a how-to on all things fabulous

Part of repurposing and upcylcing successfully, is figuring out what you love and don't love about a garment.  For instance, I had a strapless top in my closet that I really loved... but never wore.  Someone had given it to me, and I loved the pattern of the fabric and I loved the pockets, but I didn't ever feel comfortable wearing it strapless.  I am built like a ten year old boy, so I wasn't exactly filling it out properly.I decided to keep the best of the garment and eliminate the part that wasn't working for me, and by doing so, I was able to repurpose the fabric to make items that are both adorable, and available on my etsy shop. :)

Here's how it all went down...

I started with what I liked about this top, which was really the bottom half because I wanted to make it into a skirt.  By removing the top part right above the elastic, I had a skirt that would be a modest length and had great angled pockets on the sides.

So, I removed the top part and then removed the buttons.

I was able to use the removed fabric to make several pieces (clips) that could later be worn with or without  the skirt.  I also added two of the buttons to accentuate the pockets that I liked so much.

This takes the guesswork out of putting an outfit together... because I just had to throw on whatever shirt I liked and all the pieces came together!  I chose to pair my new skirt with my brother's polo shirt that he wore in grade school.  (Perfect for the aforementioned body type, no?)

And there you have it.  I felt like I was a 50's bowling alley worker.  Shockingly, I considered that a total success!  What I love about these clips is how versatile they are.  Here are some different ways to get the most use out of one piece. 

Making it Meaningful

We all have something hanging in our closet that we never wear, but we can't seem to part with either. I had things in my closet that didn't fit, but I love the pattern. Or items that were so cheap that I couldn't pass them up, even though I couldn't get my leg all the way through. Sometimes, we even have clothes that are meaningful to us, though no longer useful. Perhaps a loved one has passed away and you simply can't bear the thought of giving their items away, but you can't reasonably hold on to every curtain, sheet and garment.

Below are some pictures that showcase ways I have taken precious fabrics (though they are not something I would wear on a regular basis) and made them into practical and wearable pieces.

Photo 1: A versatile clip for hair, shoe, top, or the flap of your purse. Made from leftover lace trim that my aunt no longer needed.

Photo 2: A piece I made using a too-big shirt and a shiny blouse from my late grandmother.

Photo 3: This was a newborn headband, made of another one of Grandma June's tops.

Photo 4: This red, black and turquoise material was another blouse from Junie. It is a gorgeous fabric and I loved the pattern. This made for a really meaningful piece that my cousin had ordered.

Photo 5 & 6: for these pieces I made a coordinating mother-daughter set for a family photo shoot. I made these from a friend's scarf.

You get the idea... I love taking a special fabric that has meaning, and making it into a beautiful, wearable piece that allows you to honor someone you love... without wearing Grandma June's shoulder pads.

You're crazy not to customize...

One of my favorite things I do is custom orders. Call me a people pleaser, but I love to figure out exactly what it is that you want, and make it happen. I especially enjoy doing this for special occasions!

Below are a few examples of how I can take a few preferences and turn it into a piece to perfectly match a dress or outfit. The blue and coral clip was a custom order for a bright, summery piece to coordinate with a coral dress.

The others pictures show how I can use a single picture or gift item to make a coordinating piece to complete the whole look. It is a great way to beef up a gift you give. Why give someone just a shirt, when you can customize a perfectly matching piece?? I'll tell you why, because you're probably crazy.

Baby Accessorizing

One must learn to accessorize, it is rarely known inherently. What age should one begin learning? Probably infancy.

This is a sweet headpiece I created for an even sweeter baby. Miss Avery was so precious in her baptismal tunic dress and headband, that I hatched a plan to steal her, and I am very committed to it. Whether I burgle the child or not, she will undoubtedly know how to rock the perfect accessory!

A Great Alternative to Hoarding

Upcycling is all the rage for crafters right now. For those of you who are not as fashion savvy... The concept is simply repurposing an item to make it fabulous. Crafters love it because it is environmentally and economically sound. Buyers love it because it frequently means that you are getting a one of a kind item.. I mean, how many aprons can you make out of your grandmother's lace curtain?? Items are less likely to be duplicated when materials are not commercially available.

Here is an order I did where I made items using the leftover material from a baby's nursery. So, what started as crib sheet material turned into nursery decor and matching accessories! This made for the perfect baby shower gift, meaningful and unique.