My mail today was pretty exciting! I opened an advance copy of Altered Couture Magazine that contains my up-cycled top as a feature article! This Stampington magazine is ‘The Ultimate Guide for Artwear Enthusiasts” – which, I suppose I have become since this is my absolutely FAVORITE type of creative sewing.
The 2 piece knit top from the late 60’s was my late Mother’s, and the grey silk T belonged to my Dad. It turned into the perfect garment to wear to my daughter’s wedding – and, in a sentimental way, made me feel like Mom and Dad were there with our family to see her marry the man of her dreams – a true answer to prayer. I was touched when the magazine editor asked for a picture of my parents at their own wedding to include in the article.
I share much more about this creative process and the construction of this garment in my Blog Post HERE.
My Advice
SAVE SAVE SAVE garments, accessories, jewelry of those you love.
ORGANIZE by color.
COLLECT ideas. Pinterest is great for this. I actually print out pictures, categorize them, and put them on design boards for my own inspiration. These serve as ‘jumpstart’ ideas when I start. Below is the ‘collection’ and inspiration garment for this garment.
FILTER FILTER FILTER. If in doubt, leave it OUT. If it ‘jumps out’ as the light grey knit ‘yarn’ does in my collection, TAKE IT OUT. Just because you collect items together does not mean you have to use them all.
SUBMIT your work to appropriate publications. Be brave, and take the step. It really is a fun and exciting process.
More step-by- step HOw-To’s can be found in my pattern: Up-cycle Memento Tops. This LINK is to the PDF version which is perfect, as no pattern pieces are actually used in this ‘guide’.
Sew…now I have yet one more ‘publication’ to put in the box, but today – I’m proud to share. Pick up a copy when they hit the newsstands soon. I think you’ll be inspired by what you see. Extra Bonus: this type of sewing is a cure for fabricholics. Honestly, I rarely purchase new fabric yardage any longer. Hubby managed to wash and dry two skirts yesterday: one a wool sateen skirt and the other of a rayon suiting. Truth be told, I’d likely wear them as skirts only once or twice in the upcoming season. Instead, he escaped the ‘doghouse’ and I have two more ‘Up-Cycle Challenges’.
Sadly, Altered Couture ended with the Summer, 2018 issue.