Day 15: Redux

It's official. I have caught the "what-stylish-thing-can-I-make-out-of-my-existing-wardrobe" bug.

Personally I blame Mrs. Marple.

It was her class yesterday that got me contemplating the many ways I could transform my old clothing into new things.

Like this plain ivory tank top that I've been wearing for years. Sure, I like it alright, but I think I would like it even more with layers upon layers of polka dot ruffles. Wouldn't you?

Polka dots from this skirt, for instance, that I've had stuffed in a drawer for about 5 years. Once upon a time I loved this skirt. But that time has long since passed.

The truth is that converting old things into new things is virtuous for a number of reasons. The first is obvious: it cuts down on unnecessary consumerism by making good use of things we've already purchased.

Naturally this is good for our wallets and the environment.

But it is also good for other, less conventional reasons. Like exercising our problem solving skills, for instance.

The practice of seeing old things with fresh new eyes is a universally flattering skill, and can be applied to areas outside of fashion. Like work, for instance.

Challenging our creativity is also far more rewarding than simply gratifying someone else's inspired items. Sure I can buy the latest and greatest from Michael Kors or Mark Jacobs (well, I can't because they're too expensive, but you get my point...), but creating something with my own hands from the vision in my mind is Much More rewarding. Frankly, it boosts the ego.

Furthermore, it gives us a reprieve from the consumer auto-pilot that we often find ourselves on. You know the one--like when we (okay, me) walk into Target for toilet paper and walk out with 100 dollars worth of unplanned merchandise (this has happened to me more than once...).

So often we (okay, me) use our purchasing power to make us feel better after a stressful day or fight with our husband/boyfriend/friend. And then the shopping buzz wears off faster than our tension headache.

What we (okay, me again) often don't realize is that creative expression, and the process of making something from hand (aka actually interacting with the production of the "stuff" in our lives) provides us with a fulfilling outlet that trumps a shopping-high any day.

Plus we still end up with fancy loot.

Gee--this Mrs. Marple is certainly wearing off on me! Here I am going on and on about the virtuous of old-stuff-turned-new when you already know all of this.

So I'll stop talking. After all, I have a plain ivory tank top to convert into a fabulous ruffled number that my husband will undoubtedly glance right over without noticing the design genius.

But he might appreciate the financial savings...

Previous Related Posts:
Day 14: Alterations
Fall Project Preview (making a graphic t-shirt)
Nesting: Nurturing my Maternal Side (making a baby-quilt)

Fall Project Preview!

I've been tinkering at home with some projects for this fall's series (coming soon! yay!), and had to give you a preview of my latest creation. This graphic t-shirt is the newest addition to my wardrobe. You'll notice that it features the golden yellow I've been obsessed with, in a fun, floral punch.

Here's how I made it:

I started with a plain white t-shirt...

And then pulled out my fabric paints. As I've mentioned before, I rely almost exclusively on yellow, red, blue, white and (in this case) brown.

Then I grabbed my assorted collection of paint brushes, and set up shop.

First I mixed my paint to get the right color. This is always a trial-and-error process for me. I had to toss a whole batch of pumpkin orange before I figured out the right golden yellow formula!

Once I had the right color, I could start laying out my design. I'm sort of a "wing it freehand" kind of girl, so I just took the paintbrush straight to the shirt, but certainly a pencil or fabric pen would work well for sketching out the pattern first.

A few tips for painting on fabric: I placed a piece of thin cardboard inside the shirt to prevent bleeding, and to hold the fabric taunt. I also recommend using a very firm, short bristled brush when outlining the design because they create more defined lines. You can then follow up with a softer brush to fill in the pattern.

Once the design is completely painted, allow the shirt to dry for 24 hours (or at least overnight if you're impatient like me).

Then launder and enjoy!


The practice of taking something you already own--perhaps that's buried in your closet or tucked into a corner--and turning it into something fresh and new is just one of the main principles I'll be chatting about during this Fall's coming series, Real Recessionistas!

To participate in the series, click on the logo on the sidebar and read more! Or...grab a t-shirt and create your own graphic fashion statement today!