Mary's Thrifty Chic

Upcycling thrift shop clothing/sewing

men's

Men’s Refashions-Part 2

By 6 Comments

Hello Everyone!

Do you remember this little refashion? It was my son’s idea from about a year ago. It received the most comments I have ever had at one time. Well, we have been busy saving a few more of his favorite T’s and I have a couple of new refashions to show you.

My son even did some of the sewing when we put the front of his favorite T-shirt on the back of his jean jacket.

Refashion #1

Well, we have been busy saving two more of his favorite T’s that have seen better days. The sweatshirt below was one from his closet. We took his favorite camo t-shirt, (that had sadly developed holes under the arms) and made trim for the hood. We also used it to cover up the existing pocket to compliment trim.

I also added some toggles on the drawstring to add a little more interest.

Refashion #2

Tyler’s older brother bought him a Guinness t-shirt straight from Ireland! Sadly the shirt shrunk up too much too fit! He decided to use a black tank top that we found for about $2.50 (brand new tags still on it) and add the front of the old t-shirt as a decorative panel. He overlocked and topstitched this one himself. I am one proud mama that he has no fear to try new things! (He hates modeling though, can you tell?)

The panel was cut, overlocked, and topstitched down. We also put a light fusing on the back of the panel to keep it from gapping

That is it for right now, I still have many more things in store. Stay tuned don’t forget to sign up for automatic updates with your email! I would love to hear your thoughts on these refashions. Do you refashion for the men in your life?

Love to you all, and happy refashioning…

Mary, Thrifty Chic

Coat Part 7 Sleeves!!!!!

By 5 Comments

Hi Everyone!

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Setting a sleeve in a coat when you are making the pattern yourself is not for the faint of heart. It literally took me a week of fitting sessions over Thanksgiving vacation. It is a skill for someone with expert skills, so I don’t recommend you try it, or you may end up cursing me and swear off sewing altogether. If you are going to try to refashion a coat, I recommend you find a coat that fits through the chest and sleeves and take a horizontal stripe approach or create a different color blocking technique from the chest down. Maybe something like this:

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Or this:

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Here is my version. It was a tough battle, but the sleeves are finally on.

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I won’t even begin to try to to explain how I got to this point but this is a picture of the final fitting of the sleeve. From this point I had to trace baste the notches, (hence the red thread) and transfer the markings to the other side. Once both sides were set, I had to slip stitch the sleeves in place by hand before machine sewing them permanently. This keeps the sleeve from slipping as you sew.

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This is a side view of the sleeve before I removed it to transfer the markings to the other side and sew it up. I won’t even try to give you a tutorial on how I did it. There is enough material for that subject for an entire class! Like I said, Find a coat to refashion that fits in the sleeves and chest. You will thank me for it. I am currently one year into this project because of it’s complexity. Refashioning should be about simplicity in my book. I really took on a big job with this one. Can’t wait until I am done.

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Next stop, hems and lining. I can see light at the end of the tunnel!!!!

From my sewing studio to yours…MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE THRIFTY CHIC!!!

Let me know what you think!!!

Love Ya,

Mary

Mens Sweater Refashion and a Giveaway!

By 47 Comments

Hi Everyone!

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Happy Superbowl Sunday! Today I will start with the AFTER!

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This started as a mens mock turtleneck sweater made of merino wool . It still had the tags on it! I all I had to do was cut down the length, open up the neck and add my own feminine scalloped ribbing. This is a quick easy refashion for a beginner. Make sure you go to the end of the page for my giveaway!Here is a short tutorial:

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Here is the before in all of it’s manly glory!

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The first step was to cut off the neck and bottom band. Then I pinned on the knitted ribbing from my collection of trims.

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At this point it was just a matter of sewing the rib and then edgestitching it down flat.

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This is comfy, casual, and work appropriate. When layered like this it is totally on trend and fashionable too. Make sure to let me know if you have any questions.

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NOW FOR THE GIVEAWAY!!!!!

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This is a paisley canvas tote made by yours truely. It is fully lined and has a pocket for your cell phone. All you need to do to win is be an official follower of my blog. Then, post a comment so your name is entered. I will be picking and posting the winner on Sunday February 16th. I am sorry my international friends but I will only ship in the US.

So, start posting my refashion friends. I can’t wait to give it away!!

‘Til later…

Love Ya,

Mary