The internet is FULL of inspiration, especially if you get on some clothing/sewing-related Facebook/Instagram groups/pages! I highly recommend doing so. The most frequent thing I hear from my students, and sewing friends is: "I don't know how you can be so creative!"
Well - I may have some creative skills, but I truly believe that
ALL YOU NEED IS INSPIRATION - A JUMPSTART
This is nearly ALWAYS how it unfolds for me... spotting a garment online or during my 'snoop shopping adventures' - a spark of an IDEA. Discover how to capture screenshots on your computer and take photos with your reliable cellphone. I print mine out and organize them with color-coordinated stacks of fabrics and garments for upcycling.
Here is a Gallery of 3 screenshots I snapped late one night while scrolling the internet.
The center short jeans top + Ties for the skirt really caught my eye and was the jumpstart for this project (with 2 more 'in the hopper') for my Londa's Original Collection.
Here is my Creation
Front Close-Up Note the interesting zipper stitching on the original jeans - it doesn't go to the waistband - definitely unusual.
Back Close-Up - Realize that my mannequin has NO butt! Again - some interesting detail on the original jeans, that V dip at the top of the waistband, and the pockets were stitched closed - an NO Pockets actually existed. Me think: That's alot of work to put in that detail of pockets with no real pocket!
HOW YOU CAN DO IT TOO...
First and foremost, GAIN INSIGHT from my 'experience!
SEW - To FIX It
Regarding Those Labels
Keep These Handy Sewing Notions on Hand
Transparent, 1/2" wide, I frequently use this - particularly to reinforce the shoulder
of knit garments.
Monofilament Thread Use Smoke on darker colors, Clear on lighter colors
This brand I have on SALE pricing right now. Use Smoke on darker colors
I actually prefer this brand on my sewing machine.
I find that it helps to lower the upper tension about 1 number when using monofilament - which I use in the NEEDLE ONLY. I haven't met a machine yet that likes it in the needle AND bobbin - I generally use it only in the needle.
Seems I NEVER sew without having to rip something! This is the BEST one I've ever found.
One last 'How-To', the stitch I used to connect all of the ties using monofilament thread is this one on my machine:
It's time to add this fun skirt to my Collection of Londa's Originals. Check it out in the shop below:
This project was so much fun, I have another one started....
Shorter - Khaki/Brown Skirt 'Hot of the Press'
Having learned from my first skirt, this one was shorter, fuller, and much easier to make. It took me 3.5 hours. The jeans are sized a 30", but interestingly - the waist ACTUALLY measures 33.5"! It is my observation that as our population have increased steadily in size, our ACTUAL garment sizes have adjusted upwards as well - there is no reasoning to this - at all. That's why I give FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS on all of my pieces.
Round 2 for Jeans + Ties = Cute Skirt, Get this for your wardrobe today!
In case you're curious, I track my labor time while creating my unique garments and base my prices on approximately $45 per hour. Consider what an electrician or a masseuse earns per hour. I rest my case. One of my missions is for Sewists to appreciate their work. I hope these industry changes will help elevate and value fashion, quality, and craftsmanship once more, instead of many being exploited in slave labor worldwide. I ask you, is it possible for a T-shirt to cost even $15? Really? Build, and VALUE your skills!
Such a clever DIY idea! Who knew jeans and ties could make such a cute skirt? Love the creativity!