I'm all about repurposing fabric these days. Since January I have only bought around 4 yards of new fabric - as in new from a fabric store. The rest of my stash (which has grown alarmingly large) is new to me fabric that has been either donated or thrifted. Since word has got around the neighbourhood lately that I'm a sewist, I have been the lucky recipient of many bin bags of fabric assortments of varying quantities and quality. It gives me no end of pleasure and satisfaction to make something out of somebody else's "nothing" (although I hasten to add this is pretty much limited to fabric) and I'm sure I'm not alone.
In July I am challenging myself to make good use of my thrifted sheet stash by making at least one item of clothing a week. Firstly, clothes sewing is not really my thing so it will push me out of my comfort zone, and secondly, if I completely screw it up I don't need to worry about wasting expensive material.
First up, a pillowcase skirt for my five year old daughter. Uttlerly impossible to screw up. There are pillowcase dresses aplenty in blogland but how about a simple tube skirt? It literally took me 10 minutes to make with one cut, one seam and a length of non-roll elastic. Not tutorial worthy as it would be like telling you how to boil an egg - but so easy that I think she could probably have a go at making her own.
Anybody care to join in and post at least one piece of clothing made from repurposed fabric in July? I'd love to hear your ideas - post a comment and let me know if you're in!
lina,
some days when I read your blog is eerie how we are on the exact same wavelength. today I was thinking about making a simple tube skirt for my daughter. (I opted for shorts and a little shirt instead, but the skirt is coming!) I am also trying to use up my fabric stash. I didn't buy any new fabric during the month of June and my husband helped me decide to extend it into July as well. wasn't that nice of him? ;)
I love that little skirt. it's so sweet, and how wonderful that you have people donating fabric to your sewing cause. woo-hoo!
ok, one more thing...only 4 yards of fabric purchased this year is quite impressive!
Posted by: amandajean | July 03, 2008 at 10:10 PM
I'm not much for sewing clothing either and I don't have any cute little ones to sew for, but I've been thinking of maybe some jammy pants for me out of some thrifted sheets that have been gathering dust on my shelves. Hmmmm...maybe now is the time.
Posted by: Jacquie | July 04, 2008 at 12:11 AM
What a great challenge - I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.
I'm most impressed with your abstinence from fabric buying!
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | July 04, 2008 at 03:27 AM
Thats it! I am going thrifting tomorrow for pillowcases. This skirt is adorable and it is so easy. My daughter loves these skirts and they always turn out fantastic.
Posted by: Melissa | July 04, 2008 at 03:44 AM
I've never sewed any clothing but that skirt has got me inspired...I think I could do that, and it's so cute!
Posted by: Dawn | July 04, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Great skirt
Posted by: Thimbleina | July 04, 2008 at 03:28 PM
Great idea - I'm in, if I manage to actually cut into the fabric I've been hoarding! I'm not sure what I'll make yet, but this will be a good challenge for me.
Posted by: Helen | July 04, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Great idea - count me in. And the skirt is super cute!
Posted by: Paige | July 04, 2008 at 10:17 PM
Cute skirt...this is a great idea and I hope you post pictures of each item you make...good or bad. I should make a goal to sew something once a month...it has been 15 years since I sewed and I need to get back into it.
Posted by: raina | July 05, 2008 at 12:35 AM
ohhh...so fabric from our stash counts to? If that's the case - I'm in!
The skirt is adroable!
Posted by: Adrienne | July 05, 2008 at 07:13 AM
Hi Lina. I'm in. It's something I made a week or so ago (and haven't posted yet)--lounge pants from a thrifted sheet I bought on my birthday. It's my first thrifted sheet/sewing/repurposing experience. Thanks for the inspiration. That skirt is adorable!
Posted by: Mary Beth | July 05, 2008 at 10:30 AM
I'm thinking... I'm sure I can come up with something! It's a great challenge!
Posted by: Berlinswhimsy | July 05, 2008 at 12:56 PM
What a fabulous challenge - I'd love to play but I can't commit myself to it just now as I am feeling so bogged down with all I have to do! I'll let you know if I am inspired to make something! Lucy xxx
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | July 05, 2008 at 06:28 PM
I've been buying up sheets and pillowcases from Oxfam too. So far I made a pair of pyjama trousers and have plans for pillowcase dress for the tinies. I love them!
Posted by: dottycookie | July 05, 2008 at 07:01 PM
I love doing this - I don't usually tout my blog but a lot of the things I have made on there (most recently, two bags and a cushion) have all been made from either recycled fabrics or ones that would have been thrown away. I heart recycling!
Posted by: Miaou | July 06, 2008 at 09:06 AM
lovely little skirt - I wish I could find some thrifted sheets, I've searched for months and not found one!
lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | July 07, 2008 at 07:11 AM
OH, what perfect timing! My newest obsession is making knit top skirts out of thrifted sheets (or over-sized clothing) and t-shirts I don't wear anymore. I posted about it briefly on my blog, but intend to do a tutorial soon for a few folks that have asked. Another quick , simple and cheap project with great results!!
Great idea on the pillowcase skirt too. I have 5 year old nieces that missed out on the dresses.
Posted by: Beth H | July 07, 2008 at 09:56 AM
What a lovely blog (I found you via Salt and Chocolate). I made a similar skirt when I was young from curtains - I think I hand sewed it and then machined it when I was older. I wore that thing for years and years. I still have it (somewhere) but it doesn't get much pased my shins these days... I would love to join in as I have been making (like 7 zillion other bloggers) pants from thrifted sheets. I may have to make something different for the month of July...
Posted by: Rach | July 07, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Me again - I took you up on your challenge and made a rabbit for my daughter out of her favourite outgrown tshirt. I did a tutorial for it too!
Posted by: Miaou | July 08, 2008 at 03:05 PM
Hi! I have such lounge pants envy. Those are gorgeous.
Meanwhile, count me in:
http://www.benandbirdy.blogspot.com/
Scroll down a bit to see my thrifted t-shirt skirts, based on the amazing Alabama Stitch Book.
Posted by: Catherine | July 09, 2008 at 02:32 PM
so very pretty!!!
Posted by: Ravenhill | July 09, 2008 at 06:01 PM
I too am not so experienced with sewing clothes but have been wanting to try some kids items soon for my little ones. What a great skirt to try - it looks fun and sounds simple enough.
I'd love to join your July challenge but I'm currently part way through a 6 week colour challenge. I'll be keeping an eye on your creations and maybe give it a go next month.
BTW I really enjoy reading your blog!
Posted by: Fiona | July 10, 2008 at 07:32 AM
this is a great idea Lina. i repurpose fabrics all the time in my textile work but i haven't used them to create clothing for a while... i feel a patchwork Summer skirt coming on..!
Posted by: ginny | July 15, 2008 at 07:00 AM
Yay! I found you through Funny Magic - how lucky! I've been repurposing for ages now, but not for clothing really until this month - what a fun challenge, and so weird that you started this at the same time as I dared to step out of my box...nice to meet you, and I'm in!
Posted by: Marnie | July 23, 2008 at 07:44 PM
Me again from Missouri...Great skirt. Great job trying something out of your box. I have been collecting men's blue and white striped shirts, 100% cotton, from the thrift store. Some men's shirts can really be lovely and the quality is wonderful. I am making quilts with using the rail fence pattern. They have been looking so crisp and wonderful so far - I have lots of blocks to go. One website that I enjoy is quiltville.com. She has super scrappy quilts and lots of great ideas. I would rather sew than sleep. Right now I am trying to repaint one of my bathrooms, so sewing is not an option. My boys are working at Lowes and trying to find jobs using their university degrees - no luck - and my daughter has decided to learn the upright bass and take orchestra her senior year of high school. I am also re-reading the Harry Potter books. My best to you.
Posted by: susan | July 25, 2009 at 06:13 PM