5 simple and useful upcycles for a wardrobe REPAIR and REFRESH!

Dear Sewing Friends, in this video I would love to share with 5 simple upcycles/repairs that I did to the clothes in my wardrobe to give them second life! All of these are very simple, self explanatory and fun, too. You get to wear your clothes again and save money!
HOW I MADE MY OWN BUTTONS - • I tried making resin b...
Upcycling show "TRASH TO TREASURE" -
Episode 1 - • UPCYCLING - turning th...
Episode 2 - • 3 lovely upcycles that...
Episode 3 - • I turned 2 OLD skirts ...
Tutorials that will be useful to complete these mini-upcycles:
- how to sew knits on a sewing machine (and by hand) - • How to sew KNITS on a ...
- how to hem garments - • 5 techniques that I us...
- how to insert a neckband - • How to sew a neckband ...
My FAVORITE tutorials for You to enjoy:
✂️ Easiest top to sew - • How to sew and draft t...
✂️ Gifts to sew - • 6 BEAUTIFUL and USEFUL...
✂️ EASY circle skirt - • SUPER EASY circle skir...
✂️ 30 minute apron - • Apron cutting and stit...
MY FAVORITE SEWING TOOLS:
1. Bias Tape Maker - amzn.to/3151IFh
2. Medical Tracing Paper - amzn.to/2EMafDm
3. Washable Fabric Markers - amzn.to/2ENCgKy
This description contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase something from the links displayed above I get a small commission. It does not come out of your pocket, but it does help me to support this channel. Thank YOU!
#nopatternsewing #easypatterndrafting #upcycle
Thank You for Watching!
Thank You for being here and I hope that this channel encourages you to sew and make beautiful things!
xxx, Alisa

[@Penguinandpear]

Great video very inspiring!! Love the cardigan the most! Love the sparkles!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you so much, I love the added sparkle too!

[@JoletteRoodt]

I absolutely love your videos and the way they encourage mending, upcycling, scrap busting and other sensible, non-wasteful approaches to sewing and wearing clothes. It's such a breath of fresh air in a world full of "haul" videos, and much more in line with my own principles too. Thank you so much 💙🪡🧵

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Jolette, thank you! I always read your comments, but I don't always get a chance to reply. So glad you enjoyed the video and yes, why let something perfectly good go to waste if we can just cut it shorter or mend it? I must admit, I had this pile designated for mending wait for me for quite a while, but as the fall season is here - so happy I got it done and ta-da! - new stuff to wear for many more seasons :) thank you again for kind words!

[@amyahdocq8835]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity I love mending, mostly sitting in my rocking chair in front of my wood stove and listening to some KZbin videos. Nothing is more calming than hand sewing, knitting or spinning wool.

[@Lostb3]

There's something so comforting about your voice and mannerisms. Thank you for all the fab content you produce.

[@gorgo1945]

What a great message to all of us to try to reuse/repurpose/mend etc. Everything looks great, and - "everything old is new again"! xx

[@kathygann7632]

The left over bottom of the striped dress could become a circle scarf. If you put a zipper in the seam, it could be a great hidden storage piece of clothes for travel.

[@rosariacarlostella9105]

The caramel coloured dress that you turned into a top is so elegant the new length you cut it at. I love it. 😍

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yes! Thank you!

[@susanrussell8195]

Glad you didn’t add the fringy hem thing back to the tan sweater. Much better as a basic. Really loved this video and it has inspired me to go through my closet with an editing eye.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it motivated you :) yay!

[@mrgarner4796]

With the price of goods going higher, it is nice to have wonderful ideas to 'refresh' the clothes we already have. To be able to save a few dollars, especially with the Holiday Season coming up, is a bonus for us all. Thank you, Alisa for these wonderful ideas.

[@patriciacunningham5472]

I love your up cycle videos and your beautiful supervisor that makes an occasional appearance!😊

[@rbrown6476]

I’ve just discovered your videos and I’m so pleased. I’ve been doing exactly the same thing to my clothes for decades! I don’t throw away clothes, just remake them into something else. I was so pleased that you showed people how to hand mend a T-shirt or jumper - people often chuck out things with a tiny hole, and you’ve shown that it’s easy to mend. I absolutely loved the navy and white striped top. You did a wonderful job on it, and it looks fantastic on you now. Also loved the caramel coloured top - you are right that it looks just perfect as a simple top. When you held up the ruffled edge, it didn’t look right. It will be much more useful and wearable now. And then I wondered if you had sufficient left from when you cut off the bottom, to make a short ruffled skirt for your little girl - she would look cute in that! Thank you and I’m looking forward to catching up with some more of your makes, and remakes 😊

[@masuahkokro8957]

You are absolutely right. Hand-sewing is relaxing. I actually enjoy it

[@michellepark778]

Love that repairing, recycling / up-cycling is popular again.

[@nyaugenyaful]

Finally someone who appreciates hand sewing as a form of therapy...... lovely video

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Oh yes! I grew to love it! I have always loved the flexibility and nearly invisible finish it can give to a garment, but only years later I learned to love it as a way to zen :)

[@bludeetu321]

Love the upcycling projects. The fringe from the lovely beige knit tunic would make an excellent scarf. You could reattach it to the off-cut from the tunic either as an open ended scarf or a circular 'infinity' scarf. Then you could use it with the shorter tunic or with other items in your wardrobe. I have been doing this for my granddaughter. As she outgrows favourite knit dresses she givens them to me to make into tee shirts. I have used the off-cuts for scarves, leg warmers and texting gloves. One project was a chunky cable knit hooded vest became a scarf and matching beanie. So much fun! Thanks for your videos, they really do help to give me confidence to experiment.

[@avantikamisra]

I like how realistic you were with your projects. Great job 👍

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you so much 😀

[@mufithabuhari4021]

Thanks Alisa, it had tons of inspirations. Love how the cardigan turned out with sparkles.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you so much, I love the cardigan, as well!

[@ArlenePMCM]

Another inspiring and fun video! a) I LOVE each upcycle, especially the sparkly cardi. b) Your cat is gorgeous. c) One thing stands out is that your style / ideas are great for any age (I'm old enough to be your momma!!). So fun!

[@ireneparker8253]

Loved the video. It is inspiring to see how you rethink the use of things. I struggle with letting go of things that don't quite work for me.

[@Musicwarmsmysoul]

This was a fun watch. I love your daring waistband hack (have to admit, I do that one a lot - I turn many of my jeans waistbands into half elastic waistbands doing the same trick - kinda nice to feel "vindicated." The stripe tops and camel sweater dress - to top are both great pieces and turned out lovely! So satisfying when those upcycles work out so well.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

ESTHER, yessssss, girl! You have been VINDICATED :) he he, I gotta tell you - I feel vindicated, too! So glad that someone else does this as well, and it works!

[@kathygann7632]

Love the swearer as a basic. Use the fringe thing as a scarf.

[@IM6AM]

Every time I watch you videos I realize that I don't only enjoy your contents, but also really like the way you speak and your attitude, very thoughtful indeed. Thank you!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you so much, I appreciate your kind comment, means a lot, we all need a bit of positivity right now :)

[@debtaylor5156]

Hi you scored 10 again.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you, Deb!

[@debbiebush3624]

I love the cardigan. It will be perfect for the holiday season.

[@simoneduff5725]

Me to screen- "well something will go wrong now that you've said it! You know you should never say that Lis!" Especially with sewing....so much can already go wrong, without self sabotage sitting in our sub conscious!! 🤣🤣 That tan flower petal hemming thing, would look great turned into some kind of scarf, using the lower portion of fabric with it!

[@Dashzap]

Love the sparkly cardi

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Me too! :)

[@melaniering3712]

Thanks for your videos. I'm inspired to go through my wardrobe to upcycle my clothes that I don't wear! Thanks so much for your wonderful bright/sunny personality and great tips!

[@lana7422]

Wow!!! Your videos just get better and better as far as being inspiring and useful. Thank you so very much.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Wow, thank YOU!

[@mamasprintable2418]

Alisa for the orange sweater you can hide the holes with embroidered lace on top … it will be beautiful and do it white color 👆🤝🥰

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I thought about it, and it is a great idea, but then the cardigan won't go with anything I have... it is that dilemma of doing in it an then not wearing it.

[@mamasprintable2418]

True .. I also I was thinking iron glitter same style as the grey one .. just another alternative 🤝

[@SK-bb6ms]

I was thinking the same thing except lace in the exact same color as the sweater would be more subtle (might be hard matching that color though).

[@marelizewagener9444]

I am new to sewing but absolutely love it. I came across your channel and love it so much you inspire me alot. Thank you for sharing all your tips and tricks.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

You are so welcome, Marelize! :) I love creativity in sewing and I hope you will find many more ideas for your own sewing projects :)

[@kaytiej8311]

So helpful to see the 'savage' approach to the fix. I always felt lazy doingbit that way. Now I feel vindicated!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

He he, sometimes "savage" way is the way to go, right?! 😂

[@kaytiej8311]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity well, certainly easier!

[@seamsuneven7824]

I think the changes you made a perfect! Well Done!!!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you!

[@krislee72]

The gray dotted cardigan would be great if you sewed pearl beads on each of those dots.....you do awesome work.

[@karinyoung9436]

Love the gray sweater! It is adorable!!

[@amyahdocq8835]

I got on Marketplace last year, and for a price I could afford, a felting "sewing" machine so I can make so appliqués or simply do some designs directly on my fabric. It is very beautiful when done lightly. Also, for many of my holy sweaters/t-shirts/pants, I love to do visible mending with the little gizmo I inherited from my mom. It is simple and can be very very nice.

[@MK-uk8rz]

Love this video. Can’t tell you how frustrating it is when all I see for upcycled clothes is chopping off 75% of the fabric into something that’s just completely unwearable and impractical- and immodest. Thanks so much for making something useful that we can all learn from so we can love our clothes again without having to mutilate them!!

[@sarahkinsey5434]

Right the easiest projects are cutting pants into shorts or a shirt into a cropped one. These are more mending/slightly altering than complete upcycle

[@BizLookSee]

You make everything look easy and fun! And your cheerful attitude brightens my day. Now I'll go Upcycle something!

[@silviawardsly3061]

Those beige pants are so cute. I think they would even look cute with tuxedo stripe. Got the idea when you were adding the elastic. 🪡🧵

[@pamelafreeman4548]

Love the sparkles and buttons!!

[@rhondaadams4013]

Love the pants! I'm kinda liking peach colors here lately. Good video!

[@connielarson5017]

Oh I love the beige pants I’m fixing to go look for the pattern for them lol. I love all the make overs.

[@pavlal.4552]

This was really fun video to watch. Love what you did with these pieces. I have some clothes for mending and upcycling as well, maybe I should get on with it 😃

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yes! :) mending isn't necessarily fun, but one you get into it - it goes quick and then pile gets smaller and you feel good about getting it finally (don't ask how long these clothes have been in my pile...) done :)

[@imsewblessed1578]

The sparkly cardigan is so festive. You are ready. And the buttons just set it off perfectly. Upcycling is very rewarding. As always, great inspirations and tips. 😘

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

It is for sure very rewarding + cost effective and creative! Win-win-win! :)

[@belieftransformation]

Great mending & makeovers! I love upcycling cozy clothes!

[@cathyclark5791]

I love fixing holes in clothes and socks.. I am no expert, but when you wash it, it won't show. We all need to make our clothes last as long as possible. I have thrift ed my whole adult life. I get some great ideas from you. Thanks!

[@QueenAmethyst55]

Really lovely cardigan. Well done 👍🙂

[@vickiheath6133]

Mending has become a handiwork if the past. I think this is awesome.

[@Reptiliomorph]

I have a very severe form of PCOS which causes my weight to change randomly, despite consistent diet and exercise. The idea that a person can have an article of clothing, and it fit them for a decade is such a foreign concept to me since I've had this PCOS since I was 11. Clothes get too big and too small for me, there isn't one piece of clothing I've kept for longer than 3 years. It's the main reason I want to learn to sew, so I can adjust piece or entirely remake a piece to fit my body shape as needed. Thank you for making such interesting, financially reasonable projects and for showing people how to do it in such an easy to understand way.

[@kathygann7632]

The bottom of the dress would make a cute tube top. An online clothing shop just introduced tube tops in beige, blue, and black for $110.

[@CraftynotShiftyblog]

To make tiny polka dots you can cut the vinyl with a hole punch. Just a tip for someone without a Cricut

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Perfect tip! Thank you!!!

[@user-ew2rv2ku6t]

Hello Alyssa. I love this video, there are a few pieces that i've had in a drawer for years waiting to be mended, and this gives me inspiration. I love the sparkly cardigan, with a tulle skirt and a pair of heels you will be ready for any holiday party!, and I agree on your choice for the tan top, it looks beautiful. I love your approach to use up to every last bit of fabric and find ways of making fantastic clothes and items. You are inspiring a lot of people!

[@dale3404]

You’re making me go hmmm. I’ll have to look at my clothes with a new eye. Thanks.

[@joannamartinez6716]

I love your videos and you have encouraged me to dust off my sewing machine and put it to use. You make it look doable and not so scary. Now if you can only teach us how to care for our clothes to make it last and look as good as your after all these years that would be helpful. Apparently I do not know how to do laundry at the age of 47 😂.

[@pstmeoff]

You are so adorable! Thank you for all the wonderful tips!

[@cdnqgramma3373]

I am very inspired by all you do and make... although my sewing talents are not even comparable to yours... heheheh.. You know.... sometimes little sweaters and cardigans, make beautiful pillow covers... for the fall season.... they add a lovely pop of color to your decor... and it is a way to have the sweater for many years to come. Im thinking the little orange colored one, would be fabulous as a pillow cover, a little 12x12 ... I have done a few of mine... I love them! Great vid!! Thanks very much!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Good idea - thank you! Ah... I just made a hand painted orange pillow :) I think I am just going to wear it as is at home when I am doing things were I can get stains and stuff, which is often (even with apron on). That way I can still get use from it at home :) thank you for your kind comment.

[@viiIeiraS]

Maybe some colourful pompoms on the orange cardigan for something really fun for Spring

[@dahlia42k12]

Love the dots on the cardigan! Can you sow more details on how you fix a tear or how to use the surger, or just on how you do things? I like to watch your channel, give me great inspiration!

[@elainesnyder8210]

I love all your upcycles especially the sparkly circles.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Aren't they fun? Thank you so much, Elaine. I feel that with this cardigan I am ready for the festive winter time!

[@neon-heart]

My first thought when seeing the orange sweater with the holes in it is to turn the holes into random broderie anglais-style holes - every time you get a new hole, you can hand sew them into little embroidered holes which will create an individual pattern. I think it would look really interesting!

[@elizabethrowe7262]

Love what you did with the silver cardigan, looks great! I for one have been going thru my stash of unused clothing and been taking them in as lost weight in the last year and the garments are still wearable but two sizes too big. Must say makes you feel good about up cycling and repurposing.

[@kristinjacobsen3417]

Thanks for the good demos. I think you could make the tan sweater more cropped and add the ruffle edge.

[@MariSews]

Really like the glitter idea! I don’t use my cricut as much as I’d like and this definitely gives me some great ideas

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

That's awesome! Yep, Cricut is fun, while my parents were visiting my Dad and I made him a T-shirt with fun graphics, it was great to see the excitement and make something personalized!

[@Hiker_who_Sews]

Very useful video!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnastrode2404]

Wow so very cool. You are very talented

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thanks so much 😊Donna, you're always so so kind!

[@amyahdocq8835]

For the beige t-shirt with the fluff at the bottom... could you use the fluff to make some kind of "scarf" that you can wear with your t-shirt when you feel like it?

[@khalajanskitchen7456]

Very inspiring video , love the idea of sparkle dots on the grey sweater .👍👍

[@Silver_Threads_Sewing]

Love that sweater so much. ❤

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I've done this before! It works so well!

[@NoonSkyWings]

I really enjoyed this one! Thanks for sharing.

[@janehitt646]

The frilly hem could make a nice head band.

[@louisejeffries7155]

Make an unattached collar from the fluffy hem Have you seen the price of buttons lately I’ve been making custom buttons from bake sculpy and femo. Covering them in resin (mainly in a Dome) and covering some in clear vanish Great video Alisha

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Good idea!

[@angienorman5974]

Great mending and up cycling!!

[@TLStitches]

What some great ideas! Thank you!

[@kathytierney3855]

Embroidery or appliquées for your last sweater project. Mom would cover holes in jeans with cute appliqués.

[@sharongallagher3443]

Nicely done.

[@steincy]

Awesome cardigan refresh!!!

[@joyscranfield5527]

Going to "upcycle" a couple sweatshirts for myself & for my granddaughter. Love the circles on you updated sweater. All your ideas were great & doable.

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much I really really enjoyed watching you make over these items, and I’ve got to say that I throughly enjoyed and appreciate your time and effort. And I really really love ❤️ everything you did the cardigan with the bling circles was adorable and cute too, and those handmade buttons were spot on. The beige dress at the end you cut down, and you didn’t add the hem you cut off. You definitely made the right choice it’s much more stylish and elegant as you left it. And I’m certainly impressed with you so I’ve subscribed and given you a thumbs up too. Please stay safe and well too

[@judymarkel8029]

I loved this. Thank you

[@crystaldubson7722]

Thanks for sharing. Darning could look great on the sweater.

[@jeannedeshazo8851]

Your upcycling session is wonderfully helpful. I especially liked your thinking outside the box ideas. The glittery sweater was such a winner! I look forward to more.

[@Pajexeter]

Love the grey cardi!

[@AQSA_DESIGNS]

Excellent ❤❤❤

[@FoD1975]

I just love your enthusiasm and excitement - it’s so motivating and inspirational! Thank you. 🥰

[@themamachar]

Everything looks so good. You are so good.

[@CathyJohnson313]

Great video ❤

[@pjacksreads536]

Awesome job. I’m looking in my closet to see if I can up cycle. I can think of a few dresses

[@Escape10mom]

Very inspiring!! Great ideas!!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad you like them!

[@patbailey-persad6516]

I love upcycles but have not done a lot so far. I really thought that the glittery dots would b too big but they add the sparkle n I love it. Also love the buttons

[@debcobb9739]

Lots pf great ideas. Some I have used myself and some I will be trying...Love the ruffles from the dress. You could add some narrow elastic to it and slip them on the cuffs whenever you want to jazz it up a bit...

[@paulawhite3547]

Make an infinity scarf out of the old hem

[@tammycastleberry6184]

I think the bottom of the beige dress would look good as a scarf 🧣 for the shirt you made out of it.

[@user-rn3jo1tn1b]

Hallo alesa you are thoughts is very usèful

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Hi there! I noticed the button band on the cardigan you bedazzled is kind of wonky. You might try lining the band with a ribbon to give it some structure. It’s helped me in the past.

[@janicespringstube1678]

How much extra elastic should be added to the waist measurement? Thank you so much for all your fantastic ideas!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Janice, hello there! I think you mean how much shorter we should cut the elastic. That will depend on the elastic - some are super soft and stretchy, some are quite hard and do not stretch as much, what I do is measure and stretch on myself to determine how much elastic I will need for waist, hips, wrists or anywhere else I put my elastic.

[@Painter931]

Nice remakes of your clothes. I thought of an idea for your black and white stripe top where there was a hole I would apply a decal and iron on. Examples: a 🌺 flower, lettering, the decals are in hundreds of designs. You have a criquet machine print a decal put over hole.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yep! Those are great ideas and so fun, too! The wholes that I mended are luckily barely visible, so I will leave it as is for right now, as you can only see them if you know they are there and even then yesterday I had to turn it to the wrong side to find it :) lol :)

[@LaLayla99]

Great video! I'd love to see a continuation of this video with other refreshes. I have a top that, whole I like the fabric and pattern, I hate the neckline. It's a round neck and I'd like it to be v-shaped or scoop neck. If you can provide instructions for that I'd be thrilled. 😁

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Layla, hello there! :) I actually have a full series of upcycles - just take a look In the description of this video, all episodes are listed there + if you go to my channel you will find a very detailed tutorial on how to draft and sew a v-neck :)

[@catherinemcgrory6230]

Another great video. Thank you. Very inspiring. Perhaps you could do a video based on up-cycling/changing necklines?

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you! For the necklines - Please open the infobox of the video - the tutorial is there + I have a ton of tutorials on my channel about necklines and how to do them :)

[@suzanne8216]

LOVE your work! Did you consider putting the tan embellishment down the front center as a ruffle, or along the neckline? Another thought I had was to apply snaps or velcro along the bottom so you can use it or not.

[@mariaorrs83]

Hi. I love your videos, as they are so helpful and encouraging : ) Upon watching the part on upcycling the light brown tunic with the funky bottom, I had a suggestion for you. I thought the final top looked really nice with your dark blue pants. What if you but an extra fabric band (maybe and inch or 2, same dark blue color as the pants) between the body of the shirt and the funky bottom? I think it would look nice if you could break up the light brown color?

[@goelegant2022]

Hi, miss I'm new in this profession, could you please make a video on making a medical apron/ doctor's white coat/ side front opening with collar! The way you make us understand is so nice. Love and respect from India.( Rimi)