Project - Feminine Tops

There's been a resurgence in soft, fluid tops on the runway and in the stores, and I must say I'm happy to see that! Button front georgette blouses, boho silk tunics, chiffon poet's blouses - the styles are endless. You can dress them up or down by pairing a feminine top with jeans or tights. Wear one to the office under a blazer with trousers or a slim skirt. I love the carefree style and how non-constricting they are compared to slinky knit tops or crisp cotton shirts. I made two of these tops recently from a vintage pattern - Butterick 6037.

A few modifications were made in the first top as I didn't have quite enough fabric. I omitted the facings and bound the neckline in self-fabric instead. I also included a center front seam to accommodate the neck binding.

On the second top below, I lengthened the sleeves. Otherwise everything else was true to the pattern.

 

Project - Cardigan and Scoopneck - Redux a Turtleneck

Last year, I really got into cardigans for their comfort and style versatility. They can be dressed up or down and are certainly much more chic than the hoodies I had worn for a while. I was trying to find the perfect cardigan, but somehow finding one proved difficult. I'm a picky shopper and try to buy things I will actually wear. On one of my shopping excursions I noticed some turtleneck sweaters that were on clearance. They had all the elements I wanted in a cardigan, except that they were pullover tops. That didn't deter me! They were inexpensive enough that if my reduxing didn't work out, the money spent wouldn't break the bank. I came up with a plan, bought three of them, one each in black, grey and fuchsia pink (I'm also a notorious bulk buyer - when the price is right, I can't help it!) and began the redux. 

I started with one sweater first and cut up the center front. I bought the sweater about three sizes too large so there would be some extra fabric to play with. I had extra fabric from the sleeve ribbings which were very generous. I was able to cut two patch pockets and two narrower sleeve ribbings from the original piece. I sewed the new sleeve ribbings on and marked and sewed on the patch pockets. I didn't finish any of the raw edges on the center front or the patch pockets. The knit fabric was fine enough that I knew it wouldn't ravel or get ratty in the wash. I did the same to the remaining two sweaters and now I have three stylish cardigans!

On another outing, I found an awesome deal on Nicole Miller turtleneck tops in slinky, black rayon/spandex - only $3.99 each at my local Costco! I ended up buying two - one to wear as it was and another to redux. I hadn't planned out what I would do to the top, but I bought the second one three sizes too large again. After a while of contemplating, I decided to keep it simple and redux the turtleneck into a scoopneck top with a shaped, baseball shirt style hem. I love this hem shape as it gives femininity and interest in a subtle way. Changing the hem and neckline of a top are easy ways to freshen your wardrobe without spending money for something new.

Project - Dining Set Redux

This next project I tackled is home dec related. I don't normally do home dec projects, but it was either try and redux this dining set or shell out a few hundred dollars for a new one. I chose the former and added chair cushions, covers and even recovered the table top with a water proof nylon.

Before

I had all the materials needed (fabric, stapler, double-sided tape) so all I invested was my time. The fabric came from my extensive cache (which could do with some reduction) and for the chair padding I used pieces of foam mat (the kind used in children's play rooms etc.). As a side note, these mats are wonderful for laying on your floor and cutting out fabric and patterns. I don't have a large cutting table so I lay my fabric and pattern pieces on the floor, on top of these mats to prevent damaging the floor.

I'm quite pleased with the finished product. This dining set has been through three moves and has dings and dents as a result. Reduxing gives it new life until I'm ready to upgrade.

After

Vintage redux

Sometimes I'll find a vintage gem and only like one element of the piece, or there may be damage that cannot be repaired.  When I do, I'll upcycle and redo it to suit my taste.  You can get really creative when you upcycle, and truly showcase your sense of style.  Change the fit, style or completely take it apart and adding new elements will keep vintage pieces fresh and modern.  I love the creative process, so I'm always brimming with ideas and projects that can be re-worked.

Here's a vintage evening purse that I spied, which immediately caught my eye.  The original purse was a very flashy, gold foil lamé material encrusted throughout with clear rhinestones.  Of course, not all of the rhinestones were intact either, so I knew I had to redux it for that reason, if not for the fact that the amount of bling throughout was blinding!  I decided on a basic black and white print to juxtapose the fancy rhinestone frame.  The pleats in the fabric create texture and interest, adding dimension to an otherwise simple evening purse.  In the end, I was extremely pleased to have conjured up such an elegant creation.

Vintage Redux Black & White Pleated Evening Clutch