Mary Peterson

Thrifty Makeover with a Rocker Vibe

August 9, 2012 By Mary Peterson 4 Comments

Yesterday I was starting to run out of projects that I was excited about. So, I took a quick trip to Goodwill and came back with inspiration. I was drawn to it because of the print. It had a neat rocker vibe that I was drawn to. In addition, the original shirt was laid out, centered, and matched very well. See the side, back, and before views below.

.

I only knew I liked the print so I brought it home for $5. The minute I put it on the form I knew what to do. It pleated so well and took on a cool sculptural quality because it matched so evenly from side to side.

.

As a result, I was able to make a little peplum style that is very age appropriate for me at 53. When I tried it on, it gave me a cute shape not to mention the print and peplum hide a multitude of sins.

.

Make sure you scroll all the way down to see all of the views. Especially the awful before YUK!

.

This blog also helped me with my photography skills. I found out that keeping the flash off shows the details of the garments much better.

.

Stay tuned as very soon I think I will be brave enough to actually model my creations and show how I will accessorize them. Really!

.

I would love to hear your comments…

.

.

Figuring Things Out

August 8, 2012 By Mary Peterson 4 Comments

This post is dedicated to how inept I feel at trying to figure out this whole process. I have fumbled my way through so far but I understand I must publish this post with the code in order to get a bloglovin button. Crossing my fingers and hoping it works…can’t wait ’til I can afford some tech help. Just so you won’t be too bored I will post a picture of my first design (totally mine) in years.

.

I am starting to remember all of those lessons I learned in design school, and learning some new things thanks to the net. Here is the dress!

.

Retro Rescue!

August 6, 2012 By Mary Peterson 2 Comments

This is the aftermath. This will go well with some 3/4 leggings and ballet flats. I think a black pair with a white crop toe might be very nice. Tried to add some pictures of both to this blog but my computer was acting a little wonky. This top would also pair nicely with my black skiny jeans and heels for a night out!

.

This thrifty rescue was so much fun! The finished project has a retro vibe that I really like. My adorable husband thinks it looks like a pregnancy top but I think he is crazy! As you can see it lies flat over the stomach and pulls away from the body on the sides and back. The original product was from the Dana Buchman “Diva” label, from her line on QVC. If you check out the “before” below you can see this was quite the grandma top. Nevertheless, the fabric and construction were good. When I saw it, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it! At a price of $5 from the thrift shop it was worth a try.

.

.

Step 1: Cut off the sleeves, shape and sew the sides and armholes. The back is a mirror image of the front.

.

Step 2: I added contrasting buttons and some baby ric-rac to highlight the cute placket. Before this it all blended together.

.

Thrift Shop/Sew Easy!

July 31, 2012 By Mary Peterson Leave a Comment

Meet what used to be an XXL polo. I purchased three unused (tags still attached) polo shirts from Goodwill at a price of $2.50 each. I made the pattern pieces from the purple one and created the basic green t-shirt you see here. The pattern can be made with or without sleeves so I now have my own perfectly fitted custom made t-shirt pattern. They go together very quickly with my serger.

.

.

The last shirt is solid yellow and I plan to make it sleeveless. I’ll feature it when it is done.

.

Thrift Shop Finds/Sew Easy!

May 5, 2012 By Mary Peterson 2 Comments

Several of my teacher friends are into thrift shop finds. I became interested. With my sewing and design skills this could be a cheap way to keep fashionable… here was my first “find.” Basically, a too large T that had no wear and tear and appeared to be as yet unworn. I liked the print, but it was basically an old lady T-shirt as is.

.