DIY Thrift Flip
From this:
To this:
In honor of Fashion Revolution Day, I have completed my first “DIY Thrift Flip” I’ve seen so many YouTube videos of people re-purposing thrift clothes and I finally gave it a try. I originally planned on taking an old hoodie or sweater and cropping it then using the bottom half as a skirt. This was a popular trend in 2017 (see Figure 1). I was then going to add embellishments like lacing the side of the skirt and top (see Figure 2). However, I couldn’t find any suitable hoodies.
Figure 1
Figure 2
However, I did find this really trendy Gingham fabric, along with an apron, at a thrift store here in Richmond called Fantastic Thrift! (see figure 3). I instantly new what I was going to make: a two-piece set. The only problem was I couldn’t, not then and still not now, so I had to get creative. For the top, I figured I could make a halter top that has a tie back. For the bottom, I decided that I could lace up the sides using the apron as a background. I knew I was going to use the apron for accessorizing the pieces.
Figure 3
So to begin the top, I laid out with tape how I wanted it to be shaped (see figure 4), then I cut that out (see figure 5). After that I folded the half that was cut (see figure 6) and did the same to the other side and that got the body of my shirt (see figure 7). So from there, I tied the back (See figure 8) and added string from apron and made a halter top , tying the end strings to the loops on the shirt (see figure 9). Then my top was complete! (See figure 10).
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Figure 10
As for the bottom, I started by tracing and cutting out the front and back pieces using a mini skirt I have (see figure 11). This is when the hard part came in. I struggled for a few days figuring out how I was going to lace and still fit in the garment, because I realized what I originally thought of involved sewing. So, I changed courses again and ended up lacing one side without fabric behind it (see figure 12). I struggled for a couple days, running out of tools and making rookie mistakes. I eventually got around to finishing the second side and this time with fabric behind it (see figure 13), but I used the gingham fabric instead of the apron and added a ruffled belt. (see figure 14).
Figure 11
Figure 12
Figure 13
Figure 14
Lastly, I glued on some broken buttons back on that was it! It was a long and stressful process, but I feel accomplished!
