This is Not My Style nor My Size ...

 I saw this dress at a thrift store, looked at it, felt the fabric, examined it for stains, tears, etc and then walked away because, honestly, it's just not my style, nor was it my size.

But the fabric just kept 'calling' me back, so I went back, took another look at it and decided that there was enough fabric in it that I could make something 'spring/summer' with it.

After giving it much thought I considered making a blouse with it ... but here again honestly, the pattern was not flattering when I draped it across my shoulders.

But, since I still loved it, I decided to turn it into a skirt and choose a top/blouse in a more flattering color for me (such as a solid color of purple or beige) and utilize the 'fabric from the dress' that way.  The skirt turned out really well and was really simple to do ... cut off top of dress, stitch up a casing for the elastic, insert the elastic and stitch up the opening.  Done!

Off to my closet I went to see what I had that would work with this skirt and I found a beige dressy t-shirt that compliments the pattern in the fabric perfectly.  When I shop for clothing, I shop for classic basics that can be worn with lots of different things.  I want something a little different with the styling of this outfit so I'm going to play around with it for a little while.  When I decide upon a style I like, I'll post a picture of the outfit here.

As I've shared before, I like fashion, I always have, and I look forward to styling this skirt and top into a modest stylish outfit that I'll feel good wearing.

That's it for this post, what are you stitching up and or creating?

mrs. patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Another Skirt!

 Remember this prairie slip I made out of a thrifted 100% cotton sheet ...

I've been working on this skirt to go with the slip ...

I looked in my wardrobe for items to style both the slip and skirt with and this is what I came up with ...

I pulled out a black camisole from my lingerie drawer and a sweater from my sweater drawer and created this outfit!

I have a pair of brown ankle books and jewelry to complete the look ... I'm very pleased with the total outfit and will be able to wear it all winter.  On those really cold days that I wear this outfit, of course I'll sneak in a pair of leggings under the slip/skirt!

I purchased the fabric to make this skirt on clearance at a local Hobby Lobby chain store.

The slip as mentioned was made from a thrifted sheet ...

(I'll use this slip to go with other dresses and or skirts in my wardrobe as well.)

Everything else was already in my wardrobe ...

This is how I maintain my wardrobe from season-to-season while creating new looks the least expensive way I can!

I hope you've enjoyed seeing how my mind works when it comes to updating and expanding my wardrobe.  I love to hear ways you manage your wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Until next time ...

patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay, and it helps keep in sewing supplies.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means.

Thrift Store Cotton Sheet: Look What I Did With It!

Whenever I get the opportunity to go thrift shopping I always, always look for 100% cotton sheets that are unstained and in good condition.  Here's how I used one from my 'stash' ...

I made a prairie slip to wear under my long skirts.  I made it long enough to hang below the skirts just a bit.  I'm working on a fall skirt and when it's finished, I'll share how I'll style this slip with that skirt.  This slip will add another layer of warmth for those colder temps this winter.

I cut the slip out in such a way that the hemmed top of the sheet became the hem of my slip.  Notice the pretty decorative stitching.   This was such an easy project, and I'm so pleased with the way it turned out!  I did not have a pattern; I used the method I use to make my skirts only making them less full around the waist and hips.

The instructions for how I make my skirts are found in this post!

But that's not all I used that same thrift store sheet for ...

I shared on A Working Pantry blog about being gifted this vintage Santa fabric. I cut the Santa's apart, pressed them all and sorted what I wanted to do with each ... here's what I did with one and it's where the thrift store cotton sheet comes in ...

Look at this cute gift bag!  Do you see the thrifted cotton sheet, of course you don't because I lined the inside with it!

I couldn't resist 'styling' it!  This picture does not do it justice.  The thrift store cotton sheet lining made it where no one can see what's inside and gives it plenty of body!  I love it so much that I'm going to make more and keep them for our use here in our home.  Hmmm, another idea is to fill several with paper, etc and arrange them in a basket for decorations.  My mind is whirling with possibilities and with different ways to stitch them up.  I'll definitely save one of the larger 'Santa's' to make a throw pillow cover.

(By the way, I still have quite a bit of the sheet left to use in other projects.  I think I paid $4.99 for it, a full-size 100% cotton flat sheet that was in good condition.  I'll take it!)

Living in a small house, we don't have room for a lot of storage, these bags can be used, emptied and packed away year after year while taking up very little space.  That's my kind of holiday decor!

I hope you've enjoyed today's post as much as I enjoyed stitching up each project!

Until next time ...

patsi @ Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine

My other blogs:

A Working Pantry

From This Heart of Mine

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay, and it helps keep in sewing supplies.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means.