How to easily upsize a skirt waistband

When I scored that skirt years ago in London it was too tight but could be zipped worn higher on my waist + some tummy-sucking-in. It’s since moved to 3 different countries with me and unfortunately years later, no amount of straining could get that zip even halfway closed! Fortunately my refashionista upsizing projects have made me loads less fearful about chopping up gear I’ve had for years!

Discover my easy trick for upsizing & refashioning a skirt waistband right over here  =O)

Upcycled denim skirt with DIY ruffled hem refashion

This dark denim thrift score was crazy heavy, uncomfortable, too long and incredibly awkward to walk in, ugh!

After a groovy refashion it's now a fab new addition to my ever-growing ecofashion wardrobe! (Any idea what I used to create that adorable ruffled hem?)

Thrift a dowdy denim maxiskirt, grab some bleach and get transforming with my upcycled denim skirt with DIY ruffled hem refashion right over here!

My easy vintage velvet dress refashion

That vintage velvet dress was one of the fab frocks left in the basement closet for me by my groovy landlady. The sleeves and golden embroidered shoulder details are fantastic however the fit and length are less than stellar so let’s jump right into my easy vintage velvet dress refashion and give it an awesome transformation!

An Easy DIY Sweatshirt to Bubble Skirt Refashion

Grab my quick and simple method for transforming a dowdy sweatshirt into a cozy skirt  + my comfy waistband how-to with my Easy DIY Sweatshirt to Bubble Skirt Refashion Tutorial:

This is so easy you’ll be heading to thrift shop to grab more sweatshirts to chop and stitch into groovy gifts!

The Refashioned DIY Rainbow Unicorn Costume

My kiddo had a difficult time deciding just what she wanted me to create for her Canadian Halloween debut. A trip to the thrift shop and a sort through the racks soon provided the answer in the form of a groovy handknit vest, the perfect base for The Refashioned DIY Rainbow Unicorn Costume:

Get the steps to whip up your own right here.

Easy refashions: How to shorten a dress

By far the most popular refashionista requests I receive are for back to basics tutorials to help sustainable stylistas get started recreating their secondhand and vintage finds into unique (eco)fashions so I thought I’d start a funky new series devoted to the simple tips, tricks and tweaks that transform dowdy, ill-fitting garments into wardrobe favourites!

Thrift and charity shops (& the back of your Grandma’s closet) are chock full of fabulous dresses suffering from frumpy and just plain awkward lengths so let’s dive right in and fix them up with Easy refashions: How to shorten a dress!

(kinda) Crocheted Sandals

Don’t you just love it when the (oh-so-simple) solution to potentially awesome yet unworn gear you’ve had for ages suddenly smacks you right in the middle of your refashionista brain?

So it was with my groovtastic crocheted sandals:

Before their transformation these beauties were such torture on my tender tootsies they were banished to the storage room for nearly 4 years:

Here’s how I (finally) revamped them into my fancy & oh-so-comfortable summer slip-ons:

How to shorten a dress at the waist

When I discovered that vintage beauty I knew I just had to have it. Sure, it's an awkward length and has an annoying elastic waist BUT it’s a nearly perfect match for one of my fave 1980’s childhood frocks:

My new/old dress definitely needed a refashion so let’s take a peek at exactly what I did + how to (easily) shorten a dress from the waist to keep the original printed hemline:

How to Upsize a Playsuit

I had my fingers and toes crossed that this adorable polka dot playsuit I thrifted online would fit...

Of course not as apparently my torso is abnormally long and my bosom simply too ample to be contained in the very general size of “M”.

This is not my first refashion of a short-waisted, chest restricting garment so I thought I’d try to come up with a new idea and figure out just how to upsize a playsuit - get the tute right here.

My thrifted 80s suit refashion + how to replace a trouser zip

I’d been on the hunt for a funky retro suit for a while so when I saw this checkered beauty in an online vintage shop I just had to snap it up:

Whoa! Those shoulder pads are insane, the fit of the jacket is, erm, questionable and the trousers were in need of a new zipper, whew!

An awesome result! Head on over here and take a peek at the tute behind my thrifted 80s suit refashion + how to replace a trouser zip.

The Vintage Evening Gown Refashion Tutorial

I spied this vintage evening gown in the charity shop window and was ecstatic when they sold it to me for only €1!

This gorgeously coloured piece of historic glam was gathered and draped at every seam, fit awkwardly and had a gross rubbery lining in the sleeves however it also had a fabulous sequin sash detail that I completely adored.

It took awhile to figure out exactly what I wanted to do and I was a bit nervous about working with that delicate sheer fabric to make the new sleeves but it all came together beautifully:

Here's how I did it...

The easy DIY dress refashion + quick mistake fix

I’ve had these two less than stellar dresses hiding in my stash for ages:

Ugh, the grey one is shapelessly stretched out and the other, although adorable, shrank in the wash and is now too short to cover my bits so a refashion is definitely in order!

So much better! Discover how I combined those two dreadful dresses + my quick fix for the refashionista mistake I make far too often in my groovy video tute.

My no sew vintage peplum dress refashion

I am not at all a fan of peplums.

Those weird bits of excess waist fabric do less than nothing for my figure and as my torso most definitely does not require a bib I knew exactly how I could quickly refashion this fabulous vintage polyester thrift shop discovery with absolutely no sewing involved:

Snag my quick and easy no sew peplum removing solution right here.

Do you have a groovy Reworked or fabulously Recreated clothing, accessory or home decor tutorial you’d love to share with my growing Refashion Nation?

Or perhaps you’re a sustainable fashionista wanting to inspire others to get thrifting with a stylishly affordable charity shop outfit or some thrifty shopping tips?

Simply head on over to Refashion Nation, get the info to be featured and help spread the ethical style love!

My DIY Upcycled Refashioned Christmas Blouses

The holiday season is most definitely the busiest time of year for we crafty divas and although there are never enough hours in the day, new DIY traditions always seem to sneak their way into my to-do list.

Last year’s (not so ugly) Christmas sweaters were such a hit that I’ve decided to come up with a fresh festive refashion to add to our wardrobe every year!

So what’s my wearable happy holidays project for 2015?

Hilariously awesome Christmas Character blouses!

Here’s how to whip up your own...

A DIY Upcycled Refashioned (faux) Crocheted Vest

Can’t crochet? No worries, raid your stash, head on over and discover how to create a fancy crocheted vest with zero crochet knowledge.

Take a sad old vest from this:

to this:

This funkified vest required zero crochet knowledge but looks like I could have spent hours with the hook, meticulously looping, turning & chaining (?) the delicate thread – here’s what I really did.

My DIY Refashionista Costume

Even though Halloween as I know it is not at all celebrated in Germany my refashionista brain still insists on coming up with loads of awesome costume ideas. Throughout the years I’ve managed to suppress my urge to put together a groovy get up that will never be worn but the other day inspiration whacked my head hard and I just had to create and share my quirky last minute costume idea:

A Before and After Refashionista Tutorial!

Here’s how to easily make your own diy diva salute from a thrifted maxidress...

The Delightful DIY Dinosaur Costume

Has anyone else spied a dinosaur in their parking lot?

Here’s how to create your own fast moving stegosaurus from items you may already have around the house.

Sabine's Thrifty Refashionista Makeover

Welcome to my first completely refashioned (no-budget) DIY makeover webisode! 

Raid your closet, head over here to watch the video & discover how to create an adorable dress & upcycle a pashmina into a quirky cropped kimono jacket + get the DIY for a quick & easy natural makeup!

My Jumpsuit Refashion & Bias Binding How To

The charity shop staff had quite a giggle when I excitedly photographed that groovy retro jumpsuit on the rack and were overcome with hilarity when I actually bought it (for only €1 – seriously get to know your charity shop staff, a smile & friendly chat about thrifting can most definitely bring you some awesome deals + a peek through the back room treasure trove!)

That incredible example of 80’s nostalgia was in desperate need of an overhaul:

Here’s how I transformed it + my simple bias binding technique.

My Simple DIY Maxi Dress

Create a fab salute to the 70s maxi dress from thrifted fabric with my quick & easy refashioning tutorial (no pattern required!)