Tag: Upcycling

Hand Sewing · Upcycling

Japanese Twist

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This was an easy upcycle that I decided to apply to my denim jacket. I acquired this jacket from a friend via a clothes swap and the fabric print of Mount Fuji came from a table runner found in my in-laws flat when it was cleared out after my mother-in-law passed away and we sold the flat on.

The print was part of a multiple set all with a white border surround, which made the picture really easy to cut out.

I applied the the cut out fabric to a piece of double sided iron on fusible web, which I then positioned and applied to the jacket back.

I stitched the appliqued fabric to the jacket by hand using a large zig zag stitch.

I like that the edges are fraying slightly as it reminds me of when punks used to DIY their denim with cut out bits and safety pins in the 1970’s and 80’s.

Close up of the hand stitched edge. I used the thread double for extra strength and you may be able to see that I used a varigated colour thread for a softer appearance.
Autumn Influences – DIY Upcycled Wine Bottle Gift Bag
Hand Sewing · Refashion · Upcycling

Autumn Influences – DIY Upcycled Wine Bottle Gift Bag

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WP_20160830_14_37_27_ProOne of the first jobs I did after becoming self-employed was taking up some curtains for a friend. He had just moved into a cottage with low ceilings and quite a lot had to come off as the hems would’ve been too heavy left uncut.

I was given the left over fabric and have had it for a little while. I decided instead of giving him a birthday present in a normal paper bag I would make him one out of the off cuts and he could either use it again or use it as a decorative cover for a bottle at home. (He loved it & the contents!)

I love the colours, there is something subtly Scottish about it, the purples and greens are shades of the moors. I had some small pieces of chocolate-brown silk lining which I used to give it a great luxury feel!

Wine Bottle Cover

With September upon us I fancied making another one and pimping it up with a bit of applique and hand embroidery. I have just started using Fern stitch on the swirls and later I will fill in the gaps with various flower designs.