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!