Recycled Fashion

Recycled Fashion Finds #34

2012-02-24T14:12:00.007+11:00

Friday! What a joy to see so many new bloggers in last weeks Recycled Fashion Finds.

Agy's refashioned shorts with polka dots!

Her dots were made tracing around googly eyes!

Amber's muumuu from savers, made into a top for herself, and a halter dress for her little girl.

OrloSubito's sweater to vest refashion..

Lisa's dress she made for her niece, was a ladies skirt in a former life

And look at Adin's stunning pink dress, thrifted for just $1!

There are more link up's from last week right here.

Would you like to participate in Recycled Fashion Finds this week? Why, thank you! Click here for the rules, and don't forget to grab yourself a Recycled Fashion Finds blog badge for your blog post or side bar. Thanks readers!

BERNINA WeAllSew Challenge

2012-02-23T22:37:00.004+11:00

Upcyclers, and refashionista's, this one is for you! BERNINA has announced a contest, the WeAllSew Challenge.

Throughout the year, crafters will have the chance to enter three unique challenges that focus on upcycling or reinventing pieces of clothing and fabric.

For each challenge, one winner will be selected to receive a $1,000 BERNINA Gift Certificate. The theme of the first challenge is “Wedding Dress Makeover” where you will be aksed to upcycle a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress into something new.

Visit Bernina's Facebook fan page for instructions on how to enter, and full contest rules.

Inspiration Image c/o Resurrection Rags

Broken Plate Necklaces

2012-02-22T21:37:00.005+11:00

Readers, do you remember last year, we spoke of upcycled ceramic jewellery? Well, I can barely take my eyes away from Laura Beth Love's broken plate necklaces, introduced via Recyclart yesterday...

More here

Inspiring, yes? How easy/difficult would they be to make?

Fiddy Cent Dress

2012-02-22T15:20:00.005+11:00

Image source here

Imagine my delight in discovering a discount rack in my local op shop where all garments were reduced to 50c. I find two dresses that fit, including this little one..

Fifty cents? Probably the cheapest one can pay pay for a dress, surely? I can't however, bring myself to part with just $1 for two dresses, I gave the op shop volunteer $2 instead..

What is the cheapest second hand garment you've purchased before, and where from? What would you consider, to be your best ever fashion bargain?

T-shirt to fitted sleeveless top

2012-02-20T14:40:00.003+11:00

I'm through to the next round of Project Upcycled, which means I can share my last submission to the contest. We have to remain anonymous on each week's contests, so my head is chopped off here!

T-shirt to fitted sleeveless top, and scrappy flower headband

I took a souvenir t-shirt from my wardrobe, originally purchased from an op shop because I liked the palm tree print on it. As a t-shirt, it's boring, so I've changed its shape to a sleeveless top for summer, by cutting off the sleeves, adding ribbon to the neckline for a tie, elastic around the waist, and taken it in either side.

Here's how:

1. cut off sleeves and neckline

2. tidy up arm hole raw hem

3. Stitch casing for neck ribbon tie, and the same for elastic casing for the bottom hem

4. Thread ribbon through the top casing, elastic through bottom hem casing Wear it ...

I don't like to see much waste with refashion projects, so I've used the cut off sleeves to make a flower headband..

I'm pleased to say, the only scrap pieces of fabric leftover as a result of the above refashion, is this little pile..

Stay tuned to see tomorrows projects on tshirtdiaries which has the theme "bottoms up" and vote for the crafter who will be headed to the finals

How Pinteresting!

2012-02-18T19:15:00.006+11:00

Pinterest, the vision based web bookmark sharing website, has broken all records as the fastest growing stand alone website ever, more on that report here.

Trying to explain pinterest to someone unknown of this social media almost-overnight success, one might suggest an online pinboard, on which one would bookmark and save ( 'pin' ) articles or images of interest found on the worldwide web, then organise pinned images by theme or topic. I am fond of Lakota's take on pinterest, in her blog posts Not Pinterested I quote: "the website more addictive than watching the X Factor with your crack-pipe and a tube of Pringles" *Lakota, quite right!

My colleagues at Refashion Co-op introduced me to pinterest last year, and it didn't take too long to get hooked on pinning pretty pictures, recipes, sewing projects, funny quotes from around the net, and so on.

Pinterest can be a little bit of a time waster, a way to think we're being creative and interesting but the reality is far from it, we're sitting on our backsides, with our eyes fixed to a computer screen - nothing creative or interesting about that? Have I traveled to any beautiful new travel destinations I've pinned recently? no. Have I replicated any pinned outfit ideas? no. Repeated pinned motivational phrases to anyone? no.

However, there are times when a pinned image relating to a project of awesomeness really inspires one to step away from the computer, and try out something new. Of all the hundreds of pins on my pinterest board, I can say I have tried a handful of recipes, and about a dozen craft projects..well, it's a start.

Pins this week:

nice dress for inspiration

Strawberry and mango salsa recipe to try

Wine barrel turned dog house.. to look at!

Colour/travel inspiration

Soda can brooch tutorial to try

Just for fun!

Are you hooked on pinterest? Do you find it pinteresting? or time waster?

Recycled Fashion Finds #33

2012-02-17T10:30:00.004+11:00

Hello Friday! Sorry if you missed last week's lack of Recycled Fashion Finds, I'm sure you will understand.

Two weeks ago, Mongs shared her DIY sequin pocket red top, isn't it great? She is full of refashion ideas!

And Desiree's Circus outfit? Need I say more? Desiree is actually hosting a handmade headband giveaway, pop over here to enter.

There are more Recycled Fashion Finds from last week here

Would you like to participate in Recycled Fashion Finds this week? Great! Click here for the rules, and don't forget to grab yourself a Recycled Fashion Finds blog badge for your blog post or side bar. Thanks readers!

Paisley Shirt Refashion

2012-02-12T21:30:00.000+11:00

My paisley shirt refashion, submitted to Project Recycled

Which started its life looking like this..

$2, an op shop purchase last year that I'd finally got around to doing something with

I cut both sleeves, made one sleeve into a beaded necklace, the other into an obi style belt, and ruffle flowers on the font of the tunic

The front of the original paisley shirt, is now buttons down the back.

Fashion Inspiration; Flamingos!

2012-02-11T11:04:00.004+11:00

Inspired by these flamboyant flamingo Tye Dye jeans over at at topshop online...

..and thinking how incredibly easy they'd be to DIY.
Source a pair of second-hand skinny jeans in white or cream, a packet of pink dye, some elastic bands or t-shirt yarn and dye like this.

On the topic of flamboyant flamingos, a mood board put together on polyvore.com..

Flamingo Pink by recycledfashion

Flamingo artwork seen here
Flamingo collar found here
Flamingo beach bag found here
Handpainted flamingo shoes found here
Fuchsia catwalk dress seen here
Hot pink vintage dress found here
Flamingo motel retro photo seen here

Zipper Brooches for Breast Cancer Research

2012-02-10T07:30:00.005+11:00

News of breast cancer sent shock waves through our family last week, when a family member was diagnosed. Every year, thousands of people are affected by breast cancer, battling with chemotherapy, surgery, and loss of life to fight this terrible disease.

In every effort to help in this situation the best way I know how, I have sourced unwanted and second-hand pink zippers, to create some pink zipper flower brooches, to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness.

Readers, if you would like to purchase a pink zipper flower brooch/hair clip (2 in 1) they are $14 incl. postage (national and international), and I will be donating all profits to the National Breast Cancer Foundation; the leading community-funded organisation in Australia raising money for research into the prevention, detection and treatment of breast cancer.

They'd make a great last minute Valentines gift! Click on the link below where you can buy a brooch online.
Additionally, for all op shoppers reading this, if you happen to find second-hand pink zippers (preferably with metal teeth) on your thrifty journeys, and would like to send them my way, that would be really great. I'm holding a market stall at Southside Market in St Kilda at the end of April where I hope to sell more.

Let us all hope we can fight this terrible disease, that affects so many people all over the world, every single day.

Recycled Fashion Finds will be back next week ♥

PS, I bought the shoes!

How Does One Resist Buying Temptation?

2012-02-07T20:30:00.009+11:00

Why did I decide to search for black and white Oxford aka Charleston tap shoes, and why did I find a pair of perfect, second-hand Charleston tap shoes in my size?

Is this fate, are they destined for my tapping feet?

I have not hit the buy button yet, but I do not feel any better for it! If I had not been browsing the net for said tap shoes today, I may not have found them, and would not be in this predicament; should I buy them, or attempt to forget them?

Reading this article How to Resist Urges to Buy Useless Products, I find their questions quite useful:

Why Do I Want This Item?

I having been lusting over a pair of black and white Oxford tap shoes for approximately six months, having seen a fellow tap dancer purchase a pair on a trip to the US.

Do I Really Need This Item?

Absolutely not! I already own a pair of tap shoes, purchased second hand from eBay, and customised with glitter.

Will It Go On Sale For Less The Second I Buy It?

I doubt it, second hand after all?

Can I Get A Better Deal On It Elsewhere?

I doubt it, at $30 + $20 shipping, this is the cheapest I've seen

Do I Have Room In My Car/House For It?

Yes indeed

Shouldn’t I Research It First?

Not so much to research about tap shoes, for a second hand pair, they look remarkably well kept.

What Is The Retailer’s Return Policy?

Not sure, but I doubt I'd pay to return heavy tap shoes overseas by mail

Why Does This Look So Familiar? (meaning are you sure you do not own a pair already?)

Tap shoes yes, Charleston tap shoes, no, no, no!

Am I In A Rush?

No?

Do I Have Enough Money To Pay For It?

I suppose so, but I could put that money toward something else?!

Whilst I leave you with Rogers and Astaire
(do you see the shoes??.. mind you, Ginger dances in HEELS)

I ask you this.. how do you resist the urge to buy something you don't really need? Do you have inner battles with yourself on potential splurge purchases, or do you find yourself at ease to say no to a spontaneous buy?

Upcycled Beaded Necklace

2012-02-06T18:40:00.000+11:00

Based on a tutorial seen at DreamsandSeams, the following upcycled necklace has been made using fabric from a thrifted shirt sleeve (I am using the shirt for a refashion), and wooden beads ($4) an op shop necklace purchase.

It started off looking like this:

Guestpost and Tutorial by Brit of RosMari Brand

2012-02-05T07:40:00.005+11:00

Readers, I have a guest post for you, by Brittany M Rose, the owner of New York based RosMari Brand, an independent clothing company. She shares with us, a tutorial to upcycle clothing by hand painting. Take it away Brit!

Hello everyone! My name is Brittany M Rose. I take somewhat uninteresting clothing and upcycle it into something fun and fashionable! One of my favorite techniques is to hand paint on clothing. I was asked to give you guys a little incite on how to do this so you can take your plain clothing and make it into something one of a kind and interesting!

Starting from the very beginning I do some thrift shopping for clothing. When choosing pieces, I take into consideration the fabric type, size, and whether or not it has any previous design to it. For example, I will choose a large, plain, cotton and spandex blend tee shirt over an extra small chiffon patterned top with ruffles.

The reason I choose the cotton tee is because it gives me more of a blank canvas to make it into my own design. Also, a cotton/spandex fabric is easier to fit because it’s simply much more versatile for most people. I will then check for stains and if there aren’t any, I make my purchase and launder the item as directed.

After it’s dry I will usually cut it up and do some sort of asymmetrical sewing because that’s my style. You don’t have to do this if you would rather have a simpler design.

The paint I use is Tulip brand fabric paint. It tends to be a bit softer then just an acrylic paint.

I have a certain design I have been working with for my spring collection, however; you are free to do any sort of design you like. In my opinion there is no wrong way to paint, just go with your heart. Whether it’s an abstract design, a simple tree or branch, or pretty much anything else you can create. I tend to stay towards abstract looks or branches. I don’t claim to be an expert painter, but I love looks that are very different from the “norm.”

After the paint dries completely, the next step is to heat set it. In order to do this, simply turn the iron on the correct setting for the type of fabric you are painting on. Then turn the piece inside out and place the iron on the backside of the area you painted. Put some pressure on the iron and slowly rub the entire painted area for about 20 seconds. If you use Tulip brand fabric paint, this step is not super important because it’s really good paint. However, be sure to wait at least 72 hours before laundering the item again.

If you are using a different brand of paint, feel free to keep applying heat and pressure until you feel confident it is enough. Usually, with fabric paint you will have no problem at all with it wearing off during laundering. I do suggest however that for the first wash after painting, turn the item inside out just as a precaution.

That’s it! It’s pretty simple and now you have a fun, one of a kind, item!

A bit about me, Brit M Rose:

I started designing and sewing at a young age and I always loved everything about fashion. As I got older I realized my passion for it and decided to make my dream a reality by starting my own clothing brand. The name RosMari Brand is derived from my late grandmother, Rose Marie Rose. My middle name is also Marie so it all just made sense to me to call my business RosMari Brand.

I have not had proper training or schooling other than a couple online courses on the basics of dressmaking and design. If I’m not sewing or creating, I am usually still thinking about my next project while wandering outside, going to a hockey game, or spending time with my family, friends, and my dog named Mama.

You can find Brit on her etsy shop, facebook, her blog and on twitter.

Thank you Brit!

Recycled Fashion Finds #32

2012-02-03T08:21:00.000+11:00

Are you serious? Is it Friday already? Well, that means Recycled Fashion Finds! Would you like to participate in Recycled Fashion Finds this week? Terrific!

As seen on last week 's Recycled Fashion Finds,
prepare to be blown away by Threadsquare's ultimate Mod Dress refashion..

You'd never guess her dress started out as a thrifted suit, that looked like this..

to this ...

Check out more Recycled Fashion Finds here

To join in this week, submit your link below. Click here for the rules, and don't forget to grab yourself a Recycled Fashion Finds blog badge for your blog post or side bar. Thanks readers!

Fashion revolution, boys knees!

2012-02-01T17:41:00.004+11:00

Dee of Dee*Construction, wishes to start a fashion revolution, and I like it!

Little boys shorts should look like this..

Not this (on the left)..

Show off your grubby knees little boys!

Here's our effort, Jnr RF sporting his finest Quicksilver second-hand shorts,
$2 from a children's market, in his solo game of musical statues!

Join the revolution!

The Goodwill Huntingg Thrifting Guide - Giveaway

2012-01-30T14:20:00.014+11:00

Stacey, a thrift fashion blogger from Goodwill Huntingg (not the movie, but the blog!), a freelance fashion writer, and avid shopper of second hand threads, shares her thrift store fashion secrets in her magazine The Goodwill Huntingg Thrifting Guide which is available from MagCloud at $4.20 for a print copy, (currently 25% off production costs of full-priced publications)

You can see a preview of the current winter edition magazine by clicking on the image below

Stacey's winter guide gives her readers ideas for second hand garments to look out for to keep warm and fashionable on a budget during the colder months.

Slip dresses matched with knee high boots and big jackets are my personal favourites from her winter thrift fashion magazine...

Her guides are ideal for shoppers that may be new to thrift fashion shopping, providing tips and ideas of what to look out for in relation to current trends. However, seasoned thrifters may also enjoy her thrift fashion trends and ideas too.

You can click here to visit MagCloud and purchase your copy, alternatively, I have a print copy of her magazine to giveaway to one Recycled Fashion reader. All you have to do, is leave a comment below to be in for a chance of winning, and perhaps it would be nice to pop over to Stacey's blog to take a look at her thrift fashion outfits, and stop by her facebook page too!

I'll announce and contact the winner next Friday.

*UPDATE COMPETITION CLOSED AND THE WINNER IS*

*Laura*

DIY Refashion Inspiration

2012-01-29T20:30:00.004+11:00

Refashion inspiration as seen on the net this past week...

A refashioned skirt barely recognisable, and so much better than its original shirt form..

C/o Hellabella on Refashion Co-op

Painted thrifted Oxford flats, love these..

c/o two butterflies on Refashion Co-op

Sophie's weekend DIY chalk bag

c/o HerLibraryAdventures

Have you found any inspiring refashion projects lately? If you have any of your own DIY projects to share, don't forget to link up to Recycled Fashion Finds!

Recycled Fashion Finds #31

2012-01-27T16:00:00.003+11:00

Happy Friday! Have you been thrifting or making any fashion items lately? Would you like to participate in Recycled Fashion Finds this week? That would be swell!

As seen on last week's Recycled Fashion Finds

A DIY snowflake dress by Agy

Patti is brightening up her winter outfit with a splash of vibrant pink

Missy Cupcakes Napkin-turned-apron tutorial

Liz's gorgeous thrifted paisley shirt

With more Recycled Fashion Finds right here

To join in this week, submit your link below. Click here for the rules, and don't forget to grab yourself a Recycled Fashion Finds blog badge for your blog post or side bar. Thanks readers!

Contestant on Project Recycled

2012-01-26T17:35:00.004+11:00

Robin has been working hard to host the first ever "Project Upcycled" over on TShirtDiaries which commences this coming Monday.

A contest for recycling and upcycling seamstresses to transform something old and mundane, into something much more wearable and unique.

There are seven contestants, competing for the first Project Recycled winning title, with challenges each week, and contestants eliminated dependant on votes by readers. As one of the contestants for Project Recycled, I have been very busy sewing 'new' upcycled creations.

Pop over to TShirtDiaries in the coming weeks to check out all Project Recycled contestants' refashioned and upcycled projects. Projects will remain anonymous, until voting has commenced each week. I do hope you'll visit, and vote for your favourites!

Variety's First Melbourne Op Shop Ball

2012-01-26T17:01:00.005+11:00

Last year Sydney's famous faces and fashionistas frocked up for Variety’s annual ‘Op Shop Ball’, and now it is Melbourne's turn to show off those op shop frocks for a charitable cause.

Children's charity Variety, and the Children's Nutrition and Research Centre, will be hosting the first Melbourne Op Shop Ball supporting children with special needs, on Saturday 31st March at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne.

The event, supported by 3AW, will be presented by media personality Denis Walter, with live performance by Tim Campbell's Band, with the dress code strictly op shop purchases!

Tickets are available to buy here $150 which includes a three course meal, drinks and entertainment.

Grand Hyatt Melbourne, 123 Collins Street, Melbourne, Saturday 31st March, 7pm till late.

Some photographs from Sydney's op shop ball:

What a fun way to raise money for a great cause, and the perfect reason to go op shopping for a new frock!

An inteview with Ethical Fashion Bloggers

2012-01-22T21:55:00.004+11:00

I'm honoured to be interviewed for Ethical Fashion Bloggers, special thanks to Ceri for the feature.

DIY Tie Dye

2012-01-21T14:48:00.015+11:00

I love a bit of tie dye, don't you? One might associate tie dye with hippie's and travelers of the 60's and 70's, frequenting festivals in their multi coloured threads.

Image c/o hlthom4

With a subtle choice of colour however, tie dye may be considered more on the bohemian side than hippie, and as Sarah Michelle Gellar shows us at the recent 2012 Golden Globes, tie dye can be glamorous too.

Sarah Michelle Gellar at Golden Globes

image c/o LATimes

Fergie in tie dye jeans

image c/o 949styleguide

Would you care for a little tie dye yourself? You could purchase tie dye clothing retail...

Vintage Tie Dye Tee $74 from Free People

...but you'd be better off with a DIY tie dye experiment, using existing garments from your wardrobe or finding some thrifty clothing pieces to play with.

On my recent visit to the trash and treasure market, I picked up a lightweight cotton top for a $1, stained on the front, perfect for tie dye.

This is not my first dye attempt, and I still have Teal RIT dye left over.

I scrunched up my top into a ball, used t-shirt yarn* to hold in place

*t-shirt yarn is made from old t-shirts, I have a heap of it around the house and use it in replace of elastic bands, there is a how-to tutorial here

Dunk in boiled hot water and RIT dye, and leave for a few hours.

Rinse out till the water runs clear, and I left my top to dry in the hot sun

*lost my head today, my face wasn't agreeing with the camera ;)

What do you think readers, should tie dye be left in the 60's? Do you like or dislike subtle shades of tie dyed clothing as seen in recent years?

The Return of Bayside Brighton Melbourne Op Shop Tour

2012-01-20T09:18:00.008+11:00

Good news op shoppers, the Bayside Brighton Melbourne Op Shop Tour is back!

On Saturday 10th March, I shall be leading another Bayside Brighton Melbourne Op Shop Tour, taking in seven of my favourite second hand treasure shops in Melbourne's South East suburbs over the course of the day, with a refuel lunch stop in between.

We will be visiting some fabulous op shops including in Sandringham, Hampton, and of course Brighton.

Outside our first op shop; All Souls Opportunity Shop Sandringham

Storehouse opportunity shop in Hampton

For anyone that may have missed it, check out last years TV filming of Melbourne Op Shop Tours last week for Coxys Big Break (Travel Show) on Channel 7 featuring yours truly. You can view the segment here

Would you like to join me on Saturday 10th March? We will commence at 9.45am in Sandringham. You can book here. I hope you can make it!

Recycled Fashion Finds #30

2012-01-20T08:49:00.005+11:00

Have you been thrifting or making any fashion items lately? Would you like to participate in Recycled Fashion Finds this week? That would be great!

As seen on last week's Recycled Fashion Finds

c/o Missys Homemaking Adventures, who made a cape, hat and bag out of one flat sheet she picked up for $1!

c/o Sown Brooklyn, the TUX skirt!

Style N Season's vintage newspaper print skirt purchased in Milan, Italy

More Recycled Fashion Finds from last week here

To join in this week, submit your link below. Click here for the rules, and don't forget to grab yourself a Recycled Fashion Finds blog badge for your blog post or side bar. Thanks readers!

Strange Planet Animals

2012-01-19T08:46:00.004+11:00

Being a lover of wildlife, I saw thegoodmachinery art pieces over at The Cool Hunter and thought what a cool DIY recycled project this could be?

Look out for plastic toys in opportunity shops, flea markets, thrift stores, car boot sales etc, grab some paint from your local craft shop, and voila. Let your animalia imagination run wild..