If it is not too late for suggestions, maybe you could make this into a cape. I have a wool cape that I made from an old men's tweed jacket and it is super warm and easy to wear over bulky sweaters in the dead of winter.
@@MrsSoup-iu4pq Wow! I love this idea! I haven't actually made anything from it yet and your idea is definitely one of the few so far I want to explore further. Thank you! 🙏🏻💖
Great tips. I'm going to Goodwill clearance bins tomorrow for the first time. I now realize i can look for zippers, cuffs, buttons. Not only fabrics and clothes .
As a plus size, I do find it hard to find my size sometimes and have seen many times smaller women pick them up for upcycling or for downsizing, however, they found the item first and so they have the choice to buy or not buy it for whatever use they want. I have also purchased smaller items for upcycling into a larger project so I feel it works both ways. There are so many clothes out in the world so I think we should use them however we want to keep them out of the landfills. As for quilts while I love the idea of preserving them, it really is up to the buyer to decide what purpose they have in mind for it, if you donated it then it's no longer yours to have a say in what happens to it.
same, most clothing goes to landfills anyways so if someone finds huge pants and upcycles them idc as long as they're not wasting the materials. TBH it's more fabric for your buck anyways! -a plus size person
If a bigger girl like myself , has a hard time finding cute affordable clothing, like myself, its time to get creative, i have a bunch of cute clothes ive gained too much weight to wear, so its time to refasion those clothes gathering dust and webs, and make somethung even cuter for myself. So, big girls,, go find all those cute clothes that are too small, and make them into somethung cute that will fit. We big girls know theres plenty of smaller ladies clithes on those racks that WILL end up in that landfill. Lets get crafty. ❤
Yard for yard, the best prices on the highest quality fabrics are in thrift stores. No one should feel guilty about upcycling, repurposing, and parting out garments and other items when their next stop is the landfill.
If it's in a second hand shop it means it wasn't wanted or needed so if i like it I'm buying it. I'm not going to leave it on the off chance that someone else might. Regardless of what type of garment it is.
Please ignore those who criticize you. They are unhappy, unfulfilled people who probably don't upcycle AT ALL. You don't need to apologize for anything you do or say. You be you and ignore those who want to pull you down. Some plus size or tiny size people will find something negative to say no matter what you do. As far as quilt recycling...you go girl and enjoy what you make for us to watch.
I work at a thrift store and yes, we get tons of vintage quilts regularly. If it's something donated, i don't see why you can't repurpose it. If you buy it for your bed, or to wear... you're still saving it.
@@missmatti yep! We're actually the "clearance store" of our thrift stores. So we get everything that didn't sell from the others - vintage clothing, blankets (knitted and crocheted also), vinyl records... My thoughts are sometimes these items get to us because they're overpriced at the regular stores.
As a new quilter, I definitely understand why a quilter would be upset about the quilted jackets. I don't use a sewing machine at all for my quilts so there's a lot of time and thought out into them. However, most people are not going to use an heirloom quilt to do such a thing and it should be left up to the owner. As far as thrift stores, I love them for fabric. I bought a queen size Ralph Lauren flat sheet today in this lovely brown shades of paisley that I plan to use as the back of the quilt I am working on. It's amazingly soft and luxurious fabric so it was a wonderful find. I did get a couple of men's long sleeve flannels to make an up cycle tunic I saw on here. So much fun!
Once a long time ago I found 2 vintage quilts in a thrift store. I bought the 1 that was in the worse shape. There were 2 resins for that, 1. I liked the color of it, and 2. I could afford it. The 1 that was in better shape was almost a hundred dollars, the other 1 was $25.00. I bought the cheaper 1 and I spent several months repairing it. I'm very proud of the work I did on it and I like to think the lady who made it is happy too.
If it’s in a thrift store, the quilt or clothing is not wanted by someone who sent it to the store. In other words the objects in the stores were thrown out. That includes old books, which I like to buy. I have absolutely no problem buying items that are discarded by someone else. I also have no problems cutting or ripping it up either.
1. I find most women's garments are made from fabrics I don't like or wear. When I do find something in a fabric I like (and will wear) I buy it (if it is in good shape and in my size or larger). 2. I sent four old quilts to someone in Tennessee to up-cycle into fashion pins (to be sold to tourist). However, I will not make garments out of good, still usable quilts; or, quilts that should be saved to study and for History. I think it is wonderful to make quilted patchwork jackets out of new fabrics (because they will last longer and look better). I do buy 100% cotton garments to take apart and make new quilts out of. I will buy any size if I like and want the fabric. 3. I find the better fabrics to up-cycle is men's shirts; and, I have no problem in buying over sized men's shirts in pinks, lavenders, yellows, flowered prints, and other prints or colors that are usually used for women's and girls garments. Most of these shirts are usually still new; because, most men will not wear them.
I fully agree with all the points you made about quilts & quilt jackets! I could have gone on more about that but that might have to be another video. 😅
I volunteer at a thrift store and, at least in Israel, the plus size debate is unfounded. our chain of shops overflow with plus size women's garments (from people dying or losing weight) and yet I very rarely see any truly plus size shoppers picking them up. after a year or so, any garments not purchased get shipped to Africa the majority of which, from my understanding, end up in landfills there. I also did pick up a quality vintage (commercial) quilt that passed through our shop and, while I love it and am using it as is, I'll admit that it came to me quite worn in the corners and an upcycle into a jacket next winter might be a great way to extend its life on this earth. overall, these keyboard warriors policing the upcycle movement would help the world more by building something themselves rather than tearing others down.
Thank you for sharing your experience Lisette! ❤️ I would love to speak to local thrift stores and garment recyclers and hear their experience on this too. I agree that we should lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. I have been listening to these opinions with as much empathy and open mind as possible. At the same time I know that ~70% of donated garments in the US do not sell so I think efforts to save garments from landfill should be celebrated. I do not know if the issue (with plus size garments being upcycled) is actually that big. I think it might sometimes appear that a lot of people sew & upcycle online, but I do not actually know that many who do IRL (and I bet that I know more than most due to my profession).
There is a documentary about the shipping of waste clothing to Africa - It's called "Dead White Man's Clothes", by Australian Broadcasting Commision's Foreign Correspondent program. You may be able to find it on YT. Not all of it goes to landfill & that part causes all sorts of social issues on top of the pollution etc from the massive landfill component. It was interesting to watch. Our thrift store always has a great shortage of larger items. We get plenty of small items donated, but they're usually filthy & in poor repair, unsaleable. Sometimes I'd take them home to wash & repair in hope of them getting sold, but all that happened was greedy volunteers gobbled up all my hard work instead of working as a team for the greater good of the poor. Unsaleable items get either cold to a rag-maker for pittance or (well-over 90%) charity shops have to pay to send them to landfill. However, my point was that smaller people still have the entire store to shop from & alter. What isn't used in an upcycle goes to landfill. Larger people in my experience have only 1 tiny rack of the store to share between all of their sizes & they create no waste as they use the whole garment. You don't make the world a better place by calling people names - 'keyboard warriors' or raising genuine issues, or accusing them of 'policing the upcycle movement' when they wouldn't even be watching if they weren't part of that movement themselves. To use your own words, you "would help the world more by building something yourself rather than tearing others down" .
I’m also a size 2 and in Southern California. My local thrift shops have tons of L, XL, XXL sizes, so I have no concerns about buying large for upcycling. So many of the mature womenswear’s shops use vanity sizing where a 0 is more like a sz 6. It’s more challenging to find small sizes. Hey, it’s been donated. Big, small, modern, vintage. We are giving new wear to items that were relinquished. This attitude of “if you have it, you’re keeping me from having it (clothing, money etc)“ is foolish, self-limiting and is guaranteed to give you MORE lack in your life.
Having been a volunteer manager in a charity shop here in Australia I saw, sorted & graded what came in. 90% of donations are filthy or beyond repair & the charity has to pay to have them taken to landfill - what little remains is what goes on the shelves. I'm afraid, like everyone else, your perspective on size is tainted by your own (petite) size & the warped sizing game played by the fashion industry. To most of the world, a US size 0 actually IS a size 6 (UK, Aus, etc) when measured. Firstly, smaller sizes are not under-represented, however their donated quality is frequently v poor. The vast majority of those sizes are donated by very young women who buy low quality Fast Fashion & have never performed any maintenance on their garments. We are there to help the poor & what the young donate (those that don't fail on basic hygiene conditions) is usually in poor repair, e.g. many tiny wear holes in cheap fabric that is pilled, torn, laddered, overstretched, frayed, stained with ground-in make-up around the neck or yellowed armpits from deodorant, has broken zippers, missing pieces, elastic, buttons etc - in short, unsaleable & insulting - even to the poor. What is left is what you see on sale. It's not about them thinking "you've got it so I want it". What you're not seeing is that being petite, you have the most amazing, wonderful luxury of being able to wear ANYTHING in the entire store; all these fabulous choices, from only slightly larger pieces cinched in with a belt - right up to the largest we have if it's altered well. We would ask however, that you use careful thought & kindness when shopping, because our curvier ladies need clothing too & they only have that 1 tiny little rack between all of their sizes. It's so incredibly sad when an unemployed person finally gets a job interview & they're so excited to dress for it & then you have to tell them that there's absolutely nothing left on the racks to fit them. We can't magically make more clothing - but you can shop with compassion for the people that the stores were created to help & with consideration for the planet. How does it help anyone, if half of every garment you buy goes to landfill? A larger lady could have worn the whole garment intact - with no waste. Secondly, L & XL are NOT in fact, plus sizes - that's just the fashion industry playing their games again. XL in any high street brand translates only to a size 14, leaving a size L very far from being 'large'. So no, there isn't a whole lot more stuff for larger people than for the petite - it's the opposite, I'm afraid & if you can use quite literally EVERYTHING & you know that they can't - why would you take only what fits them instead of something else, if you could? Closer to your own size is more abundant, creates less waste & sounds a lot less selfish, doesn't it? The Australian Bureau of Statistics' recent figures state that the AVERAGE woman weighs 71.1kg (156.75lb) & she wears a size 14-16. Charity shops (& chain stores & department stores & most plus size brands) normally consider only size 18 & above to be a 'larger' size. Charity shops exist to help the poor - come & join us? Best wishes :)
I'm plus size, i have absolutely no problem with others buying plus sizes. Its not my business to tell others what to buy etc. After all its still upcycling. There are clever ways to make smaller clothes bigger, there needs to be videos on that😊
I agree on that we need more videos on how to make smaller clothes bigger! I have some pieces from my own wardrobe that I want to make bigger - when I finally get around to do it I promise I will film it!
I've seen some simple ways to expand shirts and pants. Add material to the side seams. Contrast/coordinate fabric to make it unique and show off your personality
underrated video. this was such a good place to start for me after being inspired by instagram DIY statement pieces. i wanna start upcycling some time this year or next year.
I think if the quilt is in the thriftstore somebofy wanted to get rid of it and doesn't care what will happen to it. This person most likely isn't the maker, but the maker gave the quilt away at one point, too. If it's a true vintage quilt in good condition I also would hesitate and most likely not cut into it. But often times the transformed quilts already have some wear and tear (espacially the binding tend to get rough) and the pieces for the jacket fit in the good parts. Then I think it really is upcycling because you transform something unwanted and unused into something which can be out in the world again. I think, that is lovely.
While I find upcycle videos interesting, watch and marvel and the creativity, I find enough clothing at thrift stores that fits my style and style. That to me is the best deal of all. Regarding converting a quilt to clothing. Heck, I quilt, and I would have no problem with someone converting a quilt to a wearable item. The entire point of thrifting/upcycling is to take something that is unwanted, unused and repurposing it for its intended use or some other.
Oh for goodness sake, there are more horrible things going on in the world than cutting up old quilts. Animals and children being abused, wars with terrible death tolls and maimed human beings. If something has been sent to a thrift store then it is fair game. Many people buying quilts to upcycle will soon grow tired of this trend and the clothes will be returned to a thrift store, those with nothing else to worry about but quilts can buy these clothes and save them but they will probably use a sewing machine to make them into other quilts, quilts were originally made by hand from scraps, and were cotton with wool coats and old wool blankets as lining, are these purists using any polyester??? This was a very interesting and informative video. Some really good tips in this posting. Thank you, but watch out for the zip and button police watching you buying old garments to remove these items lol.
You are so pretty and I love your voice. It may be that you have recycled what you show in your video but I'm still going to give my thoughts on what you were asking to do with what you bought. The purple jacket is beautiful. I would cut-off the sleeves and take-it-in around the arm holes like a vest. Also, it would look cute with a narrow band the same material as the vest on the lower back with a buckle; not only to take it in at the waistline but to look more fashionable. The blue blouse - - I would change the buttons, shorten the sleeves and take pin tucks in the front down the blouse and cut-off any stains even if it means bringing the blouse up higher.
There is a similar issue with refinishing furniture as with quilts. Ppl feel upset to see an antique be painted. But most likely you are saving it from a landfill. A twin or a double quilt, ppl don’t really use those sizes anymore, if I had been the original maker I would want to see my piece used, not thrown away
I think the purple blazer would make a cute hand bag wuth a matching beret hat, any left overs could be used for making fabric roses / flowers to apply to other purses, bags blazers, dresses, hats. The blue paisley shirt would be cut made into a shorts and tank top summer pajamas set.
I am plus size, and honestly it doesn’t bother me to see upcycled garments made from something plus size for someone smaller. First comers get first choice and they have the right to do whatever they wish with their purchases. Same with quilts.
I have seen a handmade vintage quilt tuned into a dressing gown, but and it's a very big but, it was for theatre and the designer spent nearly £200 for the quilt at a house sale. The quilt was quite damaged and did not work as a quilt-so i see no problem with that. I have been shopping in charity shops 9thrift stores) since 1976- I have NEVER seen a handmade quilt in a charity shop-so I think many of the complaints are not realistic. When I shop in a charity shop I look purely at the fabric initially-only if the fabric is good quality and in good condition will I consider-I don't look at size or anything else. Good materials are quite rare ,actually so i wouldn't hold back because of the size.
Where I live we have a shop that sells simple halter neck maxidresses made form upcycled silk sari. It’s a must for summer, so fresh!! As for courtains, please think that they are made to be furniture. It is better to upcycle them into something that doesn’t contact with your skin (like a jacket, or a skirt with lining)! And well… don’t forget that some courtains are very synthetic and so very flammable! Nowadays shops have (I hope) some restrictions about flammable furniture, but vintage ones…
I've occasionally bought garments I figured no non-sewer (seems to be about 95% of the population) would buy just to save them. Eg fixed the waist, donated to a shop that supports a women's shelter.
I agree with you, vintage quilts shoukd NOT be upcycled. They should be treasured and admired as they were made. A lot of work goes into them. They should be displayed as artwork. Thanks for your upcycle tips. I love my sewing too.
I think that giant piece of fabric you found could be for an Indian Saree, which is usually about 5.5 meters or 6 yards long. I cant see the length of your piece of fabric, but it does have the appearance of a saree.
I would take off the sleeves and make a long vest without the belt or with, it would look lovely in that purple color. The massive piece would make lovely scarves for your wearing.
my mom made me a quilt a while ago. it is wearing out but i don't want to throw it away. so i am cutting it up to upcycle it so i can still have parts of it in my wardrobe.
sleeveless dress with the paisley print or if not enough material then a sleeveless shirt (also attach white or blue material (fringe on bottom) to make a dress.
That fabric turquoise and other colours is a Sari , part of a traditional Indian lady outfit . Often silk but maybe not as an Indian Ex-pat. Just found your channel Iam in Sydney AU Sally
I was once plus size and I get it. I will frequently pass up clothing in larger sizes for that reason. However, just like when they run out of your size at the brick and mortar stores, there are no guarantees in thrifting, even at the smaller sizes.
I'm a size 8-10au and for the most part i buy my size or clothing thats maybe up or down one size and adjust to fit me, i usually don't buy bigger than a 14 even when using fabrics from the clothes, unless there's something specific i want that i can only find in plus size etc. However I don't think it's wrong to buy plus size as a not plus sized person. Some people prefer oversized clothing so they may buy bigger clothes just for wearing as is, but even with upcycling as long as you're not going overboard, it's really no one elses concern what you are buying or why. Even for smaller sizes there aren't always options and with thrift stores it's going to be rare for every item you like to be in your exact size For formal/ wedding dresses, at least where i live, there's often more larger sizes than smaller. If you find something you like and will wear even altered, buy it! Just because you leave it there doesn't mean someone who is that size is going to find it, and it may just get thrown away in the end.
I wear plus petite and I do find it hard to find clothes to fit. I have these two tips. 1. Develop a running wish list. That way when you go shopping, you have an idea what to look for. 2. I am lucky in that where I live I have a bunch of thrift stores to go to. I go about once per month. Keep your eyes and ears open for thrift stores you may not have heard of, or that are in the next town from where you live.
Maybe too late for the purple blazer, but how about cropping it, then with the extra bottom fabric, cut out fringe pieces in various length. Then attach it to the bottom half of the blazer. OR you can do a half and half blazer: one side purple, the other side a fun color like lime green. I like the shoulder pad! I would keep those.
we always had a literal barrel with fabric in it. I make all sorts of patchwork, for all sorts of stuff. my grandmother was a seminole and I get that from her. Would I upcycle a vintage quilt? well we use them till they are no longer usable for what they were originally made for, so I do lap covers, chair covers, pillows, trim on clothes...whatever the size will allow. as long as it doesn't go in landfill..no problem. buying up lots and just making jackets out of them??? what is the xtra not used fabric go to...if they are thowing stuff away...they are on my sh***t list
I've been on both sides of the "buying larger sized clothes" . As a young Air Force airman's wife, I lived for $5 a bag day at Officers' Wives Thrift store. Stuff it with all the clothes you wanted. Each Plus-size pants made 2 pairs of pants for my baby. Same with shirts making 2 tops. As I aged, I got bigger. Then I did get frustrated by smaller gals grabbing the clothing I needed. The difference is, I waited until 3 p.m. to shop, figuring if it's still there nobody wanted it. Seems most of the younger generations don't care.
Thank you for sharing your different experiences! ❤️ I do think waiting is a good tactic as you will give people a chance to buy it but also if nobody wants it you make sure it doesn’t go to landfill.
Regarding using quilts for other purposes. I'm ok with it. Once an item belongs to you, it is yours to do with what you will. I have multiple times given a plant to a friend who ends up neglecting and letting it die. But once I've given them the plant, it's theirs. I can't take it against myself if they don't keep it alive. So, if someone sells or gives away something they've made, they have to let go of it. It's hard, i understand. By that's my opinion.
A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I found this truly god awful neon pink cotton fabric with children and blue giraffes on it. The copyright is from 1971, and was only $2 for the whole thing. We're going to turn it into slings for ski patrol patients
Concerning cutting vintage quilts, there is historical value in quilts, I would not do it. I do think that repurposing vintage linens and things which have personal connections, or are damaged is a great idea. Having grandma’s tablecloth as curtains or throw pillows is nicer to me then stored away and never used. Concerning cutting up larger sized clothing: generally clothing is donated in bags and boxes, there’s several items from the same home, (we aren’t talking about one of a kind quilts.) If someone is having a hard time finding clothing of a given size or style, shop around. I frequent different shops for different items. Think about the neighborhood and if you get nice stuff at one shop, note that, if you never find decent mens clothes, note that. If you are wanting vintage clothes maybe check out a neighborhood with elderly, if you want trendy teen clothes, look to family neighborhoods.This has worked for me and my friends for years.😊
If something is for sale, it is for sale. First come, first served. People can't dictate who can buy what. If you are plus sized check the hopes more often.
Buying second hand clothes has become a major trend in Copenhagen. If you go to the charity shops it's mostly fast fashion polyester tops or leftovers from an 80 year old smoker's wardrobe. All the vintage shops get to the good stuff before the normal people have a chance of getting a hold of it
It truly is! ❤️ I don’t know where to draw the line. However, unless the items are very rare and unique I try to think: will I get more use out of the upcycled item or not?
I have mixed feelings about reusing quilts to make clothes. I think using a damaged quilt is a great way to recycle but I have never seen a vintage quilt at the thrift store. If it's in a thrift store, it's fair game because it's probably mass produced.
I purchase garments for fabric not for size! Most Garments garments in thrift stores no longer have a size label. Take a tape measure and know your measurements.
What gets on my nerves is resellers getting gorgeous vintage chenille bedspreads and then just cutting them up to sell pieces, so they can make more money. Personally I'm ok with the sewers / sellers who have turned them into bathrobes, because they are typically stunning ... if you can make something more amazing than the original, definitely do so !
It was totally the resellers that got me too re. quilt upcycling. I don’t mind an individual doing a quilt upcycle or like you say when they make something better than the original. But when you destroy a gorgeous quilt into crap products that’s when the line is crossed for me.
How do you get rid of that smell that lingers after washing clothes from some low end secondhand stores (even with vinegar rinse)? It’s probably from something they spray them with, I’m guessing. I’ve had to throw out items because I can’t get rid of it.
Oh yes I know the smell you are talking about! 🤢 It’s a tough smell to get out. I will do some research because I mainly tried to remove it with a vinegar rinse & airing the garment out. However, sometimes, like you, I’m out of luck.
The smell you're referring to is just pure human microbiota - clean non-smelly skin cells & non-smelly sweat from apocrine glands mixed with staphylococci from the surface of the body & bingo - stinky human smell!. People are too lazy to wash dirty & worn clothing before donating, so they spray cheap nasty body spray (alcohol & artificial fragrance) & cram it all in a bag & it festers. You should smell it when we cut the bags open! Having worked in charity stores, there was no obligation to wash donations, so we took only clean donations. We never sprayed anything & I don't know anyone who would waste money doing that either - impo it's the combo of cheap dirty clothing & cheap nasty body spray. We took great pride in the cleanliness of our store & some of us even took things home to launder & return, in order to get a better sale price. We had to tell 1 group to stop delivering their excess donations to us because of that smell; after having 5 adults spend a whole day sifting thru a stench-filled truck-load, we stank, the shop stank & we had to pay to send over 95% of what they'd brought us to landfill. The little we could glean to sell also stank, so we politely declined any further 'help' from them. Here in Australia, we use eucalyptus oil for everything, but staph is a pretty resilient bug. Didn't Seinfeld say that smell never leaves?
It's an avalanche of used clothes of all sizes. Literally uncontained. There is no shortage. All clothing can be made bigger. It's tricky, but not at all impossible to learn to truly tailor your own clothes. As far as the quilted jacket thing, knowing the difference between a cheap Chinese knockoff, which have been around for 4 decades is a really good skill. Some quilt tops or quilts that are handmade are seriously damaged. Knowing the difference between upcycling and down cycling is important. I wouldn't destroy a true vintage quilt to make a jacket. But if damage or stains exist, I would ..
Very true! I want to show in the future how you may be able to make clothes bigger. For example, I have a skirt I want to make bigger (as I have a matching jacket that still fits).
When quilts are in a thrift store, it's the last chance before the land fill. Save them and do whatever you want to it. Larger people can't lay claim to the larger sizes in a thrift store just like I can't lay claim to the size 10 boots. Geesh people. Mind your own business and take a class on being happy with yourself.
Great video, thank you for the tips! I'm glad I found your channel, new subbie here. I also thrift and post videos. If you can please show some love back and lmk what you think. I'll appreciate the feedback!
What should I transform the purple blazer into? Let me know in a comment down below 👇🏻💜
this is a little late and you have probably already done something but something cropped could be cool.
That’s a really cool idea! I haven’t actually got around to make anything with it yet as no idea so far felt right.
If it is not too late for suggestions, maybe you could make this into a cape. I have a wool cape that I made from an old men's tweed jacket and it is super warm and easy to wear over bulky sweaters in the dead of winter.
@@MrsSoup-iu4pq Wow! I love this idea! I haven't actually made anything from it yet and your idea is definitely one of the few so far I want to explore further. Thank you! 🙏🏻💖
Probably way too late but perhaps either a cropped jacket, vest or a 50s ish style Cape.
Great tips. I'm going to Goodwill clearance bins tomorrow for the first time. I now realize i can look for zippers, cuffs, buttons. Not only fabrics and clothes .
Yay! I am happy to hear. 🤩I am planning to finally hit the bins later this month myself. Good luck!
As a plus size, I do find it hard to find my size sometimes and have seen many times smaller women pick them up for upcycling or for downsizing, however, they found the item first and so they have the choice to buy or not buy it for whatever use they want. I have also purchased smaller items for upcycling into a larger project so I feel it works both ways. There are so many clothes out in the world so I think we should use them however we want to keep them out of the landfills. As for quilts while I love the idea of preserving them, it really is up to the buyer to decide what purpose they have in mind for it, if you donated it then it's no longer yours to have a say in what happens to it.
same, most clothing goes to landfills anyways so if someone finds huge pants and upcycles them idc as long as they're not wasting the materials. TBH it's more fabric for your buck anyways! -a plus size person
I'll third that emotion. Buy what you want. Just use it if you buy it.
If a bigger girl like myself , has a hard time finding cute affordable clothing, like myself, its time to get creative, i have a bunch of cute clothes ive gained too much weight to wear, so its time to refasion those clothes gathering dust and webs, and make somethung even cuter for myself. So, big girls,, go find all those cute clothes that are too small, and make them into somethung cute that will fit. We big girls know theres plenty of smaller ladies clithes on those racks that WILL end up in that landfill. Lets get crafty. ❤
Sorry for all the typos, even my thumbs are too big for tiny phone keys. 😁
Yard for yard, the best prices on the highest quality fabrics are in thrift stores. No one should feel guilty about upcycling, repurposing, and parting out garments and other items when their next stop is the landfill.
If it's in a second hand shop it means it wasn't wanted or needed so if i like it I'm buying it. I'm not going to leave it on the off chance that someone else might. Regardless of what type of garment it is.
Please ignore those who criticize you. They are unhappy, unfulfilled people who probably don't upcycle AT ALL. You don't need to apologize for anything you do or say. You be you and ignore those who want to pull you down. Some plus size or tiny size people will find something negative to say no matter what you do. As far as quilt recycling...you go girl and enjoy what you make for us to watch.
I work at a thrift store and yes, we get tons of vintage quilts regularly. If it's something donated, i don't see why you can't repurpose it. If you buy it for your bed, or to wear... you're still saving it.
@@TheSuperMegaUltra and you are getting handmade vintage ones too? 😍 I guess I never see them because I bet they are popular? Thank you for sharing!
@@missmatti yep! We're actually the "clearance store" of our thrift stores. So we get everything that didn't sell from the others - vintage clothing, blankets (knitted and crocheted also), vinyl records...
My thoughts are sometimes these items get to us because they're overpriced at the regular stores.
As a new quilter, I definitely understand why a quilter would be upset about the quilted jackets. I don't use a sewing machine at all for my quilts so there's a lot of time and thought out into them. However, most people are not going to use an heirloom quilt to do such a thing and it should be left up to the owner.
As far as thrift stores, I love them for fabric. I bought a queen size Ralph Lauren flat sheet today in this lovely brown shades of paisley that I plan to use as the back of the quilt I am working on. It's amazingly soft and luxurious fabric so it was a wonderful find. I did get a couple of men's long sleeve flannels to make an up cycle tunic I saw on here. So much fun!
Once a long time ago I found 2 vintage quilts in a thrift store. I bought the 1 that was in the worse shape. There were 2 resins for that, 1. I liked the color of it, and 2. I could afford it. The 1 that was in better shape was almost a hundred dollars, the other 1 was $25.00. I bought the cheaper 1 and I spent several months repairing it. I'm very proud of the work I did on it and I like to think the lady who made it is happy too.
I love that you restored that thrifted vintage quilt! 😍
If it’s in a thrift store, the quilt or clothing is not wanted by someone who sent it to the store. In other words the objects in the stores were thrown out. That includes old books, which I like to buy. I have absolutely no problem buying items that are discarded by someone else. I also have no problems cutting or ripping it up either.
1. I find most women's garments are made from fabrics I don't like or wear. When I do find something in a fabric I like (and will wear) I buy it (if it is in good shape and in my size or larger).
2. I sent four old quilts to someone in Tennessee to up-cycle into fashion pins (to be sold to tourist). However, I will not make garments out of good, still usable quilts; or, quilts that should be saved to study and for History. I think it is wonderful to make quilted patchwork jackets out of new fabrics (because they will last longer and look better). I do buy 100% cotton garments to take apart and make new quilts out of. I will buy any size if I like and want the fabric.
3. I find the better fabrics to up-cycle is men's shirts; and, I have no problem in buying over sized men's shirts in pinks, lavenders, yellows, flowered prints, and other prints or colors that are usually used for women's and girls garments. Most of these shirts are usually still new; because, most men will not wear them.
I fully agree with all the points you made about quilts & quilt jackets! I could have gone on more about that but that might have to be another video. 😅
I volunteer at a thrift store and, at least in Israel, the plus size debate is unfounded. our chain of shops overflow with plus size women's garments (from people dying or losing weight) and yet I very rarely see any truly plus size shoppers picking them up. after a year or so, any garments not purchased get shipped to Africa the majority of which, from my understanding, end up in landfills there.
I also did pick up a quality vintage (commercial) quilt that passed through our shop and, while I love it and am using it as is, I'll admit that it came to me quite worn in the corners and an upcycle into a jacket next winter might be a great way to extend its life on this earth.
overall, these keyboard warriors policing the upcycle movement would help the world more by building something themselves rather than tearing others down.
Thank you for sharing your experience Lisette! ❤️ I would love to speak to local thrift stores and garment recyclers and hear their experience on this too.
I agree that we should lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. I have been listening to these opinions with as much empathy and open mind as possible.
At the same time I know that ~70% of donated garments in the US do not sell so I think efforts to save garments from landfill should be celebrated. I do not know if the issue (with plus size garments being upcycled) is actually that big. I think it might sometimes appear that a lot of people sew & upcycle online, but I do not actually know that many who do IRL (and I bet that I know more than most due to my profession).
Lisette is such a beautiful name!
There is a documentary about the shipping of waste clothing to Africa - It's called "Dead White Man's Clothes", by Australian Broadcasting Commision's Foreign Correspondent program. You may be able to find it on YT. Not all of it goes to landfill & that part causes all sorts of social issues on top of the pollution etc from the massive landfill component. It was interesting to watch.
Our thrift store always has a great shortage of larger items. We get plenty of small items donated, but they're usually filthy & in poor repair, unsaleable. Sometimes I'd take them home to wash & repair in hope of them getting sold, but all that happened was greedy volunteers gobbled up all my hard work instead of working as a team for the greater good of the poor. Unsaleable items get either cold to a rag-maker for pittance or (well-over 90%) charity shops have to pay to send them to landfill. However, my point was that smaller people still have the entire store to shop from & alter. What isn't used in an upcycle goes to landfill. Larger people in my experience have only 1 tiny rack of the store to share between all of their sizes & they create no waste as they use the whole garment.
You don't make the world a better place by calling people names - 'keyboard warriors' or raising genuine issues, or accusing them of 'policing the upcycle movement' when they wouldn't even be watching if they weren't part of that movement themselves. To use your own words, you "would help the world more by building something yourself rather than tearing others down" .
@@joannecarroll5504 well said. Ty!
Well said!
I’m also a size 2 and in Southern California. My local thrift shops have tons of L, XL, XXL sizes, so I have no concerns about buying large for upcycling. So many of the mature womenswear’s shops use vanity sizing where a 0 is more like a sz 6. It’s more challenging to find small sizes. Hey, it’s been donated. Big, small, modern, vintage. We are giving new wear to items that were relinquished. This attitude of “if you have it, you’re keeping me from having it (clothing, money etc)“ is foolish, self-limiting and is guaranteed to give you MORE lack in your life.
Having been a volunteer manager in a charity shop here in Australia I saw, sorted & graded what came in. 90% of donations are filthy or beyond repair & the charity has to pay to have them taken to landfill - what little remains is what goes on the shelves. I'm afraid, like everyone else, your perspective on size is tainted by your own (petite) size & the warped sizing game played by the fashion industry. To most of the world, a US size 0 actually IS a size 6 (UK, Aus, etc) when measured. Firstly, smaller sizes are not under-represented, however their donated quality is frequently v poor. The vast majority of those sizes are donated by very young women who buy low quality Fast Fashion & have never performed any maintenance on their garments. We are there to help the poor & what the young donate (those that don't fail on basic hygiene conditions) is usually in poor repair, e.g. many tiny wear holes in cheap fabric that is pilled, torn, laddered, overstretched, frayed, stained with ground-in make-up around the neck or yellowed armpits from deodorant, has broken zippers, missing pieces, elastic, buttons etc - in short, unsaleable & insulting - even to the poor. What is left is what you see on sale.
It's not about them thinking "you've got it so I want it". What you're not seeing is that being petite, you have the most amazing, wonderful luxury of being able to wear ANYTHING in the entire store; all these fabulous choices, from only slightly larger pieces cinched in with a belt - right up to the largest we have if it's altered well. We would ask however, that you use careful thought & kindness when shopping, because our curvier ladies need clothing too & they only have that 1 tiny little rack between all of their sizes. It's so incredibly sad when an unemployed person finally gets a job interview & they're so excited to dress for it & then you have to tell them that there's absolutely nothing left on the racks to fit them. We can't magically make more clothing - but you can shop with compassion for the people that the stores were created to help & with consideration for the planet. How does it help anyone, if half of every garment you buy goes to landfill? A larger lady could have worn the whole garment intact - with no waste.
Secondly, L & XL are NOT in fact, plus sizes - that's just the fashion industry playing their games again. XL in any high street brand translates only to a size 14, leaving a size L very far from being 'large'. So no, there isn't a whole lot more stuff for larger people than for the petite - it's the opposite, I'm afraid & if you can use quite literally EVERYTHING & you know that they can't - why would you take only what fits them instead of something else, if you could? Closer to your own size is more abundant, creates less waste & sounds a lot less selfish, doesn't it? The Australian Bureau of Statistics' recent figures state that the AVERAGE woman weighs 71.1kg (156.75lb) & she wears a size 14-16. Charity shops (& chain stores & department stores & most plus size brands) normally consider only size 18 & above to be a 'larger' size. Charity shops exist to help the poor - come & join us? Best wishes :)
I'm plus size, i have absolutely no problem with others buying plus sizes. Its not my business to tell others what to buy etc. After all its still upcycling. There are clever ways to make smaller clothes bigger, there needs to be videos on that😊
I agree on that we need more videos on how to make smaller clothes bigger! I have some pieces from my own wardrobe that I want to make bigger - when I finally get around to do it I promise I will film it!
I've seen some simple ways to expand shirts and pants. Add material to the side seams. Contrast/coordinate fabric to make it unique and show off your personality
underrated video. this was such a good place to start for me after being inspired by instagram DIY statement pieces. i wanna start upcycling some time this year or next year.
I think if the quilt is in the thriftstore somebofy wanted to get rid of it and doesn't care what will happen to it. This person most likely isn't the maker, but the maker gave the quilt away at one point, too.
If it's a true vintage quilt in good condition I also would hesitate and most likely not cut into it. But often times the transformed quilts already have some wear and tear (espacially the binding tend to get rough) and the pieces for the jacket fit in the good parts. Then I think it really is upcycling because you transform something unwanted and unused into something which can be out in the world again. I think, that is lovely.
While I find upcycle videos interesting, watch and marvel and the creativity, I find enough clothing at thrift stores that fits my style and style. That to me is the best deal of all. Regarding converting a quilt to clothing. Heck, I quilt, and I would have no problem with someone converting a quilt to a wearable item. The entire point of thrifting/upcycling is to take something that is unwanted, unused and repurposing it for its intended use or some other.
Oh for goodness sake, there are more horrible things going on in the world than cutting up old quilts. Animals and children being abused, wars with terrible death tolls and maimed human beings. If something has been sent to a thrift store then it is fair game. Many people buying quilts to upcycle will soon grow tired of this trend and the clothes will be returned to a thrift store, those with nothing else to worry about but quilts can buy these clothes and save them but they will probably use a sewing machine to make them into other quilts, quilts were originally made by hand from scraps, and were cotton with wool coats and old wool blankets as lining, are these purists using any polyester???
This was a very interesting and informative video. Some really good tips in this posting. Thank you, but watch out for the zip and button police watching you buying old garments to remove these items lol.
You are so pretty and I love your voice. It may be that you have recycled what you show in your video but I'm still going to give my thoughts on what you were asking to do with what you bought. The purple jacket is beautiful. I would cut-off the sleeves and take-it-in around the arm holes like a vest. Also, it would look cute with a narrow band the same material as the vest on the lower back with a buckle; not only to take it in at the waistline but to look more fashionable. The blue blouse - - I would change the buttons, shorten the sleeves and take pin tucks in the front down the blouse and cut-off any stains even if it means bringing the blouse up higher.
There is a similar issue with refinishing furniture as with quilts. Ppl feel upset to see an antique be painted. But most likely you are saving it from a landfill. A twin or a double quilt, ppl don’t really use those sizes anymore, if I had been the original maker I would want to see my piece used, not thrown away
I think the purple blazer would make a cute hand bag wuth a matching beret hat, any left overs could be used for making fabric roses / flowers to apply to other purses, bags blazers, dresses, hats. The blue paisley shirt would be cut made into a shorts and tank top summer pajamas set.
I am plus size, and honestly it doesn’t bother me to see upcycled garments made from something plus size for someone smaller. First comers get first choice and they have the right to do whatever they wish with their purchases. Same with quilts.
I have seen a handmade vintage quilt tuned into a dressing gown, but and it's a very big but, it was for theatre and the designer spent nearly £200 for the quilt at a house sale. The quilt was quite damaged and did not work as a quilt-so i see no problem with that.
I have been shopping in charity shops 9thrift stores) since 1976- I have NEVER seen a handmade quilt in a charity shop-so I think many of the complaints are not realistic.
When I shop in a charity shop I look purely at the fabric initially-only if the fabric is good quality and in good condition will I consider-I don't look at size or anything else. Good materials are quite rare ,actually so i wouldn't hold back because of the size.
Where I live we have a shop that sells simple halter neck maxidresses made form upcycled silk sari. It’s a must for summer, so fresh!!
As for courtains, please think that they are made to be furniture. It is better to upcycle them into something that doesn’t contact with your skin (like a jacket, or a skirt with lining)! And well… don’t forget that some courtains are very synthetic and so very flammable! Nowadays shops have (I hope) some restrictions about flammable furniture, but vintage ones…
Really looking forward to that jacket dress. I have an 80s jacket, that still fits me that would be great as a dress.
Ooh... I love it! 😍 I need to get my act together now and finish that blazer dress - really looking forward to wearing it myself!
I've occasionally bought garments I figured no non-sewer (seems to be about 95% of the population) would buy just to save them. Eg fixed the waist, donated to a shop that supports a women's shelter.
I agree with you, vintage quilts shoukd NOT be upcycled. They should be treasured and admired as they were made. A lot of work goes into them. They should be displayed as artwork.
Thanks for your upcycle tips. I love my sewing too.
I think that giant piece of fabric you found could be for an Indian Saree, which is usually about 5.5 meters or 6 yards long. I cant see the length of your piece of fabric, but it does have the appearance of a saree.
I think you're right as it's around that length plus the woven pattern makes me think of Indian fabrics. 🥰
@@missmatti Lots of those in the Vancouver region. One of so many reasons I'm glad to have moved here.
I would take off the sleeves and make a long vest without the belt or with, it would look lovely in that purple color.
The massive piece would make lovely scarves for your wearing.
Thanks for the video.
my mom made me a quilt a while ago. it is wearing out but i don't want to throw it away. so i am cutting it up to upcycle it so i can still have parts of it in my wardrobe.
@@dawnmelton3013 honestly I think that’s beautiful 🤩
sleeveless dress with the paisley print or if not enough material then a sleeveless shirt (also attach white or blue material (fringe on bottom) to make a dress.
That fabric turquoise and other colours is a Sari , part of a traditional Indian lady outfit . Often silk but maybe not as an Indian Ex-pat. Just found your channel Iam in Sydney AU Sally
As a "plus size" person I do find it hard to find my size. I have personally see two girls buy items that were way too large for them.
I was once plus size and I get it. I will frequently pass up clothing in larger sizes for that reason. However, just like when they run out of your size at the brick and mortar stores, there are no guarantees in thrifting, even at the smaller sizes.
The bins are amazing
Need to check them out more in 2023!
I'm a size 8-10au and for the most part i buy my size or clothing thats maybe up or down one size and adjust to fit me, i usually don't buy bigger than a 14 even when using fabrics from the clothes, unless there's something specific i want that i can only find in plus size etc. However I don't think it's wrong to buy plus size as a not plus sized person. Some people prefer oversized clothing so they may buy bigger clothes just for wearing as is, but even with upcycling as long as you're not going overboard, it's really no one elses concern what you are buying or why. Even for smaller sizes there aren't always options and with thrift stores it's going to be rare for every item you like to be in your exact size
For formal/ wedding dresses, at least where i live, there's often more larger sizes than smaller. If you find something you like and will wear even altered, buy it! Just because you leave it there doesn't mean someone who is that size is going to find it, and it may just get thrown away in the end.
I wear plus petite and I do find it hard to find clothes to fit. I have these two tips. 1. Develop a running wish list. That way when you go shopping, you have an idea what to look for. 2. I am lucky in that where I live I have a bunch of thrift stores to go to. I go about once per month. Keep your eyes and ears open for thrift stores you may not have heard of, or that are in the next town from where you live.
Great tips! I am also a big fan of the wishlist, and I definitely need to go thrift more regularly again.
My pov: It’s ok to upcycle old quilt.
Maybe too late for the purple blazer, but how about cropping it, then with the extra bottom fabric, cut out fringe pieces in various length. Then attach it to the bottom half of the blazer. OR you can do a half and half blazer: one side purple, the other side a fun color like lime green. I like the shoulder pad! I would keep those.
I'll buy whatever size I want for my project.
we always had a literal barrel with fabric in it. I make all sorts of patchwork, for all sorts of stuff. my grandmother was a seminole and I get that from her. Would I upcycle a vintage quilt? well we use them till they are no longer usable for what they were originally made for, so I do lap covers, chair covers, pillows, trim on clothes...whatever the size will allow. as long as it doesn't go in landfill..no problem. buying up lots and just making jackets out of them??? what is the xtra not used fabric go to...if they are thowing stuff away...they are on my sh***t list
I truly love your approach and wishes more people treated their textiles like you. Thank you for sharing! 🤩
I've been on both sides of the "buying larger sized clothes" . As a young Air Force airman's wife, I lived for $5 a bag day at Officers' Wives Thrift store. Stuff it with all the clothes you wanted. Each Plus-size pants made 2 pairs of pants for my baby. Same with shirts making 2 tops. As I aged, I got bigger. Then I did get frustrated by smaller gals grabbing the clothing I needed. The difference is, I waited until 3 p.m. to shop, figuring if it's still there nobody wanted it. Seems most of the younger generations don't care.
Thank you for sharing your different experiences! ❤️ I do think waiting is a good tactic as you will give people a chance to buy it but also if nobody wants it you make sure it doesn’t go to landfill.
Regarding using quilts for other purposes. I'm ok with it. Once an item belongs to you, it is yours to do with what you will. I have multiple times given a plant to a friend who ends up neglecting and letting it die. But once I've given them the plant, it's theirs. I can't take it against myself if they don't keep it alive. So, if someone sells or gives away something they've made, they have to let go of it. It's hard, i understand. By that's my opinion.
I do really like this comparison, thank you for sharing! 🌱
A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I found this truly god awful neon pink cotton fabric with children and blue giraffes on it. The copyright is from 1971, and was only $2 for the whole thing. We're going to turn it into slings for ski patrol patients
Concerning cutting vintage quilts, there is historical value in quilts, I would not do it. I do think that repurposing vintage linens and things which have personal connections, or are damaged is a great idea. Having grandma’s tablecloth as curtains or throw pillows is nicer to me then stored away and never used. Concerning cutting up larger sized clothing: generally clothing is donated in bags and boxes, there’s several items from the same home, (we aren’t talking about one of a kind quilts.) If someone is having a hard time finding clothing of a given size or style, shop around. I frequent different shops for different items. Think about the neighborhood and if you get nice stuff at one shop, note that, if you never find decent mens clothes, note that. If you are wanting vintage clothes maybe check out a neighborhood with elderly, if you want trendy teen clothes, look to family neighborhoods.This has worked for me and my friends for years.😊
Thank you! New subbie here
If something is for sale, it is for sale. First come, first served. People can't dictate who can buy what. If you are plus sized check the hopes more often.
The blue Jean paisley turn into a bustierre
That is a great idea! 😍
Buying second hand clothes has become a major trend in Copenhagen. If you go to the charity shops it's mostly fast fashion polyester tops or leftovers from an 80 year old smoker's wardrobe. All the vintage shops get to the good stuff before the normal people have a chance of getting a hold of it
😔 I’m so sorry to hear! I haven’t thrifted in Copenhagen in years. I still have some of my favorite thrifted pieces from there.
@@missmatti well, I guess it's getting new life and that's the point. So while it's frustrating, I can't be mad :)
@@ooppii1 Good point! It’s complex, but like you said if these sellers make sure they find a new home it’s a step in the right direction.
I’m currently in a dilemma about cutting up vintage tea towels and a tablecloth 🤷🏻♀️it is a tricky one
It truly is! ❤️ I don’t know where to draw the line. However, unless the items are very rare and unique I try to think: will I get more use out of the upcycled item or not?
@@missmatti yes!!! That’s my counter reasoning too 😊
I have mixed feelings about reusing quilts to make clothes. I think using a damaged quilt is a great way to recycle but I have never seen a vintage quilt at the thrift store. If it's in a thrift store, it's fair game because it's probably mass produced.
I have only ever seen mass-produced quilts at the thrift store myself. I suspect vintage handmade quilts are rare gems.
I purchase garments for fabric not for size! Most Garments garments in thrift stores no longer have a size label. Take a tape measure and know your measurements.
What gets on my nerves is resellers getting gorgeous vintage chenille bedspreads and then just cutting them up to sell pieces, so they can make more money. Personally I'm ok with the sewers / sellers who have turned them into bathrobes, because they are typically stunning ... if you can make something more amazing than the original, definitely do so !
It was totally the resellers that got me too re. quilt upcycling. I don’t mind an individual doing a quilt upcycle or like you say when they make something better than the original. But when you destroy a gorgeous quilt into crap products that’s when the line is crossed for me.
Unfortunately there is always a lot for people to be upset about.
💯 very true!
How do you get rid of that smell that lingers after washing clothes from some low end secondhand stores (even with vinegar rinse)? It’s probably from something they spray them with, I’m guessing. I’ve had to throw out items because I can’t get rid of it.
Oh yes I know the smell you are talking about! 🤢 It’s a tough smell to get out. I will do some research because I mainly tried to remove it with a vinegar rinse & airing the garment out. However, sometimes, like you, I’m out of luck.
Suavitel is great for freshening clothing odors. I’ve also learned that using inexpensive Pinesol does wonders too!
The smell you're referring to is just pure human microbiota - clean non-smelly skin cells & non-smelly sweat from apocrine glands mixed with staphylococci from the surface of the body & bingo - stinky human smell!. People are too lazy to wash dirty & worn clothing before donating, so they spray cheap nasty body spray (alcohol & artificial fragrance) & cram it all in a bag & it festers. You should smell it when we cut the bags open! Having worked in charity stores, there was no obligation to wash donations, so we took only clean donations. We never sprayed anything & I don't know anyone who would waste money doing that either - impo it's the combo of cheap dirty clothing & cheap nasty body spray. We took great pride in the cleanliness of our store & some of us even took things home to launder & return, in order to get a better sale price. We had to tell 1 group to stop delivering their excess donations to us because of that smell; after having 5 adults spend a whole day sifting thru a stench-filled truck-load, we stank, the shop stank & we had to pay to send over 95% of what they'd brought us to landfill. The little we could glean to sell also stank, so we politely declined any further 'help' from them. Here in Australia, we use eucalyptus oil for everything, but staph is a pretty resilient bug. Didn't Seinfeld say that smell never leaves?
Heads up, this video is just her face and voice the whole way through
It's an avalanche of used clothes of all sizes. Literally uncontained. There is no shortage. All clothing can be made bigger. It's tricky, but not at all impossible to learn to truly tailor your own clothes. As far as the quilted jacket thing, knowing the difference between a cheap Chinese knockoff, which have been around for 4 decades is a really good skill. Some quilt tops or quilts that are handmade are seriously damaged. Knowing the difference between upcycling and down cycling is important. I wouldn't destroy a true vintage quilt to make a jacket. But if damage or stains exist, I would ..
Very true! I want to show in the future how you may be able to make clothes bigger. For example, I have a skirt I want to make bigger (as I have a matching jacket that still fits).
When quilts are in a thrift store, it's the last chance before the land fill. Save them and do whatever you want to it. Larger people can't lay claim to the larger sizes in a thrift store just like I can't lay claim to the size 10 boots. Geesh people. Mind your own business and take a class on being happy with yourself.
Watched the Fons video...please don't cut up vintage, antique or any handmade quilts. PLEASE!
Great video, thank you for the tips! I'm glad I found your channel, new subbie here. I also thrift and post videos. If you can please show some love back and lmk what you think. I'll appreciate the feedback!
No I do not
SMH