Sew Upcycle 24 - ideas for upclycling old clothes

[@lindarogers4188]

Beautiful fabrics really need to be enjoyed. Thank you for sharing.

[@whatbecsews]

Glad you enjoyed x

[@NotesfromtheSewingRoom]

Thanks so much for supporting this sewing challenge again. I’m looking forward to seeing what you make. Thanks for sharing your plans too xx

[@whatbecsews]

Thanks Becky x

[@annettebroomhall8617]

Think again regarding cutting the red sweater dress into just a top. Yes it is too wide on you from lower bust down, but, shape it to you by cutting a few inches of the waist and a little off the hips and it will look stunning on you. A proper body con dress will probably not be something you are comfortable in, but a well fitting, as in close fitting, dress / tunic will be stunning, and not Mrs Claus in anyway. Try basting in some open end darts and try it on before making the irreversible cut to a top.

[@robinhudson6800]

I think the white dress looks nice on you. I don't see the problem areas that you see, but isn't that always the case😆I do think it washes you out a little so I would make PJ bottoms if you have enough fabric.

[@astridoma7413]

You really have many lovely fabrics. Perhaps you could make a skirt of the pink dress?

[@whatbecsews]

That’s a great idea, although I don’t tend to wear them often x

[@sewlittletime]

Fab ideas Bec!! I shortened my southbank last year into a sweater length. Can’t wait to see the results of your upcycles. Thanks for taking part xxx

[@whatbecsews]

Awww thanks, did you find you wear it more? X

[@sewlittletime]

@@whatbecsews absolutely, it was a smidge tight around my bottom half and now it fits fine xx

[@sarahmiddle5028]

Love your plans. For the red dress, if you added an applique or motif on the front it might feel less like Mrs Claus. You could of course do something xmas themed such as a tree or bauble or you could use a scrap of a favourite patterned fabric with the right colours in any shape you like.

[@whatbecsews]

Your right about the motif, although I still think I would wear it more as a jumper x

[@Craftytutu]

So many beautiful fabrics there Becs. I’m upcycling a leopard print duvet, using the contrasting side for my button plackets/neckband and sleeve binding on the Amalfi blouse. The main pieces will be in the small leopard print and the rest are going to be the large leopard print. I will have enough left for a second top but don’t know if I’ll have enough time to make something else. I did forget to lengthen the placket and neckband pattern piece before I cut the fabric out this afternoon though so I’ll have to recut tomorrow 🤦🏼‍♀️🙄

[@whatbecsews]

Leopard print ❤️❤️❤️

[@SewMyTime]

Good Luck Becky. Such fabulous fabrics and I agree with Julie that the Assembly Line High Cuff Sweater would be great for those big skirt pieces. Happy upcycling. 😊. Lynne

[@birgittesmed4228]

You could unpick your coral hope dress(love the fabric) and just makes a smaller size. That would make better use of the fabric.

[@whatbecsews]

I wish I could tell you I would do that… but I know I won’t lol, I’m just not that patient x

[@wendybingham]

Lots of great ideas. The material on most of them need to be saved. Xx

[@whatbecsews]

They definitely do 😊 x

[@nicky-Sewandsnip]

Great lots of plans there, can't wait to see the finished results. I really need to go through my wardrobe to weed out what I don't wear.

[@whatbecsews]

Weirdly it’s a job I really enjoy, clearing out, repurposing and seasonal change overs x

[@Julie_sews_her_own_clothes]

Some gorgeous fabrics there waiting for the unpicker. I have a couple of woven dresses that are patiently waiting to be repurposed. I’m going to use the high cuff sweater by the assembly line as I’ve got lots of ribbing pieces that need using up. Happy upcycling 😁🥰

[@whatbecsews]

I have only made the high cuff once, it’s lovely but I must admit that like a raglan 😊 x

[@brenholmes4894]

Lots to do there. All are great ideas, although I'm not sure you'll like the Indigo as a peplum top. You need to ask yourself what you don't like about it and if cutting off the skirt will actually change how you feel. I am participating in the challenge. I intend to upcycle a RTW jumpsuit that's now too large for me but I love the fabric. Also, a me made dress that I really dislike on me, although the fabric is lovely and my colours. I have worn it just once and know I'll never wear it again. I hope to get a tee shirt out of that, using the original sleeves if possible

[@whatbecsews]

You have a really good point about the indigo. You have some exciting plans, sew lets sparkle with Sam recently upcycled a jumpsuit, I thought it was fab how she had done it x

[@victoriaconstantine-cort3091]

xXX👍👍👍

[@realdealcg3165]

For the Tilly and the Buttons dress can you unpick and take the ruffle at the bottom and add it to the bodice? That gives you a peplum top and enough fabric to maybe make something else :)

[@whatbecsews]

Your so right 😊 x

[@dianemontavon5670]

I like the red dress, did you try adding a belt maybe in gold or white. Not black or you will look like Mrs. Claus. The second dress, have you thought of just cutting off the skirt and adding the ruffle that is on the bottom to the bottom of the top? Might have to us less of the ruffle.