Monday, September 27, 2010

Thrifty Deconstruction

I guess it's safe to say I've had a bit of a growth spurt this past year....ehem. Maybe I need to stop celebrating each thrifty treasure I find by eating a donut? Perhaps. Regardless, my cargo pants have been getting a little tight so I decided to do a little "upcycling" and repurpose them into cool deconstructed skirts.
I had seen a similar idea in a book called Free Style Sewing. I had only looked at the picture and never read the instructions and returned the book, so I probably didn't do it right but I am happy with how they turned out. I cut the legs off 5 inches or so from the bottom and ripped the seams on the inside of the legs to the zipper. Stitched it back up as a skirt and added the bottom part of the legs on as ruffles in the front. Cute and girly but with an edge.
These were actually capris with ties at the bottom, same steps but just cut the bottoms off above the draw strings and reattached them as ruffles which worked out really well since I used the drawstring to make the ruffle, tied little bows and then attached the whole thing. there are two rows of ruffles, one leg bottom each. Not sure I am explaining it well, but long story short, I finished both in an hour and a half and it was fun too! Since I can wear them up at my waist a bit higher now that the inseam is gone, they fit way more comfy!
Other than doing a little sewing, I've been doing a little thrifting, but nothing too exciting. I did find a stunning vintage Vera nightie and robe set at a consignment shop. I was very excited until I realized that a pretty, dainty and sheer nightie just does not fit into my lifesyle at the moment since I generally have sticky little pancake hands clutching at me every morning. So, I put it up on ebay.
Linking to Apron Thrift Girl and Southern Hospitality! Check 'em out!

2 comments:

Mitzi said...

What an awesome idea! Love the green skit! So cute! (Found you on Apron Thrift Girl site)

Laura Lofgreen said...

You are amazingly talented. I'd love to feature you on my blog at www.mydeartrash.com. I write about things I find at thrift stores and what I do with them. I love your skirts. I'd love to make something like it, but lack in the sewing department. Super idea and email me at mydeartrash.gmail.com.