Re-modelling: a skirt from a dress!

Not having posted anything textiles-related in a while, I thought I'd highlight a little project from last year. My sister was kind enough to buy a vintage dress for me but it just didn't look right, especially the bodice section but we both loved the sun-ray pleated skirt.

After deliberation and discussion, we hit on the idea of chopping the top off altogether and using the bottom section to make a skirt. And I'm so lucky - Sister C, such a clever sewer, did the hard work for me. It was decided it would be simplest to cut it above the waist seam to make use of the elasticated waist. So the raw edge was then overlocked and hand stitched to the elastic on the wrong side. The tie was already there so C made some rouleau loops (and if making them is not an old skill, it's an advanced one and I have never done them) to attach the tie to the skirt. 

 

In cooler weather I've worn it with cardies and boots, and in summer with a T-shirt and white "fashion sneakers" or sandals. It's been so easy to wear - a really successful example of upcycling/remodelling/transformation! What continues to amaze me are the lovely comments I get every time I wear it - thanks C! 

Cutwork bookmarks...

..using free-motion stitching!

These cutwork bookmarks use free motion stitching and three layers of fabric.

Woollen blankets revived

In furnishing this time.

I needed to get my dining chairs recovered. They'd come from the farm and you could tell...

Fabric storage basket using recycled denim

A quick and interesting way to use an old pair of jeans - and a cheap source of fabric.

Photo by Sarah Ryan

Start with an old pair of jeans and cut off a portion off the bottom.

Bag: re-using a woollen blanket

I love the old check woollen blankets, and I have been stashing a few. Last week, I discovered that my every-day bag was disintegrating, and new ones that I looked at were so expensive! So I got to, and decided to put one of my old blankets to good use (this one I'd picked up for $2 at an Op Shop in the doggy blanket section).

Photo by Sarah Ryan

So I made a template from my old bag, and cut out two on the bias (diagonally), and two from a contrast fabric for the lining. Then I added an extra piece to make an inside pocket. 

Appliqué scarf

Appliqué:  [Pronunciation: ap-li-kay]   (n.) ornamentation, as a cutout design, that is sewn on to or otherwise applied to a piece of material (Source: OED online. Oxford University Press, March 2015. Web. 17 April 2015)

Now I am a bit of a scarf fan...so making another scarf was inevitable really...

 

 Photo by Sarah Ryan

So....I just happened to buy 50cm of cheesecloth, and 20cm of a white lace fabric.