Thrifted top made a size bigger

Last December at a Sinterklaas party, one of my colleagues gave me a thrifted top, hidden in a cardboard sewing machine. Ok, if you're not familiar with Sinterklaas, that may sounds a little strange to you. So let me explain the concept of Sinterklaas. This Dutch holiday, named after a saint patron, is originally a feast for children involving lots of pepernoten (small gingerbread cookies) and presents. Adults, once they've stopped believing in Sinterklaas, give each other surprise gifts (hence the selfmade sewing machine) with a small present hidden inside. This is usually accompanied by a teasing poem in which you can let some of your frustrations out, as long as you stay nice and rhyme. 

The thrifted top and selfmade sewing machine definitely proved that my colleague knew me well. Unfortunately, she got the size wrong, it was an S and too tight. It's not difficult to see on the taylor's dummy, set at my size. So I decided to enlarge the top a size by making a new back piece. None of my fabric scraps were big enough or the right colour, so I decided to combine 2 scraps. Some blue lace fabric and scraps of an old shirt from my other half D. They matched the front piece very well, I must say(picture left)!

There were 2 ways I could easily create more width. The first was to place the original top a little from the fabric fold before I copied the pattern on the blue lace It would enlarge the neckline at the back but that wasn't going to be a problem since the front piece had a cowl neck. The front neckline would only be a little higher. Secondly, I measured a little extra under the armpit for the bust width.

The result:

Hope you enjoyed this small refashion. I'm so curious to know what my colleague thinks of it! For know, I'm going outside to enjoy the beautiful weather (mind you, it's May and the first day over 18 degrees this year!!!).

You are very welcome to check out vermaakster.blogspot.com for more details and, as always, a step by step explanation in Dutch and English.

Sustainable Sewing: Upcycling Jackets from Recycled Fabrics

 Hey there! Today, I'm excited to share with you my latest sewing project – upcycling jackets from recycled fabrics. 🧥🌍

As a conscious seamstress, I believe in the power of sustainability in our sewing projects. Instead of buying new fabrics, I decided to repurpose old skirts, pants, jeans, and even bed sheets as lining for these jackets. Not only does it reduce waste, but it also adds a unique and personal touch to the finished garments.

In my latest video, I'll take you through the step-by-step process of creating these eco-friendly jackets. I'll show you how to make a pattern for a perfect jacket, add lining using recycled fabrics, create different types of pockets including patch pockets with flaps and lining, and sew long sleeves to complete the look.

To make it even easier for you, I've also included a free PDF pattern for a basic jacket in size M that you can download and use for your own upcycling projects. You can also get creative by using contrasting colors for the lining or using the edges of the jacket as lapels for added style.

I'm passionate about sustainable sewing and finding creative ways to reduce our environmental impact while enjoying our favorite hobby. I invite you to check out my blog post and get inspired to create your own upcycled jackets! Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments, and let's join hands in making a positive impact through our sewing projects. 

 

step by step tutorial plus free pdf pattern

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Changing a Bland Colored Dress

 Hello Refashion Co-op. Spring is here and that means I want to get all my spring and summer dresses ready to wear. This gray tie-dye dress was perfect except that it wasn't. The fit and material were great. It had pockets too! But instead of fun tie-dye it was like tie-dye with clinical depression. It's such a sad washed out gray. 

Before and after.

I decided to use a pan on the stove for this because the dress was small. 

I was happy with the color and it didn't seem so washed out and sad with a new bold blue. Thanks for reading along, for more details about this and other projects go to I Can Work With That.

Bra Hacks: Easy Steps to Make Two Bras from a Bralette Pattern

Hello fellow sewing enthusiasts!

Are you passionate about sustainable sewing and upcycling? If so, you're in for a treat! Today, I'm excited to share a fantastic tutorial , where I'll show you how to transform a big linen skirt into two stunning bras using my free PDF bralette pattern.

In this tutorial, I'll guide you through the process of resizing and modifying the bralette pattern to create a classic bra and a stylish bralette, all from the comfort of your own sewing studio. The best part? The fabric I'm using for this project is a 100% linen skirt that I recycled, making it an eco-friendly sewing project that's perfect for those who are conscious about sustainability.

The detailed step-by-step instructions make this tutorial beginner-friendly, so whether you're new to sewing or an experienced seamstress, you can easily follow along and create beautiful bras that fit you perfectly. I'll share all my tips and tricks to make the process enjoyable and rewarding.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Once you've mastered these two styles, you can use the same techniques to create a variety of other bra styles, such as balconette, plunge, or sports bras. The possibilities are endless with this versatile bralette pattern hack!

I encourage you to watch the whole video tutorial, try out the project, and share your thoughts on the bras you create.

Let's sew sustainably and create beautiful bras from recycled materials! Together, we can make a difference in the world of sewing.

Happy Sewing!

 

step by step tutorial with free pdf pattern

 

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Clothes From a Quilt

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I used a quilt to make a skirt and jacket. I found a quilt that was not hand-made or an heirloom to anyone and used it in this project. The colors were pretty and I thought it would work well.

Before and after. And after.

 

I made a simple A-line skirt. I liked it but I thought it would look good with a matching piece on top. 

 

Finished skirt.

 

I used the Bog pattern by The Sew Sew to make the jacket. I had made one before and I thought the pattern would work well. 

 

I decided to crop the jacket and add a zipper.

 

I really liked the 2 pieces together.Thanks for reading along, for more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That
 

 

 

 

DIY a Beautiful Midi Dress with My Free PDF Bralette Pattern Hack

If you're looking for a fun sewing project that's perfect for beginners, look no further! I've hacked my free bralette pattern to create a gorgeous midi dress with straps. The dress features a bustier-style top and a front wrap design with side pockets, and I even used a bed sheet for the fabric - 100% cotton is great for breathability and comfort.

The detailed, step-by-step tutorial makes it easy to follow along regardless of your skill level, and the pattern is available in all sizes and body types. Be sure to check out the whole video to learn how to create this stunning dress yourself.

Once you've finished your own version of the dress, I'd love to hear your thoughts and see your finished product.  In my next video, I'll be showing you how to use this same free bralette pattern to sew a bra. 

Happy sewing! 

step by step video

 

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Faux Leather Vest

 Hello Refashion Co-op. Check out this faux leather dress from Zara. It was too tight so I turned this dress into an open vest. 

Before and after.

I cut the skirt off the dress.

I had the top of the dress to work with. I opened both sides.

I cut straps from the skirt hem. 

I hand sewed the straps to the waist of the vest. I added buttons to dress it up a little. 

My open vest was finished. I like the adjustable ties on the sides. You can see more pictures and details at I Can Work With That.

Sew a Bralette Top with My Free Pattern - Great for Beginners

 

Hello everyone! Today I wanted to share a really fun and easy project with you all. I've created a free printable PDF pattern for a bralette crop top that's perfect for beginners. And the best part? You can use fabric scraps to make it!

The pattern comes in all sizes and I've included a step-by-step tutorial on how to sew it together. It's really easy to follow, so even if you're new to sewing you'll be able to make a beautiful bralette in no time.

And that's not all! In my next post, I'll be sharing a video tutorial on how to use my free PDF pattern to create all sorts of variations. You can resize it, hack it, and make all sorts of different tops from this one pattern. The possibilities are endless!

So be sure to print out the pattern and give it a try. And don't forget to share your finished product with me on social media. I'd love to see what you come up with!

Thanks for reading and happy sewing! 

step by step tutorial plus free pdf pattern !

 

 

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