kcwc - day six! Pink zebra

I like stripes, she likes pink, so I guess this upcycle fits both our tastes :D.

I got this long sleeve T-shirt at the thrift store because I couldn't pass a shirt that had good quality material, was pink, had stripes, was looking new, and cost about $2.00. I don't remember the size, but I would assume it was small, because it didn't fit me. I didn't think of taking a picture until I realized it was going to be a challenge to get what I wanted out of that T. I can be quite preposterous in my assumptions of how much a piece of fabric can yield... So as soon I it sank that it would require some meticulous planning, I took the shot, and the T was already disassembled. It was a raglan V-neck. V was quite low and had a dark red fine ribbing band around it. I cut out the ribbing and the arms. 

Then got my favorite T-shirt pattern - the raw edge raglan from the book Sewing for Boys, by Shelly Figueroa. I placed the pieces in a way that I could take advantage of the hems of the original T and match the stripes front-back (Please excuse my pattern weights....) The V-neck was so low that I didn't really have enough fabric for the my neckline, so I made do...

Then I cut some light pink jersey knit that I already had to make the sleeves (a little longer than the pattern calls for). I used the original neckband, but because it was long (remember, it was a low V-neck) I had enough for my neckband plus a little for fold up sleeve bands.

And here is Ms.G's raw edge raglans (sans raw edges) The neckline gathered a bit because of the original v-neck, but I actually like it this way.

                                     

And that brings me to day six of  kcwc - it was time to tackle the sleeves of the original T.

I thought I'd need a large band on top and a gusset, but because this fabric is so stretchy and the sleeves were so long, all I needed was a waistband, which I made out of the pink jersey I had. I used an existing legging as basis for how long the rise should be, and cut in a way to match the stripes in the center. When I had cut the sleeves out of the shirt, I purposely cut them as a square on top, and as wide as I could, because I knew that the sleeves wouldn't have enough fabric for her hip area, that gave me enough to work on.

And here the result: 

                         

                    Front

Back

And what was left? This is all. I don't think I ever used up so much of an original item when upcycling.

And here on Ms. G:

                      

And today she decided to put on the whole outfit together.... Tuca said she looked like a pink zebra. What can I say? I like stripes, she likes pink.

And there you have it: one T-shirt and a pair of leggings out of one long sleeved small T.

One happy mommy and one happy daughter.

Good night!

Elisana

kcwc - day four! Upcycle for baby D

So excited!!!!!

Well, remember this shirt from yesterday? I absolutely love the fabric! Not surprisingly I was the one who picked it for the Mister. It's a very soft cotton with fine blue and orange stripes and an interesting weave on the blue stripe. Lovely. 

 

Oh yeah, and it had a hole in the middle of the back!

Well, this is what became of it:

Seriously, how cute is this?

 And how much cuter is baby D wearing it!

         



I used out of print Butterick 4791, slightly altered. It had elastic around the legs and snaps on the inseam. I opted for biding it and omitting the snaps.
And because I know you're wondering if there was any fabric left, here it is: I still have the collar, button plackets, 2 sleeves and strips of what was once a man's shirt :)

And tonight I'll be working on this item, that has been sitting here unfinished since last spring!

And on another upcycle that I already cut, this is what is left of the original item.....

See you tomorrow!

Elisana
PS: buttons like these are available at Buttons4all

Baby shoes

I made these shoes using the wool that was left of an ensemble I made baby D, which you can see here.
After the shoes were made there were threads left of the original sweater - no kidding! The leather was a gift from a dear friend that spotted the softest black leather pants at a garage sale and got it for me because she knows I love to upcycle leather. Yes, my friends are THAT awesome! Gracias Jacque!

I basically followed two patterns and tutorials
Stardust cloth shoe pattern
Tacky baby shoes 


There was a third one, but I can't find it now! I think the owner of the blog might have closed it.

The top is lined with gray jersey, which allows for some stretching. I did stitch the sole to the top and back by and on the outside, because these shoes were already about the size of his chubby feet and I thought it would be more comfortable this way. I don't recommend it though if the baby already walks, because the thread would probably end up breaking.

And what about these legs????? 

                                                                          

Here is one of the first shoes I made Tuca, he learned how to walk in these and wore them so much it tore a little hole on the big toe - cute!

                                      

The leather was a long overall coat, and I love that color of leather!

And that's another upcycle!

See you soon,

Elisana

Upcycling!

Here are a couple of super simple dresses that I upcycled.

This one was an XXL man's shirt that I got at a church rummage sale. It looked new and the material felt nice. I intended to make something for the boys with it, but then changed my mind.

 

I cut off the sleeves, pinned the sides to remove excess fabric and serged all the way up to the armhole, then finished the armhole. I love how it turned out, because it can be worn in all seasons, with sandals or boots, with or without a belt. Very versatile! The pocket was on the chest originally, I moved it and added a strip of satin ricrac just for a little feminine touch.

This one was a blouse I got at the thrift store, and I had planned to make something for Ms G with it, but also changed my mind - think twice, cut once ;)

I did the same I did for the other dress, but this blouse had 3/4 length sleeves, which I put away for some other project. The problem with upcycling is the fine line between hoarding and "making provision for the future"..... ahem.

What about you? Did you ever upcycle a garment?

Peace!

Elisana