New Knit Skirt

  Summer is here!  The kiddos are all finished with school for the season and we had some record heat the last couple of days.  In order to survive in comfort I got to break out a new skirt from the upcycled wardrobe.  Love that.

On a recent trip to my favorite thrift store I purchased an x-large man's shirt.  I cut out the sleeves and neck. I held up the skirt to make sure it was the length I wanted and then cut the top (where neck was) in order to shorten the skirt. With my trusty sewing machine I took in the sides in to what I felt was a comfortable fit and put in an elastic waistband.  Then ta dah! A new skirt for summer.  No hemming needed as the bottom of the shirt is now the bottom of the skirt.

 I have worn the skirt several times already.  The youngest likes how soft it is for getting water out of his eyes (oh the fun of running in the sprinkler.)

 This skirt is perfect for those days you know your hair is a bit frizzy, maybe you are feeling a tad bloated from last nights cosmos, but hey you are comfortable and ready to play!

Here Comes The Refashion

Last year I typed up a post on a bridesmaid dress that needed a little attention. Well, like any super fancy dress it was domed to sit in bridesmaid dress hell unless............

  As I looked at the lovely print and felt the soft material, visions of a swingy summer skirt came to mind.  So with a pair of sissors and some elastic I set out to refashion this dress.  It will not sit in closet for years collecting dust or end up at the Goodwill donation store.  No no, I have plans for you dear dress.  After much cutting, sewing and measuring we had victory!

  A summer skirt that works! (I have yet to find a top I love with the skirt, but hey it is still very much spring around here.)  Love it! I have a feeling that this skirt is going to get lots of wear.  I love its movement and the big print is perfect for the warmer months.  Hurray for new life breathed into an old dress.

I Have Hope

I received the book Craft Hope for Christmas and I have been itching to find a good project to start with. After countless time flipping through the pretty pages, I went with the classic pillowcase dress.  This is my first attempt and I think it turned out pretty cute.  I found a nice case at the local thrift store.  I loved the trim at the opening. The rest was as easy as pie, thanks to the books great instructions.  I made size 6-12 mo. 

  The only embellishment I added were the buttons. I had them sitting around in the stash and thought they would add a little something to the dress.  Kinda cute no?

  This dress is on its way to Florida for my new niece. I have some other pillowcases in the stash that are now on its way to becoming dresses.  I think many will be sent out for charity, but a couple may find there way as gifts.  The book is amazing and full of all kinds of projects.  It  is inspiring and also a great way to get the kiddos included in some activities for others.

Upcycled Chic

 I know that the Oscars are far over, but I am so taken with Ms Firth's dress. Her dress is from Vogue's Green Carpet Challenge and it is beautiful.  The dress is eleven different dresses rolled into one beautiful gown.  The sacrificed dresses come from charity/thrift/vintage shops that were in the area of The King's Speech. Every single part of this dress has been recycled, upcycled, and repurposed. 

It is amazing.  Honestly, is shows some real talent and creativity on behalf of designer Gary Harvey.  I think I may have to add this piece to my inspiration board. 

An Upcycle Project For Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!!  In honor of today, I have a fun little project that I just finished up.  I used the tutorial from Craftopia on how to refashion a tee-shirt.  She is such a crafty girl. I LOVE this project.  It took me just a couple of hours to make.  I forgot to take a picture of the "before" shirt, sorry! Anyway, here is the finished project.

Making Quick Use Of An Old Sheet

   I am going to confess that I am huge fan of sleeping in long night gowns or skirts.  I LOVE to curl up my feet underneath while relaxing.  It is like a blanket, but not so heavy.  Perfect for reading, watching t.v. or knitting.  This past week I was checking out the local thrift stores and found a sheet that was so soft and inviting. It is the perfect weight for this fantastic spring weather we are having.  While the print was not my favorite, the feel won me over.  I took it home, gave it a wash, and sat down at the serger. 

While making a sleep skirt, it must be long enough for curl up in and allow for lots of movement. I like mine at the tops of my feet.

The skirt consisted of two side seams, the waistband (which was just a simple elastic one) and finishing off the hem.  I just surged the hem to keep it simple.  In fact I just surged the entire skirt.  Of course that is not necessary. 

Then voila, the skirt is done and ready to relax in.  I was able to finish reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in total comfort!  This particular sheet had a bit of flannel feel to it. I might be on the lookout for something more crisp and with a high thread count for the hot summer days.

You just never know what a trip to the thrift store will bring.  Of course other treasures were found, but that is for another post!

Fun Find

While trolling around blogs looking for some creative ideas, I came across this free tutorial from Anna's blog Noodlehead.

How cute is this idea?!!! What a great way to reuse those old cargos. I am pretty sure in a house full of boys I can find a pair somewhere that has been hiding in the back of the closet. What a great book bag. The idea of a nice long strap is so appealing and kid friendly. Ya gotta have those hands free! I am going to give this project some serious thought!!!

New Threads Friday

It is that time of year when you find yourself wanting to spruce things up. This can be especially true for your wardrobe. This must be done on the cheap and easy. Onto the thrift store... Low and behold there was a buy one get one free sale at the THRIFT STORE! Found a sweater that was so soft and the color was great. It was on the large side, and it needed a little something. After much thinking and pondering and thinking of what to do the idea hit me..Keep is simple, right??!! So I sewing the sides in for some shaping and cut off the bottom. Then sewed a line around the bottom edge so the sweater won't ravel. That would be bad. I then put on a small bird applique.Hurray for using scrap fabric!
I am NOT very good at the applique thing, but I guess you must practice in order to get better.
The best part is now I have a new sweater and it cost NOTHING. Love that. Very quick little project. Next time I don't think I will be so scared to cut up clothing. It also makes you look at your closet in a new way. You might stop and rethink an old piece of clothing before tossing it out because you never know.