Peplum top from pillow case (and fabric scrap)

 

Last year I had to throw away one of my favourite duvet covers. I really liked the green print with flowers, so I kept a pillow case that was hardly used. You never know... So for this refashion I thought it was time to use the pillow case. But for what? I went through my pattern archive and found a lovely peplum top I made a few years ago. Perfect, but I needed more fabric! Luckily, I found a matching blue scrap fabric with retro flowers!

I must say it was a bit of a puzzle to place the pattern pieces on the fabrics. There was just enough fabric left for the neckline facing.

What I like about a peplum top is that it shows your waist beautifully and is easy on the hips The darts and pleads will create that shape. However, I do not recommend this top when you're going to have a copious meal. You'll be sorry when you feel the waistline pinching your stomach afterwards:).

Another nice detail of this top is the inverted plead in the lower front. It's such an elegant detail! By the way, in Dutch this part of the top is called 'schoot', which means 'lap' in English. As in 'the baby sits on mother's lap'. Just so you know...

I've done my best to make sure the side seams were joined perfectly. With different prints it would really show if they didn't and I think I've done a nice job!

Hopefully, this refashion gave you a new perspective on pillow cases! You're welcome to share your ideas in the comments!

Interested in more details? Please visit Vermaakster.blogspot.com. I'll take you through the whole process, including a little sidetrack about a bow dress at Eurovision, and where you can get the pattern if you're interested (not free unfortunately). 

Level Up Your Sewing Skills with an Easy Open Front Tie Top Tutorial plus PDF

 

Hey there! Today, I'm thrilled to share a fantastic sewing tutorial with all of you. In this post, we'll be diving into the world of creating an open front tie top that is perfect for beginners. Get ready to level up your sewing skills and add a stylish new piece to your wardrobe!

In this tutorial, I will be providing a free PDF pattern for the open front tie top, making it even more accessible for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned sewing pro or just starting your sewing journey, this project is designed to be simple and enjoyable.

The first part of the tutorial focuses on altering a basic pattern to achieve the desired open front and tie detail. I will guide you through each step, ensuring that you understand the process and can easily apply the modifications to your pattern.

Once the pattern is ready, we'll move on to the sewing phase. I'll demonstrate the techniques required to bring your open front tie top to life using silky cotton fabric. The lightweight and breathable nature of this fabric makes it an ideal choice for the upcoming summer season.

What's even more exciting is that this project is a great opportunity to utilize fabric scraps you may have lying around. Embrace sustainability by repurposing those leftover materials and create a one-of-a-kind piece that showcases your personal style.

I invite you to follow along with the tutorial, watch the step-by-step video, and let your creativity shine. Whether you're a beginner or looking to expand your sewing repertoire, this tutorial is perfect for you.

Get ready to create your very own open front tie top and make a statement with your handmade fashion!

 

step by step tutorial and PDF pattern

 

 

  My blog

 and 

You Tube

 

Gold Vest

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I found this dress at a clothes swap and thought the lace top of the dress was so pretty. The dress was all nylon and I didn't like it, but the lace was lovely.

Before and after.

The lace top was attached with bias tape at the edges. 

I cut along the bias tape to separate the dress from the lace top. I knew the nylon lining wouldn't fray so I just cut and cut and cut like a savage. It took about 8 minutes.

I turned the lace piece around and wore it as a vest. It had a beautiful bow already attached. Thanks for reading along for more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That.

House Dress to Chic Dress

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I found this fabulous floral dress at a clothes swap and the big flowers caught my eye. It was too long and the ruffles were not working for me. 

Before and after.

I removed the big ruffle at the hem. 

I also used a pattern to make a different shoulder shape.

I cut new front and back pieces.

I originally wanted a sleeveless dress but I decided to add these little ruffles to the arm holes.

Ruffles are always fun.

I hemmed the dress. It had a nice high-low hemline that was not visible with the big ruffle in the way. I really liked how it turned out. Thanks for reading along. For more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That.

Upcycle old jeans into fashionable denim belts with pockets

 

Don't throw away your old jeans.  Refashion them into fun belts with pockets. Read on or watch the video.

Instructions for the simple belt are below.  Instructions for the fringe belt can be found on my blog at Pivot Point Patterns 

Step 1: Remove the belt tabs and waistband

Step 2:  Cut out the pockets with a 1/2" seam allowance a the top of the belt

Step 3:  Sew the pockets to the waistband

Step 4: Flip the pockets over and tack the sides.

Step 5: Enjoy your new belt

For more sewing and upcycling projects, visit my blog Pivot Point Patterns.

Ballerina Wrap Top with pattern hacking

Today, I want to share with you a fabulous sewing project that I recently completed: a stunning ballerina wrap top! 💃🌟 What makes this top even more special is that I upcycled a large dress to create it, giving new life to an old garment. ♻️ The soft and stretchy Rib Viscose fabric I used adds a beautiful drape and comfort to the top, making it perfect for any occasion.
 I provide a step-by-step guide on how to transform my free printable pattern from a previous video into this elegant ballerina wrap top with its signature elbow-length sleeves and tie waist. This tutorial is beginner-friendly and suitable for sewers of all skill levels. 🧵

Whether you choose to wear it with the wrap in the front or back, this versatile top will make you feel like a graceful dancer. You can also customize the pattern and make adjustments to create your own unique version with different sleeve lengths or a shorter overall length. The possibilities are endless! ✨

I invite you to check out the full video tutorial on my YouTube channel and share it with your sewing friends. Let's inspire and empower each other in our sewing journeys! Happy sewing, everyone! ❤️🧵

 

step by step tutorial and pattern hacking 

 

  My blog

 and 

You Tube

 

Remove a Tier From a Skirt Fast & Easy

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I loved the color of this dress but it reminds me of "Little House on the Prairie". I did watch the show but this dress was not great on me. It was just too long. 

Before and after.

I decided to remove the entire bottom tier. I did like the little ruffle in the middle of the skirt though. It gave me an idea.

I could cut the bottom tier of the dress off under that little ruffle. I could leave about 1/4 inch fabric and sew that to the seam in the skirt. It would all be hidden under that little ruffle. And it would only take 20-30 minutes.

I used my serger to prevent fraying and stitched the cut edge to the seam under the ruffle.

I also top stitched it to make sure the ruffle didn't flip up when I was wearing it. And that's it. It was so fast and easy. Thanks for reading along, for more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That.

Sewing Two Reversible Tops Using the Burrito Method plus free PDF

 Hi everyone,

Today I want to share with you a tutorial on how to sew two types of reversible tops using the burrito method. These tops are perfect for using up fabric leftovers and are a great way to experiment with different necklines and styles.

For this project, I used jersey cotton fabric with elastane and lycra to make the tops stretchy and comfortable. I also provide a free PDF pattern in 7 sizes that you can use to make your own tops. The best part is, you can hack this pattern to create different necklines, sleeve lengths, and even turn it into a dress!

In my latest video, I showed how to hack this pattern to make 14 different styles of necklines, so be sure to check it out for some inspiration. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this pattern to fit your style and preferences.

So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced sewist, I invite you to give this project a try and share your creations with the sewing community. And don't forget to use up your fabric scraps and leftovers!

Thanks for reading, and happy sewing!

 

step by step tutorial plus PDF pattern 

 

 

  My blog

 and 

You Tube

 

 

Upcycle 3 men's shirts into a cute ruffle dress

The warmer weather inspired me to make this upcycled shirt dress with 3 shirts I picked up from the thrift store.

Watch the video or read on at my blog Pivot Point Patterns.

I chopped the first shirt off at my belly button.

Then I chopped up the other 2 shirts into rectangles to piece into the ruffles.

I sewed the rectangles into a large circle . . .

 . . . and gathered it.

Lastly, I sewed all 3 pieces together.

Dress to Vest

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I found this dress at a thrift shop and I loved the fringe. It was too small but that's OK. I wanted to make it into an open vest, like a sleeveless jacket.

Before and after.

I cut the dress open. I cut straight down the front of the dress.

I sewed the lining to the outer layer so the vest was nicely finished where I had cut it.

This was a super easy refashion and I was done in no time. Thanks for reading along, for more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That.

Bustier dress with free pdf pattern in multiple sizes

 Are you looking for a super easy sewing project that will give you a stunning result? Look no further! In my latest video tutorial, I show you step-by-step how to sew a beautiful bustier midi dress that's perfect for beginners and all that just from bed sheet.

This dress features button-down closure, tie straps, pockets, and a flattering fitted design with princess seams. Plus, I've included a free downloadable PDF pattern in multiple sizes so you can start sewing right away!

Whether you're new to sewing or looking for a quick project to add to your wardrobe, this bustier midi dress is a must-try. So don't wait any longer, head over to my YouTube channel and check out the full tutorial. And if you love it as much as I do, don't forget to share the video with your sewing friends !

 step by step tutorial with pdf pattern

 

  My blog

 and 

You Tube