Past Projects
Below is a compilation of all the Thrifty Up-Cycles by Amelia!
Fairy Core Tank Top
Before
Creation Process:
I got this tank top at a yard sale and really liked the lace and the color, but once I put it on it seemed a bit too serious. I got this around Halloween and was seeing a lot of fairy costumes and cute layering techniques. With that inspiration in mind I decided I could up-cycle this top to fit the "Fairy Core" asthetic. The creation process was SUPER simple, as can be seen. I made sure I found the center of the tank top, then cut it in-half up to the lace because lace is prone to unravelling once you cute it. I then cut out a triangle shape with the top point towards the lace, this made it so more of my undershirt could be seen. This tank top is made out of polyester so I all I had to do was fold the raw edges back and add a simple straight stitch. Other materials, like silk, would have been more difficult because the raw edge would need to be covered,otherwise it would fray.
After
Hippie Shirt and Skirt Combo
Creation Process:
For this process I intially started with the skirt, which I found for a dollar at a thrift store, and it was way to big for me. I really loved the material and the pattern so I got it and strted working to transform it. The material is very thin and likes to fray so I had some trial and error figuring out how to sew it back together after cutting the excess material. In the end I used a double overlock stitch and some double folding to hide the raw edge. The skirt material is super see-through so I wanted to find a thin skirt to attach inside. I looked for a long time and eventually came across a small brown dress. I loved the top of this dress but the bottom didn't look quite right, so I cut it in half! The whole dress was made of cotton so I just left the raw edge on the, now, shirt and used the bottom half to attach to the inside of my new skirt. Finally I sewed in an elastic strip to the waist to keep the whole thing up!
Cute and Simple Jean Shorts
Creation Process:
Jean shorts have been super popular this summer and I was going to every thrift store desperately trying to find a pair that fit me. I eventually came across a pair of Wrangler capris that fit me super well, and then I realized I could turn them into my dream shorts! So I started by marking where to cut them an inch and a half longer than I actually wanted. Then I folded the bottom twice so the raw edge would be hidden. To secure the hem I decided to use a zig-zag stitch and a bright thread color to add some personality, but a simple straight stitch would have also done the trick! These intially didn't come with a back pocket, and I am a big fan of pockets, so I used the material I had cut off to create one. This process is simple, just cut the shape of a pocket but slightly bigger, then fold the raw edges under and sew onto the spot you want it!