Refashioned

You may remember that one of my goals for this year is to get closer to being a zero waste business. You may also remember that something I wanted to do to help reach that goal was op shop refashions (or thrift store transformations, if you prefer).

Much to my delight I have started doing exactly that! Last week I headed to my favourite local op shop to pick up some clothes to transform.

Note: this post doesn’t have the refashioned pieces, but they’ll be up within a week!

Judging by the ruffle sleeves I’d say this is pretty new.

I still want to give transforming it a go though!

I didn’t go too crazy with my first purchase. I bought three items; a black and silver cotton ruffle sleeved dress, a funky patterned rayon wrap dress, and a viscose leopard print dress.

First up was the easy bit. I took my little bundle home, photographed them, and gave them a wash.
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Next was the tricky part - trying to figure out how to refashion them. I spent a couple of hours sketching out ideas for each dress, starting with the leopard print one. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with the top half of that dress, and I had a good idea on what I wanted to turn the skirt into too. I found figuring out what to do with the other two a bit harder, but I got there in the end.
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The funky wrap dress is basically going to stay the same, except I’ll be repairing the holes in the sleeves and sewing the front together. There was some over-stretched fabric on one side so sewing the front together means I can chop it out.

The black and silver dress is a little trickier and at this stage I’m still not sure if I want to turn it into a  60s style swing dress or give it a more fitted silhouette. 

This wrap dress has such a funky print!

I want to experiment with stretch fabric and transforming wrap dresses, so this is perfect.

I’ve already finished the top section of the leopard print dress. I haven’t finished the skirt yet because I’m still hunting down some fabric to refashion into a lining.

I’ve pinned the wrap dress in place so it’s ready to sew, although I keep changing my mind on how exactly I want to finish it off.

The black dress is still sitting patiently waiting to be redesigned. I might just start and see where it takes me.

I’m also working on transforming a t-shirt with red and white polka dots. I forgot to get a before photo, so I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until the reveal to see it. It'll be a lovely little surprise!

The viscose this dress is made from is so soft and drapey.

You can definitely see how the original design influenced the top refashion.

I’m finding this a really interesting process. I’m already getting excited to do more in the future. If you’re interested in a post following an item of clothing from op shop disaster to fancy new threads please do let me know. Ok, ok. The pieces I bought this time weren’t disastrous clothes, but embarrassing fashion is definitely out there!

I’ll leave you with a sneak peek at the finished leopard print top.

Until next time! xx

The new leopard print peasant top!