gramma b
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Date: 4/2/12 8:23 AM I see a lot of tutorials for converting men's shirts to tops, full skirts to something else, T's to fitted or different necklines. We have some good consignment stores where you find almost new, more interesting fabric that available in JA's, the main local store.
What are some favorite re-dos to try, other than kids' clothing? |
SewRaeMe
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CANADA
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 2 members like this. I took an old coat of my husband's and made a waterproof/windproof coat for the dog. The dog loved it!:) ------
Formerly The Canadian |
gramma b
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Date: 3/9/13 12:49 PM
Try XL men's thrifted shirts for practice on tops like shells. You can use the button front for a pattern like the Sorbetto top. I trimmed off the button placket and used it for the back with a French seam, so you can curve in at the waist.
Now the long wide back piece will be the front, with enough to gather, pleat, add darts. Wide sleeves can be recut and double back yokes used for neck/armhole bindings or ruffles. The longest, widest shirts will be those tropical-print styles worn untucked.
They can also be re-cycled for little girls into shirred sundresses or skirts, just cut off under arms and leave button front. Use the extra for straps, ruched ruffles, and matching headbands.
-- Edited on 3/14/13 9:12 AM -- |
diane s
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OR USA
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1 member likes this. I always start looking in the largest sizes, because it gives you the most fabric to work with. I've ended up with some cute tops from Chico's because I wear a size 2 (chico's sizing) and they're always in the 2X section and no one buys them.
I made several Pamelas T out of men knit shirts.
An xl cotton J Jill sweater became an a cute swing cardigan.
A peasant style blouse from a mans dress shirt.
I made dd cardigans out of some of my t shirts that were a little short.
The dog got a coat from a felted sweater.
I repurpose more for my grandkids. I find gorgerous knits from high end brands at my local thrift shop that has fill a brown bag for $5.00. ------
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since. |
Chris Bryant
 
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VA USA
Member since 8/24/02
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1 member likes this. I made a blanket out of 2 and 1/2 inch wide strips of old jeans and serged them. I mixed the different shades to give it a quilt like look. I gave it to my son and he uses it to work on his automobiles. He loves it and it has held up well despite getting a lot of use. His vehicles typically go at least 350,000 miles and sometimes more before he sells them to the junkyard.
Chris |
GwenH
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Date: 3/11/13 9:04 PM n/a
-- Edited on 3/12/13 10:24 AM -- |
gramma b
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Date: 3/12/13 7:13 AM Please tell how you cut/finished edges for that swing cardigan? |
diane s
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OR USA
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Date: 3/12/13 1:04 PM I find the cf,and draw a line. then I press on some tricot interfacing strips. that I cut myself about 1/2" wide just out from the line on the wrong side. Cut the front open, this sweater had a V--neck, and I cut through the V. This was a cotton sweater with a loose knit, so I bound the edges in plain old bias tape hemmed the front opening and added a snap.sweater to cardigan
-- Edited on 3/12/13 1:06 PM --
-- Edited on 3/12/13 1:11 PM -- ------
My grandmother taught me to sew when I was 10, and I've been sewing ever since. |
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