Upcycled Men's Shirts, and an Auction Adventure

There is almost nothing more fun than an auction in the summer. I had a blast this last weekend attending one. The weather was just perfect for a June day in Wisconsin, and I ended up bringing home boxes and boxes of books which I am having fun sorting through. I wish I had completed this men's shirt upcycle before the auction so I could wear it there,  but it's done now!

I've combined three men's shirts in the same color family, along with an old T-shirt from my own closet. I did NOT cut up all of SW's shirts for this (!) but I was lucky enough to hit the thrift shop on a day when they had "fill a bag for $5". So I loaded up on men's shirts in various sizes with colors that pleased me. It was a terrific bargain. The back of this top is made from sleeves of the shirts, something I borrowed from a post on Pinterest. The front is a layered look which includes buttons and pieces from the shirts. There is a surprising amount of fabric in a men's shirt, especially the XXL ones, so there is plenty of fabric to use in other projects if I choose.

To make the top super fun I added a shirt pocket and this vintage clothing label which I picked up along with a box of others at an antique store about ten years ago. Rescuing them from obscurity, is how I think about it (although sitting in my supply bin for ten years did not bring them out of their exile very quickly, haha).

Suzy Perette was not a real person. This is a 1950's clothing label from a manufacturer that copied Parisian designs for cocktail dresses. I do not cut labels from vintage clothing, but since someone else did, I thought I'd use it. Now if anyone asks about Suzy Perette I can tell them all about it.

Here's one of the books I got at auction.

Guess I should start reading up on this. Haha.

Stay cool out there, and try shaking things up with an upcycled fashion of your own. It's fun and easy! --The Elevated Bag Lady

Guest Refashions Dress into Sassy one-of-a-kind Top!

Happy Memorial Day to Everyone

Special thanks to those who have served and continue to serve in the Armed Forces. 

You are appreciated.

I was excited to have a visit from my sister over the weekend, and what a surprise when I saw her first refashion which was inspired, of course, by Elevated Bag Lady creations which she is subjected to every time she sees me. (haha)  My Sister has only rudimentary sewing skills, so if she can do this . . . so can you! She said I could say that.

Jode, Sister of the Elevated Bag Lady

I think this one-of-a-kind creation looks GREAT on her, don't you? She bought this first as a dress, $1.50 from a thrift store. She cut off the length on the bottom and on the sleeves and sewed lace that she had crocheted herself some time ago.

Back

Lace edging

I am totally impressed with her first clothing upcycle/refashion and can't wait to see what she does next!

Thanks Sis!

Green Sweat Jacket --------> Vest

 

AFTER

BEFORE



 



BACK

 

The little green sweat jacket that grew up into something more fun!

 

I found this green jacket in a thrift store at an amazing BOGO sale, so the cost turned out to be $1.50.  I know, crazy, right?  I had actually seen a green "army vest" in a department store for mega bucks and I new I could fashion something similar from this green jacket. 

 

First I cut off the arms and the collar.  The collar was then split in half and sewn to the bottom of the front to give it a little more length.  I also cut off one of the cuffs on a sleeve and sewed it to the back for more detail.  I have an amazing assortment of vintage buttons that I've been hoarding collecting.  Should I use those amazing buttons on this piece or save them for something better? I decided to use them here.  If something more amazing comes along I'll just cut them off and re-use them. 

 

This vest can be worn with jeans or with a peasant or jean skirt.