Ruffle Dress Recycling

I was given this dress by a good friend, but when I got it home I realised that it wasn't really my style.


The fabric was so gorgeous and silky I couldn't let it go to waste, so I cut off the ruffles and made it into a top, and brought the sleeves in a bit.



The ruffles are now waiting to be turned into a cushion, bag or skirt...

Clutch

This clutch was made using a flower print fabric with a white plain lining, a magnetic fastening, and a lace trim, for a friend as a birthday gift. Magnetic fastenings are so much easier than zips, which I have yet to master.

Pearl White Brooch

This brooch is very similar to the first one I made, but I used a pearl in the centre instead of a button, and I didn't put felt on the back. I much prefer the one with the button as it gives the brooch a little more colour and depth, but the pearl is more neutral which makes it very versatile.

White Brooch

This is a mini-tutorial for a white brooch, pictured here on a some blue fabric that I shall later use to cover a book.

This brooch is made by cutting out circles of fabric that gradually decrease in size.
The edges of the fabric are then put over the flame of a candle which makes the fabric melt or burn slightly (but be careful not too put it too close to the flame or it will catch on fire). This makes the fabric curl up at the edges giving it more texture and depth.
The pieces of fabric are then sewn together through the middle onto a brooch fastening.
I then added a gold button, but any button or jewel can be used, making it a quick and versatile project, perfect to be given as a birthday gift.

Purple silk skirt

To make this purple skirt I bought some 'shirting' material and gathered it at the top and sewed it onto black elastic. I then sewed up the seam at the back.

It was very easy to make, the only problem with it though is that the silky material creases very easily. I love the shape of it because its so different to the usual bodycon style skirts I normally wear.
Here I am wearing it with a black ruffled top which I also made.