Showing posts with label refashion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label refashion. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

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.


Wednesday, April 18, 2012

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....



Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Once upon a time I was a.......

In this series I share with you some pretty cool projects I have seen around my virtual travels. Take everyday objects (ones that we usually throw away without a thought) a tutorial and a few basic tools to create  unique recycled pieces.   Check these out:


A globe becomes a lampshade

via here

A big pretty out there jumpsuit becomes a chic dress


Check out this clever refashion and many many more here
Your old beer/wine bottles become gorgeous decorative vases


via here


 Bottle cap + Magnet = jazzes up your fridge

Via Here

There are so many resourceful people in the DIY, craft and refashion community.  I hope to share many more of my findings.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Back to Crafty Blogging for 2012......


I missed this little blog.

Having been away from it for almost 3 months has been a nice break.   A time where I have been able to take in new experiences and knowledge as well as reassess the things that are important to me.

There is so much awesomeness out there that I want to share (and I do miss sharing).  Every day I am amazed by the very talented, thrifty, funny, generous and creative people I come across.   So in the spirit of sharing....Craftyclaudes blog resumes its normal schedule starting......now :-)

Incorporating my project from 2011 (1 photo a day )  I now share with you some of what I have been up to in the last 3 months:

Watching Sunsets.....the colours, smells and sounds of the daylight coming to an end always stops me in my tracks.  


Making tissue paper pom poms and other paper decorations for the wedding of A + F.  Thank you pinking shears, jewelry wire and fishing line - all things I have collected over many years of different crafty pursuits.


Learning to sew my own clothes.  I have thought about making pieces from patterns, however, I still find it difficult to read those things.  So with my very basic sewing knowledge (from Year 8 High school) and tonnes of sewing tutorials online, I am giving it a go.   Started by copying pieces I already have in my wardrobe.  The finished  pieces coming to my blog as soon as I finish them....you just cant rush these things ;-)


As well as making pieces from scratch, I am also getting into a little Refashioning.  Taking existing pieces that may no longer do it for me (in the fashion sense) and a little cut here, a bit of a sew there and voila!  a new refashioned piece is born.   There are many many people to draw inspiration from online.  Some clever ladies refashioning 1 piece a day!  that is very impressive.   Who knew grandmas old frumpy dress could turn into very fashion forward pieces.    Will be sharing lots of before and afters from the refashion world.


Playing with my new sewing machine.   It was time for an upgrade.  The trusty dinosaur (my mums old Singer) was a real workhorse but for a few years now, her rattling bones were begging to be retired.   This new machine has 40 stitches, automatic needle threader and a light!  A light people!   because sometimes its the little things that make the biggest difference.



Growing an edible garden in our little balcony.   Learning about organic and seasonal plants, soil composition, worm wee and other fascinating plant facts.   Encouraged by many people online growing their plants in the tiniest spaces and in the most unfavorable conditions with surprising results.  It has been very inspiring.  So far we have lettuce, garlic, habanero chillies, coriander, basil, chives and spearmint.  All growing nicely in pots and giving our balcony some colour and our taste buds a treat!  as there is nothing more rewarding than sitting down to a meal that has even just 1 ingredient that you helped to grow.  





Thats all for now but I look forward to sharing lots more ......

xo
claudes

ps - I miss you all my online blog friends.  Thank you for keeping in touch and for wondering where I and my Facebook page went to.  For the moment I am only keeping the blog going as all other social media takes a little more time to keep up with.   I remain inspired by all your blogs and hope that I get to add a little bit of "I will try that"  to your day as you have done to mine  :-)


Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Smashing Refashions by Mytwobutterflies

I am really enjoying Jenn's (from mytwobutterflies blog)  latest refashions.  All of them are not only easy to make (with some very easy tutorials and photos kindly put together by the clever lady herself) but also super cute!   Seeking inspiration from other websites, magazines, blogs and even the latest seasons fashions, Jenn has given all of these creations her own unique take.   Here are a 3 of my favourite ones:

 Extra Large T-shirt to Side Knot T-shirt Refashion
 Take one man size tshirt, some scissors and about 2 minutes of your time!


Great with jeans and layers - my favourite wardrobe staples.


Skirt to Top - The Spring Version


Take one old skirt,  some cutting, sewing a little elastic and you now have a gorgeous night-out-dancing kinda top!
The inspiration: Anthropologie $118

The finished piece - priceless - cause you made it yourself!

Boden Inspired Cardigan Refashion

I love her take on this one.   Very neutral and feminine chic!

the inspiration from Boden


The bead detail is gorgeous!
Well done Jenn - you are a real inspiration!   Next visit to my thrift store will be sure to look out for some pieces I can refashion.