This is a hard challenge. Easily the most challenging we’ve tackled to date.  So if you’re struggling, take heart. You’re not the only one! This one has alot of us scratching our heads. (Me included btw.) And the lovely Elisalex is no exception. But she’s still come out smiling…

And wilth a killer skirt to show for it!

My absolute favourite details on this make have got to be the fab seaming on this pattern and the inspired use of the trouser fasteners on the waist…While Elisalex may have conceded defeat (for now 😉 ) on refashioning the jacket part of her suit, this is still cracking inspo in terms of how  the trousers part can be used and original details incorporated.

For the full lowdown on the challenges Elisalex encountered on this make full details are over on the By Hand London blog. 

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

There’s a little surprise with today’s contribution from Elena. This cute kimono style jacket is supremely wearable …

But wait! What’s that peeking out from underneath?

Why it’s a cami made from the original lining of the suit that’s what!

Re using the lining as a lining is a no brainer. But reusing the lining to create a completely new garment? That’s a “why didn’t I think of that?” kinda moment!  Head over to Elena’s blog for the full lowdown!

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

Some serious pattern piece tetris for you today! How on EARTH Rachel managed to squeeze this skirt out of her source garment is a source of amazement to me!

The scarcity of fabric to work with has made for some really interesting details and the retention of many of the original jacket features in unexpected locations all over this skirt…To truly appreciate the pattern placement wizardry going on here, and for details of a fab new refashioning resource page the girls at The Fold Line have set up…  head over to the full blog post here.  

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

Drumroll….welcome back to last year’s winner Estelle!! (Who can forget that work of art!) This year she’s turned her talents to our suit theme and created this awesome bomber!

Featuring an on point pussy bow neckline…

By retaining many of the original features (like welt and breast pockets and button cuffs) but adding new features like chunky snaps and contrast hem and cuff bands…

….this old suit jacket takes on a completely different character and style. Awesome job Estelle!!!

For the full skinny on how this idea was formed and came together… full details are over on her blog. 

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

Yay! I was hoping a corduroy suit would creep into the mix at some point. (Linen suits, I’m looking out for you too!!)…

Selmin’s corduroy jumpsuit is inspired! This is jumpsuit number 3 so far. (Liz & Gabby both tapped the trend too) and I suspect it won’t be the last. It seems suits lend themselves to becoming jumpsuits! 2 pieces become one.  Simples! But each of them is so different. Led by the source garment and suiting (pun) the style and aesthetic of the wearer perfectly! I bloody love this series!!

Loving the western styling to the back yoke here. The whole thing has a kind of luxe utilitarian feel about it….

As one brilliant comment on instagram has said….”you could take over the world in a jumpsuit like this”…

Selmin has put together a video tutorial and full write up of this project for your delight and delectation! Full details are over on her blog. 

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

Sewing producer and mastermind behind The Great British Sewing Bee, Claire-Louise up today, transforming a man’s suit into THIS! So MANY delicious details in this dress…

The original lapels flipped to the back to form a plunging V back. Love that draped and gathered front section…that’s the original CB seam of the jacket running across the front…

The party is definitely in the back here! Details of the original suit abound, cleverly incorporated as  subtle repurposed design details….

 

See that? That Lovely curved panel at the hem where the original button cuff doubles as a back split?! And the welt pocket positioned perfectly at the back hip?

Clever, clever, CLEVER! If you want to see the before & in process photos of the draping process used to create this beauty,  full details are over on Claire-Louise’s blog. 

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

I’ve always loved Liz’s refashions. Always classy and on point ; and this one is no exception…

A sleek sophisticated jumpsuit with a fun and subtly sexy back detail. That split at the back? That’s the original back vent of the jacket right there. Clever no?!I seriously love this. If you’ve got to dress for something formalish (it’s a word…..now) like an interview or business meeting; what a great alternative/twist on a boring suit !

If you’re intimidated by the thought of refashioning something as intricately constructed and complex as a suit, don’t be! At the end of the day, it’s all just fabric! Liz has a very intuitive approach to her refashions and a knack for making you feel, “ok! I could do that!” She’s put together a full step by step video tutorial for this refashion. Check it out here!

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

Every year I get a kick out of seeing the creativity that comes from working around the limitations and obstacles inherent in an existing garment.; and the different approaches  and styles that are borne from that.  Creativity and distinctive style are phrases that sum Gabby up for me…

This jumpsuit and cape combo is so individual, theatrical and quirky and it just screams Gabby to me. Yet another thing I love to see in a reafshion. The expression of a individual’s style and persona…

The pop of orange with the grey of the suit is a fantastic combo and that little nod to the origins of the source garment in retaining the button cuffs is so much fun…A truly original piece of refashioning!

If you want to see the before & WIP photos, plus Gabby’s thought processes, I think you’ll really enjoy reading her blog post.  Including her trip to a Pimlico car boot sale, pattern sources and how the whole thing evolved. Full details are over on her blog. 

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning. And I’ll see you tomorrow at the LAUNCH of The Refashioners 2017 for a whole month of inspiration to get you started! Sooooo freakin’ excited!!

 

If you follow this blog you’ll know I love me a kimono. So this kimono suit from Jasika? Right up my strata!

Jasika has taken this suit from massive and masculine to unapologetically feminine in a fierce kinda way. Not just in the changes she has made construction wise, but in pairing it with a floral bustier. The juxstaposition of formal vs floral is just yum…

And you gotta love a chunky gold zipper….

She’s written the  most detailed and interesting blog post. One of the things I love about this challenge is the thought process and the changes of direction the limitations of an existing garment “force” you into; and the creativity those limitations can spark.

If you want to see the most hilarious and cheeky before photo I think I’ve ever seen (almost spat my coffee out) & in process photos, plus Jasika’s thought process as she worked through this refashion and overcame the obstacles and limitations that it threw at her;  full details are over on her blog. 

As ever, stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!

 

Whenever I set the theme for a series of The Refashioners, I have pictures in my head of the kind of source garments that will crop up. Teal coloured suede suits? Didn’t see that one coming!

But that’s exactly what Allie managed to lay her hands on. A vintage teal suede skirt suit with interesting applique details…

She’s made very clever use of the existing darts and details to create a completely one of a kind pair of high waisted culottes. The fit on these is A1.  Seriously good! I’ve never sewn with suede before have you?

If you want to see the source garment (it’s a corker!) & Allie’s take on the challenge,  plus some more pics full details are over on her blog. 

Stay tuned. We have a whole month of refashioning inspiration coming your way courtesy of a phenomenal line up of stitchers.

If you fancy getting your refashion on, but are in two minds about whether to enter this year’s community challenge;

• Check out our pinterest board for inspiration
• Check out the amazing prize package (yes you could win all that!)
• Go grab a suit and dive in!

….If you haven’t familiarised yourself with what the actual challenge is yet, essentially we want you to refashion an old, unworn or unloved suit! Simple as that! What counts as a suit you say? Definition here!

Man’s suit. Ladies suit. Doesn’t matter.  Interpret how you see fit. If you’re breathing new life into a suit that would otherwise go unworn or be thrown away, THAT’S what counts.

BUT, if you want to be in with a chance of winning one of these amazing prize packages you’ll need to SHARE that refashion with us in one of the following ways:

• On Instagram: Share a pic using the hashtags #therefashioners2017  and #suitsyou
• On Facebook: There is a community board here where you can post your makes (You will need to request an invite to join)

Only entries shared via the above 2 methods will be entered into the competition. Closing date for entries is 31st October 2017 Midnight GMT.

Good luck!!! Get refashioning.

Oh and by the way…The Refashioners is going on the road this November!! If you fancy attending our very first “in person” workshop in London on 4th November….full deets here!!