Upcycle 2 tops and celebrate mistakes

Not all refashions are an instant succes. I often start a project without knowing how it will turn out, and sometimes the result is just not what I had in mind. This time, I struggled with 2 tops. I wanted to try a new technique on a top without knowing if and how it would work (and to be honest, I'm still not sure if it's a succes) and I had some dye issues with another top. So this is not a succes story, but I wanted to share my ideas with you anyway and bring an interesting book on visible mending to your attention. 

Top 1

I bought this top in France a few years ago, I fell for the embroidered flowers. The top was originally off-white and I've given it a lavender dye bath last year. Unfortunately, the paint hadn't dissolved quite right and had left some spots on the top. 

Inspired by the book 'Mend' by Kate Sekules I came up with the idea to emphasize the spots with embroidered knots. I decided to add more embroidery, with the idea of creating a shower of french knots, in a gradient from dark purple to light pink. As mentioned before, I'm not quite sure if it's a succes, but I liked trying out the technique. 

If you're interested in visible mending, I can really recommend the book 'Mend' to you. It offers a lot of creative solutions for tears, holes and spots. What I like about the book that it's about making your repairs visual and obvious, instead of 'hiding' them. 

The book is about saving your beloved piece of clothing and  contains a lot of tips and tutorials on how to do that, including a useful overview on types of fabric and the best way to mend.

Top 2
I found this blouse at the thrift store. I really liked the broderie anglaise but not the colour, it makes me look pale (or even sick). Luckily, the fabric was 100% cotton, so I bought it with the intention to give it a dye bath. 

I had a kind of blueish green in my mind, so I mixed green with aqua in a dye bath. Unfortunately the original yellowish lime colour was too strong and the result was not what I wanted. I wasn't even sure if I was going to wear the blouse, such a shame! One week after, my good friend J. came by and when I showed her the blouse she immediately liked the blouse AND the colour! So I'm glad the blouse ended up in perfect hands after all!

The tops may not have been an instant succes but I got to try out a new technique and made my friend J. happy! So mistakes are rarely only mistakes, don't you agree? Feel free to share your own 'mistakes' in the comments!

If you're interested in more details and/or the origin of broderie anglaise, please visit Vermaakster.blogspot.com. Until next time!

🌟 DIY Paper Bag Shorts | Step-by-Step Tutorial + Free Pattern! 🩳✨

 

 🌟 Are you ready to transform an ordinary bed sheet into a stunning pair of Ruffle Hem Shorts with an Elastic Waist? 🛏️✂️ Let's dive into this exciting sewing project together and turn something old into something extraordinary! 🧵🌸
In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll show you how to repurpose that forgotten bed sheet into a fashion-forward and oh-so-comfortable pair of paper bag shorts! 🩳🌅 Embrace your creativity and join the sustainable sewing movement as we breathe new life into fabrics that deserve a second chance. 💚🌿
With our detailed video guidance, even if you're a beginner, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up these stylish and flowy shorts. And the best part? I'm providing FREE printable PDF patterns for these shorts in 5 sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone! 📏🎉
Let's make a sustainable fashion statement while staying on-trend this summer. Upcycling has never been so chic! 😍🌞
Share your sewing journey with us in the comments below and stay tuned for the upcoming video where we'll complete the look by sewing an equally fabulous top! 🎀💖
Happy sewing, dear refashion lovers! Let's turn bed sheets into fashion statements! 🌺🛏️💃

step by step tutorial plus free PDF pattern 

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Upcycled Fashion: DIY Wrap Skirt with Ruffle Hem from Fabric Leftovers

 

Hello ! Today, I'm thrilled to share a fabulous DIY project that combines style, sustainability, and creativity. Get ready to transform fabric leftovers into a stunning DIY Wrap Skirt with Ruffle Hem!

In the spirit of upcycling and reducing fabric waste, I've taken leftover fabric pieces and repurposed them into a fashionable and trendy wrap skirt. Not only does this project allow us to make the most of our resources, but it also gives us the opportunity to create something truly unique and eco-friendly.

The beauty of this tutorial is that you can embrace your creativity and customize the design to match your personal style. With a few simple steps, I'll guide you through the process of creating a wrap skirt with a delightful ruffle hem. You'll be amazed at how a handful of fabric remnants can be transformed into a fashion-forward garment.

Whether you're an experienced sewist or just starting out, this tutorial is designed to be accessible to all skill levels. I'll provide detailed instructions, tips, and tricks to ensure your success. Together, we'll make a statement with our sustainable fashion choices and inspire others to follow suit.

Stay tuned for more exciting projects on our blog, where we'll continue to explore innovative ways to repurpose and breathe new life into pre-loved fabrics. Together, we'll redefine fashion and contribute to a more sustainable world.

Happy sewing and upcycling!

  tutorial with free PDF pattern

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Upcycled Chic: Sewing an Every Season Midi Dress from a Bed Sheet!

 

Hey there! Today, I'm excited to share a fantastic project that not only celebrates our love for creating beautiful garments but also highlights the magic of upcycling. Join me as we dive into sewing an every season midi dress using... wait for it... a big bed sheet!

This project is all about transforming something old into something fabulous. By repurposing a large bed sheet, we not only minimize waste but also unleash our creativity to design a stunning midi dress that's perfect for every season.

In this step-by-step tutorial, I'll guide you through the process of cutting, sewing, and bringing life to this gorgeous dress. We'll explore how to create a square neckline, add elegant tulip sleeves, and incorporate convenient side pockets. Plus, I'll share tips on how to adjust the pattern to achieve the perfect fit for your body.

What makes this project even more exciting is that I've prepared a free PDF pattern for the dress itself, as well as separate patterns for the tulip sleeves and pockets. This way, you can easily follow along and customize your dress to reflect your personal style.

So, grab that old bed sheet you've been holding onto, dust off your sewing machine, and let's get creative! Together, we'll turn a simple bed sheet into a chic and versatile midi dress that will make heads turn.

Happy upcycling and sewing, my friends!

Tutorial with free PDF patterns

 

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Adding Coverage to a Bathing Suit

 Hello Refashion Co-op. I have been trying to stay cool in this summer heat and that means going to the pool when I can. I found a great swim top on clearance and brought it home. I loved the wide shoulder straps. I didn't love the deep V-neck. It was too low for me.

I had this copper colored bralette and decided to use that to fill in that deep V. I put them both on my dress form and marked the size.

I turned the bralette upside down so the opaque part would be at the bottom and cut out a V-ish shape. That is going into the center of my top.

The top already had stitching along the edge so I used that as a guide and stitched right on top of it.

 

This was a small change but it made me a lot more comfortable. 

 

I hope you are having a fun summer. For more pictures and details go to I Can Work With That.