Upcycling: Excess Skirts Become Flattering
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; can I unpick that ruffle, cut that skirt down, convert that dress to a skirt, snip, tuck here and there, or use the fabric and make a whole new outfit for myself or a child? Fabric is so expensive to purchase and it is far cheaper to search the op-shops for sheets, doona covers or rip apart an outfit and reuse fabric, or make a slight conversion to an outfit.
I can now happily gravitate towards the fabrics I like and happily purchase regardless of overlarge sizing, confident I can convert to the wearable. This weekend I spent a short but happy time converting a few skirts from the excess to the flattering. I simply turned the skirt inside out, laid it flat on a table, then placed a favourite skirt on top, using it as a template I marked an outline with a crayon. Pinning the skirt together, matching the stripes, I ran up the seam/s, cut off the excess material, edged and I was all done:) I’m in love with upcycling!
* Truly I’m much happier than I look, being behind the camera is easier than being in front;)
6 Comments
Laura Pearl
I love this post! It gets me inspired to hit Goodwill.
It's true: fabric is expensive, and it's hard to even find some of the types they use in store-bought clothing.
You look great in your new skirt!
Erin
Laura
Enjoy shopping, and you might find some coats too:):)
I think as less people sew the fabric range has reduced. And thank you:)
Mary
The skirts look great! So do you!
I save things for redo but don't get to it so my daughter picks through for her projects. Thanks for the motivation!
Baby in pic#1 is precious!
Erin
Mary
Thanks:)! Giggling about your daughter, I totally understand.
Baby is just a delight:)
Anonymous
My niece used to earn pocket money by converting quilts etc into pretty summer dresses, and selling through a boutique on the Sunshine Coast, Very creative. Cheers, Sherelle NQ
Erin
Very creative indeed!