'). 

The leftover fabric came in handy to make the blouse more loose: I sewed in an extra strap of fabric in the side seams. These alterations made the blouse much more my style and I was really glad I got my 'hands' on this blouse!

If you're interested in more details, you're welcome to visit vermaakster.blogspot.com. And of course, I wish you a

merry everything and happy holidays, 

wherever you are!

🎅

Fall Leaf Jacket

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I love fall and the changing leaves. I decided to make a jacket to celebrate fall. 

 

I used a denim jacket that I already owned and a cotton place mat.  

I traced and cut out a leaf shape. 

 

I used a zigzag stitch to sew the leaf on my jacket.

 

My fall jacket was fun and didn't take very long to put together. For more details and how-to information go to I Can Work With That. 
 

 

Yellow Plaid Pants

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I found these super fun plaid pants at a thrift shop and had to have them. There was a small problem though...

A bit too big. 

I cut the front of the pants away from the back of the pants. And I cut them down in size to fit me. 

 

Then I sewed the front and back of the pants back together. 

 

I liked how they turned out. I liked the comfortable fit and I loved the bold colors. Thanks for reading along. For more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That.
 

 

Please Join Us

 Hello Readers. If you are reading this and have a project you can share, we would love to see it. Don't be shy, we enjoy sharing ideas and how-to tips. 

 Your refashion project could inspire someone else. We would love to welcome you to the group. Check the "Would You Like To Join US" page for more details. 

With Love From the Editors 

 

Jeans bird (Blue titmouse) wall hanging

 

You may remember the jeans wall hanging I made of our cat Max earlier this year. I really had fun making it so I was keen on trying it again. And when saw this drawing of a blue titmouse, made by Dutch artist Katja Dupont, I could imagine it being transformed in jeans. 

Katja makes beautiful drawings of animals with a fineliner, so if you like the blue titmouse, you should definitely take a look at her website Ijzerhart.net. 

As you can see I used fraying on the chest, the tail and the crest. I finished the little bird with some embroidery, I stitched the bird's legs and snail with blue gradient thread and used black thread with a white french knot for the little eye. I was really happy how it turned out and... I'm very glad that Katja also appreciated the transformation of her drawing in jeans!

As always, you're very welcome to visit vermaakster.blogspot.com 
if you're interested in more details. Until next time!

Top 5 refashions (and what's your favourite refashion?)

 

Hi everyone! 

I hope you're in for a throwback post and a dive into Refashion Co-op history with me. I wanted to share a few former posts with you. And not just any post... I thought it would be nice be to commemorate the top 5 refashions on Refashion Co-op: the posts that have gotten the most views since Refashion Co-op was launched in 2011. So let's enjoy some treasures from the past!

5. Too small dress now fits

A challenge most of us struggle with at least once: an adorable top or dress, but too tight (or we've become bigger:)). A recognizable problem, so that's probably why we love to read about how to fix it. Like in Saga's populair dress refashion in September 2014, and the post was viewed 35.000 times!

4. A cute fix for a hole in the knee of jeans

This funny fix by 'Resweater' really stands out for its originality. The refashion was meant for kids jeans, but I can imagine even grown-up refashionistas being tempted... So I completely understand why this fix was viewed more than 48.000 times. As one of the comments said: it's a whimsical fix! 

3. Anthropologie inspired T

Did you know that Anthropologie has been an inspiration for several posts on Refashion Co-op? Come to think of it, maybe an 'Anthroplogie inspired' throwback might be fun! But... none of the refashions was as popular as the 'Anthropologie inspired T' by Mary, it was viewed no less than 67.000 times. As far as I know the brand is not sold in the Netherlands, but I went to a store in Oxford last year and really liked it (if you're Dutch like me: it made me think of Sissy-Boy). 

2. Shirt redesign tutorial

Those sleeves! I loved it, and I'm not the only one. This elegant refashion by Beth, aka the Renegade Seamstress, was very popular and viewed more than 128.000 times! If you've been here from the beginning, you may remember Beth. She shared a lot of practical and creative ideas on Refashion Co-op and even published her own Refashion Handbook in 2014. 

1. A bow for a bow 

Finally, the post with the most views.... is a fun and simple transformation from a sleeve to a bow sleeve. You may remember the celebration of this refashion a few months ago, in March. It turned out that 2 authors shared the honour, because the post (248.000 views!) was inspired by an older post with the same idea, also published on Refashion Co-op!.

You may have noticed that the top 5 'best viewed' posts were published some time ago. So what do these refashions have in common? To me it feels all 5 ideas are still useful and/or modern today, aren't they? For instance, I've seen similar sleeve designs in (diy) fashion magazines this past year. And the bow sleeve tutorial, it's timeless, right? So maybe that's the strength of these refashions...? 

Since the posts were publishes some time ago, they were of course also able to gain more views than, let's say a popular post in 2023. I'm aware of that, and luckily I'm not from an official research institute:). Maybe we could check the statistics again in a few years to see what happened. But does it really matter? Enjoying the treasures of the past was the starting point of this throwback post, and I hope you did exactly that! 

What's your favourite refashion?

And ... of course I want to know your personal favourite! Do you agree with the top 5 or would you vote for something completely different? Is your favourite refashion a useful, more technical tutorial? Or maybe a quick fix, or a creative refash you're still planning to do yourself?

Please share your thoughts in the comments!

And if you're in for more throwbacks, we'd also like to know. A special inspired by (brand) throwback? (There have been some nice Chanel refashions here:)). Or how about theme throwbacks like seasonal transformations, or....?

Quick fix for a low or high neckline

Hi everyone, hope you all had a great summer! (And if you're in the Southern Hemisphere, summer is coming:)). This time I'm sharing 2 quick fixes. The neckline of one of my older tops was rather low and a bit overstretched. It looks a bit sloppy and at a certain age, too much cleavage is overrated:). But I'm also not a big fan of high necklines, which is the issue of the second top. I definitely need more air in that area. So I'm tackling 2 tops, with different neckline issues.

If you have been following my posts, you may have noticed that I love quick fixes. I've had sewing lessons for years and years, but it doesn't seem to have changed my approach (limited effort, optimal effect). And yes, I've had the occasional frowns from the teachers. So maybe this post is for the like-minded creatives among you:).

To tackle the issue with the low stretched neckline, I stitched along the lower half of the neckline with elastic thread on the bobbin.

For the second issue, I gathered fabric at the center front and simply gave it a few stitches with my sewing machine.

No, not this one. I found this kitschy sewing machine on a vide grenier at the Opal coast in France this summer. You probably love it or hate it:)?

No whirrrrrs...

As you can see on the 'after' photos, the new neckline on the left is a bit smaller, due to the elastic. And on the right you can see the created v-neck on the purple shirt. Both jobs took me less than an hour and it was worth the effort!

If you're interested in more details (Dutch and English) and/or a small recap of my cycling holiday in France, you're welcome to visit vermaakster.blogspot.com!