Tutorial: Pleated denim mini dress refashion

Geneva from A Pair & A Spare shows how she made this kicky summer mini dress, refashioned from a thrifted and less-than-flattering denim dress. The original dress was long and shapeless. She took it in at the bodice and shortened the skirt, using the fabric she cut off to create a pleated skirt. The style of dress she started with is fairly easy to find at a thrift store – I think I find at least one or two every time I go! Go to A Pair & A Spare for her tutorial showing how to remake one into this cuter version.

[photo from A Pair & A Spare]

Looking for more re-fashion patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

If you are looking for more denim upcycle projects check these out.

Looking for more ways to use Recycled Denim in craft projects? Visit our dedicated interest board “Recycled Denim Jean Crafts”

Check out this book featuring 10 other ways to use Denim jeans. or this book on making Denim Projects using upcycled denim.

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I’m always tempted by the pretty velvets at the fabric store. So much texture! And the way the fibers catch the light! But sewing on velvet is trickier than you’d think. That nap that lends beautiful texture also likes to slip and crawl. That nap can also spell disaster if you cut a piece the wrong direction. That isn’t to say you shouldn’t use buy that velvet and sew it into something gorgeous, you just need to go into your velvet sewing project prepared. And Melissa at Melly Sews has a post that takes you step by step through sewing on velvet.

Velvet is such a luscious fabric, especially for winter sewing projects. Of course there are velvet Christmas sewing projects – stockings, tree skirts, santa hats – but velvet is beautiful for all winter. Think of all the gorgeous velvet dresses, evening bags, hair accessories, even pillows and other home décor that you see all winter long.

Melly Sews’ post gives you the tips and tricks you need to know in order for your velvet sewing project to end up a success. There are types of projects better suited for velvets, and kinds of projects to avoid. She describes the different types of velvet available. And she also tells the best way to lay out and cut your pattern pieces from velvet fabric. Her tutorial also covers marking, pressing, and of course sewing that beautiful fabric. There’s also a video included in case that’s your preferred method for learning.

Head over to Melly Sews to learn how to sew on velvet fabric.

And if you want to learn more about that lovely blue velvet dress shown, she has a post that tells more about it including 2 ways to style it depending on if you want to be more dressy or more casual.

[photo credit: Melly Sews]

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