Project $0: Upcycle Project

I posted this over at my friend Suzanne’s blog Winter Wonderings last month for her super fun Project $0 series.  I absolutely love to recycle clothing and make them new again.  

Way, way back in the day, I used to be a teacher with a great wardrobe.   I still have several clothing items from my working days that are cute, but just not something I would wear now, so they are piled in a bin just waiting to be upcycled.   For Ainsley’s newest outfit, I took one of my old sweaters and pants.
I cut apart the sweater and created an A-line tunic dress with long sleeves.  I cut out the a-line dress, removed the cuffs and hem and reattached once I had the proper size, and then gathered the top neckline before adding a bow.  
I used extra sweater fabric to make the bow and “tied” it with the pants fabric.  Hand stitching attaches it to the sweater.  

My favorite part has to be the elbow pads created from the pants fabric.  They make me smile.
Ainsley’s leggings are created from the reverse side of my pants.  It might be the “wrong side” but how great that can be!  Make sure your pants have a good stretch… it won’t work otherwise.  If yours don’t stretch like mine, you could create trousers, instead.

I drafted some leggings/jeggings and added a cute buttons to each leg.   Her shoes were ones we already owned… 
she calls them “Fabulous”

Not only do I love that it was free, but I love that it is so comfortable and wearable.   

Sweaters are the perfect items to create new outfits.   They could be transformed into dresses, tunics, t shirts, etc.

Perfect for playing.
Hayley
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Hayley

Hayley Crouse is a wife, mother and multifaceted designer. Her love of sewing, crafting, cooking and interior design infuses her daily life and naturally spills over into her online presence. She pushes the envelope of her creativity and hopes that others will be inspired to do the same. She currently authors the Welcome to the Mouse House Blog, is the pattern designer behind Mouse House Creations and is a collaborative designer with Willow & Co. Patterns.
Hayley
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3 Responses to Project $0: Upcycle Project

  1. Anonymous October 17, 2013 at 2:17 am #

    Super Cute! I love to upcycle my old clothing for my girls. Now I have another cool idea!

    • Anonymous October 17, 2013 at 2:32 am #

      I whould like to know your new interesting,cool idea 😉

  2. Suz October 17, 2013 at 12:23 pm #

    Cute!! Isn’t it so satisfying to take something unused, spend no money and make a new garment or outfit?!

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