Thrifty Thursday #1–Keep It Short And Sweet

Paul Robeson’s Mammy loved shortenin’ bread

But I prefer shortenin’ garments! Yesterday evening’s post demonstrated that very thing with baby clothes.

Over the years, I have discovered that cutting a bit off, or taking up a hem, can completely revitalise a garment and provide extra mileage. In April last year, I took two ankle length skirts, and a few other fabric scraps – and shortened one to knee length. With some nifty applique I made myself one smart new Boden-esque skirt – which continues to receive compliments. Details here. Before and after…

 

 

 

This summer, I turned an old asymmetric-hemmed dress into a short tunic to wear over trousers and leggings. Details here

Again, lots of lovely compliments. Friends have told me that they have copied the idea for themselves.

USEFUL HINTS

1. if your dress is lined [as mine was] then make the hem on the lining 2cm or so shorter than the dress, or it will droop below, and look sad!
2. if your dress is cut on the bias, then measure and cut carefully, then leave it on a hanger overnight before you hem, or you may end up with a wonky hem. Hanging allows the fabric to ‘settle’

If you want something ‘new’ to wear and you are trying to be thrifty, begin with your own wardrobe. Ask yourself

1. Can I pair things up in different ways [eg coloured suit jacket with plain black skirt or trousers] for a new look?
2. Is there something I can shorten, or embellish, to make a garment which looks fresh and different?

only then should you go and spend money if you really must. Look in M&S/Next/Boden/wherever etc for inspiration – and buy in a Charity Shop if you can.

Refashioning clothes is so satisfying. You can find lots more inspiration at these sites – some also include ideas for children’s clothes.

• Wardrobe Refashion [here]
• Refashion Co-op [here]
• Restylistas [here]
• Ruffles and Stuff [here] 

It’s a good job that I didn’t have a blog and a digital camera 25 years ago- I’d have bored everyone stupid with pictures of the sheets and curtains which made clothes for me, and then my clothes turned into garments for the children. At least the girls are carrying on the tradition – Steph recently turned a  New York souvenir tee-shirt [average, ho-hum sort of thing]into a much more stylish top, and Liz is brilliant at finding charity shop bargains.

Looking forward to reading other people’s thrifty ideas- and seeing pictures of successful wardrobe refashions [another idea here]