Thursday, 3 March 2011

Re-cycle, Re-fashion, Re-use



Day three of the challenge to wear something refashioned or handmade throughout the month of March continues.

 

I made this skirt from a pair of 1960's Terence Conran screen print curtains I bought at a jumble sale for 20p ages ago. I even salvaged the offcuts to reuse in my patchworked dining room curtains. The dressmaking pattern is by Simplicity from 1970. It's so straightforward I've made three up in varying lengths and fabrics.



Can you spot the leftover Conran fabric?



I usually save this skirt for summer but with some woollen tights and a vintage slip I can withstand the icy March breeze.




Handmade skirt worn with: 1960's Jeff Banks W1 blouse (car boot sale 50p), vintage Lady Eleanor nylon slip (Salvation Army 50p), Leather clogs (TopShop sale £5)

What with the three jumble sales, wonderful blogger parcels and charity shopping last week I've had an almighty clearout this morning and donated a heap of stuff to the Salvation Army to make room for it all. I hope that the volunteer who sorts it out doesn't look at it, think of me and put it all on one side when I call in tomorrow.

66 comments:

  1. Adore that skirt! I wish I could sew. Altho I'd forever be running things up. My wardrobes fit to burst as it is! I may follow your example and have a clear out x

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  2. I love this skirt Vix, so colourful and it looks perfect with the blouse. The button detailing is lovely.

    When I donate I try to avoid the charity shop for as long as possible, because once I went in and saw some shoes I had previously donated and had to resist buying them back! xxx

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  3. hehe,i have been to charity shops and been tempted to buy back things i have donated :S
    i love the skirt, and the curtains are just wonderful. even though i have probably said that before ;) Xx

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  4. I'm laughing at that last paragraph, it's sure to happen! :)

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  5. That fabric looks like it was born to be a skirt!

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  6. I buy back stuff I've donated too! (embarassed).

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  7. The skirt with the peasant top is beautiful! I really wish I could sew, unfortunatley I've always been utterly terrible at it and there is no way I should be spending my pennies on a sewing machine!

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  8. Haha, I would chuckle if that did happen - they seem to know your taste well!

    The skirt is really lovely. Probably a silly question here but is it the pattern of the fabric that has created the diagonal effect or is that how you've put it together?

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  9. whatever next Vixcita?
    how fabulosa you and your sewing skills amor.
    I am in love with the fabric..so whimsical.
    you look like a Mexican Dama in your peasant cute top.

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  10. You're so clever! I'm already loving your Me Made March posts. X

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  11. Oh wow, amazing print and skirt - well done you talented lady! Am still loving that Jeff Banks blouse - yum! xx

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  12. Hi my dear-such a stunning skirt, the print and cut is fantastic, I really love this indeed!! Heehee, that so made me laugh about your clear-out, the volunteer may be so chuffed to think they've done you a massive favour!!! xxx

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  13. Lovely colour combination and the gipsy blouse is so romantic

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  14. You just know you'll end up buying something back - I've done it by accident before!!

    Love the patchwork curtains - just stunning.

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  15. Heh, definitely going to have to let someone down gently when they think they're doing you a big favour! Very lovely skirt, especially with the sexy senorita side pony-tail look.

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  16. That skirt is beautiful. If I made that it would be covered in wonky hem lines and unfinished threads. It's excellent.

    Love your curtains! That photo reminded me of a favourite image in one of my Jackie annuals - I so wanted to have a girly beautiful boho bedroom.

    I ended up with a brown one *sigh*

    AX

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  17. I love wench tops! Your one looks very spanish! That is a lovely high waist skirt you have made! I love the colourful, fun pattern on the material. You are like a wizard (or should I say witch) with your sewing machine. You are so very talented!
    Hahaha!!! Please let us know if the charity shop worker does that! It would be hilarious! xxx

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  18. That skirt is so nice ,I really chuckled when I read what you said about the girl in the charity shop saving it all for you LOL ! ....love Jan xx

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  19. Gorgeous skirt for a gorgeous lady! xxx

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  20. That would be freakin' hilarious!!!
    I adore that skirt,the shape is divine and the print just wonderful! Made and revamped!! Yay! We are both SUCH smarty pants!!!
    LOVE you!! XXXxxxXXXxxxXXX Helga!

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  21. Is the leftover pattern in the lower right corner of ur curtain?

    Love the skirt and liked it better with the off-shoulder white top. u look very chic and stylish in that combination.

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  22. Gorgeous skirt, especially with the off the shoulder number.

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  23. Good luck with getting the Glamour mag. Did you have your curry for tea???
    xx

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  24. Haha, you have to let us know if that happens at the Salvation Army! Loving your skirt, great colours! :)

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  25. Amazing! I love the colour of your blouse, too x

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  26. I really look forward to your posts andd fabulous finds! Due to frugalness I am only indulging in Charity shop window shopping..... sniff


    Keep up the hard work!



    Eeek
    xxx

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  27. ha ha ha that would be so funny if they saved it all for you! Wow on the skirt, so fab. mmmm I really must get on with sewing again!

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  28. Is there anything in the world you cannot make clothes out of? YOu amaze me :)

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  29. The skirt is gorgeous. Love the vivid coloured fabric. I think it's so great you've got such a close relations wth local charity shops, that they know to put great stuff aside for you.

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  30. You know, it wouldn't suprise me if they did put it aside for you!
    Great skirt, and I love the blouses. I will try and join in with Me Made March as soon as possible x

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  31. The skirt with the burgundy shirt is very Mod-Squad and with the white blouse very Andalucia!
    Your dinning room is so wonderful! The chandelier, the curtains, the chair and the table give the area this world travel and exotic mix of culture, ambience.

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  32. These curtains just screamed SKIRT. Wonderful DIY, Vix! I've got an old DIY book from the 70s, too; it's genius - really easy to follow and great ideas. xxx

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  33. Haha your last paragraph really tickled me. And you're very clever, sewing your own clothes. That's not something I've really tackled yet x

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  34. Abso-lute-ly Marvelous! I love the colors, and the fit is just right.

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  35. FANTASTIC SKIRT, WHAT A GREAT RECYCLED IDE! tHE WHITE BLOUSE IS BLOODY LOVELY TOO!

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  36. I love the skirt, what nice colors.

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  37. I was sitting on the tube today and there was a lady sitting opposite with a patchwork bag, and I thought of you and your challenge! Another ting I am inspired to make xx

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  38. Great skirt. Your such a clever soul!

    X x

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  39. Dearest Vix, haha! I hope you don't find it all saved for you either! I don't know how you keep on top of it all. It's taken me nearly an hour to put my clothes away today as I dump them all over the place.

    The print on your skirt is fabulous. You are very clever. And you know I LOVE your curtains. They are amazing. Love you xx

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  40. such a great idea to improve a pretty fabric and love what you've made with it!, it's a lovely skirt, colorful and hippie-chic!
    besos

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  41. The idea of your lovely ladies at the Salvation Army Charity shop putting away all your things for you brought a smile to my face:D . Me thinks you are generally too modest about your sewing skills, those skirts are amazing, beautifully made and with an authentic choice of fabric too - I love them. xxx

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  42. love the skirt.. pattern and style and length!!.
    gorgeous!

    id love to be able to make my own clothes i just cant follow patterns..

    whenever i donate clothes to the charity shop i always end up liking them when they are hung up and somtimes nearly go to try them on until i realise i actually gave it away durr!!!

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  43. That might be my fave skirt EVER. The fabric is just amazing an dthe pattern is perfect - you look EXQUISITE Vix!

    My housemates have been known to come home with things they found for me at the op shop... things I had donated the week before!

    Sarah xxx

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  44. Haha, wouldn't that be funny! I almost hope they do. I just showed Mr D your curtains and he was very impressed xx

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  45. That fabric is amazing! And I adore what you've done with it. Good of you to save the scraps for the curtains...the ladies of poorer times would be proud!!!

    I think I need a clear-out too, some of my coats have spewed onto go on Haydens rack, which he's not too pleased about!

    Xox Claire

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  46. No...I couldn't locate the fabric in the curtains (which you know I go crazy about every time you post them)!

    The skirt is amazing. I wonder, "Is it heavy?"

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  47. Vixen--I love the cut of this skirt and the way that you style it for summer! Your last comment made me think of the times that I've come across items I've donated back...and nearly purchased a second time. The foibles of thrifters.

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  48. this skirt is so amazing! love it's pefect fitting high waist line. well done.

    http://www.wardrobexperience.blogspot.com

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  49. Great skirt! I love the print on it.

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  50. Your blog is amazing, I love your life style, we have similiar tastes, love your all clothing :)

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  51. Hi there, thank you so much for your lovely comment, it makes me smile :) Your blog is awsome and I found it on Sharon Rose's great blog, will go on reading it! Love your blouse with the many buttons, really awsome!

    xx viviane
    hippiebohoreloaded

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  52. I think the last paragraph might be true! Just stay strong and try not to buy it back. Love how creative and colourful you are. First time I've read this blog and I will definately be coming back!x

    http://millyfellintothewardrobe.blogspot.com/

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  53. Vix I get torn between missing your posts due to being busy and loving a catch up. What excitement in the month of March. You made in March is wonderful. I love your rant - I probably fall in to the same category except I can't down a pint as I'm a real lightweight.

    I've never been conventional although I think I look it but you can never judge a book by its cover.

    Your finds are wonderful and I'm getting a dress off Margaret for 2 forthcoming parties so I'm supporting her new business venture and making do!! xx

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  54. Love the skirt... And the curtains...
    I am having my Garage sale tomorrow and could not help thinking of you. Hope you have a wonderful weekend...

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  55. Hahahaha - I'll bet they'll be thinking "oh this will be perfect for the lovely Vix"! Isn't it exciting to replace the "old" with the "new"? I get so excited unpacking newly-discovered purchases, trying them on and imagining who last wore them:)). That skirt is to utterly die for - you and purple are clearly the best of friends - you look so gorgeous!! Thanks so much for your lovely message about the car - it's true, a new or small car would have been far worse off!:))). xoxoxoxox

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  56. Well done! I love the print of the skirt!

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  57. Fantastic! I am in awe of your talent, Vix, it's incredible xxx

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  58. Great skirt! Love the cream top too and the tropical themed deck x

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  59. Ah, that shade of pink is great on you. So hard to find the right shade with pale colouring but this is fab. xx

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  60. I have to say i adore your patchwork curtains did you say you had made them yourself? and look at your chandelier ;-)) I love the skirt to you have a beautiful figure and it fits you so nicely, and that colour and pattern you just have to love the 70's ;-)) dee x

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  61. Brilliant! I love the pattern of this skirt; much too fabulous to be kept indoors!!
    I have a little 50's dress that someone has made from curtains, the tacking stitches and all still left in. I imagine that a girl made it in a panic to meet a new beau, although I may just gave a slightly over active imagination. ;)
    x

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  62. hahahahahaha!! that's funny if they had put it aside for you!
    ...I've actually reached for things that I have donated...!!

    That skirt is gorgeous and you are gorgeous! A skirt for all seasons.

    Your house is seriously a wondrous abode.

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Lots of love, Vix