Winter dresses have been impossible to find for my little one. As Bella is only in size 1, I wasn’t expecting any trouble in finding winter dresses, but alas I have. Searching online for inspiration I discovered the idea of upcylcing a jumper into a little girl’s dress.  Between both tutorials I was confident to ‘give it a go’. Result was two lovely girl’s winter dresses. Off to the op-shop Saturday morning. By Saturday evening I’d whipped up a couple of dresses for Bella to wear to Mass Sunday morning. The cream dress is needing further embellishments. But for now, with a bright sash of pink around her waist, tights…

I’ve long been a keen bargain hunter, haunting op-shops (thrift) well before it became trendy to do so. I began my passion because of: financial needs, the fact I rarely find anything I like in the ‘regular’ shops and shopping centres put me on sensorial overload.  Whilst I’ve long had a discerning eye for a bargain and am selective in what I bring home, it wasn’t until I discovered the world of ‘upcycling’ that I discovered ‘a whole new world’. No longer do I discard fabrics, prints or outfits I like with a sad sigh because they are: too big, shapeless, fussy, too whatever’s. Instead I now stop and assess;…

A fortnight ago we celebrated Jem’s 5th birthday, this year I purchased and created a few dress ups as gifts.  I found a knight’s costume rather doable to make. Whilst op-shopping I was lucky to find a very large women’s silver top. This material was cut down to make the armour, both top and underhelmet. Learning how to make my own pattern gave me confidence to undertake this project. Best of all I can re-use this template now for other small boys if needed.  The hood and top are two separate pieces. Sewing right sides together it didn’t take long to stitch seams.  Armour completed. The surcoat was simply a…

Fabric bins are my latest love.  It began with three and then I couldn’t resist making more and yet more. These bins reside in our learning room and house all craft supplies.  They look far more attractive than the previous jumble. Keeping with my frugal theme, this was my first purchase, a double doona cover (comforter) for the princely sum of  $5. The liners were made from unwanted valances. This bin is my absolute favourite by far! It sits in the games room and houses the playstation controls.  Far more sightly than the previous set up. I just love these stripes, off set with the blue liner.  Both fabrics were…

A couple of weeks back I was in desperate need of maternity clothes, googling for ideas I came across a tutorial on converting regular jeans into maternity jeans. Inspired I set out on the hunt to op-shops with our two oldest girls.  I fell in love with these stretch, skinny jeans, I also found a lycra T-shirt that I planned on using in place of ribbing. The tutorial directions were easy to follow, though when instructions say, “pull your band tight” that is what you should do;)  I’m not entirely comfortable with the fit, I cut too wide and deep towards the sides, which means they slip down a little.…

Princess and I have been rather keen to try out our new  sewing machine, we decided our first project would be to upcycle a $3 sale item into an apron. I had purchased the size 24 dress with the intention of converting to a skirt or two. An apron was rather an easy project. A simple matter of cutting the front from the back. Then as the dress was lined, we flipped the dress inside out and sewed the front panel to the lining, creating instant neatness.   We also re-inserted the dress ties for the back and snipped the straps over the shoulders for the neck tie.  Done! To…

Over the holiday I enjoyed sewing and creating a few items.  I began with up-cycling a top never worn into a skirt for Princess.  So bright and funky, she loves it. It was simply a matter of cutting the bodice top off and turning the edges over. Quite handily the rows of shirring on the back meant no elastic was needed. Inspired by pictures on pinterest, I next made a strip skirt.  Between choosing fabric and my machine tension issues this was not a quick skirt to make.   Princess however is rather thrilled although PC calls it a ‘pauper skirt,’  reminding me of Dolly’s song, Momma sewed the rags together  Sewin’ every piece…