The Art of Upcycling: Transforming Thrifted Finds into Fashion

Starting with Color Inspiration

Color is the beginning of all my upcycle projects! I sort and collect by color. I'm grateful for the color and design training I received as part of my college degree at the University of Illinois. This training gave me an increased sense of how value (lightness or darkness) and intensity (brightness or dullness) need to complement the God-given coloration of the person who will wear it.

While I certainly try my best to design for all looks and colorations in my Londa Original Collection, I must admit that I'm easily swayed toward softer tonalities. This is quite evident in this mix. It's no surprise that I decided the first garment—a sweater combo of these—would end up in my closet!

Analyzing My Thrift Store Finds

1. The Calvin Klein sleeveless shell is 'my brown'—a brown with some pink tossed in, yielding a great taupe. I knew from the start that since this is a short, small, sleeveless top, I'd have to be very careful as I designed utilizing this fabric.

2. I loved the rolled collar on the tan bulky knit cotton sweater, as seen in Image 2. This sweater is more of a taupey tan rather than a yellowy tan.

3. The majestic eagle woven into the front of this sweater! That eagle ends up on the back of my creation.

   
   

Every Sewing Studio Needs an Assistant

And here's my furry friend: Musty. He's 2 and quite the long-haired snowshoe Tuxedo good-looking guy! His favorite place is the Sewing Studio—even when there are students. Generally, his help is appreciated, but there are times...

Sketch & Define Your Design Ideas

Sketching with a pencil and utilizing colored pencils helps me visualize placement and proportion. As I designed, I focused on the proportions of the division of space to ensure it would be attractive on the body. I dislike designs with a strong 1/2...1/2 division, as it simply does not adhere to good design principles.

On the front, I'm aiming for a 1/3 at the top and 2/3 at the bottom, and vice versa on the back—largely due to making use of that woven eagle for the back.

Listen In to My Considerations, Plans, and Order of Execution

Below is a lengthy 5-minute unedited recording of my thoughts, including stitching execution and bulk concerns. Deciding to utilize the very lightweight dark taupe knit shell as a collar and binding was a challenge given the bulk of the tan cotton sweater. You'll also hear my thoughts on whether the entire sweater should be single-layer or double-layer in places, along with my utilization of the finished edges of the dark taupe shell's neckline, lower ribbing, and armhole ribbing. I think you'll find my 'thinking' quite interesting.

All Ideas Do Not Have to Be Original

Here’s a quick video sharing how my collection of printed and organized ideas from internet screenshots helps inspire garment component placement.

Construction Specifics

The dark taupe Calvin Klein shell was so lightweight that I utilized double or 'French' bindings in places. Since there was such a limited amount of this fabric, I didn't want any especially important pieces to get misplaced, so I came up with this idea...

As I shared at the end of the above video, I find that as I have ideas or make decisions, I need to write them down. Otherwise, I likely will forget!

There is also a backside to design and construction. The decision regarding single or double layer was one I struggled with at this stage. After all, I am not using a 'pattern' per se; rather, the aqua sweater itself was the 'pattern.'

As mentioned earlier, the bulk was an issue. A double layer of sweater would be very warm. So, while I ultimately went with a single layer, I still utilized the aqua sweater as the 'pattern.' This necessitated careful cutting from the backside, ensuring I could serge off those interior edges. This was nerve-wracking and not fun. I engaged the differential feed on my serger to avoid stretching out the edges. More on that in the videos below.

Neckline Stabilization: An Important Step

Here is the thread I use (in the needle ONLY) very often when doing finishing 'top work.' Whenever I need to 'tack' something down, this is the thread I use. However, I do NOT construct with this thread; I use a good polyester brand instead for construction.

Be the Boss When You Sew!

The video below reveals 'real-world' sewing experience—especially with knits and upcycle sewing! If you are obsessive/compulsive, this kind of sewing likely will not be your favorite. Free spirit that I am, I love upcycle sewing!

Here is that really thin, yet stable Stay Tape I love.

Another Hint: Experience Talking

Summary: Use a notebook for all your notes rather than slips of paper.

Fitting Your Upcycled Garment

I fitted this sweater upcycle on myself, tweaking the side seam fit—especially at the armhole. I spent too much time measuring and thinking about the armholes on this project. In the end, knit fabrics—especially sweaters—pretty much just 'work out.' At least that's my experience.

More Nitty Gritty

The Final Result

I have other 'stories' of upcycle sewing on my YouTube channel that you might want to view if you feel pulled to this kind of sewing. Here's a link to that Playlist: YouTube Playlist.

For me, it's absolute fun, and following a pattern using uncut yardage is boring. With the closure of JoAnn Fabrics across the country, consider yourself very lucky if you can find and 'feel' any nice fashion fabrics. Instead, I find that my local thrift stores are full of fabric and great buttons. Larger sizes, and even men's garments yield more fabric, so I start there.

Give it a try... you just might like it. Or love it, as I do.

I Had Ample Scraps

Though I did have to add a dark grey double kit (which was a fur-collared lightweight coat).

After three full days of designing and stitching, this vest was created. Be sure to note the execution of the idea I had entertained of utilizing the lower aqua sweater ribbing around the armholes! Take a tour with me. This one will be available in one of my 'DROPS' in January or Feb 2026. This is a OOAK only ever (one-of-a-kind), and a LARGE - without much fit at all! FREE USA Shipping too! When it drops, it will be in the Londa Original Category HERE.