Around the middle of last week I realised I'm off to Melbourne soon and the weather there was very ridiculously hot. And I don't own any t-shirts. Or many pieces of clothing to wear at all when the weather creeps over 30°C, which doesn't happen all that often in Hobart... I raced off on a cheapy t-shirt hunt (did I mention we froze the credit cards?), and found nothing decent. Anywhere. Until I found the Red Cross shop where having a 2 for $10 sale. Yay! Anyhow, among the bits and pieces was this kaftan...
I liked the colours and even the flowers, but so did not fancy myself walking across the tarmac in a tent. Comfy? Yes. Flattering? On my shape? No. And I'm going to Melbourne, not a tropical resort where I might get away with it poolside.
So I chopped it in half.
Today I had a moment or three to spare, so I sewed some fabric ties from some Japanese quilting fabric I had tucked away. I attached them just below the armpit by picking a little hole in the seam and re-sewing. So the top half had instant shape and nice long, breezy sleeves.
The bottom half quickly became a very light, breezy skirt. Super dooper comfy and great for the beach, or garden, or home... anything.
Then I glanced at the bottom of the pile at an old denim skirt I wore before owlet times. That almost makes it vintage... Really comfortable and the shape suits me well, but the length. Ugh. Ankle length denim skirt? Not so much.
So I chopped the bottom off it.
See the pattern here? Then I stood in front of my fabric shelf for a really long time. And I pulled out an old fave piece of vintage Japanese scrap fabric and played with it. I had just enough. Exactly. Amazing.
So I made a border and found it works with all my shoes and clothes and I rather like it.
Brilliant stuff. I now have three extra pieces of clothing to play with. And all it cost me was $5. I'm going to attempt to post about more things I make, while I make them. I'll do a little Christmas catch up too. I'm also making a return to making things for the owlet shop and a return to markets! Yay! I'm really excited to be invited to participate in a revamped, beautiful local market, a couple of times this year. So there'll be lots of making going on. Watch this space...
So very awesome! Glad you've had a chance to make some things for yourself :) Can't wait to see what's in store for the Owlet shop this year, too. Welcome back ;)
ReplyDeleteFabulous new/old clothes. Hooray for a bit of imagination and an op shop sale.
ReplyDeleteHave just been reading back through some of your posts. I've been quite interested in the radical no schooling thing since you first brought it up last year. It is so not for our gang but I always wondered how yours would go. Fascinating that they have come to you for a little bit of structure now. Good on you for following it though and watching where it went.
We adored having our three with us full time over the past 6 months. I have been begging them to try a semester at home this year but they wont hear of it. They are desperate to go back. So I'm letting them on a trial. If it becomes bitchy or too stressful, they are coming home.
I hope you lot have the happiest and most creative 2012. I look forward to watching the continuing owlet adventure unfold. xx
Well done! Those re-makes looks fantastic! I love the kaftan top especially I think, but they are all wearable and easy - you are inspiring :)
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! xx
ReplyDeleteHow clever of you. They all look really amazing. I've passed by embroidered kaftans in the past as though they look pretty I had no idea what to do with them. Will now keep an eye out. I also have one of those denim skirts laying around.. might just try the fabric border. Love those shoes - can I ask where you got them?
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I popped the little skirt on the blog today. Thanks again xo
You are 12 shades of awesome and I want your shoes. Seriously, hand them over :P
ReplyDeleteyour so talented Lauren! I have missed coming over here xx
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your outfits! BRILLIANT! There is a workshop on upcycling clothes here on the island ~ Thanks to you I'm inspired to go along, and hopefully I come away with some ideas like yours.
ReplyDeletei love your shoes. they are so adorable. clever way of reinventing garments. visiting via ivy nest. xo
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to see you making things for you. Craftt Mothers so often make heaps for their babies and very little, if anything, for themselves. You deserve funky and unique clothes to feel good in! xx
ReplyDeleteYou are so very clever and thrifty and creative! Love what you did with that kaftan. Who would've thought? x
ReplyDeleteMost fabulous refashioning Lauren. Just goes to show what you can do with a little touch of imagination. xx
ReplyDeleteLove it! :) I LOVE repurposing things, especially those you love that need a little revamp!
ReplyDeleteI'm your newest follower! Happy to find some fellow Aussie blogging mums. Please come visit at Just For Daisy :)