THRIFT FLIP: hemming tapered pants, making a notched hem, turning a tunic into a kimono-style wrap

Join me as I upcycle pants and a top. I'll give a cute notched hem to a tapered pant, and then turn a slightly crazy tunic into a simple, elegant kimono-style wrap.
MY FAVE SEWING TOOLS: My sewing machine - Babylock Sofia 2
My serger - an old Kenmore
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Music: Blue Moon by JVNA from the KZbin Audio Library

[@bitsnharry]

I cannot believe how long I’ve been sewing and I’ve never figured that truck out about opening the inside seam allowance when you are sewing a tapered pants hem! Oh my goodness! I love that little V notch in the back that looks great on you. And I never would’ve thought to do that to that strange tunic top. It makes a wonderful kimono now! I wish I found you sooner I’ve gotta catch up!

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks Hagrids Mom, for giving this video some love! That was such a fun one to do, and I still wear both pieces!

[@joannemcd1257]

The kimono top turned out beautifully! Easy hem for the pants is a cute idea!

[@nanettedoerr177]

Thank you for the instruction that is offered on your channel. So nice for the ideas and 'how to' regarding the re-fashioning of our special findings. I have been sewing for 55 years, and even majored in fashion design at one time. You make instruction easy to understand and follow. Like others have said, wish I would have found your channel sooner. Blessings!

[@joannemcd1257]

I really L❤VE how the white one turned out!

[@countrygal3688]

Love what you did to your outfit! That top is beautiful now. The vent on the pants legs is the neatest look!

[@patlee7949]

Excellent transformation

[@helenmyers5161]

You are doing incredible job with your videos - help people learn valuable skills and live sustainable lives! Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much. It's lovely responses like yours that make it so worthwhile!

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Love the info about the tapered leg hem! ❤ Thank you!

[@michelleskotynsky9426]

@Catherine - thank you for this video! I have 8th grade sewing skills, and I just successfully hemmed a pair of Scout pants for my son (14). There's a lot of excess length (that I don't want to cut off in case he shoots up). When trying to deal with all that excess - which is tapered! - I knew to open the seams!! Thank you, thank you!!

[@lucilledaub5991]

I love the hemming on your pants and how you made the black n white blouse without the v neck.

[@susanoerter1419]

I find myself adjusting each item in my fall wardrobe. Thanks for all the tips.

[@daisyy99]

Your pants shorter with the little v in the back are darling. And the coverup turned out awesome, too!!

[@revecarodriguez709]

On your very see thru fabrics try using clips , they work wonders , when working with netting, & stuff like that I resort to using clothes pins ( wooden) even for materials you shouldn’t use regular pins ! I’ve used the “ v cut “ 😮but never in the back gotta do that ! I like your videos , very explanatory , for beginner sewers & some of us “ golden girls “ still sewing & can use new tricks

[@ArlenePMCM]

Winning upcycles as always. I didn't hold much hope for that crazy top but it turned out so nice!

[@Evet]

Lovely!!!❤

[@englishrivieravanessa]

Really loved this video as so much is useful, practical, transferable and the end result is lovely! Just a little gripe though - listening to you is lovely & relaxing but that background 'music' is like listening to someone learning to play a rusty saw!!

[@elizabeth79547]

Great job,thanks for teaching us.

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

Nice upcycling!!!

[@hjccontest]

Hah! That was awesome. Love what you did with the blouse, way more than I would tackle but easy peasy for you. Good job! Pant leg hem was cool.

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks Terry! Out of the 4 things I've upcycled lately, this blouse is my favourite. And it started off as the weirdest and most unwearable!

[@hjccontest]

@@CatherineSews lol yup. And that light weight fabric for me is tough to work with, you made it look so easy. I probably use a dull needle lol

[@hjccontest]

I loved all 4 of your recycled choices.

[@MsBoomer35]

Very cute

[@chrisp.76]

I’m amazed you could make that shirt into such a fantastic top! Looks great!

[@bellalogan414]

Wow the chiffon top looks so much better now. Great job!

[@اكلةبحبها]

I always wait for you to learn from you and the best like, and I am honored to follow you

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for such a sweet comment!

[@GloFukuda-wn9lr]

I learned "baggy bottom" to remember to put the fuller fabric on the bottom to allow the feed dogs to move the extra fabric along.

[@lorettasuan9783]

Came out lovely!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@surinderm3128]

I saw how you used the cup to hold the big roll of thread, that is neat i have big rolls too, they always keep rolling everywhere, love your videos so much to learn.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, it works great! Thanks for watching and for leaving a sweet comment!

[@KateOLeary-kd8ns]

I've watched so many of your videos now & learn something new in every one. As I buy almost all my clothes in op shops (thrift shops) learning how to alter my finds is invaluable! Your editing is spot on, your filming excellent & your explanations so clear, all I need & not loads of unnecessary chat. My only constructive criticism would be, I much prefer just you, without the background soundtrack. You don't need it, you are grand on your own. Looking forward to more of your generously shared content :)

[@fredhubbard7210]

I'm a guy... My mother has a Home-Ec teacher too. (Raised in Bowser.) I wanted to learn to sew when I was young, but she she so ill-tempered and always blamed me for her inability to maintain her sewing machine, so I really didn't learn anything. Now I am 66, have 11 high end vintage sewing machines and want to make and modify thrift clothes. I am very tall so most clothes don't fit and dearly wish for either a compilation of these tips, or a playlist of "beginner tips" (not common stuff like how to thread a machine... that are so easy to see from a manual.) More like tips on tailoring. Tips like this one, and other tailoring tips such as how to take in too much fabric in the body of a jacket. I spent two days, ending in failure trying.

[@neulesmeves]

Hello Catherine. I have just discovered your channel and I love it! You give us such clear explanations. Thank you.

[@patbailey-persad6516]

I yoo never thought of putting that notch in the hem, but sometimes it would not work as the fabric may fray out. But brilliant idea

[@CatherineSews]

Hi Pat, so glad you like that little notch. I don't think you'd need to worry about fraying because it's all sewn neatly around the notch. Maybe on a very loosely woven fabric you'd have to reinforce it with interfacing.

[@lynnephelps2370]

Wonderful! Just curious, did you keep the embroidered neckline for another project? It would be fun to upcycle on a heavy-weight t-shirt!

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I kept it but haven't put it to use yet. Maybe one of these days!

[@Maplecook]

Just realized that I hadn't shown this video any love yet!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks my friend!

[@Edvana24.]

Olá Boa noite legal

[@CatherineSews]

Obrigado!

[@2BfreeATlast]

How can I properly hem leggings?

[@katieduffy593]

I actually loved those flippy floppy sleeves on you but I know they'd be annoying!