GwynHug has designed a handy reference card keychain thingy to help you estimate how much fabric you’ll need for just about any sewing project.  The perfect stocking stuffer for your sewing friends. Order here….

Trash Fashion :: stasha-pistachio

I find the most interesting items over at Lost at e minor. This “trashy” dress is over at Deviant Art and is a creation of stasha-pistachio, and is -

Made from newspaper, plastic bags and bin liners (also some old curtains for lining the corset and some old fake fur). The corsets pretty wearable, but the skirts a bit fragile.

Who’d've thunk?

I picked up this New Look Pattern (6729) yesterday at Walmart. It’s not exactly easy, but I have a piece of plum knit that will be perfect for it.

I may opt for View B with the short sleeves. Can’t wait to see how that pattern crosses in the front. At least there’s no zipper to deal with! I haven’t sewn in a zipper in over 30 years… let’s just say quite a while.

BurdaStyle has posted another variation on Sidonie skirt pattern. For this one you need to download Sidonie 2 and combine it with the original Sidonie 8218.  This look is very different than the one shown here (also a Sidonie 8218 Variation).  

I like the pleats on the side and the geometrical shape of this skirt, but I’m not too keen on the hidden pocket on the front. At least I know I wouldn’t want to keep anything in it.

Free sewing stuff -

• Burdastyle.com - free patterns
• Sewing.patternreview.com - free membership and one free sewing lesson

At Burdastyle, you can download a basic pattern, sew it up and upload a photo of the finished product. Or you can make it your own! Here’s a variation on the Sidonie Skirt (Pattern #8281) - a simple skirt. The folks over at Burdastyle extended the waist, added a ruffle at the bottom, and tied the whole thing up with a big yellow bow.

So… that terrific yellow skirt started with this plain-jane pattern. That’s reinvention!

• Burdastyle How To’s
• Make It Mine

This jacket was featured in the latest issue of Altered Couture and included the how-to by designer Jude Mowris of StrawMountainStudio.com.

This repurposed jacket, size medium, has been dyed raspberry and has vintage lace on collar, shoulders, cuffs, jacket front and back. It is further enhanced with pearl-like beading.

Recycled…Always one of a kind.

I love this jacket! You can see purchasing details for this jacket here. However, I recommend you pick up the magazine if only just to see the lovely lace “New Mexican Sunset” design on the back. 

I couldn’t resist posting ths pretty coral vest, also from StrawMountainStudio.com.  This just makes me want to get my hands on some lace and dye.

I just posted this messenger bag on Etsy. My daughter doesn’t want me to sell it – I would make another but the fabric was a remnant and I doubt I’ll find any more like it. It reminds me of a Jackson Pollock painting.

These are the beads that decorate the flap.  Aren’t they pretty? Click here for more photos and purchasing info.

In the spirit of reconstructed/recycled clothing, Levi’s is sponsoring a design contest.

Choose to alter the jeans a little or a lot – you can do minor alterations, or use the elements of the 501® to create something completely different. This is all about expressing yourself…..contest rules require the use of at least one brand element.

The submissions are all in and you have until February 27th to cast your vote. All voters have a chance to win a 501 gift certificate on levi.com.

I like this St. Helen jacket by Irishka. What do I like about it? The sleeves, of course!

Purple fringe and lavender lining.