Mary Peterson

Shabby Chic Denim Jacket

August 26, 2023 By Mary Peterson 2 Comments

Hello Everyone!

This time I decided to let the machine do the embroidery. Take a look!

As you know, I am an avid thrift shopper and I started to sell some of my finds to create a little extra income. Shipping was/is easy and I didn’t want to mess around with returns. Happily, I found out that I could sell my upcycles on this platform and I was ready to give it a try! This was my summer project/experiment and I am hoping for a good reaction. Take a look in my “closet” and you will find some of my original jackets and other goodies that I have curated over the summer.

The prices on my jackets are firm and cover the cost of the jacket, materials, and labor for the upcycling. There is a modest markup to make a profit to continue the work. Keep in mind, Poshmark takes a cut from the profit and shipping is extra at a standard flat rate of $7.97. Also, please know that all sales are final so make sure to message me through Poshmark to get any measurements that you may need and ask any questions before you buy. Sorry but I cannot ship internationally.

**Close up of the back patch with embroidery**. **I used a scallop pattern to give it a funky look and I think it works well**

I can’t wait to see what you all think. Talk to me!

Happy Refashioning!

Patched and Embroidered Jeans

June 19, 2023 By Mary Peterson 10 Comments

Hello Everyone!

I’m Baaack! I know it has been a long time, and I am so excited that I have my upcycling groove back! Currently, the upcycling world is focused on the buzz of, these patched and ragged jeans as inspiration. Their retail version sells for about $600. Yikes! I love them, but I would never pay THAT much!

I started with a thrifted pair of jeans for $14.99. While making mine, I concentrated on making them less ragged and oversized, and I am very happy with how they turned out. The reaction from my co-workers and the public at large has been quite positive.

Below is a picture of the full front and back. Following are close-ups of the details.

**Bits of antique linens and doilies among embroidered cabbage rose print. Zig-zag and embroidery stitches keep everything in place**

I had the best time making these. Dare I say I am ready to make more for gifting and/or selling??? Stay tuned for more to come. Please give me your feedback as I love and depend on it. Do you think you are ready to try this? Let me know!!

Denim Jacket with Roses

January 2, 2023 By Mary Peterson 12 Comments

Happy New Year Everyone!

Well, I just can’t help myself. You can see here another denim jacket for your critique. This one is adorned with cabbage roses from on old 80’s denim jacket.

**It may be the middle of winter but I am looking rather springlike today**

**It all began with this 80’s relic and the light blue basic denim jacket that became my canvas. The sleeves have already been removed to harvest the beautiful cabbage roses**

**Hand stitched with embroidery thread!**

Hope you like this one. I would love to hear from you. Happy New Year and Happy Refashioning to all!

Sleeveless Chambray Lace Top

October 9, 2022 By Mary Peterson 16 Comments

Hello Everyone!

This photograph was the inspiration for my latest creation. I cut the picture from a favorite fashion magazine and it has been handled a bit as you can tell by the crimps. This blouse cost well over $100 and I wanted it, but not THAT badly! Finally though, the right materials popped into my life via an estate sale and a bit antique lace.

**INSPIRATION PHOTO**
The blouse was beautiful, but the price tag was way too much!

**MY VERSION**
I know it isn’t exact, but I think I got the same type of feeling with the style. There were obstacles with the amount of fabric and lace at my disposal.

I found the fabric and the lace used for the arms and neck at an estate sale. In hindsight, the chambray is not as vintage looking as the one in the inspiration picture, but it will get better with washing and time. The lace I used traveled from my mother’s sewing cabinet into mine over 35 years ago when I moved to California. She had saved it and didn’t remember from where, but allowed me to have it. It is still in perfect condition and many decades old. I am glad I waited for just the right project to put it to use.

**Close up of the gorgeous antique lace**

This was the vintage pattern which I purchased from the same estate sale as the fabric. I chose version B and added the pleats in between the lace. It was not possible to make as many pleats as the original because there was not quite enough fabric.

I was determined to get this project done with recycled and thrifted materials. The only thing I purchased for it was the thread. This was one of the most satisfying things I have finished in a long time. As always, I would love to hear your comments about it and hear what you are sewing as well. Until then, take care and happy refashioning!

Denim Refashion

September 10, 2022 By Mary Peterson 14 Comments

Hello Everyone,

Today I have a new denim jacket refashion! What a surprise right? It is very simple but very “Me.” It all started with a well made jean jacket without any trim. I paid $14.99 for it which is fairly standard of denim jackets here in Southern CA thrift shops. The other frumpy old jacket was a cool tapestry pattern with leopard trim. You can see it peeking on the cuffs and placket.

**FRONT** **AFTER: The animal print came from the placket. I removed the jean collar and made a new one with the animal print!**

**BACK AFTER: The brown tapestry of the original “Frumpy” jacket was a perfect compliment to the collar and the denim**.

**This one is another “Keeper.” I am getting quite the collection.**

Hope you like this one. I still have much more in store to share. Another school year has started and I was a busy sewer this summer. Stay tuned for my next release. Until then I would love to know what you think. Talk to me!!!

Happy Refashioning!