*Renew * Rebuild * Revamp* Redo*

With a few thrift store treasures and some basic sewing skills, you can create original one of a kind additions to your wardrobe, unique gifts, beautiful handbags, adorable hats or anything else that tickles your fancy.
I love hitting up my local thrift stores looking for treasures. They are fun to explore and often help spawn new ideas and inspiration for projects. Reusing once loved goods is one more way to help our planet stay clean. When thrifting always make sure to bring along a friend, the more eyes the merrier!

-CAUGHT DEAD THREADS*

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Latest Creations

 These are my clutches, they look kind of small here but are about twice the size of the wallets below.






















The inside of the off white/floral clutch has two sipper pouches inside for storing make-up, art supplies or whatever else fits.

















I originally used Hefty freezer bags as pockets which were cheap but also made the bags look cheap too! So I decided to not use them after this. But I liked the idea so I found pencil bags as a replacement and they are more durable and attractive now.

























These are the wallets, no two will ever be the same and all have a large snap closure on the back side. They are good for holding check books, eyeglasses, pens and pencils.


These wallets have matching coin purses.





More coin purses, I liked these ones because they all have fun appliqued colored circles and  re-purposed-vintage buttons from my Grandma in Laws collection, RIP Grandma Tootsie!!

Then of course, more tote bags!!




















Craftamoungus 2012







Wow,  I am always surprised by how fast time slips by. Currently I have been  working on more bags for a craft fair which took place last weekend. I am thankful I was able to make it out because I had some sort of Plague for 2 weeks prior to the show, still working on feeling better!! Thanks to everyone who came out to support all the local artists!!

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Re-designed boys polo shirt


This was another thrift store find. I had a request for a grey baby dress so I took a medium sized boys polo shirt, cut off the sleeves, neckline and hem. I added a soft fleece, dark grey bias tape trim to the edges. I then made a little squirrely applique with button eye for extra cuteness. This now belong to my cousin who is expecting a baby girl very soon now. It was a fast project and I am sure I am going to make more of these very soon.

Kimono Dresses in Action





Baby Clothes





You would think that having 4 kids, I would be sewing up a storm of kids clothing. Really, who has the time for all of that. I had 3 boys first and other than making costumes for them, I never really made any little boy clothes. However the tables are turned now and I have a baby girl. I am more inspired to make cute little outfits for her because I don't have to mess with legs/pants. My sister and I found out we were both pregnant within a week of each other so I made up little kimono style dresses for our babies because she too was having a girl.

The dresses with the orange trim/dragon fabric and the red trim/cherries were for the babies. They were easy to make once I figured out how to draft the pattern. The nice thing about this design is that as the babies grow, they can continue to wear garment as a top with some cute leggings.

The kimono at the top with the multi-color print and black and white stripe is reversible and made for a larger size. I love how the stripes compliment the color on the reverse side. The color print is made from a lightweight corduroy and the striped fabric is an old cotton fitted bed sheet that belonged to my kids. I became irritated with the sheet when the corners no longer stayed put so I figured it was time to do something else with it. This turned out to be a great design and is perfect for that one of a kind baby shower gift.

Voodoo Doll Halloween Costume 2011




















This was my Halloween costume this past October. I designed the pattern for the dress then used a thrift store shirt for the sleeves and a black lacy thrift store skirt for the underskirt. It is a little unfinished in these pictures because the pins in the heart are missing the ball tops. But as soon as I dig up the pictures from the party we went to, I will add them so you can see the garment in its completed stage.