Another Upcycle Sewing Project

I've been enjoying doing some "upcycle" sewing projects lately. Repurposing textiles that have been donated to thrift stores keeps them from the landfills and that in turn protects our planet from the abuse of the excess textile manufacturing that goes into today's "fast fashion", mass produced clothing not designed to last more than one season. 

I found a lovely, brand new, blue/black, high quality, polished 100% cotton sheet at a local thrift store. I sewed it up into a Les Etoiles tunic (pattern by BMannbyBridget) and a pair of pull on pants (pattern Jalie 3243). I quite like the pair worn together. They look kind of elegant in an easy fitting, comfortable sort of way.

I had originally intended to wear it with this short handwoven tabard  I made long ago, but the colourful tabard was not really made to fit over a tunic that is loose and flowing. It pulls the tunic in and makes it bunch up. I do love the splash of colour it gives the otherwise monotone outfit though.

Inspiration from Multiple Sources

This past month or so I've spent a lot of time embroidering each day. I've been working on embellishing the fabric that has gone into making a very artsy tunic.

The fabric itself was upcycled from a thrift store purchase of an IKEA duvet cover, and the extensive stitching was inspired by the examples in a book by Alabama Chanin, "The Geometry of Hand Sewing". I own other more detailed and involved embroidery reference books but I must say the simplicity of the way this book is presented, and the wonderful punched grid pages for marking embroidery lines evenly, really make the purchase worthwhile.

I used the Les Etoiles Tunic sewing pattern by individual pattern developer, Bridget Mann. If you're looking for something unconventional and offbeat you can find her patterns on her website here, and in her Etsy shop here. 

I love the bell shape to the hemline of this tunic. So different! Relaxed and comfortable to wear the tunic also has nice, roomy, and useful pockets.

When creating new pieces for my growing wardrobe of one of a kind handmades I take inspiration from all around me. A key influence has been the words and work of Anita Luvera Mayer. Anita believes there should be something magical and unique about what is worn each day. 

I also find great inspiration in the playful, bold, and cheerful colours and prints used in the collections by Swedish fashion designer, Gudrun Sjoden. 

If you'd like a more in depth look into what grabs my attention in the fashion world I keep a couple of Pinterest boards that might be of interest:  

Gudrun Sjoden 

and

Lagenlook.