Fashions of 1981 and all that make up......

Recently Martino came home with a bag filled with sewing patterns. A conversation with a cafe customer (who happens to be a professional dressmaker) resulted in the kind lady gifting me all sorts of patterns and instruction books.  Fashions from 1981, which although are a little questionable, would help me learn the basics of sewing clothing for myself.  So the deal is for some time, I have been watching hours of online tutorials and experimenting with mini versions of dresses and tops (using fabric from thrift store finds) all in the quest to sew pieces for myself.  At the same time I am getting used to the all the stitches and different sewing feet of my new machine.  So these patterns have come at the perfect time as now I have even more information and tips that are simple in their construction allowing me to move towards to finally cutting into real fabric pieces.   Its a little scary - but very exciting!!

Before I do tho, I wanted to share with you the fashions - clothing, hair and make up of 1981/1982.....

shoulder pads - check / big hair - check / over sized dresses and awkward stares....and check!

Culottes - remember them?

A party in your pants!! hahaha

Bed jacket?  really.....and all I can manage is a tshirt. I would be wayyy under dressed for bed in the 80's!

the front view was not included in this pattern.  very odd.....but allows for much self expression..

Ok the pictures might not be very fashion forward, but the wealth of information contained in these patterns is very useful to me. So let the fashion creations begin........

Yes I Refashion :: My love for all things a little bit used

These past few weeks have been a little bit different.  My day job has been taking up more of me than I have been used to. I know its all part of my growth and I am grateful for the opportunity, however, I have noticed that my creative energy has suffered a little because of it.  There has been little, if any, creating.  So to keep the creative juices flowing I have been feasting my eyes on other creative peoples work - especially of the re-fashion kind.   I love the practicality and resourcefulness of the re-fashion community.   Just check out some of these clever works:


A long sleeve blouse becomes a summery boat neck beauty




 A super simple stripe top becomes the funkiest skirt





Singlet gets a little lacy and girlie

An over sized but gorgeously floral skirt becomes a Carrie Bradshaw inspired dress





A little bit Amish dress becomes super sassy summery frock




All pictures, tutorials and other inspiring re-fashions can be found at the Refashion Co-op blog. A worldwide collaborative blog to showcase refashioned clothing projects and share techniques.  A blog that I am now also contributing my refashion projects to.  All in the spirit of sharing.

A quick refashion:: sheer top to infinity scarf

I have been giving my wardrobe a little bit of a tidy up as we enter the cooler months.  Deciding on what to put away, what to donate and refashion. First refashion on my list was this top. 

An old top that was starting to fray.  I have always loved the colour and pattern, but was not so happy about the short sleeves and the fraying on the neckline that could not be saved without an over locker.  So I took to it with the scissors.  Basically cut it off from below the sleeves in one straight cut:

Once cut, I pinned a hem all the way around.  Sewing this proved a little tricky as I have never worked with such sheer,delicate (read: very slippery)  fabric so I had to do a little bit of research on the best way to sew a hem.  Lucky for me I remembered that back in February,  the the very clever Jenn from mytwobutterflies had kindly put up this technique for a refashion she had completed using similar fabric.  So I got to working on it and now.....here is my completed sheer infinity scarf!

I am pleased with the result and happy that I was able to save the fabric.  Now I have a little sheer scarf for all seasons....

Craftyclaudes Owlies now available instore at Little Harriet - Miranda

Recently opened Little Harriet offers a huge range of Women's Vintage and Pre loved Designer Clothing, Shoes, Handbags, Accessories and a variety of Home Décor.....a big range of prettiness really.  As a big lover of upcycled and recycled clothing and fabrics I am very proud to have the opportunity to offer some of my handmade goodness at Little Harriet.

Here are some pics from a recent visit....

Here they are!

Beautiful vintage glass and beaded jewelry

A great range of colours and styles....ready to jazz up any outfit

Shoe love.....In many sizes, colours and designs

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Gifts and clothing for little ones as well!

Lizie's handmade floral brooch -  lovely.   There will soon be new season creations available in the store

Jewelry love!

With a fantastic personal sense of style - Lizie carefully chooses the pieces to showcase in her store

Stay tuned for more craftyclaudes creations with a Spring/Summer vibe......

So when you are next in the Sutherland Shire drop in and visit........you are sure to find all things nice, with added sugar and spice!


Little Harriet
Shop 3
176 Parraweena Road
Miranda  NSW 2232


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