7 upcycling and mending projects from EASY to ADVANCED!

[@stephanywisecarver9673]

Your videos always inspire me. And although I have been sewing on and off for over 50 years, I enjoy seeing how you tackle your projects. One can ALWAYS learn more about sewing. But the best part about your videos is how I feel uplifted by your cheerful nature!

[@abaigealduda2756]

I'm not as experienced a sewer as you, and so I probably learn a lot more. I think you're comment about feeling "uplifted" by Alisa's "cheerful nature" is spot on and beautifully articulated!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

I feel the same way. I find all her videos very inspiring. I just did two repairs for my husband, I mended a good wool sweater and replaced the pull on a pair of trousers. He also sewed up a couple of tee shirts that had open seams, I love that he does stuff like that if he can rather than expecting me to do it or turns the shirt into a rag.

[@abaigealduda2756]

@@theresaanndiaz3179 That's terrific!! Congrats on your projects!!

[@Lisa-um8jx]

Mending clothes isn't always difficult, but I tend to put it off. I hemmed two pairs of jeans that I've been wearing with rolled hems for MONTHS and a pyjama pants with a twisted elestic in the waistband. I finally tackled my pile a few days ago and it didn't even take that long. The satisfaction of completing these simple tasks was real!😂

[@allsquaredup9717]

My mending tasks consist of sewing arms and legs back on our dog's stuffed animals. She keeps giving them way too much love and I keep fixing them. It's incredibly satisfying.

[@chicswitz]

@@allsquaredup9717 Me too 🤣. With 2 dogs, I always have a toy to patch.

[@janecheesehead3178]

the blue top with the circle sleeves is really pretty!!!

[@DoreenFraser-d5s]

Circular sleeves are so pretty. Loved the technique

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

I also like the fact that you are showing it in "real time"!

[@cynthiamyers4265]

I enjoy mending -- for the very reason you said -- the satisfaction of making a garment wearable again.

[@HanaKingi]

Your teaching style is casual and friendly - yet relatable. Watching your sewing techniques is a pleasure. I have learned so much despite sewing for over 50 years. Thank you for including the time it takes to complete some of these garments and the fabric choices that suit each style. The camera work is first class too, and I am inspired to use the decorative stitches on my sewing machines.

[@KSMP]

Good save on the t-shirt! It turned out great. That's the stage where I step away from a project and go back to it the next day with a fresh set of eyes 😊

[@raraavis7782]

Ohhh...I loved the patch pocket with the bird applique! I would have totally left it like that! Very pretty and whimsical. With a tiny little stain on white fabric, dabbing on a bit of acrylic paint is also worth a try. Thanks for reminding me of reverse applique. I have the perfect upcycling project for it!

[@InAgatasCottage]

Well done on tackling your mending pile. I love all your ideas. Shirt is lovely.

[@trinasentner4095]

I loved the white with the tree branch and the pok-a-spots. 😊

[@franckelatter9829]

I love your repair tactics! I am always repairing, lengthening hem and sleeves, thankyou for all that information!

[@anymoose6685]

Black buttons might be nice to tie those pockets in too.

[@madelynpryor2680]

I was having a stressful day and then saw you uploaded! It was such a nice treat!

[@kimberleyoliver8160]

I very much appreciate your videos. I have been sewing for over 25 years and I always learn something. Thank you.

[@juliebute4063]

Very Creative. Love the yellow and black outfit for your daughter... great job!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Right? thank you! I think that the jacket goes perfectly with that skirt, that's why I wanted to upcycle it, so that it can be worn together!

[@auntnessy7340]

I really like the polka dot change. I’d maybe add some more black to the collar as well m

[@nicolehubbard3536]

On the polka dot blouse with the stains, I thought the white pocket with the bird in the tree was very pretty. But I'm glad you found a solution you liked better.

[@raraavis7782]

I thought it was very pretty as well!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

It was pretty, but man... the white of the pocket was soooo bright vs the white of the shirt, it really stood out for me. But yes, I thought that the little bird and the branch was so cute - I must use this idea for some other garment!

[@shanaazmohammed7713]

I got a soft long pants that was too tight for me, so I cut off the legs and opened the side seams and used pieces from the legs and widen the pants and they fit soooo comfortable now 😊

[@Patricia-r7t8f]

Love the circle sleeves. Will definitely try that one

[@ArlenePMCM]

They're all great upcycles (and a couple of saves). Adding sleeves is just what I need to many blouses and dresses of mine. Awesomeness!

[@juanitaconover8836]

I enjoy you working through you mending pile a couple times a year, it inspires me to get mine out too and listen/watch your mending video while plugging through mine; like mending with a friend❤️!

[@celinemacdonald5621]

Love a mending pile video! Lots of inspiration, tips, and tricks. I think tackling the mending pile is a great way to get the 'sewjo' back also. Often when I want to spend creative time at the sewing machine but don't have the energy or time for a whole new project, I do some mending 💙

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Exactly and so true! That way you get both - the creative fix and get that pile fixed up and back into the closet :)

[@pavlal.4552]

I was watching this while mending my own pile of clothes 😉 great ideas and tips, thank you. I happen to really like that dotted white shirt with black pockets 👍

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yay! :) I was hoping that people would take their mending piles and do it sort of together with me :) my little one gasped when she saw the black/yellow skirt with the added tulle - I went "that's a win!" in my mind! Do you think something should go on those black pockets? Like a white design? My husband suggested that after I got done with the shirt and now it is messing with my head, lol :D

[@pavlal.4552]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity I do like simplicity, so I would keep it as is, but it's totally up to you 😉

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I agree with you :)

[@carolbischoff6985]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity While I understand liking simplicity, to me the new pockets really stand out on your bust. Maybe adding a bit more western themimg to them, such as cowboy hats, or saddles, or horses or ? in white to the pockets would help soften them a bit.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

@@carolbischoff6985hmm, maybe... I don't really like super western theme because it limits the wearability, so if I add anything it would be a like the one I did before - a bird on a branch or something like that. The pockets do stand out, but I like them, but if there was a better way to get rid of that stain - I would totally try it :)

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

I really enjoyed the video ❤. You inspire all of us to get the most wear out of what we have . How would you feel about embroidering a bird (or other) and some polka dots in white thread on those pockets? I know, that’s more time on top of how much you have already spent on this project.

[@doriscassan6996]

Both tops look better with sleeves and more sun protection for you! Clever to problem solve all these mending issues. It is indeed a wonderful feeling to get thru a pile of mending and altering.

[@FOPYUpcycle]

You always inspire me and I've made a few items after watching your methods etc; Thank you.😊

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I am so glad! Thank you for letting me know - that is the best part of what I do - knowing that this helps people!

[@christinebyrnes3164]

Great video! I loved your little one's t-shirt upcycle and how you took us through the whole process and how you changed the design when it wasn't working the way you hoped ❤ Love how clear and understandable your videos are! 👏

[@ZeldaSews]

Great job!❤

[@1anita1m]

I really enjoy watching your videos. Great information and very entertaining. Thank you so much for sharing. 😊❤

[@crystalchi1207]

I just liked before watching 😂😂😂

[@katwitanruna]

The reverse appliqué rose! And I love how you fixed the fubar! It happens to us all. And if you can’t think of what to do right away, walk away from the project and do something else for a bit.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

That's exactly right - my mom calls it a "soapy eye" - where you can't see clearly anymore. You just gotta walk away and return with a fresh mind!

[@katwitanruna]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity I’ll have to remember that one!!

[@not_old_yet]

Really like the additions of sleeves!

[@rosariacarlostella9105]

I liked the bird motif applique on the pocket. I would have tried a reverse contrast of the bird applique on the second pocket. I loved this video and ALL the repairs. Fantastic job. ❤️

[@kristicitak3932]

Your results are always amazing. Your journey is also amazing & most inspiring!!!❤❤❤you are such a blessing to all you touch. 😇🥰🙏

[@judymarkel8029]

Adorable. I have thought about trying to hand sew a blouse

[@themamachar]

You are so smart. Thanks for the video. God bless you.

[@sarahbhutta251]

I really like that cushion you used for hemming the edge!

[@carolbischoff6985]

Great video! I especially like the addition of the ruffle sleeves to your tops. They look so great!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Glad you like them! I was lucky to have leftover fabric from years ago, but simple chiffon will do great as well :)

[@AmandasHandmadeKreations]

If you heat it from the backside of the shirt it helps to remove htv. The mini heat press or even an iron would do it then use a weeding tool to pick the vinyl off so you don't burn your hand. ( for future reference) :) love your videos and am still learning how to get more into sewing but I know my Cricut machines well.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you so much, Amanda! absolutely great suggestion! I have heated up before already adhered vinyl by placing my pattern drafting paper over it, so that the heat press or iron would not stick and get gunk all over it, I am not sure why I did not think of it this time...

[@AmandasHandmadeKreations]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity np at all! Heating up the back loosens it up but it can leave a shadow from the adhesive/glue sometimes but usually I re-add the design over it or cover it if it shows anything. It saves shirts. :)

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Yep, I had that happen once :) we live and we learn, don't we? Oh... I am not sure you have seen it, but there is something really cool you can do with leftover iron-on vinyl scraps, let me share the video with you. I absolutely loooove the final result, it did take a bit of time to get it done, but it was worth the effort, especially the heart on the jacket - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHuzl5-Oi9mheLM

[@wendyb7993]

Wow I love these ideas those sleeves look fab❤

[@PalomaYara]

Great video and I have to add however not related, your hair looks absolutely gorgeous!

[@ChrisW228]

LOVE the sleeves at 16:00. Now I want to do that to all of my tops. LOL

[@dawnjeffersramstad8401]

Alisa, not only inspiring with gratitude content, but a great length! I knit most mornings, every weekend I save good videos for that time to a private play list. Today I am tinking (ripping back stitch by stitch or knitting backwards) to a dropped stitch that can only be fixed by going backwards. I enjoyed hanging with you while stitching this morning. ❤

[@ljshaw8516]

I loved the bird on a branch!

[@melissamiller2464]

I have to say I loved the bird on the pocket. :( I was sad when you changed it.

[@mommysews1]

Oh! I had a totally different thought on the polkadot shirt. You could take the pocket bag from the non-functional pocket, cut it out, press it, and use it to make a band around the top of the single white pocket (or a flap on the pocket) or something else that made use of the extra unneeded fabric on the inside of the shirt! This would make it purposeful. I appreciate your video - so many ideas are spinning in my head of ways to add sleeves to things that I don’t wear very often because of the sleeveless issue. Thank you so much. Your format is fantastic. I have subscribed!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

I thought about that - but the pocket is so very shallow, and cutting out the pocket bag would give me very little fabric to work with, even the flap would need to be made with a seam down the center, and this cotton is already lightweight as it is, so the seam would be very visible... unless I went for a very little flap, but then that would not fit the new pocket. If only the original pocket would have been actually bigger! :) I am glad you enjoyed and got some ideas and welcome to the channel! :)

[@Queenread82]

I love new tips for mending. I am self taught. I may not use every new idea but they are sometimes a springboard for my own problem solving. - Smart idea to pin the sleeve to the sewing ham! I never really learned how to use a ham. I have only used it to iron things.

[@jojomontgomery7119]

Thank you for your videos. I am a quilter that dabbles into garments. Unfortunately, I have a hard time fitting the pattern to my body. I recently made a dress that was awful! I hung it up and thought I would never wear it, but decided to take it apart and make it a style that I know would work. Watching your videos gave me this confidence. Thanks 😊

[@SusanRobinson-k3s]

Thanks so much for your inspirational video!! I've been sewing over 50 years and I always get ideas and inspiration from your videos!!!

[@rebeccahunt355]

I liked the pocket with the vinyl a lot!

[@katwitanruna]

Liked. Shared. Commented. Up the algorithm!

[@katwitanruna]

Love the flutter sleeves on the blue!!!

[@lisamccoy4216]

I love what you did with the navy and floral blouse sleeves! So adorable. I may need to employ that technique very soon. Thanks.

[@petro3441]

Love the hand stitch shirt and pink tshirt🎉

[@katwitanruna]

Always love seeing your videos hit my feed!!

[@ivividly]

Loved this video! You’re awesome.

[@petro3441]

Thanx never new circle sleeves are so easy to make😮😮

[@emilysmith2784]

You are so inventive. I love it. You could try swapping the white buttons for black ones on the shirt too. I think that would help tie it all together. I liked the birds on the white pocket too.

[@patriciawashburn1624]

As usual, ❤love the show❤🇨🇦 and I am going through my wardrobe and doing very similar things..

[@juanitar.miller5210]

My goodness, so many brilliant fixes! Your ruffle/sleeves were so sweet and feminine, I have used your jean fix and it turned out great, your daughter’s skirt with attached skort is very cute AND practical, the heart appliqué saved the day (beautifully), the work pants fix was neat and secure, your black shirt pockets and tabs tied a bow on top!👏🏻 Thank you for all of your hard work❣️

[@angelrose7906]

I like the heart idea on your daughter's shirt, but I would finish the edges with a zigzag stitch :) I really like the round sleeve idea on the blue top. You are so creative!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank youso much! As for the heart - it is a knit with interfacing underneath - it does not need a zig zag stitch unless you want it as a decorative element.

[@rebeccacamacho-sobczak4282]

Love that topper!!!!

[@reeree690]

Wonderful tips!

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

If I wear a top that has no sleeves, I always get a sunburn on my upper arms. Plus, I hate the look of my upper arms. I like 3/4 length sleeves (with cuffs) to hide my upper arms. I would have replaced that iron on heart with an appliqued patch work crazy patch heart (without cutting a hole in the shirt). However I like your applique also. Wow. I love that sleeve on you. It may even work for me. I went through that pocket problem years ago. I ended up giving my shirt away. I wish now that I had shortened the sleeves; and, then used some of the fabric from one of the sleeves to make a new pocket to cover up the area where the ugly pocket had been.

[@kriskeuler4455]

Loved your creativity ❤❤❤you inspire all of us ❤❤❤ have a blessed day 🥰

[@saundraweed9738]

So helpful. Great advice.

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

Excellent video! I have a few times taken tops that were too long and used fabric from the bottom to make a fluttery sleeve.

[@SindyJune]

Totally loved the sleeve ideas....brilliant !!!! I was planning on getting rid of some sleeveless blouses, but not now😊. Thank you so very much for the great ideas.

[@ireneparker8253]

I especially enjoy the sleeve ideas. I don't like sleeveless shirts. So, I am always looking for ways to eliminate them. Both the ruffle and circle sleeves came out really beautiful. That skirt goes really well with the bees on the jacket you made. Don't you think it is cool that they add shorts to skirts now? It is the fashion. I think it is so smart.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Right? I remember when I was little we always wore dark tights with skirts, but it is waaaaaay too hot here starting with late spring all the way to late fall, so she likes wearing shorts underneath, so she can still play and run and twirl in the skirt without any awkward moments :) I am so glad that the sleeve ideas will come in handy! Chiffon or rayon/viscose, even light cotton and of course a lot of other fabrics will be great for a circle sleeve. And if you'd like to reduce volume - just do half a circle instead of a full circle, that will work too :)

[@johnettehaines6291]

When kids were still home. I had a mending pile. When they needed something mended, I would tell them to just toss it in the basket. By the time I got around to it, they either outgrew it.😂

[@Maggi1108]

For the last shirt, maybe you could replace the buttons with black ones so it ties everything together a bit more ? ^^ Anyways, I loved how you added sleeves to the tops, it gives me great ideas !

[@pamd6532]

Thank you for your inspirations, sweet one

[@vickischarschmidt3020]

Very cool ideas❤

[@auntiezann5146]

Nice job, Alisa! I actually love mending; it feels so good to return a garment to useful status. So I was super excited to see this video! Love your creativity! The yellow and black skirt was genius! And adding sleeves to two shirts that you don’t wear! Of course! And I love your tenacity on the final black and white shirt! I also thought about cutting the sleeves down and using that fabric for the pocket. But your idea was great! It’s really cute!

[@Shubha-224]

Hello... I am one of the newbee to your channel. I too love sewing, upcycling and recycling.... Have been doing it for myself quite a years. Hence I love your channel and your works. You give me that extra inspiration 💕 And to me, learning never stops 🥰 Regarding your shirt in this video, may be you could have done some embroidery work directly on the shirt without inserting an pocket.... Those white pockets didn't go so well. But to me, white ones were better than the black! I felt like black is extra popping out and spots are not so appropriate.... Just thought of sharing my opinion... I enjoy your videos 🙏🏻😊

[@pamelahill7164]

I liked it better with the one pocket bird and it looked nice

[@petro3441]

You just know how❤

[@wouldliketobeaviking]

I love the blue shirt with the circle sleeves, I will try that too :). I also like the dotted shirt with the black pockets but I think I would change the buttons to black ones :).

[@Billybloop]

I like kimono style cover ups for sleeveless things in summer.

[@sheliapower4566]

I love your videos. Can you do a video on how to read and understand commercial patterns for us beginners?

[@ritaatkinson8635]

I really enjoyed this video, thank you, I have watched a lot of your videos and learned a lot (I am at the start of the learning to sew curve) the blouse that you had all the problems with. I liked the finished result, I wondered if you had thought about changing the buttons to black, it may compliment the black stitching on the placket....just a suggestion. Thank you again for this.

[@ChrisW228]

I’m rewatching AGAIN (and checked last comments so I don’t repeat myself). On the last shirt with the polka dots, here are two other ideas. 1. Make the shirt 3/4 length or short sleeve and use that fabric for a pocket. 2. Instead of the vinyl bird, repeat the polka dot pattern. Or a bonus, kind of, or the lazy thing I would have done…. Just colored over the stain with white fabric paint or a thin layer of white acrylic paint. Shhhh!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Thank you, Chris! I am okay with how it is right now and I have mulled over other ideas after completing it, and decided to just leave it be :) your ideas will be great for future upcycles! :)

[@joanneklassen4637]

I like what you did with that last project. I think it would have pulled it together even better had you changed the buttons to black ones- just a thought.

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

That's a wonderful thought! Thank you!

[@ElizabethBarber-tu9ey]

Thanks for sharing! Could you have made the sleeves short and used the sleeve material as a pocket?

[@kariholland2276]

I think the shirt with the black pockets just needs black buttons to make it look chef's kiss perfect. It's fine as is, but black buttons would sell the alteration as an intentional fashion statement.

[@loispatrick2594]

Good going ok these mends. I'm like you. I love getting extra mileage out of a garment by mending or upcycling. I this k I agree with you about the shirt at the end. You devo intently added value, but would have been perfect with the same fabric, which you obviously couldn't do as it was a bought item. I really liked the iron on image you had on the white pockets. Could you do something similar ok the black ones? Great video! ❤

[@AvrilBrown-ld6gm]

Sorry, forgot to say that blouse looks wonderful!❤️

[@clarapn]

Great🎉😊

[@stineandscott]

Hi. Could you make a video turning low rise jeans to high rise? There are other videos, but I trust yours lol.

[@AvrilBrown-ld6gm]

I'm being a bit cheeky here but do you have any suggestions for what to do with textured chiffon? A fabric store that I use was selling 3 metres for 3 UK pence! I couldn't turn it down but I've never used chiffon before and I can't think of what to do with it. Sorry to be presumptuous but you have a lot more experience of different fabrics than I do 😢

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

oooh, I love chiffon for projects like layered gathered skirts ( super easy, but soooo very nice), super light and flirty blouses like the one I made with a triple layered raglan sleeve, it was a silk georgette, but chiffon would be great - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnuznIZ5q894r5I - then a cover up like this one - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGebYZxrlKaMsMU

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

here's the simple gathered skirt video - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnTKdXqPp7SBors

[@AvrilBrown-ld6gm]

@@ThoughtfulCreativity thanks so much! My brain just shut down and I really don't want to waste it! 😂

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

@@AvrilBrown-ld6gmMy pleasure! I totally get you - sometimes the fabric just calls your name :)

[@Lotusblume.8]

Maybe you could make some 3/4 sleeves and use the rest fabric to make the pockets?

[@petro3441]

Do you perhaps have a video of sci pants made from stretchy swimming suite material

[@KnitzyKitzy]

I admit I loved that bird pocket and from a distance it looked very intentional. The shirt still looks lovely after you went the black pocket way.

[@marcysikes]

I have a nice soft knit blouse. I somehow got a few spots of Clorox on the blouse. Ruined! Is there a save for this situation? A patch or embroidered design etc. I hope my request is in line with what you do. Thank you!

[@ThoughtfulCreativity]

Marcy, hello there, take a look at this video, perhaps it will give you some ideas - kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3LHm61nj6l2rJY

[@katwitanruna]

Keep the cabbage! If you don’t have fabric at all, take the piece with you and see if a premade ruffle at the store will work.

[@helenwood3199]

Try nail polish remover to get old sticky applique parts rubbed off.

[@ChrisW228]

I totally cheat on belt loops. :) I finish one seam under the loop, rearrange, start another seam under the lope. :) Between the loop and the belt, you never see it.

[@katwitanruna]

I have fifty plus years experience. It takes me about seven hours to sew a simple dress with pockets (because pockets), including the hemming.