Fashion Revolution Week: Scarf to Shorts Refashion
Happy Fashion Revolution Week! It's going to be a great week of awareness and I hope you are taking part - whether you are a maker, or fashion consumer, your voice can make a difference!
For the past few months I've been wondering how I could make a difference during this week. How can I have my voice heard, in a way that relates to my everyday missions? I absolutely love making my wardrobe and selling handmade bags. When sewing came into my life, I had no idea what an impact it would make. I fall deeper in love with sewing every single day (alright some days it totally pisses me off, but we all have off days, you know?).
As a maker, I love looking at Fashion Revolution Week as a week of motivation for the creative side of the fashion industry. (You can read all about my thoughts on the fast fashion industry on my post from two years ago.)
I believe it's important to get through to the big fashion companies, but it's also important to change on a more localized level. What every day changes can you make to your buying habits? Over the past few years (and if you've been following my blog, you'll have seen this trend) I've been super interested in repurposing, and saving items already in circulation.
Refashioning has become a major part of my life. I love taking something already made and turning it into something new. It's a challenge, sometimes more challenging than building something from scratch. I've also been encouraged to refashion more because my financial situation isn't what it once was. I'm becoming more financially dependent on my sewing, and with moving into a new house, my fabric budget has gone way down. Second hand stores are not just a fun shopping adventure anymore, they are my fabric resource. It's made me become a lot more creative, but it's also made me happier about my consumer practices.
All that being said, this week on the blog, I'm talking all about refashioning & repurposing! I'll be sharing a few refashions, inspirations, and facts about the second hand world.
Today I am sharing a brand new refashion! My wardrobe needs to get summer ready, and shorts are on the list! I've been needing some lounge shorts, that can also be a beach cover-up or pajama pants (my wardrobe needs to work overtime, people!)
I got this scarf a few years ago as a gift, and always loved the print (and the adorable tassels) but I don't always reach to wear a scarf. I thought this would be a good lightweight material to make a pair of shorts, but since it was such a large piece of fabric, I thought I could do something really cool with them...make them reversible! Two pairs of shorts for the effort of one?! I'm in!
I used Made with Moxie's Prefontaine Shorts Pattern as a base and to keep them basic, omitted the binding and pockets. The trick with keeping the tassels on the hem was some creative cutting. The shorts required 4 pieces of material, so ultimately I cut four pieces (two front, two back) from each color way. To keep the tassels even, I marked where the tassels landed on the print side, and on the solid side I marked in between the print tassels, so they were all evenly distributed.
For the most part, I followed the pattern, but started with sewing the hems together, which wasn't the best decision. In reality, the best way to make the shorts reversible is by making two separate pairs, then sew them together during the waist band step. This tutorial is an excellent resource to making reversible shorts and I totally recommend following this along rather than my messy way!
I LOVE how they came out! They are really light and comfortable and think they will be a fun summer short!
And the best part? I have TWO new pairs of shorts!
Looking for a pattern to make your own shorts? Here are three FREE options to make a pair!
Boxer Pajama Shorts - Melly Sews
Tutorial to Draft Your Own Shorts - Refashion Co-op
I also want to share my first real video! I bought a phone tripod so I can take videos with my iPhone, and it's opened up a whole world of possibilities! Take a look at my video below! It's just a quick clip but I'm excited to make more!
[wpvideo x4eXl92o ]
Are you ready to join the Fashion Revolution? Check out how you can get involved HERE.
Want to get involved by doing a refashion this week? Send me your makes!