Oversized Patchwork Jacket

One of the worst things about riding a bike in cold weather is how the wind gets into the gap between the top of your pants and the bottom of your jacket. So I've been looking for the perfect jacket to wear while biking to solve this problem

On the one hand, this old extra-large hoodie I got in Virginia Beach was just the right length. But on the other hand, it was oversized and unflattering.

My first step was to detach the sleeves and reattach them after taking in the sides, which fixed the fit. This process is detailed in this blog post.

I wasn't thrilled with the lettering (the typographer in me cringes at the inconsistent spacing between letters), but I let it sit for a couple months because I wasn't sure what I could do to fix it.

Finally (after an unsuccessful attempt to just scrape the letters off), I decided to cover up the words with patchwork! For the whole process, read my blog!

Here I am modeling my new creation in a stylish and coordinating
pair of pajama pants!

case #1: the linebacker

It was a sunny day in anywhere USA, when I got the call. The culprit had been apprehended, the charge... First degree Linebacker... These charges were serious... Exhibit A...

First things first... Remove the evidence...

Next remain calm, do not get hot under the collar!

I needed to cut this case short...I had other cases to attend to... So I got to work cutting corners to get this case solved( about to the knee should do it)

Finish up the loose ends cut any tie 

& the case is solved!

Floral Sweatshirt

I received this Puma sweatshirt for Christmas one year and absolutely love it because it is so soft. I have a bad habit of leaving lip balm in my pockets which goes through the wash .  Which happened in this case and  left a few spots on the front. I used some Palmolive Eco  dishwashing detergent to treat the stain and apparently it had a bleaching agent in it.  

BEFORE

I debated how to approach this project for awhile and it has been in my stash for well over a year. I did a StitchFix recently and received some gorgeous fabric which I used for the front. I just cut the old front out, used it as a pattern and sewed the new panel on. I had to use a seam ripper to remove the puma loga at the shoulder. 

AFTER

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Heat n Bond Appliqué Refash

This is my 1st attempt at using Heat n Bond to make my own appliqués. Let me tell you I will definitely repeat it! I have unlocked a whole new world of refashioning!

For my 1st trick I started with this sweatshirt that I got from my roomie and some fabric I got in the reminant section at Hobby Lobby.

I ironed on the heat and bond to the wrong side of the fabric with the paper side up.

Now don't do what I did...make sure the heat n bond lines up with the fabric and not over the sides because then you'll end up with this boo-boo...

Oops!

Now after the fabric has cooled it's time to draw on the design of your appliqué.

I chose hearts for this project.

To adhere your applique to your project, peel off the papwr backing and iron for a few seconds until the applique is attached.

I repeated the process 2 more times:Bicycle print, love it!

Circles!

 Ironing!

My 3rd project I made for my roomie:She LOVES sugar skulls!!!

Diamonds!

 
Besties in our awesome new shirts!!!

My new bicycle shirt!

Happy Refashioning!!!

Check out my stash of refashions on my blog: http://therefashstash.wordpress.com

Vintage Accessory Refashion Fix

I thrifted this amazing crinoline slip. Made in the UK. It fit but it was too long for any of the dresses I wear. So I needed a refashioning fix. Its not exactly like my other refashions because its more like a functional fix than a style fix.

I decided I would shorten it from the top so I chopped off the elastic waist and then I chopped off some more length.


Next I folded the top over and pinned it. I made a large fold because I needed space to fit the elastic back in.


Then I sewed that down but I left a two inch space open so I can put the elastic back inside the new waist band.

Next I got out a knitting needle, scotch tape and that elastic piece. I taped one end of the elastic to the tip of the knitting needle and pinned the other end to that opening in the waist band.

I stuck the knitting needle through the waist band until it came out the other side. Then I pinned together the two ends of the elastic and sewed them together.

Next I sewed that opening closed.


Now its short enough to wear under my dresses AND the length is adjustable- I wear it around my waist to keep it shorter and for longer dresses I can pull it down to sit on top of my hips.

Here it is without a dress

And here it is with a dress!

To see all the images of the process please check out my blog entry about this project!