Project Repurpose Runway

When we got back from California, I was ready to rest. Lots of sewing and then intense family fun and travel wore me out. Then I got home. Christmas fabric staring at me, it was t minus 3 weeks until Thanksgiving, and, most importantly, Helena had nothing to wear with her black patent boots. Meg called and said, "So, what is she gonna wear with these boots you wanted me to buy? She has nothing winter-y." Grandma fail.

I immediately went to work. Years ago, Meg had given me a couple of wool skirts that I just loved. I even wore them a few times, but recently they became a little, um, snug. I'm not sure what causes that sort of mass shrinkage of everything in the closet, but I decided to make lemonade. I cut one skirt down to make a pixie sized one for Helena. I loved the winter white and the subtle roses on it. Banana Republic would be proud. I found a tutorial online that I loosely followed, but can't find it again for the life of me. Should've pinned it because I'd like to give credit for the inspiration.

Lovin' that pleat!

Next, houndstooth. I love it. Yeeeears ago, when Steve and Barry's was still around, I got this great coat. I loved it and it was only $10! Sadly, the same shrinkage occurred with it. I had gotten a ton of wear out of it, but couldn't bear to throw it out with the last purge. Nothing cuter than a houndstooth jumper with black patent boots, agree? I found some velvet I had hoarded and there you have it. 

photo from threewishesstyle.com 

Needs some pressing, but you get the idea.

Outfit #3 was also an old skirt Meg had given me. I had gotten some winter white knit to do a top for Helena, but decided it would be better used as leggings. I used some vintage buttons from my bottomless button jar to finish it out. 

The only thing I had to buy was a zipper, I was fresh out of black ones.  Using repurposed clothes, fabric out of my stash and old buttons, I was able to make 3 lined outfits. Not bad for a day's work.

And one more, with the boots.