Refashion

There are several ways to make tops fitted, from removing the sleeve, taking in the side seam then reattaching the sleeve, to taking in a little along the side seams to adding darts. Today I am going to share with you how to sew darts to create more shape and form for all those baggy …

The Origami bento bag, sometimes called the origami market bag, or a origami tote bag is so quick and easy to make. It’s a slouchy type bag, so it’s soft and drapey without any solid form. The lined bento bag itself is easy to make and quick to sew up. I suggest reading through the …

I’m super excited to have a new toy – a Cricut (here in the UK they are far from cheap). Naturally I have just had to have a play with my old jeans stash to whip up a new pillow design. This week we are enjoying an Indian summer but I know autumn is literally …

Scarves are such a versatile helpful addition to one’s wardrobe, never mind cosy and snuggly. Here in the UK autumn is making itself known, it’s the perfect time of year to make your self some beautiful scarves from old t-shirts. There is nothing better than making something new out of something old. I don’t know …

 Quick and easy recycled denim bags pattern.  Making bags out of old jeans – what’s not to love?! Making a denim tote is super easy, they can be customized in so many different ways. Old jeans are durable and hard-wearing. Upcycling your jeans is a good choice of har material. I love this easy bag, …

Are you inspired by the clothes you see around you? On our recent holidays in France a woman walked past in an off-shoulder top, dip dyed, blue at the top fading to white at the bottom…It looked so chic.  My French is fairly non-existent so I was unable to be cheeky and ask her if …

I have been experimenting with making a doormat using old jeans – I am rather fortunate in that I have a rather large stash of jeans. My kind friends always pass them my way. There are many pairs in my stash where I have already used the legs which I have kept for the waistbands …

Did someone mention a challenge which involves refashioning clothes? I can’t resist taking part in the local social enterprise New-u‘s request to refashion men’s shirts into something suitable for the catwalk. New-U are hosting a clothing swap event, encouraging people to appreciate preloved clothing. The fashion industry is the second-biggest consumer of water, producing 20 …

As the school summer holidays continue my desire to sew, to have space in my sanctuary of a sewing room has become ever stronger. When I spotted a gorgeous Monsoon skirt in a charity shop (op shop for American readers) I was immediately drawn to the fabric, an impulse purchase was made with the aspiration that …

A few weeks back I signed up to take part in #restylingexchange being run by AmyNicoleStudio and Pilar Bear:- “Our hopes for this year’s restyling exchange is to get even more participants, raise awareness for refashioning and being sustainable in our sewing practice” My immediate thoughts were what fun to take part in a global …

This year Portia’s annual refashion competition is suits. As usual, I have left it to the very last minute to enter (closes tomorrow!). There really are some amazing recreations of suits on her inspirational Pinterest board. Tempted to make a fitted dress I changed my mind when I turned this jacket inside out and saw the …

Update your wardrobe with a quick t shirt refashion. Playing with former clothes, having a go at adapting them doesn’t cost anything but time and a little imagination.   I regularly hold upcycling t-shirt’s into necklace workshops, it seems only fitting that I wear a refashioned t shirt for the events.  A simple white t …