Thursday 4 October 2012

Don't Buy - DIY!


Sorting through my winter wardrobe I noticed a distinct lack of tops with sleeves. I know I'm hardcore and generally exercise my right to bare arms but sometimes there's the odd day, like an early morning car boot sale for instance, when that extra layer makes all the difference.

I can close the wardrobe now!

A normal person might run to the shops to buy something new or even trawl eBay for a decent vintage alternative, but not a cheapskate like me who loathes spending money if there's a way of doing it for free.


I grabbed an old vest from my drawer, a vintage sewing pattern, a length of metallic 1960s braid,  some matching thread


and a moth-eaten Liberty shawl.


I followed the instructions for constructing the sleeve part of the pattern, trimmed it with the braid and attached it to the armholes of the vest.


Vest (50p, Sue Ryder), 1970s Liberty peacock shawl (20p, jumble sale), Braid (a large bag for 20p, car boot sale), Jiffy pattern (courtesy of Kitty)

At less than 75p it's cheaper than most chazzas and there's no chance I'll ever bump into anyone else wearing the same.


With this crazy gillet over the top I was toasty warm at this morning's car boot sale.



A gratuitous bling shot. No proper shops were entered to amass this collection.




 Whilst I was on a roll I sewed ribbon salvaged from old gifts to the waistbands of all my skirts so I can actually see what I've got when I open the wardrobe doors. 

Worn with a 1970s Mexican maxi (courtesy of La Dama) and platform ankle boots (£1, car boot sale)

No old vest is safe now!

See you soon.

Linking to the Ethical Fashion Bloggers October outfit challenge.

61 comments:

  1. Vix!
    Firstly, I LOVE your earrings!
    And that top is so gorgeous... you could say.... UNIQUE!! hehe!
    xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. Dearest Vix,
    Genius, that's a brilliant DIY and a great recycle of a moth-eaten shawl. I love Liberty's Hera print, I think it's got to be my favorite. I've been tie-dyeing Tees today and I'm about to attack them with some pyramid studs salvaged from a belt...DIY rocks :)
    You look lovely in your new top and that maxi is lush.
    Lot's of love,
    Jennie
    xXx

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love your vintage wardrobe! The furniture I mean! (The clothes are pretty cool too though)Is it the Walnut Cabinet Works? I have a very similar one...

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love the way you think round a situation or problem and you end up with something brilliant and unique! The top looks great teamed up with that skirt too.

    I always love your bling shots! your bangles and rings being a particular favourite.

    I did sort of guess that your Jon was into music but wasnt sure. Must be fun to have someone to seranade you! lol.


    P x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Now that is a handy DIY! You are a very clever lady x

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are such a creative clever chick! I love the new sleeves, what a great idea. And I always love to see you in that gorgeous maxi skirt from Dora.
    I think you might just be a genius, Vix, and if I could be arsed, I should copy you and sew ribbon in my skirt waistbands and hang them up properly too... I will, I will!
    Your wardrobe looks very neat and organised, I am so impressed.
    Looking forward to seeing the car booty, had quite a successful trip to Chesterfield this morning but I am bound to have spent loads more than you!
    You'll just have to yell at me in Wetherspoons if I'm still deaf...
    LOVE! Xxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. How amazing are those earrings!!! Secondly, I love this creative idea, and I love the groovy print on your new sleeves x

    ReplyDelete
  8. LOVING the DIY!! I would've thought the top came that way!!!
    your bling is awesome of course!
    hopefully you amassed loads of wonderful goodies at the boot sale!
    much love!

    ReplyDelete
  9. What an amazing job you did Vix and for no money at all as usual. Lovely Liberty shawl, a snip at 20p and with the ribbon trim you'd never know the sleeves didn't start life with the t-shirt. Wish I was as clever as you.
    x

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a wonderful idea ! I just wish that my sewing machine and I could get along a little bit better..
    The earings are soo fab !!
    By the way... I love you ;)

    ReplyDelete
  11. Totally agree with your commitment to non-retail and DIY. For me, there is nothing else, really. I received a department store gift card recently and gave it away as a gift to someone else. There's really nothing I want or need from there.

    Ah, the care and feeding of the wardrobe; don't you love it? Closets need tending and its an extremely gratifying feeling when you do. Your closet is so yummy!

    The outfit is fab and totally something I'd wear! Love your modification of that pattern and may have to find it. Great post as always! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm with ya sister! I have just been doing pretty much the same thing. I love a bit of DIY-ing, so much more satisfying than a trip to the HIgh Street!
    Em
    xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love this! I would never have thought of it!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ohhh I love, love this outfit, so something I would wear when channeling my inner boho. I would never of thought to add sleeves to my vest. I need to do this I have a bunch of plain coloured vests. Thanks or the inspiration. The skirt is wonderful and I'm swooning of course because of the green.

    Those earrings by the way are insanely awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love, love, love to see style bloggers' closets. Your DIYs are also fascinating. You and Project Minima are inspiring me to make something.

    I love your beautiful sleeves, and oh, the Arm Party is beyond fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Vix, I would love to have your talent for creating these fantastic pieces!
    Dx

    ReplyDelete
  17. That is awesome, I have won a dress on ebay a tad expensive at 9.99 but it is something I have been looking out for for over a year... but I actually wanted to attach some sleeves to it but I am dreading doing it. But reading your post and seeing how awesome yours looks am I going to have a go this weekend xx

    ReplyDelete
  18. Neat-oh! Love the choice of yellow and the shape of those sleeves.

    Loulou

    ReplyDelete
  19. Amen to that sister, and you look soooooooooooooooooo glorious.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

    ReplyDelete
  20. You never cease to amaze me with your talents!
    Sophie
    x

    ReplyDelete
  21. Oh now that IS clever. I thought you'd made a shrug to begin with but it makes a gorgeous top. Hope those bangles keep the bottom half of your arms warm though, still looks a bit chilly to me!

    (I have little idea about mobile phone technology either, I turned on the microphone by accident and it obviously didn't understand me!)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Those sleeves are ace, I love the flounces. Great make!

    ReplyDelete
  23. well done vix! and I love your hippy sign, have gotten one for my entrance, too :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  24. Great job. Lovely to see you wearing yellow too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. brilliant - as ever! I really love what you've done! You always sewing look easy - maybe I need to drink before I stitch to stop the stress. I love the peasant maxi - perfect for this time of year! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  26. Wacko,baby,that's a WINNER!
    Fantastic salvage of a gorgeous old shawl, and perfect for keeping the chills at bay!
    Funny, I'm always ripping sleeves off,rather than adding them! But I layer with cardis all the time...
    You are a STAR,my darling!
    Love Helga xxxXXXXxx

    ReplyDelete
  27. Very resourceful! I like the peacock feather pattern. Funny about you sewing those ribbons on your skirts as I'm always cutting them off! They always end up poking out when I'm wearing them and annoying me. Maybe I should have more patience!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Just goes to show you can always rustle something up when you need to. Who needs the high street? I did much the same thing when I needed to cover my arms for a March wedding x

    ReplyDelete
  29. Such a cool long-sleeved top! Your sewing patterns are a treasure (and the 20p Liberty shawl, too - moth-eaten or not). xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  30. So clever - I'd never have thought of it. You look amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Beautiful - I can't sew sonthat puts an end to that 1 - you'd think I would be able to having a gcse in textiles and my dad working in the textile industry - oops!!

    Sal xXx

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hey Vix! Wow, what a wonderful idea! Really great! I'd really love to try this! A stunning idea!

    ReplyDelete
  33. When does your book come out??? Seriously - this is such a simple idea, yet if I lived to be a thousand it would never occur to me! You look absolutely amazing - love your top and LOVE that gorgeous skirt! And the earrings. And rings. And everything. Love you more than your back door (RUDE!) Sarah xxx

    ReplyDelete
  34. just got back from ny and am catching up on my favorite blogs. you have been busy! love everything!

    i truly admire you and your thriftiness and style. you inspire me daily. xo janet

    ReplyDelete
  35. You genius! I love that photo of your earrings with your hair pulled back too. Wow.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is the best idea! How adorable is this plain vest when you add these butterfly sleeves with that gorgeous trim. I love this Vix! Those feather ear rings are beautiful too and I do miss those hands adorned with chunky gems!

    I wish I had finesse for sewing like you do. You got such killer style!

    Loveandmissyoubunches~
    Krista

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a great use of that gorgeous Liberty shawl. And with that print, of course there have to be flounces. I labor over sewing and am so impressed how you whip things up. Clever idea on the skirts. I think you've got the 'Indian mother' syndrome, too. Can't believe you dated Meera Syal's brother.
    Ha! I've got almost the same iron. Only the cord is wrapped in electrical tape to keep me from electrocuting myself!

    ReplyDelete
  38. I love that top, so bright and the colour looks amazing on you, fantastic earrings too. Would be perfect for this months outfit challenge at EFB ;) http://ethicalfashionbloggers.com/2012/10/03/outfit-challenge-eye-popping-brights/

    ReplyDelete
  39. Yeah!!DIY or DIE!! This is a great result and that liberty feather fabric is adding a precious glimpse to that ordinary vest!
    I have to do it to some of my old tops, the sleeves have a beautiful shape!!I love the whole outfit, that skirt from Dora and the wooden jewels you are wearing!
    I'm going to save my money so I can come to meet you one day!!
    Love!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. So clever!! And how amazing did it look, way amazing that how!! You are an inspiration ♥

    ReplyDelete
  41. your so nifty and thrifty!! love it!! x

    ReplyDelete
  42. Those earrings are literally amazing!!! I love them.

    Good idea to make sleeves for vests instead of bowing to the coller elements and running for the nearest jumper.

    L xx

    ReplyDelete
  43. How clever this is, it looks lovely xxx

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your top looks beautiful - love the Liberty fabric - what a clever idea. And your feather earrings, they are totally gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Damn those sleeves must feel sooooooo good to wear, especially with the gorgeous frill - that's a brilliant way to use a moth-eaten but beautiful Liberty scarf. I love the skirt from La Dama, SO gorgeous:)) xoxoxo

    ReplyDelete
  46. That peacock Liberty shawl was totally meant to be made into something special. Great DIY Vix xxx

    ReplyDelete
  47. You are a DIY genius - I see your own Youtube channel in your future where you instruct those of us who are helpless around a sewing machine. Your earrings are the bees knees!

    ReplyDelete
  48. hang loops on skirts keep them from getting all wrinkled and keep you from having to buy those skirt hangers that always break. Beautiful idea! I agree with Sarah Misfit: book please!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Wow and wow i love your idea of the vest and sleeves! so smart!
    I have to try this one day when i am better at the sewing machine, or maybe i can ask Izzy!

    Thank you for sharing with us your marvelous ideas!

    Ariane xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  50. Fabulosity here, with no fear! I luv the sleeve action you created for your plain ole top. And the added ribbon takes the cake. You are absolutely right, if you don't have it - make it. It'll always be better than buying it. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Gorgeous! I love this idea for adding sleeves to something. It turned out wonderfully!

    ReplyDelete
  52. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Excellent job! Also, what a brilliant idea using the ribbons on the skirts. I have some great skirts that often get lost in the closet. This should help out a great deal :)

    ReplyDelete
  54. Fantastic top! What a good idea.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love the patterns on your skirt and sleeves Vix, the colours are beautiful and I love seeing in your wardrobe too. You're such a clever cookie when it comes to making things and it all seems so effortless, I'd still be there cursing and swearing two weeks later trying to do something like that. Great dangly earrings too! xx

    ReplyDelete
  56. I wish I was that creative. :)
    Looks wonderfull.
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wow you were on a roll! You must be tough in the cold weather, unreal!!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Very cool DIY!
    I love your "New top"
    I so badly want a wardrobe to hold my vintage dresses. I can't wait to move to a bigger place. A wardrobe will be on the top of my to buy list.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix