i spent all day yesterday huddled down with the girls sewing - irene passed through here with loads of rain, wind and fallen tree branches - but kindly left us with power (thinking of those who weren't so lucky...)
with school about to start i gave myself the challenge to outfit ivy for the new year with a total cost of nothing! so, i gathered up clothes she already had that were too small (i should note that the clothes she already has are either thrifted or hand-me-downs, i rarely buy anything new)...dug through a bag of size 6 clothes someone just gave me for yindi...and then took it all down into my studio to meet my many piles of thrifted tshirt scraps!
snipping and sewing and music and chatting and milos-with-whipped-cream all day...ivy has herself a very colorful and very 'ivy' new set of clothes...
pair of mama size trakkies cut down to fit, new waistband and part of an old fave too-small tshirt.
her favourite 'comfy pants' - had a hole in the knee and major highwaters. cut them at the knee and added scraps to make them longer, and a bit at the hem.
same same. size 6 - too short but still fit her tiny waist. so chopped the bottoms off and added new panels!
too short and waist too tight on these brown pups. new waistband and stripey cuffs at the bottom. and an apple. (i'm just glad she didn't request an elephant)
highwaters become shorts with ruffly edge. leaf and spiral a must in 8 y/o fashion.
boring brown pants are way more fun with orange cuffs and randomly placed flowers.
tshirt skirt to match one i made for her friend last week. big plans to rock the 2nd day of school in these twinsies.
twirly tshirt skirt made a few months ago (to match bff anna's.) she chooses all the fabrics from the piles. i love her combos.
twirly asymmetrical skirt with scrappy flower. perfect for layering.
old mumma top made into cardi with pointy fairy bits and wooden button. and a flower. always a flower.
my personal favourite! thrifted jumper/sweater from last winter, cut to make a cardi. felt balls for buttons, leaf, knitted pocket and swirly flower. it's all about the little earthy details for this child!
these were all really quick 'fixes' and a LOT of fun to do...i love to personalise plain/stained/thrifted stuff for my kids. easy on the budget and i get my crafting high. it's a win win for all!
now, if only a few snips and scraps would make my wardrobe (and self image) this happy!
I REALLY appreciate this! In church yesterday part of the sermon was about how most of the clothes we buy new at stores are from factories in different countries where employees are treated TERRIBLY and paid hardly anything.. the conditions in the factories are so inhumane.. I've been trying to make my little ones clothes lately.. it's alot easier when they are small! sizes 2t and 3t ! Your kiddos are so lucky to have such a great mama <3 xo Michelle
Posted by: Michelle C | August 29, 2011 at 01:48 PM
Wow! These are incredible! :)
Posted by: Desiree Fawn | August 29, 2011 at 01:59 PM
I'm in love with all of her clothes. You are a wonder mom. I want to live close to you again and have sewing parties.
Posted by: Shayna Proctor | August 29, 2011 at 02:25 PM
I love everything about this and thank you for sharing your ideas. X
Posted by: RachelM | August 29, 2011 at 02:38 PM
Ivy looks so cute...well done em :) Glad the storm didn't work you over too much!
Posted by: sarah | August 29, 2011 at 03:02 PM
Love!Love!You have inspired me to start digging through clothes and revamping them. My daughter is the same way, skinny waist but legs are growing like bean poles.
Posted by: alysia | August 29, 2011 at 03:14 PM
You are a recycling artist!!!
Posted by: holly c. | August 29, 2011 at 03:16 PM
Oh my lordy! I had NO IDEA you did all this! WOW> I love those yellow pants.
Posted by: vicky | August 29, 2011 at 03:43 PM
I hope you know how much good you do in this world by inspiring others to do better. Thank you for posting all of these things. Such good ideas to jump off from.
Posted by: Janelle, UT | August 29, 2011 at 04:35 PM
I remember when I was reading about you starting up with the sewing and how you didn't think you were much good with it. Lookit you! You're a brilliant seamstress and designer all rolled up into one!
Are you using a serger? Which one?
Posted by: Erin D. | August 29, 2011 at 05:50 PM
One of these days, we really need to get together for a crafty weekend and upcycle/refashion clothes for our girlies. :)
Posted by: Erika | August 29, 2011 at 06:38 PM
in my next life, i want to be you :)
love love love the new clothes!!!
Posted by: KimP | August 29, 2011 at 07:48 PM
You are a creative genius with a sewing machine Em! Love Ivy's new wardrobe and it looks like she does too!
Glad that Irene left you pretty much unscathed -- us too, thank goodness! XO
Posted by: Sherri P eh | August 29, 2011 at 09:31 PM
Wow!! You are great at this!! I wish I could sew like that!! Just got a sewing machine for Christmas last year and last month I finally threaded the machine, now I just have to teach myself to sew!! Thanks for the inspiration!! And the ideas!!
Posted by: Amy P. | August 29, 2011 at 09:49 PM
You are truly inspiring!
Posted by: Tracy | August 30, 2011 at 05:00 AM
great job, great style, great reuse, great girls!
Posted by: guildmaker | August 30, 2011 at 07:58 AM
I love nothing more than little girls who wear clothes that suit their personality, what beautiful outfits.
Posted by: Suzanne | August 30, 2011 at 08:52 AM
these are great!!!!
Posted by: ira lee | August 30, 2011 at 09:25 AM
Amazing and beautiful! So glad to see her so happy in her new duds, too. Very inspiring!
Posted by: Laura | August 30, 2011 at 09:41 AM
So cute, I love the pants, I am super tall so It's nice to be inspired with what to do with high-waters.
Posted by: Renaisy Daisy | August 30, 2011 at 11:33 AM
You are seriously amazing and inspiring! Ivy looks fantastic! I have GOT to learn to sew! :)
Posted by: Amanda C. | August 30, 2011 at 03:09 PM
Em, you are AMAZING! You are such a good role model to your children and others - never doubt that. I'm sure she is beyond thrilled to have her very own fashion line! Great job...really inspiring. I have lots of favorite clothes sitting around just haven't had the heart to cut them up. Really should put them to use! Nice job
Posted by: Jennifer | August 30, 2011 at 05:50 PM
Each outfit fits Miss Ivy to a "T" and she certainly wears them well! I love your energy and thoughtfulness in making something gently used new again. You are amazing!
I have some old sweaters lying around that need a new life - just need to pick my brain about what to do with them.
Posted by: Beth | August 30, 2011 at 08:02 PM
I am SO inspired! Seriously!!
Posted by: Julie Coryell | August 30, 2011 at 09:23 PM
you know how much i absolutely love you for this. thank you for being so amazing, and for being the poster girl for anti-materialism!! love it! love ya!
Posted by: kelly mccaleb | August 30, 2011 at 11:40 PM