You're right, Lynda, they aren't paid much and often work long hours in very poor conditions because they don't have laws that prevent such things. The good news is that Bangladesh is doing something about it (very little but there IS forward progress.) They just got a 51% pay raise ($95/month up from $63/month) And no, their cost of living is not so low as to support that. I could rattle on but I'll get off my soap box instead and move on to thanking you for the kind words!
You know, Patty... that's the bottom line. The good news is there has been quite the resurgence of home sewing over in the UK and I hear it's moving west. Thanks to social media, change can occur faster than it used to so let's think positively!
Margaret Olander i follow so many amazing sewists on Instagram!! It’s so inspiring and there also hashtags for sewing over 50 which is really nice! I just bought a beautiful new sewing machine on an incredible price and I’m looking forward to really getting into my sewing this summer!! I need to learn how to do a full bust adjustment so I can get things to fit properly because nothing ever fits me from the store. But it’s a summer goal to learn how to do it. ❤️❤️❤️
Hahaha! Clearly I was bored with the "before" picture, huh? And modeling always makes me feel weird so I fight to stay somewhat poised in the "after" pictures. Clearly, I'm no professional!
in the late fifties,, when I was 10 yrs old sewing doll clothes, on my Mom's Singer, I sent away for these trim packages. It was fun, rickrack, lace and all sorts of trim scraps. I had forgotten that.
What a great memory! I looked online to see if they do anything similar these days and I don't see anything. I assume they send it to fabric recycling plants... at least I hope that's where it's going!
After my wife passed and I finally retired from teaching, I wanted to learn to sew at least enough to mend or repair something. I have made a few things, including dresses (easy ones) for my granddaughters. I made a lap robe for my church group out of old flannel shirts, some that I had and some that I picked up at the thrift shop. Surprising how many squares one can get out of a large men's shirt, including the sleeves! Thanks for sharing your videos. You are an inspiration to many!
Good for you, Jim! I LOVE the flannel lap robe idea! And as a former teacher, it doesn't surprise me that you immediately wanted to LEARN something new and then you turn it into "effort for others." I always have to nudge my husband into trying something new. I wish more men would try sewing because when they do, they're always so surprised that it's simply another method of construction work with a strong bent toward engineering. Right?!
You are so talented, I would have never thought to turn the shirt around and use it that way. Love how you preserved the patterns by using tracing paper for a guide for your improvements to what you wanted to accomplish. Can’t wait to see what else you do.
Hi Margaret, thank you for sharing with me your ideas. I am always looking for something new to learn and take pride in. As you say “knit worthy “ , for me it’s “crochet worthy”. Stay well, all my best wishes to you and your family. 🥰🤗. Keep your ideas flowing my way. Love it. 👍
My mum used to go to jumble sales ( before charity shops) and buy our clothes. Our cousins lived near (4 families all girls) we all swapped clothes passing them backwards and forwards. Our mums would also take apart clothes to make others. Old bed sheets were used to make summer dresses. I made my daughters clothes out of my clothes or fabric remnants. As she out grew the length of her jeans they became three quarters or shorts added some trim or ribbon to jazz them up. Because clothes are so cheap now clothes making slowed down it cost more to buy fabric. I worked in a clothing factory and it closed as it was cheaper to have them made abroad x
We use to sew alot when I was in my teens and 20s but now patterns and fabric is more expensive than purchased items. Great idea to us recyled items. WOW your mom was 4 years older than my mom and my mom married my dad after WWII.
You are so right, Fay... with "fast fashion" (what they're calling these clothes we get so cheaply from developing countries) it's far better on American pocketbooks to buy rather than sew! Yes, my mom was 42 when she had me... I was a "surprise baby!"
I'm a crocheter & addi knitter and I wanted to get back into sewing like I did when I was younger. I have a ton of clothes I don't want... You've inspired me to go thru and see what I can do with some of them 😊 you've made a cute little summer blouse... Love it
What a great video Margaret. Gotta learn now how to put on the binding on the sleeves. And I sooooo loved the old packaging - they certainly knew how to make use of each inch of its space :-)
Hey Margaret 😁💜🧵 you did great! I love your “new” shirt! I have thought of things like that but never really did it. I have a dress I made YEARS ago but I love the fabric......let the upcycle begin! Lol!😁💜🧵
Kudos to you for not only attempting, but succeeding at this remake. I am horrified by the “fast fashion” industry and the toll It has taken on exploited workers and our planet. Awareness is the first step, and I have changed my buying habits drastically. The shirt looks fabulous on you, and the pattern revision was great information. Thank you for sharing!
What kind words! Thank you! Yes... the whole issue is very troubling and I don't think most people are aware. And if they are, they don't feel there's anything they can do about it so they keep on with their same habits. Good news that Bangladesh just up their wages from $63/month to $95/month. Still not where it should be but that percentage is nothing to sneeze at.
The 19 cents reminds me of the five and dime stores we used to have. Your shirt turned out amazing, even the darts, have seen sweaters where the buttons are in the back. Ooo, vintage typewriter, I learned to type on a manual...old person here.
This typewriter is an old Royal from the 1940s! My mom had an old black one from the 50s but my brother has it. When I saw this one, I just couldn't let it go to the landfill!
Hi Margaret, Thank you for sharing. now my mind is going 50 mph thinking of all I can do with my old clothes. Funny ...that's next on my list to go through my closet.... Have a great day.
Oooo, Cindy... you just mentioned another benefit I forgot to list: It's an excellent exercise for the brain! I spent a few hours last night just laying out things, looking through patterns, tossing around ideas!
Love your new top. You did a wonderful job. I use to sew a lot, many years ago. Haven’t touched my sewing machine in years. But, that doesn’t mean that I’m not inspired by you. Who knows what I’ll do next! 😊
Hi Margaret - you never cease to amaze me with your talents! I don't know how to sew but I love watching your creations plus you always give me something to think about (i.e.; the real value, and cost of things and being sew-worthy). Keep up the great work! Crafty Nana (aka Vickie Akers)
Thank you, Vickie, but I don't claim sewing as one of my talents... it's not something that comes naturally to me. I've been doing it on and off over the years (getting motivated then frustrated) and yet I learn something new with each endeavor. Lots of reading and RUclips watching, too!
What a lovely compliment, Susan! Thank you! However, I don't think of it as talent, there was a lot of study that went into getting that thing to fit, learning that I don't need vents and that top stitching around the neckline made it look more professional! Whew!
Hello Margaret, our Goodwill shops are called Charity Shops, in the UK 😋 & I like to buy sheets/bedding & even T-shirts to crochet Rugs with 😁💚💙💜 I have many & they even make great bathroom rugs 😋 My dog also like to lay on them 😁 Erica x
Thank you, Erica! Actually, our shops are called "thrift stores" here in the U.S. and Goodwill is actually a brand. It's also associated with job training and placement. Great idea about the rugs!! I've made a small one before that the cats liked. (It's in one of my old videos somewhere!)
WOW! Margaret you done awesome job on the shirt looks very lovely!!! Really enjoy the video thank you for all the great tips and ideas!! Thanks for sharing! Hugs Liz x
I love this episode!! I’ve been getting more and more into sewing. Your tips on how you put that dynamite top together were wonderful. I do buy a new collection of T-shirts every year about this time at Kohl’s because last year’s look awful by now. I cycle them around each year. But I would love to make my own tops and shorts for sure. I have done pajama pants which is a great project. And I have been sewing my own pillow cases. I still like knitting, but at this stage I’m far more interested in moving forward with sewing. Besides, it’s so warm here I get very little wear out my hand Knits and I have drawers full of them. I don’t need another thing. And I don’t think I have the dedication to knit a sweater for myself. But I would love to sew jackets and things like that.
Well, you know I giveaway most of what I knit/crochet! I love my yarn work and will keep doing it as long as I'm able but I love sewing, too. I'm not naturally good at it and I go through phases of motivation-to-frustration-break-try-again! Each phase teaches me something new and now that I realized I can find these awesome fabrics for so much less, I'm far less inclined to get frustrated. If I ruin something, it doesn't hurt as bad, if you know what I mean!
@@sheepishlysharing Yes I completely understand! I have a Bluprint subscription and the sewing classes on there are wonderful. It's well worth the subscription price. I'm super excited to get back into my crafting and sewing. I start cleaning up again this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it, as crazy as that sounds.
Thank you. My son and I have recently lost weight! My son is 30 and he has lost over 100 pounds! Some of his items of clothing can not fit anyone so I have been donating them to Goodwill. But some of my tops and bottoms are sitting on my sewing machine(now that I have a small table for my sewing machine!)in our spare bedroom. I am going to get working on them some of my tops have become so large I hope I can make them fit! I have a plan. Wish me luck!
Loved your comments about the garment workers...It’s something we take for granted. Check out Terese Agnew’s art quilt project “Portrait of a Textile Worker”. It’s made with 30,000 clothing labels. It was made to honor the anonymous textile workers that make the clothes we wear.
I'd LOVE to see tutorials on these setting techniques your sharing here. I don't have any of my grandmothers old patterns( sadly, as she was a seamstress my whole life. ). I'm just relearning to sew and there are a big issues for me with cost. I live the idea of thirst shopping for new fabrics. I'm like you in that everything has another purpose. I have to laugh because I've saved things for so many people for so many years... "Someone can use this im going to bless it to another" . That's my motto but it's run me out if my own place. Things on things, finally took to the thrift store a few weeks ago. Here, I get really frustrated, they charge si much in thrift stores. I get angered by it. They're ment to help those in the community and typically raise funds for other good causes. I hate to report it's just not the case here locally anyway. Hence the garage being overrun. This is awesome because I will be able to get a bit of fabric this way. Thanks as always with X's & Blessings Margaret💞
All the clothes in my Goodwill are 5.99 with each week having 50% off of a certain color tag ($2.99). Tuesdays are 25% off for Seniors. It's also an employment center where they're providing jobs and training people for other job types. HOWEVER, the chairty I donated to back in MS was very different in that they GAVE away the clothes while providing other means of helping people, too. While this sounds good on the surface, they had to be very careful to vet their applicants. There were people who tried to "work the system," others who would come to get things for free and sell it on Ebay. Bottom line is, if it's being recycled and helping others with the profits (make sure they're a 501-c3) then it's better than going in the landfill regardless of what they charge. Keep visiting different shops and you'll eventually find one that aligns with your convictions!
Our St Vincents resale store has a day where they sell a bag full for $1. You could pick up an item just to recycle buttons. Also sells patterns, notions, and tools.
I love your remake! I don't like to use armhole facings either--bias tape is a much better way to go. I remember those labels too! I want to watch the Netflix documentary--looks very interesting.
I know some prefer arm hole facings but they bother the heck out of me! (Or maybe I just don't know how to sew them properly!) Regardless, I find better success with bias tape! Do watch that documentary... it's kind of heartbreaking.
Thank you Margaret for sharing. Love it when I see that you have a video up. I have been wanting a fresh spring look around the house. The Goodwill has full skirts that can be turned into pretty placemats, napkins & covers for my existing throw pillows.
What a nice compliment, Carol! Thank you! And yes... there are some excellent clothes that would serve that purpose very well! My Goodwill also has a great section of curtains/sheets, etc. that could be good options for those projects that require more yardage. In truth, the possibilities are endless!
This is fantastic! I just got a perfectly fine XXL polo shirt from Goodwill too and made a pair of pajama shorts! I also learned that you can make beautiful bias tape with men's ties (TomKat stitchery podcast). Your top is lovely!
When I lost a lot of weight a few years ago and again recently I've loved shopping at Goodwill. I donate and shop at the same time. lol Recently I found beautiful 8"x 8" wool squares for $1.99! I used to combine patterns all the time in order to make what I like and fits me well. Thank for sharing! I love your ideas!
I have that same pattern. Now I understand why the sleeveless top I made looks wrong. I’ll go back and fix that. The darts bothered me, also I, too, dislike bias tape. Thanks for the information. I have so many scraps that still have life in them, but need ideas to use them. I’ve been searching online for unusual ideas.
Yes... the pattern companies take shortcuts for their sleeveless versions but once you understand, it's a relatively easy fix. Glad I had a tip or two to share!
Hahaha! You're right... but I googled instead and there doesn't seem to be any kind of remnant promotion anywhere. I'm assuming they get sent to a fabric recycler these days but you never know. (Also, the address didn't even have a zip code back in those days!)
Hi Margaret, I really loved this video. I have two graduation gowns that have been sitting in a closet waiting to be upcycled. I just don't have a clue. Any ideas?
Graduation gowns? You mean like those cap-and-gown things or evening gowns one would wear to a graduation dance? Cap and gown types could be awesome halloween costumes as most have a sheen to them. Black? Harry Potter robes. Red? Little Red Riding Hood. What about lining for something? Project bags? Toiletry bags? Purse organizers/dividers? Hmmm....
Hi Margaret. Thank you for your video. Excellent ideas. I wanted to ask you about the socks you knitted in one of your videos. You found how to knit a more rounded toe. I used to knit a long time ago and I am getting back into it but find some of the sock patterns have a very long and pointed toe. Can you help me with this? Thank you!
Yes, here's a copy/paste: Thanks, Rebecca! Oh goodness... I'm not sure exactly which video that was. Did a search and came up with this one as there are links to viewer's suggestions listed in the description box: ruclips.net/video/02mtTCG4Ijs/видео.html
Sheets. My goodness, sheets from garage sales, thrift stores, etc and provide lots of fabric. My daughter recently asked me if we could make curtains for her utility room from some of her old sheets. She has cerebral palsy, and has problems with her fine motor skills. But we managed to invent a way she could sew a couple of simple seam and hems and make some very nice curtains. Now she can make them by herself. A win-win.
Ooo! I love this post, J! Recycle/upcycle and a new skill for your daughter with a successful outcome! Yay! (Worth noting: Not all of my attempts are successful.)
Thank you for reminding us about the people who sew for us and our spoiled attitude. 😥 They aren't paid much either. Love your channel
Lynda Slocum isn’t that the truth. Nobody makes anything so they have no appreciation for what goes into the garments
You're right, Lynda, they aren't paid much and often work long hours in very poor conditions because they don't have laws that prevent such things. The good news is that Bangladesh is doing something about it (very little but there IS forward progress.) They just got a 51% pay raise ($95/month up from $63/month) And no, their cost of living is not so low as to support that. I could rattle on but I'll get off my soap box instead and move on to thanking you for the kind words!
You know, Patty... that's the bottom line. The good news is there has been quite the resurgence of home sewing over in the UK and I hear it's moving west. Thanks to social media, change can occur faster than it used to so let's think positively!
Margaret Olander i follow so many amazing sewists on Instagram!! It’s so inspiring and there also hashtags for sewing over 50 which is really nice! I just bought a beautiful new sewing machine on an incredible price and I’m looking forward to really getting into my sewing this summer!! I need to learn how to do a full bust adjustment so I can get things to fit properly because nothing ever fits me from the store. But it’s a summer goal to learn how to do it. ❤️❤️❤️
The expression you have on the "before" of the shirt, compared by the expression when wearing the up-cycled version is giving me life!
Hahaha! Clearly I was bored with the "before" picture, huh? And modeling always makes me feel weird so I fight to stay somewhat poised in the "after" pictures. Clearly, I'm no professional!
in the late fifties,, when I was 10 yrs old sewing doll clothes, on my Mom's Singer, I sent away for these trim packages. It was fun, rickrack, lace and all sorts of trim scraps. I had forgotten that.
What a fun memory! It must have felt like a little "surprise package" as you sifted through to see what you got!
I remember sending labels and money for doll clothes trims when I was a child in the 50's and 60's!
Good point on the curve on the sleeveless blouses.
Oh, good memories!! That must have been exciting when the mail came in!
We sent in the labels for the bags of trim and sometimes they were long enough to use on clothes I couldn't wait to see what was in the bag each time.
What a great memory! I looked online to see if they do anything similar these days and I don't see anything. I assume they send it to fabric recycling plants... at least I hope that's where it's going!
After my wife passed and I finally retired from teaching, I wanted to learn to sew at least enough to mend or repair something. I have made a few things, including dresses (easy ones) for my granddaughters. I made a lap robe for my church group out of old flannel shirts, some that I had and some that I picked up at the thrift shop. Surprising how many squares one can get out of a large men's shirt, including the sleeves! Thanks for sharing your videos. You are an inspiration to many!
Good for you, Jim! I LOVE the flannel lap robe idea! And as a former teacher, it doesn't surprise me that you immediately wanted to LEARN something new and then you turn it into "effort for others." I always have to nudge my husband into trying something new. I wish more men would try sewing because when they do, they're always so surprised that it's simply another method of construction work with a strong bent toward engineering. Right?!
Hi Margaret. I love how you put the buttons down the back.
Thanks, Michelle! Reminded me of the old 50's fad where the teens would wear their sweaters backwards!
You are so talented, I would have never thought to turn the shirt around and use it that way. Love how you preserved the patterns by using tracing paper for a guide for your improvements to what you wanted to accomplish. Can’t wait to see what else you do.
Thank you, Mary! My sewing has always been hit or miss so we'll see if I can find more successful projects!
My granny taught me not to waste,dad to,your shirt is beautiful
That's right! "Waste not; want not!"
enjoyed the story regarding your mom, very touching. Love the shirt remake! thanks
Hi Margaret, thank you for sharing with me your ideas. I am always looking for something new to learn and take pride in. As you say “knit worthy “ , for me it’s “crochet worthy”. Stay well, all my best wishes to you and your family. 🥰🤗. Keep your ideas flowing my way. Love it. 👍
Thank you, Lee Ann! Knit/crochet/sew/craft-worthy! Whatever we do, we all understand, don't we?!
GREAT!
My mum used to go to jumble sales ( before charity shops) and buy our clothes. Our cousins lived near (4 families all girls) we all swapped clothes passing them backwards and forwards. Our mums would also take apart clothes to make others. Old bed sheets were used to make summer dresses. I made my daughters clothes out of my clothes or fabric remnants. As she out grew the length of her jeans they became three quarters or shorts added some trim or ribbon to jazz them up. Because clothes are so cheap now clothes making slowed down it cost more to buy fabric. I worked in a clothing factory and it closed as it was cheaper to have them made abroad x
Oh, my goodness, Laraine, you're an expert in all areas of this topic - from the social issue to the refashioning. Thanks for this post!!
We use to sew alot when I was in my teens and 20s but now patterns and fabric is more expensive than purchased items. Great idea to us recyled items. WOW your mom was 4 years older than my mom and my mom married my dad after WWII.
You are so right, Fay... with "fast fashion" (what they're calling these clothes we get so cheaply from developing countries) it's far better on American pocketbooks to buy rather than sew! Yes, my mom was 42 when she had me... I was a "surprise baby!"
I'm a crocheter & addi knitter and I wanted to get back into sewing like I did when I was younger. I have a ton of clothes I don't want... You've inspired me to go thru and see what I can do with some of them 😊 you've made a cute little summer blouse... Love it
It's been fun, Lily! It's a good exercise for the brain, too. Creative solutions that benefit the planet, a huge social issue and your pocketbook!
What a great video Margaret. Gotta learn now how to put on the binding on the sleeves. And I sooooo loved the old packaging - they certainly knew how to make use of each inch of its space :-)
Hey Margaret 😁💜🧵 you did great! I love your “new” shirt! I have thought of things like that but never really did it. I have a dress I made YEARS ago but I love the fabric......let the upcycle begin! Lol!😁💜🧵
Thanks, Setta! It's been a great exercise for the brain, too! I'll be watching for what you create with your old, beloved dress!
Kudos to you for not only attempting, but succeeding at this remake. I am horrified by the “fast fashion” industry and the toll
It has taken on exploited workers and our planet. Awareness is the first step, and I have changed my buying habits drastically.
The shirt looks fabulous on you, and the pattern revision was great information. Thank you for sharing!
What kind words! Thank you! Yes... the whole issue is very troubling and I don't think most people are aware. And if they are, they don't feel there's anything they can do about it so they keep on with their same habits. Good news that Bangladesh just up their wages from $63/month to $95/month. Still not where it should be but that percentage is nothing to sneeze at.
I love that you're upcycling!
Your shirt is adorable! Love your spirit Miss Margaret.xx
Awww... thank you, Anita! What sweet words to wake up to this morning!
The 19 cents reminds me of the five and dime stores we used to have. Your shirt turned out amazing, even the darts, have seen sweaters where the buttons are in the back. Ooo, vintage typewriter, I learned to type on a manual...old person here.
This typewriter is an old Royal from the 1940s! My mom had an old black one from the 50s but my brother has it. When I saw this one, I just couldn't let it go to the landfill!
Hi Margaret, Thank you for sharing. now my mind is going 50 mph thinking of all I can do with my old clothes. Funny ...that's next on my list to go through my closet.... Have a great day.
Oooo, Cindy... you just mentioned another benefit I forgot to list: It's an excellent exercise for the brain! I spent a few hours last night just laying out things, looking through patterns, tossing around ideas!
What a clever use for a "new to you" shirt! Once we get moved out here I can't wait to set up my machine. You have definately inspired me!
Ooo, fun, Alicia! You have some motivation to get settled faster after the move!
Love your new top. You did a wonderful job. I use to sew a lot, many years ago. Haven’t touched my sewing machine in years. But, that doesn’t mean that I’m not inspired by you. Who knows what I’ll do next! 😊
Good plan... leave your options open!
Love that upcycled shirt!
Thank you, Debra!
Hi Margaret - you never cease to amaze me with your talents! I don't know how to sew but I love watching your creations plus you always give me something to think about (i.e.; the real value, and cost of things and being sew-worthy). Keep up the great work! Crafty Nana (aka Vickie Akers)
Thank you, Vickie, but I don't claim sewing as one of my talents... it's not something that comes naturally to me. I've been doing it on and off over the years (getting motivated then frustrated) and yet I learn something new with each endeavor. Lots of reading and RUclips watching, too!
Your amazing Margaret!...so much talent from one beautiful lady!
What a lovely compliment, Susan! Thank you! However, I don't think of it as talent, there was a lot of study that went into getting that thing to fit, learning that I don't need vents and that top stitching around the neckline made it look more professional! Whew!
Hello Margaret, our Goodwill shops are called Charity Shops, in the UK 😋 & I like to buy sheets/bedding & even T-shirts to crochet Rugs with 😁💚💙💜 I have many & they even make great bathroom rugs 😋 My dog also like to lay on them 😁 Erica x
Thank you, Erica! Actually, our shops are called "thrift stores" here in the U.S. and Goodwill is actually a brand. It's also associated with job training and placement. Great idea about the rugs!! I've made a small one before that the cats liked. (It's in one of my old videos somewhere!)
WOW! Margaret you done awesome job on the shirt looks very lovely!!! Really enjoy the video thank you for all the great tips and ideas!! Thanks for sharing! Hugs Liz x
Thanks, Liz! I'm really pleased with how this came out! My sewing skills are a bit inconsistent so we'll see what happens next!
Margaret Olander you’re very welcome Margaret! Yes You should be please as I think it turn out very well also! Take care God Bless 💞
I love this episode!! I’ve been getting more and more into sewing. Your tips on how you put that dynamite top together were wonderful. I do buy a new collection of T-shirts every year about this time at Kohl’s because last year’s look awful by now. I cycle them around each year. But I would love to make my own tops and shorts for sure. I have done pajama pants which is a great project. And I have been sewing my own pillow cases. I still like knitting, but at this stage I’m far more interested in moving forward with sewing. Besides, it’s so warm here I get very little wear out my hand Knits and I have drawers full of them. I don’t need another thing. And I don’t think I have the dedication to knit a sweater for myself. But I would love to sew jackets and things like that.
Well, you know I giveaway most of what I knit/crochet! I love my yarn work and will keep doing it as long as I'm able but I love sewing, too. I'm not naturally good at it and I go through phases of motivation-to-frustration-break-try-again! Each phase teaches me something new and now that I realized I can find these awesome fabrics for so much less, I'm far less inclined to get frustrated. If I ruin something, it doesn't hurt as bad, if you know what I mean!
@@sheepishlysharing Yes I completely understand! I have a Bluprint subscription and the sewing classes on there are wonderful. It's well worth the subscription price. I'm super excited to get back into my crafting and sewing. I start cleaning up again this weekend and I'm really looking forward to it, as crazy as that sounds.
Oooo! I have a Bluprint subscription too and have been wanting to take about that in a video! So wonderful!
Thank you. My son and I have recently lost weight! My son is 30 and he has lost over 100 pounds! Some of his items of clothing can not fit anyone so I have been donating them to Goodwill. But some of my tops and bottoms are sitting on my sewing machine(now that I have a small table for my sewing machine!)in our spare bedroom. I am going to get working on them some of my tops have become so large I hope I can make them fit! I have a plan. Wish me luck!
Ooo, I like your plan, Ilene! AND congratulations on all the weight loss going on in your family! What a great feeling both physically AND mentally!
Loved your comments about the garment workers...It’s something we take for granted. Check out Terese Agnew’s art quilt project “Portrait of a Textile Worker”. It’s made with 30,000 clothing labels. It was made to honor the anonymous textile workers that make the clothes we wear.
Oh, Maria!! Thank you for showing me Terese Agnew's art! That was not only amazing but so touching as well.
Hello Margaret, love the wine bottle cover 😁 & the idea of a collar for Bentley 😁 & the prayer you sent 😋 Erica x
I'd LOVE to see tutorials on these setting techniques your sharing here. I don't have any of my grandmothers old patterns( sadly, as she was a seamstress my whole life. ). I'm just relearning to sew and there are a big issues for me with cost. I live the idea of thirst shopping for new fabrics. I'm like you in that everything has another purpose. I have to laugh because I've saved things for so many people for so many years... "Someone can use this im going to bless it to another" . That's my motto but it's run me out if my own place. Things on things, finally took to the thrift store a few weeks ago. Here, I get really frustrated, they charge si much in thrift stores. I get angered by it. They're ment to help those in the community and typically raise funds for other good causes. I hate to report it's just not the case here locally anyway. Hence the garage being overrun. This is awesome because I will be able to get a bit of fabric this way. Thanks as always with X's & Blessings Margaret💞
All the clothes in my Goodwill are 5.99 with each week having 50% off of a certain color tag ($2.99). Tuesdays are 25% off for Seniors. It's also an employment center where they're providing jobs and training people for other job types. HOWEVER, the chairty I donated to back in MS was very different in that they GAVE away the clothes while providing other means of helping people, too. While this sounds good on the surface, they had to be very careful to vet their applicants. There were people who tried to "work the system," others who would come to get things for free and sell it on Ebay. Bottom line is, if it's being recycled and helping others with the profits (make sure they're a 501-c3) then it's better than going in the landfill regardless of what they charge. Keep visiting different shops and you'll eventually find one that aligns with your convictions!
Our St Vincents resale store has a day where they sell a bag full for $1. You could pick up an item just to recycle buttons. Also sells patterns, notions, and tools.
I love your remake! I don't like to use armhole facings either--bias tape is a much better way to go. I remember those labels too! I want to watch the Netflix documentary--looks very interesting.
I know some prefer arm hole facings but they bother the heck out of me! (Or maybe I just don't know how to sew them properly!) Regardless, I find better success with bias tape! Do watch that documentary... it's kind of heartbreaking.
Just amazing!
Love this!!! Looking forward to seeing more of your transformation videos!
Thanks, G! I'm having fun!
Thank you Margaret for sharing. Love it when I see that you have a video up. I have been wanting a fresh spring look around the house. The Goodwill has full skirts that can be turned into pretty placemats, napkins & covers for my existing throw pillows.
What a nice compliment, Carol! Thank you! And yes... there are some excellent clothes that would serve that purpose very well! My Goodwill also has a great section of curtains/sheets, etc. that could be good options for those projects that require more yardage. In truth, the possibilities are endless!
This is fantastic! I just got a perfectly fine XXL polo shirt from Goodwill too and made a pair of pajama shorts! I also learned that you can make beautiful bias tape with men's ties (TomKat stitchery podcast). Your top is lovely!
Ooo! Bias tape from men's ties? I'll need to go check out TomKat stitchery! Thanks, atrinka! And I'm applauding your pajama shorts for sure!
recycling fashion... i love it 💕
Thanks! It's been fun and a good exercise for the brain! Ha!
When I lost a lot of weight a few years ago and again recently I've loved shopping at Goodwill. I donate and shop at the same time. lol Recently I found beautiful 8"x 8" wool squares for $1.99! I used to combine patterns all the time in order to make what I like and fits me well. Thank for sharing! I love your ideas!
People donate awesome things, don't they?! I know *I* do! I love a good treasure hunt! And congratulations on your weight loss, Renee!
Can I just say, I love you!💕👍👍💕💕
And can I just say I love you right back?? 💕👍👍💕💕
Loved it! Thanks
Thank you, Betty Jo! Now on to the next!
Hello Margaret, you are quite a Seamstress 💜 your top turned out fabulous 😁 Erica x
I have that same pattern. Now I understand why the sleeveless top I made looks wrong. I’ll go back and fix that. The darts bothered me, also I, too, dislike bias tape. Thanks for the information.
I have so many scraps that still have life in them, but need ideas to use them. I’ve been searching online for unusual ideas.
Yes... the pattern companies take shortcuts for their sleeveless versions but once you understand, it's a relatively easy fix. Glad I had a tip or two to share!
Great video thank you
Almost makes you want to send a copy of the bias tape wrapper with 15 cents to the company to see what they'd do today. :)
Hahaha! You're right... but I googled instead and there doesn't seem to be any kind of remnant promotion anywhere. I'm assuming they get sent to a fabric recycler these days but you never know. (Also, the address didn't even have a zip code back in those days!)
Poor doggy,,,He might like a different look than a button up collar ,,,,, just sayin. Lov ya
Poor doggy? Or maybe he's tired of his everyday collar and wants to show people how much is mom loves him to make him something fancy? just sayin.
Do keep that bias tape wrapper! It's choice!
Wasn't that wrapper great?!
Hi Margaret, I really loved this video. I have two graduation gowns that have been sitting in a closet waiting to be upcycled. I just don't have a clue. Any ideas?
Graduation gowns? You mean like those cap-and-gown things or evening gowns one would wear to a graduation dance? Cap and gown types could be awesome halloween costumes as most have a sheen to them. Black? Harry Potter robes. Red? Little Red Riding Hood. What about lining for something? Project bags? Toiletry bags? Purse organizers/dividers? Hmmm....
OMG! Yes I was talking about the cap and gown type. Thank you so much for these ideas. Sometimes I just draw a blank.@@sheepishlysharing
Hi Margaret. Thank you for your video. Excellent ideas. I wanted to ask you about the socks you knitted in one of your videos. You found how to knit a more rounded toe. I used to knit a long time ago and I am getting back into it but find some of the sock patterns have a very long and pointed toe. Can you help me with this? Thank you!
Hmmm.... I answered this recently and I think it was for you! Hang on and let me search...
Yes, here's a copy/paste: Thanks, Rebecca! Oh goodness... I'm not sure exactly which video that was. Did a search and came up with this one as there are links to viewer's suggestions listed in the description box: ruclips.net/video/02mtTCG4Ijs/видео.html
@@sheepishlysharing Thank you Margaret. I apreciate your effort very much. I did not see your previous response
Sheets. My goodness, sheets from garage sales, thrift stores, etc and provide lots of fabric. My daughter recently asked me if we could make curtains for her utility room from some of her old sheets. She has cerebral palsy, and has problems with her fine motor skills. But we managed to invent a way she could sew a couple of simple seam and hems and make some very nice curtains. Now she can make them by herself. A win-win.
Ooo! I love this post, J! Recycle/upcycle and a new skill for your daughter with a successful outcome! Yay! (Worth noting: Not all of my attempts are successful.)