My creative space - clothes upcycling challenge day 26

Today's creative space is a little bit of mending and a bit more upcycling!
First I finally managed to do something with a pair of my shorts.  I showed you them a couple of weeks ago, when I braved fixing zips.  Unfortunately the zip on these shorts was unfixable, so I still didn't know what to do...
Then some clever reader (thanks Danielle!!) suggested replacing the zip with velcro!  Now why didn't I think of that!
So I did!  It was remarkably easy - just unpick, remove the old broken zip, and stitch it all back in place with some velcro added!  Hey presto, I can wear my shorts again!!


Now today's upcycle (not much left in my box now...)
Is a dress we got in a hand-me-down bag.
Very pretty, and my eldest daughter loves it, but the only problem is it's a size 4 and she's more like a size 8!



So I snipped off the top of the dress, folded over the waist to make a casing, added a fresh piece of elastic and now she has a wonderful, twirly polka-dot skirt!


I tell you - upcycling clothes is the best way to learn more about sewing techniques and the way clothes are made!  I've learnt sooo much this month! 
What have you learnt about your craft lately?





Posted by Jill
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17 comments:

  1. KatieMay 26, 2011 at 7:22 AM

    Ooooh I love that polka dot print. Great little skirt!

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  2. AdyMay 26, 2011 at 7:30 AM

    That is a lovely skirt. Well done on the shorts too.

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  3. trudi@maudeandmeMay 26, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    Love the tip about the zip and velcro. Have several broken zip items!

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  4. DebraMay 26, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Gorgeous little skirt, a winner!!

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  5. Michelle L.May 26, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    I love it as a skirt - actually more than the dress. Cuteness!

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  6. *Staci*May 26, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    Love that purple polka dot fabric. I think it looks cuter now than as a dress. :)

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  7. lamina@do a bitMay 26, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    That is a great idea with the valcro!!! LOVE the spotted skirt.. very cute!!

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  8. DebMay 26, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    OMG! Thankyou! My husband was after a new zip in his jeans. Maybe I can velcro them! Fantastic!!

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  9. DebraMay 26, 2011 at 6:48 PM

    I moved you up :)

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  10. GabyMay 26, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    Yay for mending! Both projects look great.

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  11. CatMay 26, 2011 at 8:13 PM

    Your daughter is going to love twirling around in her new skirt, it looks great. xo

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  12. SueannMay 26, 2011 at 8:27 PM

    Great idea about the velcro!! Who knew?? !! And that twirly skirt is adorable! She will love it!
    Hugs
    SueAnn

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  13. Petites MerveillesMay 27, 2011 at 7:46 AM

    Hello! You really are talented! That's a lovely skirt you've made there. Very tempted to do the same for some dresses hanging at the back of my closet!

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  14. yagaMay 27, 2011 at 7:33 PM

    you're so right, upcycling is the best way to learn about sewing. I'm doing it too, and love it!

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  15. Nicole @ Two and Two is 4May 28, 2011 at 11:09 AM

    The skirt is so cute!!!

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  16. Seaweed and RaineMay 28, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    Yay for beign able to wear your shorts again! :) And a good upcycle of the dress to skirt. I am working up the nerve to cut up a pair of my old pants to make a pair of cargoes for my eldest small. Fingers crossed! :)

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  17. Blissful & DomesticMay 31, 2011 at 2:56 AM

    Your welcome! And I love the polka-dot dress. It is too cute as a skirt:>

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