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Photo courtesy of Wendy Firmin. Photo courtesy of Wendy Firmin.

Upcycle Your Wardrobe!

Photo courtesy of Wendy Firmin.

Photo courtesy of Wendy Firmin.

School has started, we’ve had a few lovely cool nights, and I think I can see Fall creeping slowly over the horizon. It’s just about time to unearth my Fall wardrobe, and I know there will be some things I’ll be delighted to see again, but there will be others that – well – not so much. The good news is that I have it in my power to make changes to things that don’t fit quite right or have become boring to me.

There are lots of ways to update your wardrobe – and they don’t all involve sewing! And you can be creative with your accessories as well as with your clothing.  You can go for a look that is edgy, off-beat, casual, or haute couture.

And, yes, the library's Arts & Crafts Neighborhood has the books and videos to help you do it!

Neck piece made from vintage ties and buttons.

Neck piece made from vintage ties and buttons by Syreeta Zotigh.

Embellish it

Add interest to plain garments and accessories by embellishing them with embroidery, beads, buttons, added fabric, spray paint…really, the list is endless. Rescue a sweater with a tiny moth hole – or a blouse with a stain on it – by adding a new design element (that conveniently covers the damaged spot!). Old ties, bits of antique lace, and vintage aprons become high fashion when used cleverly.

For those who would like to learn to use embroidery to embellish items, the library is offering 2 embroidery workshops in September:

Beginning Embroidery - Learn 3 basic stitches that can be used to embellish almost anything. Register by calling 785-580-4540.

Jacket made from a sweatshirt and quilted vintage fabric.

Jacket made from a sweatshirt and quilted vintage fabric. By Kris Barlow of Lawrence, KS.

 September 22, 2015 - 1:00-3:00 PM or 6:30-8:30 PM.  

Re-make it

Take an existing item in your closet, and use it as a base to make a "new" item, adding or subtracting elements to turn it into a unique and original creation. Re-create a plain sweatshirt into an artsy jacket. Or take those jeans that aren't quite the right style or fit, and re-make them into a skirt or a purse.  You can turn a flannel shirt into a cozy new jacket. Look on the internet for lots of ideas for re-making t-shirts. There some great techniques for cutting and knotting to make a stylish new top out of an old t-shirt.  T-shirts can also be made into accessories such as headbands or tote bags.  Here is a site I enjoy: Re-making T-shirts

Here are some great books with ideas and instructions for embellishing and remaking items in your wardrobe:

Alter it

Take a frumpy item and alter it to fit well. Or change long sleeves to short sleeves. Change a neckline that isn’t flattering.  Sometimes, it can be as simple as raising the hem and inch or two.

Make it from scratch

The joy of making your own clothes and accessories is that you can get exactly what you want. And it’s so much fun to receive compliments…"Why thank you – yes, I made it myself!” You always know that no one else will be wearing the same thing.

Here are some great books to help you learn to sew, improve your skills, or find fixes for clothing that's just not quite the right fit or style:

Do you have a favorite technique for upcycling your wardrobe?  We'd love to hear about it!

 

 

 
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