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' !