Our Thrift Shop Sewing Circle

**Incognito** · 06-03-2009, 09:52 AM

Work's too busy for me right now to do any sewing, but as soon as the summer months are here, I'll have free time again. I've scrounged around in my thrift-shop wardrobe and have a few presentable items, but not much variety at present. Good thing I look good in black...

I'm really enjoying reading about everyone's activities!

**nuisance26** · 06-03-2009, 03:21 PM

~Wardrobe Refashion is a great site to peruse for inspiration. I link it site on my blog but I'll post it here to. http://nikkishell.typepad.com/wardroberefashion/ ~

**Debbie-cat** · 06-03-2009, 09:54 PM

Thanks for the link Constance! It looks like a great site. I bookmarked it for future reading.

**nuisance26** · 06-05-2009, 11:12 AM

~I finished 2 sewing projects, an apron from a skirt and a top I made from 2 tops, in an hour, yey! I posted pics on my blog which is now the homepage link if you click my name over there <------.
What are all of you up to? Any projects planned for the weekend?~

**Debbie-cat** · 06-06-2009, 08:48 PM

Constance, the apron and top are adorable!!! You are really talented!

I picked up an almost new flannel flat sheet at Goodwill the other day. It has multi-colored snowflakes on it. I am going to use this to make my homemade makeup remover pads. I am really excited to make these....now if it would just rain for a week, I could get some inside work done!

**Incognito** · 06-12-2009, 09:52 AM

Well, last night I got out some of my homemade-gift patterns, and made some decisions. Today I think I'll be able to get a start on my little granddaughter's birthday presents...a pair of crochetted toe-sandals, and a little purse. I plan to make the toe-sandals from some pink crochet cotton I got at the thrift shop, along with some bead embellishments. When they're done, I'll block them, and tie them onto a couple of little cardboard 'feet'. The little purse will be crochetted from some baby yarn I have on hand.

I also found some fabric in my fabric-box which would make up nicely into a couple of little pillowcases for her. I've got various kinds of lace on hand (most of it bought at thrift shops/yard sales), so I'll trim with that. I might make a Tooth-Fairy Pocket on one of the pillowcase hems.

**mauimagic** · 06-12-2009, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by Incognito

Well, last night I got out some of my homemade-gift patterns, and made some decisions. Today I think I'll be able to get a start on my little granddaughter's birthday presents...a pair of crochetted toe-sandals, and a little purse. I plan to make the toe-sandals from some pink crochet cotton I got at the thrift shop, along with some bead embellishments. When they're done, I'll block them, and tie them onto a couple of little cardboard 'feet'. The little purse will be crochetted from some baby yarn I have on hand.

I also found some fabric in my fabric-box which would make up nicely into a couple of little pillowcases for her. I've got various kinds of lace on hand (most of it bought at thrift shops/yard sales), so I'll trim with that. I might make a Tooth-Fairy Pocket on one of the pillowcase hems.

These all sound so cute!!

Debbie - love the flannel you got for your makeup remover pads!!

**imagine** · 06-12-2009, 05:21 PM

made my too big fitted denim shirt fit by adding a ribbon tie in back.

I hand sewed (tacked on) half the ribbon on decorative seam which was half way from mid back and side seam repeated on other side. Tie to make waist smaller and wear. It now shows of my new smaller waist.

I used a contrasting red ribbon with a decorative stitching. It was a real cloth ribbon on a Christmas present I received that was wrapped by Land's End.

Total cost of renovation $0 Total time spent on renovation 5 mins.

**Debbie-cat** · 06-12-2009, 08:23 PM

Cool idea imagine! I am going to have to look through some of my tops to see if I can do the same! Thanks for the inspiration!

**mauimagic** · 06-18-2009, 02:45 AM

Imagine - great idea for a quick fix!!

I want to stop by a thrift store for some scarf type fabric so I can make capes for my preschoolers that will float behind them when they run around!!

**imagine** · 06-18-2009, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by mauimagic

Imagine - great idea for a quick fix!!

I want to stop by a thrift store for some scarf type fabric so I can make capes for my preschoolers that will float behind them when they run around!!

That will be fun

When I taught pre-school the children loved scarf dancing.

each child had a scarf and the moved it and danced to the tempo of the music freezing when the music stopped and switched.

I made a tape of different types and speeds of music just for this purpose.

My children ( the ones I gave birth to) loved this when they were little too.

**mauimagic** · 06-18-2009, 11:01 PM

We have chiffon scarves to play/dance with too - like the idea of doing it to music!! Mahalo!!

**Incognito** · 06-23-2009, 10:41 AM

My plans didn't go as planned.
Had serious medical tests; had to change budget, sewing plans, etc.
Managed to crochet the toe-sandals (barefoot sandals) for my granddaughter's birthday present. The pattern had mistakes. My neighbour has a little girl, so we measured the sandals on her, and I readjusted the pattern and re-did the sandals. Finally finished them; made 2 little cardboard feet; put the sandals on them; put flower stickers on the toes, and sent them in the mail along with a money gift.

Tried the little purse pattern, but it also needs adjustments, so will work on that for Christmas. Will work on the pillowcases this summer for Christmas presents.

Looking forward to doing lots of little thrift shop sewing projects this summer.

**peanut** · 06-23-2009, 12:48 PM

I finally managed to hem the pants I bought at the thrift store in April. I'd been putting it off because I lost so much weight they're kind of baggy. But I was desperate for something to wear Sunday in the rain, so I hemmed them. I may take them in on the waist a bit, but that would be a big job for a pair of thrift store pants. Not sure I want to do that.

I was going through some fabric a friend gave me for quilting and came across a brightly coloured mu-mu. I remembered taking it for a quilt...thinking I'd mix it with black patches and it would be just delish! Well, it was a hot day and I was too hot...so I whisked off my clothes and put on the mu-mu.

Let me tell you, those Hawaiians are onto something! Talk about comfortable! And DH sure didn't complain about seeing me in it either!

I guess I'm going to have to wear dresses more often.

**Incognito** · 06-23-2009, 01:09 PM

You said it! We should choose comfort while we aim for beauty.
Loose dresses are great, and can also be dressed up a bit with a tie belt or sandals, even a string of beads. So feminine, comfortable, and when you look good, you feel good, and life is sweeter.