DIY , trench coat re-styled

Just thought I'd share with you a video I came across on how to refashion a sweater:

The design options are endless.  Its so much quicker than making something from scratch and you can really make it your own. 

Workshops

Op Shopping ...You love it or you hate it. I know many people who find the whole thing way too confronting- the musty old person smell, the racks and racks of old clothing. Where is the boutique lighting! The preppy shop assistant! And why isn't their one of these cardigans in my size?! 

Well I was recently chatting away to a group of friends when this topic came up. One lady explained that she is totaly envious of people who nonchalantly dismiss their fabulous frock as a vintage find which cost them next to nothing. So the idea was born:  An op-shop treasure hunt experience with me to guide the way. Then the ideas kept rolling.

My thoughts so far are:

Treasure hunt: the insiders guide to op-shopping

Refashion: 

       Jackets: Learn how to create a one off signature jacket for yourself

        Dress refashion : transform a recycled moo-moo to a fabulous spring frock 

Fashion lovers weekend experience:

        Includes 1/2 day thrift store treasure hunt,

        1/2 Day illustration & how to refashion tutorial

        Your own set of fashion croquis to sketch your ideas

         Full day sewing & how to lesson to create your new garments

                
Let me know your thoughts!
Tahlia

Refashioned Jacket Tips

I dug this jacket out from last winter; it’s one of my first refashion jackets. I didn’t sell this one because of a number of reasons.

1. I tried to wash it:
Generally old suit jackets don’t wash well. I think it must have had that musty op shop smell, I remember the colour running heaps and once it was dry I realised the lining had shrunk. The lining pulled where it was sewn to the self, so to save it I unpicked the wrist and hem and finished the edges unattached to each other.

The centre back in the lining has also started to pull apart from wear because it became too small between the shoulders.

TIP: I often use carpet cleaner spray or spot clean with Sard soap and lots of elbow grease. Avoid washing the whole jacket. Sunlight and fresh air works a treat for getting rid of that mothball smell.

2. Pilling
Due to the nature of the fabric it requires constant de-pilling, this was also made worse by washing. When I’m op shopping it’s always something I have to be conscious of- I’ve learnt to tell when some garments just need a tidy up, but some will need constant de-pilling.

TIP: I’ve found the easiest way to remove pill balls is to use a good razor in a back and forth motion then use a lint brush to clean up left over fluff.

3. Simple changes can make a big difference.
You don’t have to be a sewing pro to refashion; all I did to restyle this piece is add a belt and some gross grain trim. I usually get carried away with tailoring the garment to the waist, and pulling it apart to create something unusual, but you can easily make something your own by adding a brooch, belt or changing buttons.