Review and Giveaway: Confessions of a Refashionista by Sheri Pavlovic

Confessions of a Refashionista: Life on the Zig Zag is a collection of 50 DIY fashion projects. It’s brainchild and self-published book by Sheri Pavlovic from Mensch T’s and the blog Awesomesauce. She’s pulled some of her most popular DIYs from her blog and added some new projects to the mix, and put them into the more permanent and more portable form of a book. The wirebound book is much easier to tote into my sewing room than my laptop!

The 50 projects include 18 tops, 11 bottoms (skirts, pants, or shorts), 5 dresses, 4 coatlets, 14 accessories, and a duct tape dress form. You can make all of them (except the dress form) by refashioning garments you can find in your closet or at the thrift store.

Projects require only basic sewing skills and are forgiving of mistakes. Her writing style is laid back, so it feels more like you’re reading a project journal and not a set of instructions that you must follow to a tee. Refashioning is by nature a creative, more spontaneous way of sewing. Like most refashion projects, there’s a lot of wiggle room with measurements. The shirt you start with might not be the same size as the one she uses, or you may be needing to end up with a different size scarf than the one she makes.

Check out the little wristlet purse I made from a necktie! I used the directions for her Vintage Necktie Wristlet.

I love how the graphic floral print of the necktie works on the wristlet! I made mine taller and skinnier than the one in the book because I wanted it to fit my smartphone. Now that I’ve got a little wristlet to carry my phone around, I may be better able to keep up with it.

Some of my favorite projects include:

The Scarfigan – It’s a long scarf with sleeves sewn into it. You can wear it as a bolero, but you can also still wear it as a scarf. Perfect project for the indecisive refashionista!

Flippin’ For My Flops – She takes a pair of 99-cent flip flops and gives them color and print by wrapping them with strips of scrap fabric. You’ll never pay for fancy schmancy flip flops again.

Sweet Sleeves – A basic, boxy tee gets a little flirty when you give it a wider neck and peek-a-boo sleeves. You’ll use bits of fabric trimmed from the hem to make the ties at the bottom of the sleeves, so there’s no extra fabric needed.

The Giveaway

Sheri is giving away a signed copy of her book PLUS a totally-unique-get-you-started-refashioning-item. Head over to her blog, Awesomesauce, and leave a comment there to get entered.

The winner will be announced December 12, 2012.

Next Pattern:

Sewing patterns are essential tools for creating beautifully tailored garments and projects. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced sewer, understanding how to make and cut out a sewing pattern is fundamental for achieving professional results. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making and cutting out a sewing pattern, covering everything from choosing the right size to transferring markings onto fabric.

Choosing the Right Pattern:
- Before diving into the sewing process, it’s crucial to select the right pattern for your project. Consider factors such as garment type, style, and complexity. Look for patterns that match your skill level and include clear instructions.
Selecting the Correct Size:
- Most sewing patterns come in multiple sizes, so it’s essential to choose the size that best fits your measurements. Refer to the pattern’s measurement chart and take accurate body measurements, ensuring you select the size closest to your own.
Preparing Your Workspace:
- Set up a clean, well-lit workspace with enough room to lay out your fabric and pattern pieces. Gather all necessary tools and supplies, including scissors, pins, marking tools, and a cutting mat if available.
Preparing Your Fabric:
- Pre-wash your fabric according to the manufacturer’s instructions to remove any shrinkage or dye residue. Press the fabric to remove wrinkles and creases, ensuring it’s flat and smooth before laying out the pattern.
Tracing or Cutting Out the Pattern:
- Depending on your preference and the pattern’s complexity, you can either trace the pattern onto tracing paper or cut it directly from the pattern tissue. Use paper scissors for tracing and fabric scissors for cutting to preserve their sharpness.
Laying Out the Fabric:
- Lay your fabric flat on your workspace, ensuring it’s free of wrinkles and creases. Pay attention to fabric grainlines and nap direction if applicable, following the pattern’s cutting layout for optimal fabric utilization.
Pinning and Cutting:
- Carefully pin the pattern pieces to the fabric according to the cutting layout, ensuring they’re positioned accurately. Use fFabric weights or additional pins to secure the fabric in place. Use sharp dressmaker’s shears to cut along the pattern lines, taking care around curves and notches.
Transferring Markings:
- Transfer all markings from the pattern pieces onto the fabric using fabric markers, pins, or tailor’s chalk. Pay close attention to notches, darts, and other key indicators that will aid in assembly later on.
Double-Checking Accuracy:
- Before removing the pattern pieces from the fabric, double-check that all markings are transferred accurately and that you’ve cut along the correct lines. This step helps prevent errors and ensures a smooth sewing process.
Organizing Your Pieces:
- Keep your fabric pieces organized and labeled to avoid confusion during assembly. Store them in a safe place until you’re ready to start sewing, making sure to keep track of any small or delicate pieces.

Mastering the art of making and cutting out a sewing pattern is a foundational skill for sewers of all levels. By following these detailed steps and paying careful attention to each stage of the process, you’ll set yourself up for success in your sewing projects. With practice and patience, you’ll soon be creating beautifully tailored garments and projects with confidence and precision.

Sewing Pattern FAQ

What is the best way to cut out a pattern?

The best way to cut out a pattern is to start by ensuring your fabric is smooth and free of wrinkles. Secure the pattern pieces to the fabric using pins or weights, following the cutting layout provided in the pattern instructions. Use sharp dressmaker’s shears to cut along the pattern lines, taking care to cut accurately and smoothly. Pay attention to any notches or markings on the pattern pieces, as these are essential for proper assembly.

What sewing tool will you use to cut out your pattern?

The primary sewing tool used to cut out a pattern is a pair of sharp dressmaker’s shears. These shears have long blades that provide a smooth cutting action, resulting in greater accuracy. It’s essential to use fabric scissors specifically designated for cutting fabric to avoid dulling the blades. Additionally, smaller sharp scissors may be used for cutting intricate or fiddly sections of the pattern.

When cutting a pattern do you cut on the line?

When cutting a pattern, it’s generally best to cut along the line, especially if the pattern includes a seam allowance. Cutting directly on the line ensures that you maintain the intended size and shape of the garment or project. However, it’s essential to follow the specific instructions provided with the pattern, as some patterns may require cutting slightly inside or outside the line depending on the seam allowance.

How do you cut a shape out of fabric?

To cut a shape out of fabric, start by securing the fabric flat on your workspace. Place the pattern piece on the fabric, ensuring it’s positioned according to the cutting layout and grainline. Use sharp fabric scissors to cut around the perimeter of the pattern piece, following the designated cutting lines. Take care around curves and corners to ensure smooth and accurate cuts. Once the shape is cut out, remove any excess fabric and transfer any necessary markings onto the fabric piece.