Project Canidates

I looked through my closet and started pulling out items

 I would like to refashion/fix this year.

 

 

Hawaiian Floral Skirt.

I bought this skirt in Hawaii and love it. The lace detail is beautiful and it fits me! The problem is: What do I wear on top. I haven't' found the right shirt. I am thinking I might sew a shirt and attach it to make this into a dress. I don't wear it as much as I would like- because I get a huge mental block of what to wear with it.

Lace shirt

I have never worn this shirt. Problems: it is shear and I need a shirt under. It is actually cream color, so a regular white t-shirt wont do. Second problem is the shape. It is shaped like a trash bag. The arms are wide- the arm holes hit my waist. The bottom of the blouse has elastic- so it rides to my waist and puffs out.

It is not at all flattering.

You might ask, "why buy it?"

In skilled hands I can see has potential.

 

 

Hot Pink jumper

I bought this at a garage sale along with a cute jean jacket- it looks pretty cute together. I love that this dress has pockets- the sleeves are a bit short and the neckline is a bit large.  So I need to raise the neckline and change the sleeves.- or something!

 

 

SHADE royal blue romper

 

I bought this about 4 years ago when SHADE went out of business. It is a cute dress- but the sleeves are capped.. just a little too short for my liking- but the real reason I need to "fix" this dress is the length. When belted, it is too short.

 

 

White print skirt

I love the pattern and flow of this skirt. It is silky and drapes nice. The waistband is really baggy- it is strange. I don't wear this as often as I like- because I have to cover the top of the skirt.

 

 

Work Pants

These pants are a great fit around my waist- but BELL huge by the bottom.

 

Denim "bag" shirt

My sister-in-law passed along this shirt to me. I love the little lace detail- but the shape of the shirt is very big and baggy. She passed it along- because the length has shrunk- so it is wider than it is long now. I want to save the details.. maybe... ?? I don't know... we'll see what I come up with.

 



Must try Tutorials...

This is just a mental note to myself-- techniques I want to try.


red patterned skirt---needs this done badly!
Shirt dress Tutorial HERE.

messanger bag-with a belt tutorial

lengthen a dress tutorial - with a ruffle, Here for color block casual option

drab shirt to fab/glittery tutorial

My white long skirt I never wear--- try this!

No sew color blocked T- a must do!!!

Styling help- study this.

LOVE this dress- but need a different top color. Bust flower dress

what to do if a cute dress has no sleeves-- easy peasy solution!

color scheming- I need to learn and here

Project: purple velvet

 

okay- I had to add this image.
I have the exact velvet "thing" in a bag- except mine came with a sheath dress too!

I want to do a bit more with my project. (What you ask? I don't know yet...) But I want to visit her blog to learn about working with this material- she has some great tips HERE.

I am hoping this doesn't turn into an DIY Epic Fail... because I really do like the color of mine. (It is a deeper plum.)

sooooo--- into my Query you go!

Project: Denim refashion

Again- a very adorable dress.. click here to see how a regular denim shirt was used to make this and a vest!
(She used the whole shirt! Waste not - Want not.)

If I were to do this, my project would not be white.
Am I the only one who fears of sitting on something in a white dress? (let alone- spill something?)
I mean- maybe that is a silly phobia. Because I could sit on something-- in ANY color dress and it still not look flattering after. (lol)

This was part of a challenge-- that I want to work myself up to-- by May/June 2014. At least, LAST year Portia held this challenge in June 2013 and I hope she does it again.

Project: Sarong Make Over

Again- Mind Blowing!

How many beautiful Sarongs did I get rid of when we moved to Utah from Hawaii??? Let's not count.
I love the idea.
Don't know what project I would make- it would be defined by the pattern of sarong I am sure... but I had to put this in my query!

Visit Portia's blog and watch the transformation!

Project: Fishtail skirt

Okay- refashion designers are amazing!
It's like going to Costco with my sister. She'll say "Do you need ketchup?" When I look- I burst out  laughing at the enormous size container of ketchup. It's a joke that never gets old. And it surprises me every time!

I get the same sense of wonder- every time I see a master (refashion) designer blog! I've seen a million amazing transformations-- yet I still gawk at what they create from what they started with!

Let me show you!

 

This designer literally started with a kilt!

(visit her post by clicking here)

 

 She calls the back of the skirt detail- a "fish tale".

 I love it! I want to make this style of pencil skirt- perhaps in just a boring grey (to replace my favorite grey skirt of 14 years) or maybe I would go as crazy as a muted grey/blue.

Project: Bicycle Dress

This image again is from www.Lladybird.com.
I named it the bicycle dress- because if you look closer- there are actually little bikes on the fabric.

(Okay- can we pause for a moment and gush at the beautiful detailing - her hem is amazing!)

I liked the shape and details of this dress and would like to recreate something inspired by this outfit. Mine will have sleeves and wont be white... but it will have the waistband and button details with the hem ribbon too.