Tag Archives: upcycle

Refashioned bangles

I’ve been working on several projects the last week and it seems like I’m not getting anything finished.  So while my sewing machine is doing overtime I’m posting something without electricity, just a bit of sewing by hand and using my beloved tube of Pattex.  My bangles are totally ready to get a new skin!

DeocrativeScissors-0610

IMG_4874

I measure the total width of fabric I’ll need for covering the bangle.  I’m including 2cm extra for seam allowance.

IMG_4876

I’m cutting a piece of my beautiful Zara scarf.  Don’t worry, I’ll be fixing it as before!

IMG_4881

The fabric is glued onto the bangle at one side with some tape so it doesn’t slip whilst sewing.

IMG_4882

Using small hand stitches I’m covering my bangle hiding the seam allowance at the same time.  When I’m finished sewing I twist the fabric around until the seam is hidden from the inside.  My matching bangle is finished!  Up to the second one…

IMG_4928

A piece of real snakeskin I bought some years ago on a flea market has finally found its purpose.

IMG_4939

I measure the bangle and cut 2 strokes out of the leather not adding any seam allowance.

IMG_4940

Yep, Pattex again!

IMG_4941

I’m pulling the skin around the bangle and leave it to dry.

IMG_4943

IMG_4950

I take the second piece and cut the edge following the structure of the skin.

IMG_4952

As I’m sticking on the other piece I try to match the snakeskin pattern as well as possible.

IMG_4954

I cut the loose edge every 1,5cm towards the bangle and smear on some more glue.

IMG_4955

The strokes are pushed tightly against the inside of the bangle on both sides.

snakeskin bangle

Mixing and matching it with my other bangles…or pumps for that matter…

fabric bangle

Standard

Upcycled leather skirt

leather skirt close up

I love to stroll around on markets, always in search of vintage belts, purses and gloves.  Last week I found this lovely leather skirt in superb condition.  The seller, a very proud lady, said she used to wear this and maintained it with leather grease as she saw me looking at it and touching the leather.  I just couldn’t resist to buy it and because she was so persistent about the good quality I couldn’t haggle either.  She’s probably very good at selling her things… Anyway, a leather mini was still missing in my wardrobe!

DeocrativeScissors-0610

Vlooienmarkten afstruinen is echt mijn ding, altijd op zoek naar ceintuurtjes, handtassen en handschoenen.  Vorige week vond ik dit fantastische koopje, een leder rok in super conditie. De verkoopster, een fier madammeke, vertelde me dat ze deze rok vroeger droeg en onderhield met ledervet toen ze me zag kijken en het leder betasten.  Ik moest die rok kopen en omdat ze zo overtuigend was over de goede kwaliteit durfde ik niet meer afdingen.  Ze is waarschijnlijk zeer winstgevend in de verkoop van haar spullen.   In ieder geval, een mini leder rok ontbrak nog aan mijn garderobe…

sewing machine

IMG_4682      IMG_4686

Determine the desired length and add 3cm seam allowance.  Use chalk to mark where to cut.

IMG_4688

Fix the hem with Pattex.  Maybe leather glue would have been better but this worked really well.  Don’t overdo it though.  Fold over the seam allowance and press well to get a nice clean seam.

leather skirt close up

I could have stopped here and that would have been great too but I decided to add something extra.

IMG_4778

Why not use the hem leftovers?

IMG_4779

I want to use the back finish of the slit in the front.   I cut the hem in 2 equal pieces.  They are pleated and sewn on just below the waistband. Not that easy to stitch but with some patience and good needles…

leather peplum close up

picture leather peplum

Standard