Date: 9/29/09 9:37 PM

All those who have been coveting Karen's reconstructed projects, check out her article in which she gives plenty of ideas and inspiration on how to re-purpose your own clothes.

Sewing with a (Re)Purpose

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- Deepika
Founder, PatternReview.com
Blog: http://www.deepikablogs.com

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Date: 9/30/09 9:46 AM

Very interesting..now I'm inspired to dig into my tote o thrift shop buys.
thank you,
jan

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2009-113.25 yds
2010-115.5
2011-80.25+30+donated
2012-26 January
5yds..
Everyone who sews seriously has a stockpile of fabrics, because it is natural to purchase more than can be sewn in any one season" Singer, Timesaving Sewing, 1987

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Date: 9/30/09 10:10 AM

I have a thrift store nearby, and I go through the extra large sizes looking for wonderful fabric. I have a nice stash of recyclables now. This article has given me great ideas. Thank you!

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Date: 9/30/09 10:13 AM

I was just thinking... why don't we start a list of thrift stores? I dont know of any in my area...

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- Deepika
Founder, PatternReview.com
Blog: http://www.deepikablogs.com

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Date: 9/30/09 10:47 AM

Loved this article!!! I'm a big (re)purposer. I've only transformed one garment so far, but most of my fabric stash is made up of vintage tablecloths, sheets, and pillow cases that I use regularly. When I make hats for myself and others, I try to line them with something of sentimental value like a husband's old dress shirt. I love the challenge of bringing something old back to life. It's also not too hard on the pocket book!

We have some great thrifting spots on the outskirts of Atlanta (GA) in Decatur, Snellville, and Lawrenceville. You'll have to treasure hunt, but I believe it's worth the effort. If anyone is interested, let me know. I'd be more than happy to list them.

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Date: 9/30/09 10:51 AM

Great article! I have several thrift stores in my town. I think I will be paying them each a visit with a new mission in mind. We also have a Flexsteel furniture manufacturing outlet. You can buy yards and yards of fabric for $3 or $4 - total price! Not all of the fabrics are suitable for apparel, but many are.

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BuckeyeAtHeart

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Date: 9/30/09 11:06 AM

I am so glad I found this post. I have a dress maybe 20 yrs old but it has the big flowers just like today.
It is a shirt waist dress with plenty of material in the skirt.
The only thing that bothers me is the big shoulder pads. Not sure exactly how to handle that.

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Date: 9/30/09 12:15 PM

Karen, what wonderful projects! Thanks so much for sharing all your creativity in such a well written article. Re-purposing is something I do often---because I can make something useful instead of add to the landfill, and the process builds mental "muscle". Such fun, and a garment unlike any other!!

I love the patchwork vest. It's beautiful.

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my blog: http://kf-biblioblog.blogspot.com/
Sewing through my pattern stash-95
completed.

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Date: 9/30/09 12:28 PM

Excellent article! I love your refashioned items - especially the men's tweed pants remade into a jacket.

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Beverly

http://bjsewmuchmore.blogspot.com

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Date: 9/30/09 12:41 PM

How inspiring. Thank you so much!

Marianna

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sunniek

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