I am a member of the Blueprint DIY Renegade Upcycle Challenge group. This month I created three pieces:
- The Puffed Sleeve Protest Jacket
- Adidas Football Jersey Skirt Set
- Urban Cowgirl Chaps
PUFFED SLEEVE PROTEST JACKET
The puffed sleeve is a big trend so I had to try it. It was fashioned from a thrifted jean jacket, three old pairs of jeans (two blue and one pink) and a Color of Change Until Justice is Real T-shirt that I got at AfroPunk. It was too small, but FREE. I loved the message and the design so I wanted to find a way to wear it.
The biggest challenge was making the fabric fit the pattern I created for the sleeve using the jeans. I didn’t want it to have a patchwork look so when I found the pink jeans in my stash I decided to “add a visual element”. That’s my way of saying, “I meant to do that“. When it was all done I liked the pink addition because it played off the design on the shirt. To me, the happy colors was another form of protest and was symbolic of the struggle. Each day is a struggle, but we still find happiness and light at the same time. I believe this is why you see so much style in depressed environments. It’s like the light you see at the end of a tunnel even when you are still far away from it. It gives you hope.
I also wanted to make the sleeve extra dramatic by making the puff abruptly change to a skinny cylinder at the bottom of my arm. That was inspired by my BBC period drama obsession and binge watching Bridgerton.
The T-shirt was added to the back panel of the jacket. There’s nothing new about process. It’s a standard upcycle move but it’s always fun to see with different fabric choices. I added a broken zipper from my son’s hoodie that he asked me to fix when he visited from college to frame the panel. I also used part of the zipper to trim the front pocket. It’s a small detail that you may not see unless you are looking close but I like little surprises like that.
Then I added my tag on the back because “I’m a brand“. Plus, I love this feature on my computerized sewing machine. I’m still learning to use it. I’m going to add a “signature” to all my designs now.
ADIDAS FOOTBALL JERSEY SKIRT SET
This project was pretty basic. I had a football jersey and some ribbed knit fabric. Angelina loves Adidas so this upcycle was inspired by her. I simply cut the jersey in half and added the knit fabric to the bottom of the top and what is now the skirt.
I altered the adidas tag on the jersey and concealed the size of the shirt because…well who what’s that. I turned the bottom half so the front became the back and the tag is featured on the back of the skirt.
Let’s be real. I made this but I had a younger person in mind as the model, but I don’t have a model yet and the show must go on. This design will definitely be for sale on ShopYGC.com very soon.
URBAN COWGIRL CHAPS
This was the most creative project I’ve done so far. When I came up with the idea I was excited because I haven’t seen anything like it. If you have, please keep it to yourself and don’t pop my bubble. This is my “statement piece”.
I’ve been looking at so many upcycle projects using neckties and many of them were carwash skirts. I wanted to do something thing different. I like fringes and I’m a city girl, so my project is a mash-up. I made the fringes from neckties. I found someone selling about 50 of her husbands old ties online and I was off to the races. I also used two pairs of jeans. One pair had a motorcycle/biker style and the other was a pair of “mom jeans” (check out my girl ShuYi’s mom jeans project). It seemed like a simple project in theory but this took a while to make.
Along with the chaps I created a belt that was fashioned like a big necktie. The belt is so big it can double as a belt of a scarf.
You can see more of my process in my exclusive members content.
This month was full of challenges and a true exercise in time management. You know the saying, April showers bring may flowers.
Peace,
Remnants Magazine 