Dress to Skirt Refashion

I found this dress a couple of years ago at a thrift store. At the time I thought I could make something for Harper with it. Then I tried it on and it kind of fit, so I thought I might actually wear it. Then I tried it on again and realized I haven't worn it because it is WAY too short. So I chopped off the top and made it into a skirt.

I just added a ribbed knit yoga style waistband. Now I have a brand new skirt that I will definitely wear.

I have a couple of other refashions in the works. I really need to work my way through my stash or get rid of some stuff.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone!!

Sheet to PJ Shorts

I don't have too much to show this week. I didn't get around to those birthday presents. I did manage to make some pj bottoms for Harper last week. I also made a couple of pillowcases for my nieces, but once again forgot to take a photo. I made the pj bottoms from a thrifted knit sheet. I used the finished edge for legs so that I did not need to hem them. Gotta love that. I think these took me all of 20 minutes from start to finish. I bought some stretch lace that worked out perfectly. I need to work on the fit a little bit, but as you can tell from the photo she has been wearing them. I actually pulled them out of the dirty clothes hamper to get a photo.

Here's a closeup of how I attached the stretch lace.

I have really been itching to make several more because Harper is in need of pjs, but I have a wholesale order to finish first. So much for taking the summer off, huh? We are planning a vacation in a couple of weeks and I just can't refuse the mony right now.

Happy Crafty Tuesday everyone.

A Little Something For Me

I have been in a bit of a sewing funk. I have lots of projects in my mind, but actually completing them has been a whole different story. A couple of months ago, I bought this cute, soft sheet at Goodwill. I envisioned a dress for Harper and maybe a skirt for me. I have been wanting to make myself a comfy skirt to wear around the house. I decided that I wanted a yoga style foldover waist for maximum comfort. While the kids napped on Sunday, I whipped up this skirt. It turned out exactly how I wanted it to and it is SO comfortable. I was so excited because lately this doesn't ever happen.

I also made Harper an apron skirt and a matching birthday crown. I am still working on the top. I should have photos next week after her birthday party.

It felt so good to sew again. Of course this little bit of productivity has just fed my desire to finish all those other projects swimming around in my head.

Visit Carrie for more Crafty Tuesday.

Feeling Crafty

I have been feeling very crafty lately. I finally found a little bit of time to throw together an apron for me and a dress for my little girl. The apron is made from a sheet I found at Goodwill and the dress is made from one of my old skirts. The buttons were from a stash I inherited from my grandma. The dress needs to be taken up on the sides and hopefully I will get to that one day. The apron has been used as a cape more than an actual apron, but that is ok.

On Friday, I discovered a new thrift store and bought a couple of things. Now I have all kinds of materials to work with and lots of ideas. If I could add about 5 more hours to each day, I would be all set.

Completely Refashioned Skirt

I finished my first refashion. I have been collecting materials and finally had enough to make a skirt for my little girl. My loving and very thoughtful husband took the kids to the park Saturday so I could have a couple of hours of uninterrupted sewing. I cut all the pieces on Friday afternoon. I used instructions I found online (which I now can not find for some reason) and a McCall's pattern to come up with my measurements, so that I had 4 tiers instead of 3.

For the top layer (floral) I used a shirt that I found at Goodwill. The orange fabric is a freecycle find. The plaid layer is one of my brother's old shirts. The last layer is from a sheet I found at Goodwill. I even used elastic from an old sports bra for the waistband. Not bad, huh? It was a little tricky since the size of the fabric was limited. As you can see at the very top I had to piece together some of the fabric to make it wide enough. Overall, I am happy with the way it turned out. What do you think?

Friday Finds- I Have Been Thrifting

I racked up on some more good stuff at Goodwill on Friday. Our local Goodwill store is huge and always has tons of great deals. You have to be patient and dig through lots of stuff, but it is so worth it.

In the picture above, are curtains on the left, a purple satin nightgown, a navy velvet dress, and 4 books. I liked the material of the curtains and thought I could possibly make a skirt out of it. My daughter has not wanted to take off the navy dress eventhough it is 90 degrees outside.

I thought these two dresses would be perfect for dress up.

The blue and black top is for me. I loved the material of the other shirt. I thought it would make a cute purse. I might be getting a little ahead of myself, but that is okay. And are you ready for the grand total? Under $12. Yep, that's right. Not too bad if I do say so myself.

I have been thinking about joining Wardrobe Refashion, but I am just not sure. If I really knew how to sew maybe. I still love looking at what other people come up with. If you get a chance, you should check it out.

No New Clothes - Chapter 1

Last Friday I started my quest to find some fall/winter used clothing for my kids. I know stores are starting to put out fall clothes so I thought now might a good time to start. I was right. The first consignment store I hit starts accepting winter clothes July 1st. They already had a decent selection of items and it did not seem totally picked over. While I was checking out, I was making small talk with the cashier and she mentioned that she had boxes of clothes that they did not have room to put out yet. She let me weed through the boxes with the sizes that I was looking for. Guess it pays to be friendly. The second store I went to was a little more expensive, but I found some items that I knew would be perfect for my son.

Here's what I got:

1. 4 long sleeve t-shirts for my son. All sporting some sort of locomotive, which is currently all he will wear.

2. 2 pairs of Stride Rite shoes for my son. He has a very wide foot and Stride Rite fit him the best. These shoes look brand new. They are a big for him now, but hopefully by winter they will be perfect.

3. Janie & Jack skirt for my daughter. Ok, I know I am supposed to be shopping for winter clothes, but I could not resist. Besides, she will be able to wear it next summer for sure.

4. Gymboree bike shorts for my daughter. These still had the tags on them. Again, another summery item, but she will be able to wear them next year (hopefully)

5. Gymboree sweater for my daughter. I found this one digging through the boxes. It is really cute.

6. Furry sweatshirt jacket for my daughter. I also found this digging through the boxes. It is a good medium weight so she should get some good use out of it.

I was very happy with my first round of shopping. Maybe this won't be too hard after all.