The Art Of Refashioning

Find all links and projects mentioned in this episode on the website: https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/design-hacks/mix-and-match-colours-for-clothing/ Knowing how to mix and match colours for clothing (including upcycling) is critical design skill. It is one of the essentials that fashion designers apply to create aesthetically pleasing garments. Therefore, it is a 'brake or make project' kind of thing for anyone who wants to recreate with existing clothing as well. To give you heads up, don’t click away if you don’t like colourful. The design skill of mixing colours in clothing is still applicable to you, too. The formulas work even for when you're the not-keen-on-wearing-too-colourful type. Why Is Important And What Can You Do Designers are spoiled to work with fabric from the roll which often is further colour coordinated as it's typically developed as a ‘collection’, stream-lined in terms of colour. But, in refashioning is very different. When it comes to reworking existing clothes, we have a bigger challenge. Combining too many different items of clothing could become an overwhelming task quickly. So, don't be too hard on yourself if you can’t figure it out on your own. It’s what many sewists like you who want to create from existing clothes experience as well. The good thing is that you don’t need to be a fashion designer to make pleasing combinations! This episode spells out what can make the task easier and most of all - fun :) Highlights Inside This Episode: [2:00] Why it’s important to know how to work with colours, to mix and match colours for aesthetically pleasing result [5:40] Short overview of what we’re covering in this episode (+ a teaser you’ll love ;) [6:30] How easy it is to use colour theory and the colour wheel to build up your colour coordinated combinations. Some traditional fashion formulas on how to mix and match colours for clothing. Top 3 Fashion Formulas For Mixing And Matching Colours When Reworking Existing Clothing [9:50] Formula #1: Mix the same or neighbouring colours. My trick here is to also focus on mixing different textures. [14:10] Next up, develop your design skills for combining colours with Formula #2: Mix and match colours from the same colour temperature. What are the two colour temperature in fashion design and what type of mood they imply. [16:50] Great small but mighty tip how to recognise good colour combinations (powerful things are often very simple, right? This proves it, for sure!) [17:30] Lastly, my secret formula #3: Create a contrast. Check out how to use it so you create smoother, more relaxed designs; or bolder, classy type of styles from colour standpoint. [21:50] A side note tip on how you can start easy by adding colour in your projects (so you look beautiful wearing colours that suit you) [23:10] Check out how to mix and match colours for clothing so to make more subtle and less bold contrasts. Bonus Formula To Jumpstart Applying Colours Even If 'Not Your Thing' [26:00] At the end, a Bonus Formula: Use colour as an accent. Very easy to apply and start even when you don’t like wearing colours. Without adding the ‘too colourful’ effect, accents can make the main colour of the garment pop. That’s the easiest I know that can transform your project without making it multicolour. It’s one of my favourite ways to bring colour to any design. [28:00] Recap of the episode, good for getting the big picture [32:00] Learn more about how to secure your seat in the upcoming FREE Masterclass on Clothes Upcycling [32:50] What’s up on the podcast next time

Discover how to recycle clothes just with basic machine skills (or more advanced - your choice!). Use the unique upcycling methods from this episode on the podcast to invent your own simple ways to refashion clothes you LOVE! Check all links, projects and downloads from this episode at this link: https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/about-upcycling/simple-ways-to-refashion-clothes/ If you love the conversation, please consider writing a review and rating the show. This will help to get the word out to others who want to make change by buying second hand or refashioning clothes they already have. Your actions will help me reaching out more people and helping them learn the ins and outs of refashioning, thus we all save valuable textiles and reduce the enormous waste we face today! One. Project. At. A. Time. Go to the show page here and click “Listen on Apple Podcasts”. In iTunes then select the “Ratings and Reviews” tab click 5 stars to rate and select “Write a Review”. Make sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to the podcast. It will secure you never miss out, including the free downloads which I’m adding to some of the episodes. Subscribe here.

Find all links, projects and now also a video of this episode on the website: https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/about-upcycling/ways-to-refashion-clothes-with-one-new-from-two-old-technique/ It's exciting to dive deeper into the ways to refashion clothes with the 'One New From Two Old' technique. It's one of my favourite! Although often too simple at a glance, this upcycling technique is a clever method to make old clothes work for you once again. The 'One New From Two Old' technique, as I called it, has potential to deliver amazing results... when you do it right. Hence, my top tips at the end of the episode. Furthermore, you'll enjoy (hopefully;) different example refashions while I'm explaining how to get creative easier following the technique. In the video you'll see me wearing an upcycle project I can't get enough of (more photos of me wearing it on the website)! It is a great example how mixing two mainstream and boring on its own items have hidden potential to turn an absolutely amazing new combo! In a nutshell, method simple to apply, promising eye catching results, and resulting in completely unique you potentially adore for years to come. Well, all that while challenging your creativity, of course. But isn't that the most fun? Check some action steps you could do now at the end of the article on the website. Mariana x

All links and projects mentioned in this episode are at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/how-to-make-quality-refashions If you strive to make quality DIY clothes here you’ll find the secrets behind making quality refashions. This Quality Miniseries on the podcast explains how to get your DIY projects to the next level. Taken from the industry the 3-Part Quality Miniseries walks you through the main quality areas adapted from refashion point of view. It includes quality tips from sewing perspective, quality tips related to the overall look and design, and some secrets of how to spot good quality pieces when sourcing second hand clothing material. In particular: Part 1 (previous episode, EP #9) unveils the sewing standards that can elevate your upcycle project. It walk you through the details on what to keep an eye on when sewing. Easy to apply, the 10 Sewing Tips and Tricks sets you up for great results. Part 2 (the current episode, EP #10) explains what makes the overall look of a garment perceived as high quality. Regardless of colour or style there are certain things to look for. It is all covered in the Top 10 Design Tips in the current episode. Part 3 is going to show you how to spot quality in second hand clothing. You might already know, price nowadays is not clear indicator for quality. However, there are particular signs that can help identify good quality treasures. It is all revealed in the last part of the Quality Miniseries.

All links, projects and downloadable files mentioned in this episode you’ll find at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/how-to-refashion-clothes/ Are you tired from looking for the perfect idea and not finding something that would really work for you? Well, it is time to start right. From what you already have at hand and want to rework. The 3-Pile System is a bit different approach to finding your upcycle project, as opposed to suggesting specific project ideas. And the good part is that you can apply it to your wardrobe or clothing stash that you’ve collected and kept over the years because you know... these treasure finds have lots of potential. In the last Part 3 of the Upcycling Beginner’s Miniseries, you'll learn about my 3-Pile System and in particular: Why the 3-Pile System always works and I keep using it every single time when I want to refashion clothes from my wardrobe or stash. What goes into each of the three piles and how to utilise the material at hand. How to download the PDF promised at the end of this series, The Upcycling Beginner's Starter Kit: Create your own designer clothing from vintage and unloved garments.

All links and project mentioned in this episode you’ll find at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/upcycled-clothing-ideas/ . Are you still looking for different DIY upcycled clothing ideas every single time when you want to recycled old clothes into something new? I remember the long hours, the lack of finding something that I really like, and the exhaustion without having to find what I actually want to make... . Now, imagine to have a designing tool that will save you all this! Imagine that the ideas are already there... and you have more time for the fun, to create. . Today’s podcast episode walks you through something organised that you can apply every time you want to make a project and inspire with upcycled clothing ideas: . What is the designing tool and how I use it to quickly figure out what to do with an unloved item of clothing Learn about the two main strategies and some of the most popular upcycling techniques, plus examples from upcycle projects that I’ve done, including from my upcycled “Upside-Down” collection. Subscribe to the website and stay tuned for the downloadable PDF coming up with the final Third Part of the Upcycling Beginner’s Miniseries. It will have all the steps to get you started, including photos of inspiring projects and links to tutorials.

All links mentioned in this episode you'll find at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/procrastination-when-sewing/ This episode lterations Like A Pro Course: https://ecofashionsewingschool.com/p/alterations-like-a-pro This episode reveals how procrastination when sewing looks like when refashioning old clothing into new. Although procrastination is quite common for sewers, here you’ll learn the specifics and see what are the situations for those who want to refashion. When you love sewing and care about the planet, refashioning should be on your list if you want to make a difference. But then, once onto it, you get worried about ruining a completely good item of clothing... In this episode of The Art Of Refashioning fashion upcycler Mariana Kirova will help you to identify the negative feelings and the different situations related to procrastination when refashioning. In particular you’ll discover: - What is procrastination and how you might be feeling or what your thoughts are when it’s there (the chances you might not recognising it at first are high, so a must to hear) - How procrastination when sewing looks like when comes to refashioning. What are the specific examples, from real makers and sewers, how they feel and what they think. - To get you moving forward, you’ll get first hand insights revealed in the 10 tips on what could be done to try and free up your attitude in the process. See detailed description and all links mentioned in this episode at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/procrastination-when-sewing/

Very often, the biggest hurdle for people who want to rework existing clothing is “What to make?”, “How to come up with refashioning ideas?” So, in this episode you’ll learn what are my top 3 (and free) resources that helps me developing refashioning idea for a project. In particular you’ll discover: My top three free resources where to gather inspiration, online and in the physical world How to look for the right ideas. Here I give you my five best tips that will speed you up and help finding what would realistically work for YOU A list containing clothes upcycling and sewing books Here are some highlights inside this episode:01:10 – Why getting your hands on some free resources is important in order to raise refashioning ideas of your own. 02:05 – Free Resource #1: Pinterest. What it is and how to search for ideas. What key words to use, other Pinterest options. 09:12 – Free Resource #2: Etsy. What is Etsy and how to use key words to search for recycled design ideas, upcycled clothing and creators. 15:00 – Free Resource #3: Sewing and upcycling books in local libraries. Why I find libraries are great resource. 20:05 – My 5 Tips on how to look for YOUR idea to skip feeling overwhelmed and being stuck. 21:30 – Tip #1: Check your wardrobe what you like and usually wear, because your favourite items are great inspiration and starting point. 22:25 – Tip #2: Check what’s missing from your wardrobe and you would love to have. 23:26 – Tip #3: When you see a redesign idea that you like, try to figure out why you like it. 26:06 – Tip #4: Ignore colours, prints and patters when you look at a design. 28:20 – Tip #5: Keep in mind that you can customise any inspirational idea or designs. mentioned in this episode:List of Refashioning Books Other podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:Ep. #1: What Is Refashioning & Why You Should Consider It Links mentioned in this episode:On sale now: My new online course ‘Alterations Like A Pro’Link to my Eco Fashion Sewing Pinterest account (all boards) Projects mentioned in this episode:Leather jacket refashion Magazines mentioned in this episode:Altered Couture US magazineBelle Armoire US magazine Links to some of my favourite Etsy artists:Jam FashionTailortrashBroken Ghost ClothingThe Topian DensmArtvilleFleurs BohemeNaturally Bohemian