Upcycling

My dilemma with the selfie…

Image | | plyders

It has been awhile since I posted anything about clothing. I have made several new pieces, but have avoided posting because I am tired of the late night selfies. (Late night because I often don’t get around to documenting and posting until after I get my kids to sleep; and selfies because it fits my budget.) I actually bought a couple lenses and tripod from Photojojo.com to improve my iPhone photos. But the lenses and tripod do not take better photos on their own. So what do I do? I revert to the late night selfie. I figure sharing my making is important even if the photos are less than perfect. You, dear reader, may likely disagree. But I feel compelled to let you know that I have much busier than my blog shows. Really, I have. Currently, I like the feel of a loose tunic shirt. Using an XXL or larger men’s shirt, I create a narrow sleeve but leave the body wide. This style works best on a shirt that has some movement – like a rayon blend. Using a 100% cotton dress shirt would be too stiff. In the photo, I am wearing a linen/rayon blend I transformed today. And what am I wearing below? Those funky pants are an experiment. They are jersey cotton pillowcase pants. Yes, from a pillowcase. I was sifting through my bins of fabric and thrift clothing looking for inspiration when I found the pillowcase and envisioned simple dropped crotch pants and a skirt. I just cut and sewed legs using my serger and then added an elastic waistband into the existing hem. Easy. And so comfortable, although they are not the most flattering. I made the skirt too, but I’ll save that post for another day.

Transforming scraps into gems…

| plyders

This simple, modern necklace uses leftover scraps from various wet-felting projects. I cut three circles in different sizes and blanket stitched their edges with a matching color thread. The circles were then layered and affixed with fabric glue. Stainless steel washers on both sides provide contrast and reinforce the hole for the leather lacing. This item is for sale on Etsy.

When one idea leads to another…

| plyders

This morning I wove a small placemat from fused plastic bags. But I did not originally set out to make a woven mat. That is the beauty of being open during the creative process. I recently saw some giant pinwheels in a store. As I often do, I thought Hmmm, I bet I could make some of those. My plan was to create a large plastic sheet by fusing grocery bags. But the particular plastic I was using proved to be very difficult to fuse evenly. And the final sheet was not large enough to make a splendidly giant pinwheel. So I trimmed the uneven edges and considered what else I could make with a long rectangle plastic sheet. The trimmings were lined up on the counter and suddenly I had a flash of inspiration. I cut the rectangle into strips, wove all the pieces together, and ironed (fused) the final composition. I love it when mistakes or failed attempts become successes.

A cardboard light box…

| plyders

I have been brainstorming ways to use what I already have to create an interesting display of products from BypPauline for the upcoming ARTist Saturday at Armature. Supplemental lighting is encouraged, so I decided to make my own ambiance floor lamps. Using heavy duty cardboard (yes, I’m still making use of moving boxes) I created a “Golden Section” rectangular light box. Tracing a few glasses of various sizes as templates, I cut a few holes on each side and even across one corner. I’ve never wired a lamp from scratch before, but the plug and inline switch were super easy to install onto the cord using the instructions. The actual lamp holder was more of a challenge to wire because it didn’t come with instructions. But thanks to YouTube, I safely attached the hot and ground wires and turned on my light box with giddy excitement.

From t-shirt to skirt to pants…

Image | | plyders

A while ago I happened upon a way to make a simple skirt from the top half of a XXL t-shirt. I literally just stepped inside the giant neck hole and said “Hey, this could be a skirt.” The sleeves were flipped inside and sewn shut to form giant pockets and the skirt hem was a simple raw cut edge. It was just that simple. I wore it a few times in the summer. It was funky for sure – even for me. So recently, I decided to alter it a step further and make some low crotch harem pants. Using a second complementary gray t-shirt, I created tapered legs and a folded waistband. They are super comfortable, but clearly an experimental part of any wardrobe. Pants are much more practical in my wardrobe, so I may actually wear these as a funky, feature piece now and then.

Upcycle a shirt into an infinity scarf…

| plyders

This infinity scarf is made from a large piece of soft cotton shirting found at a thrift store. I really like the modern use of a traditional material like plaid. The edges of the fabric are straight-stitched at ¼ inch so there is a controlled fray.

Fleece fringe scarf…

| plyders

Using the gray fleece leftover from making the mouse ears and tails, I created a couple easy fringe scarves. I’ve previously made and posted pictures of this scarf design in various colors and patterns. Being a minimalist, I prefer the monochrome gray.

Stuff a pouf with scraps…

| plyders

While researching creative uses for my bins of scrap fabric, I found a pattern on bhg.com for a pouf. I chose an outdoor cotton duck fabric and pretty much followed the bhg.com instructions verbatim except that I opted for minimal hand stitching to finish the top and bottom octagons. To fill the pouf, I used two large storage bins of scrap fabric and fiber fill from three old pillows. It was very satisfying to use so much “waste” to create something so useful, lasting, and attractive. To be totally honest, I am not in love with the octagonal shape. If I make any more poufs, they will be cubes. I found two wool blankets at a thrift store that I felted just for this purpose. Since I am all out of fabric scraps for filling, I can purchase bags of rejected thrift store clothing for $0.10/lb.

Flirty swing dress from a giant t-shirt…

Image | | plyders

image

The second of two gigantic t-shirts was transformed into a dress. The chest pocket remains in the original location so it wraps over the new side seam. The bottom edge is raw but the sleeves and collar hems were preserved.