As you may know, I love to sew. I try to be a "green" consumer when it comes to groceries and the like, but the fabric store holds a dilemma. It is my major weakness, and Lance would be the first to agree. I can "Save the Planet" all day long, but when it comes to the fabric I need for my projects, I hit a wall. I have many other thrifted ideas in mind, but was extremely excited when I popped this beauty out. I am calling this new venture Thrift-Spinner.
The idea was born last week during one of my sleepless nights and I could not wait for the sun to rise so I could put it into action! Finding inspiration from thrifted goods is not new, but creating something that people actually want can be a challenge. So, last Friday Roxie and I hit up a few of our local thrift shops and bought the old prom dresses that no sixteen year old would possibly want. You know the kind, 80's puffy sleeves and shoulder pads. I took them home and started cutting. A practice run was in order before getting serious about my Etsy shop items. Roxie was thrilled, a new Jasmine costume was top of her list and I was happy to oblige. (she is so "princess stage" right now) For my Etsy shop, I will focus on dress-up gear for both boys and girls. Masks, tutus and capes. Eventually I will incorporate more elaborate designs, but for my time spent to actually pay off, I need to keep it simple.
And, much to my delight, after sharing the idea I already have people offering up old bride's maid dresses, thanks Lisa!
If you think the Jasmine costume looks a little big, it is. I made it a size five for long wear. Roxie is so happy with it, that last night when I told her to get her jammies on, she told me, "But I don't want to! Mom, you need to sew another costume just like this one, but with jammie stuff!" Made me smile, she has such confidence in my ability. Couldn't ask for more from your daughter. I hope to be a good example when it comes to thinking outside the box.
So there you have it. I am your Craft-Crazy Thrift-Spinner. Now, where is my seam ripper, I have work to do.
(This Jasmine costume was made from three different thrifted dresses)
Side note: Blogger is blogging me out these days! I have tried uploading these pix every hour and keep hitting errors. Six hours later, I can finally post -without all the pix I wanted to share though. (check my flickr for more pix on Thrift-Spinner) Arg! Darn that Blogger sometimes!
3 comments:
I think you're onto something big! There's a ton of material in those old prom dresses. My daughter was very princessy at that age also and loved dressup clothes.
Now, ironically, we are at the other end of the growing up spectrum - she needs a dress for her own prom coming up in June. I don't want to spend a ton of money but don't have the skill to whip one up on my sewing machine (like I did for my own prom back in 19....nevermind - too long ago!)
I have a feeling she and I may lock horns over this one.
Hazelnut
Oh hey cool!!!!! I bet you could get some mileage out of old lingere too. I'm saving for a Spring yardsale and will gift you ones I think you can use. I'm hoping for early April to clear out clutter.
And yep, pop a beer. I can't wait to tell you the story when I can. There is much more at stake then a bill and such.....but I'll wait until it pans out. Shannon
Awesome Shannon -Thank you!
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