Reconstructed Clothing's topics - tribe.net

How do I do this? rad t-shirt recon

0risha — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:43:59 GMT

Looked online and in my Generation T book, and I can't find tutorials on how to do this:

http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d30/0risha/n716361943_1869741_566.jpg

Don'tcha just love it? ^_^ Any help would be greatly appreciated. =))))

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 22 replies

want some black leather?

lilikoi — Sun, 13 May 2007 22:08:42 GMT

i was given a huge bag of leather scraps, mostly black. i have more than i need, and am willing to share. i've been working on a few little projects here and there, but would love to get together with some other clever peoples and do some crafting together.

anyone want to come pick up some leather scraps (as many as you want) and share inspiration on playa projects? i have a leather holepunch, leather needles, contact cement, and also some random scraps of fur.

if you're interested in fashioning together, send me a tribe message. i live in SF.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 9 replies

Dyeing tips and tricks

Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:20:58 GMT

Hello all, just joined this tribe! I'm a professional fabric dyer and would love to offer any advice that involves dyeing fabrics/clothings/trims/etc.
I've been doing it for 17+years in NYC.

ask away!
:-)
miyong

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 156 replies

what should be done with this Lycra Tube skirt...keep it as it is or Deconstruct it..?

karina — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:43:22 GMT

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/p45/Picture14.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/p45/Picture11.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/p45/Picture13.jpg
Its Slate Grey in colour //extremly Tight but very very stretchy which allows one to walk in it...its been in our attic for 7 yrs would like a few suggestions of what you would do..keep it as it is or deconstruct it..?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

so right about that time when my jeans are fitting right

Sinus — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:27:02 GMT

They get a crease in them that turns into a rip with the fibers ( blue fibers) just giving up the ghost.

Then when I try to patch it the adjacent material fails where I stitch the patch in and I get a new rip for my troubles

Is there a solution?
Maybe Gap jeans are just shitty. I don't recall having this problem years ago ( before The Gap existed).

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

White Linnen Dress - dying antique white...

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:32:41 GMT

I have a beautiful White Linnen Dress that sadly, has turned a yellowish hue in some areas. I love the dress, so I am trying to save it before I say goodbye....

I read somewhere that dyeing it an antique white hue would work... but I am concerned the dye won't take evenly. I live in nyc, and don't have access to a washing machine...

I was plannig to use RIT, but wondered if anyone knew of another type of dye or technique I could try...

ALSO - I thought grey would be nice, but wonder if the yellowish areas would not take as well...

Kristin

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

silk? or something else...

isis — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 16:42:09 GMT

HI, i'm wondering if theres anything you can tell me in knowing how to tell if something is genuine silk. I bought a scarf the other day, it's a batik, but with no label on. it looks and feels like silk, but i know there can be many artificial silks out there. i bought it in a charity shop. i'm new to this reconstructed clothing thing, and planning on using as many a wide variety of cloth i can.

thanks.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Hey Mod - Spam Attack

misscheeky — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:28:46 GMT

I just flagged 7 messages that spammed the tribe. You might want to delete them.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Set your brain on FIRE with Flaming Lotus Girl hotties

BarbieSkinner — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 20:27:22 GMT

Flaming Lotus Girls Summer 2009 party: THIS IS YOUR BRAIN...ON FIRE!
Let the Flaming Lotus Girls stimulate all five of your senses, as only they can!

SEE… Molecular structures on a monumental scale! Challenge your rods and cones with sights never before seen!

TOUCH… The sculpture; send mysterious messages through stainless steel, fire, and electricity. Ply your propriocepters by punching buttons.

HEAR… Live bands and DJs Stimulate your glutamate with funky grooves.

TASTE… Delicious food and drink at our cash BBQ and bar Get your GABA flowing with lively libations.

SMELL… The propane!!! Pump up your adrenaline… fight or flight, baby!

Finally, satisfy the sixth sense of Generosity by donating to the Flaming Lotus Girls. Get adoration, adulation, and if your lucky, adulteration.

********************************************** Join the Flaming Lotus Girls at the sneak preview of Soma, their 2009 Burning Man sculpture. Soma is a fantastical sculpture that translates the anatomy of neurons into metal, fire and light; magnifying the microscopic world to an epic scale. This event is a great opportunity to see it up close before its virgin installation on the playa. Tour the Boxshop, where the Flaming Lotus Girls, as well as many other Bay Area artists, create their cutting-edge work. Please bring your family and friends whom you want to impress with your BIG… brain. For more information, visit www.flaminglotus.com or email info@flaminglotus.com.

Put the fun back inFUNdibulum
Saturday, 01 August, 2009
05:00 PM - 12:00 AM

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

yet another dying question...

wyllough — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 11:10:55 GMT

i have a really boring "unknown fibers" tan area rug that i got really cheap...(yes i know it isnt clothing, but i could wear it around for a while if it would get a response from the purist rc persons in the crowd)....anyways, id like to do a jackson pollock number on it and wonder what kind of dye to use...was thinking leather dye...it cant be washed or rinsed once dyed (its 9'x12') and i dont want it to rub off on the dog or offgas for eternity (i know, the rug itself is going to do that) ...any suggestions???...thanks, w

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

dying shoes

jennifer — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:29:06 GMT

please some help me...I am having my bridesmaids dye their shoes to match their dresses. Does this cause the shoes to shrink? I have heard this before but not sure if it's true. I was told they shrink a 1/2 size. Help me true or false????

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

New fabric source

Gnomama — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 04:44:33 GMT

I just cruised the table cloth, table runners and drapery aisles of a local discount department store. OMG! I make faerie costumes and other unusual/period costumes. The table runners even have beaded edges. Cut in half crosswize the runner becomes a pair of wings with a little shaping at the shoulders. There is a LOT of fabric in a dining table cloth. Sarong? Wrap dress? Shawl? Now, look at the offerings in the draperies dept. Brocades, Silk-like stuff, velvets.Sheers. One of a kind items for as little as $1.99. A window swag is nine feet long. Enough for a sari! A valance with beaded edge is a headress, or a slipcover for a lampshade. We are talking serious belly dancing outfits here! Check it out. I got stuff for four costumes for under $12. Now, I am going to look at the thrift store at the curtains, etc. Whew! I am so inspired to sew!!!!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

want to go to MAKER FAIRE for FREE? MODEL FOR US!

arTIFFact — Thu, 28 May 2009 00:34:28 GMT

Howdy there...

WE NEED MALE AND FEMALE MODELS....and not you're typical model type either, we just want people who know how to have fun!

Sorry this is last minute but we need finalized models by WEDNESDAY which is TODAY! So if you're interested please read everything below and reply ASAP.

If you're down with the DIY movement, then this is the fashion show for you! But...you must be down!!!!

We will be part of a GIANT clothing swap at the Maker Faire this weekend. The swap entails people bringing clothes and digging through massive piles of unwanted gear to remake new things. Part of the faire is a recycled fashion show!

Fashion show is Saturday, May 30th at 4:45 PM at San Mateo County Expo Center.

We want models who:
- will come to the faire earlier than the 3PM model call time to enjoy the craziness of the faire
- will bring a bag of clothes to swap
- will enjoy digging through the piles and making their own clothes at the swap
- will be at the model call right at 3pm (even if you won't spend the whole hour getting ready)
- will not expect glamorous treatment
- will wear whatever we put on you (I'm thinking plastic bags)
- will look good wearing plastic bags and face masks
- will have fun dancing during the fashion show (please no 'catwalk' walk)

These are the looks we are going for and the people we need. Please let us know your preference:

1. Litter-bug (male or female): you will start off the fashion show. you are an evil villian with a mask and cape, who litters mischievously all over the stage!!!! you know how to play the evil character! if you have your own spandex, +++for you!
2. Clean team (pref. female, unless you like wearing frilly things!): you come in with a sexy apron, rubber gloves, and face mask to clean up after the litter bug. think very pin-up style, poses, gracefully cleaning up. you will wear your own plain black dress or plain colored dress underneath.
3. Recycling renegades (male of female, these might be filled already, but please inquire): you will wear clothes that incorporate plastic bags into them. t-shirts, halter tops, etc. think urban gear, but from plastic! you might be wearing your own jeans, sneakers, etc.

In return for modeling, you'll get free admission to the faire on Saturday (sorry parking cannot be taken care of by us). Ideally, you wanted to attend the faire anyways, but now that you'll loan us your body, you can go for free! We'll also share photos with you. Plus, since you love recycling, you'll get all the clothes you can carry from the swap!

Sound like fun?
*****Send us a brief message/short paragraph/poem/etc. with how you support recycled fashion and why you'd have a blast. Also forward us to a "stalker" site (myspace, facebook, etc.) just so we know who you are and what outfit you could wear. We'll let you know if it's a go. *********

check out these sites for more info:

http://www.makerfaire.com
http://www.swaporamarama.org

(PHOTOS FROM LAST YEAR'S FASHION SHOW:)
http://homeygrown.blogspot.com/2008/05/makin-fashion-happen-at-maker-faire.html

thanks for reading!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Looking for a fashion show to participate in

Jocelyne — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 22:12:31 GMT

I have recently been sewing up a storm and am looking to participate in a show. I am also a hair stylist and can do make up as well. If anyone has any leads let me know.

Thanks,
Jocelyne

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

purchasing a serger, what do you use and like?

Vajrana — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:12:05 GMT

I've been given a generous gift of some cash to buy a serger. I can afford a decent one now. I've put off purchasing one for a few years because I didn't trust the cheap ones. I've sewn since I was a kid and have been happy with my Viking Sewing Machine for the past 15 years. I'm ready to expand, so,

What's your advise? what serger do you use? Do you like it? Strengths or weaknesses? I found a good Huskylock 936 on Craigslist. Pricey, but it looks fabulous. Anyone use that one?

Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 14 replies

THE SLEEPING GIANT OF WOMEN HAS BEEN AWAKENED

ModottiManifesto — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:47:51 GMT

AND THEY ARE MAD...so are THE NATIVE AMERICAN INDIANS by this stupid bill, because they are saying its another form of CULTURAL GENOCIDE. Native American Indians handcraft their items and sell and now they will be forced not to,

but, alas, the snickering smirk and indifference to millions of self-employed small businesses and individuals, many of whom are women, by the CPSIA,

did not go unnoticed, particularly one woman who blamed 'misinformation' on mommy bloggers. Not a wise thing to do,

because now there is activism in plan.

first, the sending of Hazardous materials, be they hair bows homemade for little girls or little tote bags or purses or stuffed bears or knitted/crochet hats, are being mailed to the Congresspeople, main ones who pushed for this bill

on Feb 10, let THEM dispose of the hazardous materials. see http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5949146&page=53

click through but they are organizing this,

also, THE YOU TUBE VIDEOS, MOMDOT HERE,

WITH THE INFO, SEND YOUR HAND MADE HAIR BOWS AND OTHER ITEMS TO THE CPSIA, SINCE THEY ARE HAZARDOUS,

LET THEM DISPOSE OF THEM.

ALSO, GOOD INFORMATIVE VIDEO http://www.momdot.com/cpsia-insults-mommy-bloggers/

THEN THERE,

IS BANKRUPTCY DAY, TO BE MASS FILINGS ON FEB 10 [and sadly this will cause mass filings of bankruptcy for small businesses AND a huge surge in Welfare applications,

also, news is out too, that the third party testers ARE NOT EVEN GOING TO TEST FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, THEY DON'T HANDLE THAT SMALL OF INVENTORY,

LOL,

there is one woman that can do it for $5.-- per item however, stand in line, it may take 8 months before you can sell that hand made sweater.

site to Bankruptcy Day: http://nationalbankruptcyday.com/

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

Reconstructed for Men?

flash_aaahhh — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 01:43:07 GMT

So is it just me, or are the ideas for men a bit scarce? Not sure why that'd be. Maybe its an imagination thing... I'd love to see some examples of reconstruction for men's clothes and have been personally challenged with coming up with any ideas myself.

Little help?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 7 replies

Need Help with 40s-50s era Fleetwood Deluxe automatic zigzag sewing machine (made in Japan)

WildLotus_Creations — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 05:05:05 GMT

I was recently given my grandmothers sewing machine. She didn't really use it while it was hers (my mom doesn't sew either) So she doesn't know how to thread it, or anything. It was made in the 40's to 50's, says its a Fleetwood 767-b Deluxe Automatic Zig Zag, made in Japan, but from what little i have been able to find on the internet, this was during a time that Japan was making a bunch of sewing machines to be sold in the US, and then they would just put names on them (like Fleetwood) that would seem more appealing to the U.S. As far as i can find, there aren't any manuals to be found, and one source said that these machines were based of the classic singer 15 model, but i looked at a picture and they don't really look the same. I've tried 'just figuring it out' and its not working :(
So if anyone has any info on how to thread it, or how to thread the bobbin, or any info about this machine at all, i would be forever grateful! my Google skills don't seem up to the challenge.
My next try will be taking it to a sewing machine repair shop, even if they're not familiar with this specific model, i bet they would be able to at least figure out how to use it!

I'll post a picture as soon as my camera battery is re-charged.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Monthly Crafty Challenge

Skulduggery — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 13:56:42 GMT

So it’s the beginning of the month and from now on, we at Autonomous Artisans will be setting a challenge to run for the whole month.

autonomousartisans.blogspot.com/20...tml

The idea is that we will pick a topic and each of you are invited to create something that reflects that topic. You can knit, sew, crochet, weave, photograph, paint, video, compose, interpretive dance, write… pretty much anything creative within that topic. All we are trying to do is encourage people that don’t get much chance to be creative to get into making things and for those that are already very creative to try something different, or use the crafts they already use in a different way.

Once you have created your piece, you can photograph or video it and you can add it to our flickr group, or you tube.

flickr.com/groups/autonomousartisans/

If the item is in the flickr group remember to mark it as “March Challenge” somewhere in the title. If the item is on You Tube or is a written entry, I will start a thread each month on the Flickr group that you can post a link to your You Tube piece or paste your written work.

flickr.com/groups/auton...614667499448/

At the end of the month the items with the largest number of positive comments will get featured Autonomous Artisans the first Monday of the month, along with new topic for the next month.

Due to yesterday being the first day of spring in the UK this months topic is:-

“New Beginnings”

If you have any questions feel free to ask in the feedback on the blog post.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Seattle area designers?

madame7 — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:15:21 GMT

I am producing the fashion show element of this year's Interdimensional Art Movement show, May 23rd at the Columbia City Theatre (Seattle).
I am accepting submissions from local designers who wish to show 4-8 pieces of wearable art. Preference given to those utilizing sustainable or recycled materials, and the more creative/innovative/off-the-hook cosmo-galactic-psychedelic the better, as that's what this show is all about.

Please send me a message with a link to photos or a website, and contact info for you outside of this network.
Thanks!
m7

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

URGENT ALERT FOR ALL WHO RECONSTRUCT CLOTHES IF YOU SEE ANYTHING TO CHILDREN, LAW GOES INTO EFFECT FEB 10

ModottiManifesto — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 01:55:11 GMT

NEW LAW USED CLOTHING WILL HAVE TO BE TESTED [CHILDREN'S] FEB 10 FOR LEAD OR IT CAN'T BE SOLD
topic posted Today, 5:52 PM by ModottiManif... delete entire topic
I just got this today, EVERYONE IS IN AN UPROAR ABOUT IT---IF YOU DO ANY HOME SEWING-SALES, KNITTING, CROCHET, RECONSTRUCTING CLOTHES,

THIS EFFECTS YOU. FEB 10, this law Goes into effect, if you don't have $50,000 to batch test every single item they Can prosecute you, this is I believe a Corporate attempt to shut individual workers down and to further monopolize the market. This will also hurt elderly women who knit/crochet for extra funds, moms like me who have been Forced to work in the home to make income, etc...

read the entire thing, PASS THIS FORWARD TO EVERY TRIBE YOU KNOW THAT DOES ANYTHING WITH USED CLOTHING, THE LAW SAYS CHILDREN, BUT ITS VAGUE, HOME BUSINESSES THAT RECONSTRUCT CLOTHING/OR ETSY ETC., WHO DEFINES WHAT IS BOUGHT BY CHILDREN, SO ITS NO GUARANTEE...TIME TO GET VERY VOCAL ABOUT THIS.

well, once again, the Fanatics, have passed legislation, with good intents of course, you know, to 'protect' us, but that is going to hurt the Poor, especially those with children who rely on Thrift Stores,

its going to put Lord knows how many Poor and Disabled out of work in those Thrift Stores and Consignment Shops, and it will effect any who sell used clothing at Flea Markets and probably Garage Sales.

The law goes into effect Feb 10, Any used/new clothing sold has to be tested for lead. That is a $50,000 dollar for a small business, for the machines. Small businesses and Thrift stores are going to be on Feb 10 throwing out all used children's clothing/toys, etc [from age 12 to infant] to the Landfills,

there will be no more used clothing for the working poor/poor to buy. Small businesses that sell new clothing, many are going to be folding up, that also means, More jobs lost. They simply can't afford to test every single garment for lead and phthalates, a chemical that makes toys softer. This law was passed in Reaction to the lead cases of recalled items from China [surprise surprise],

mostly from Walmart stores and other Corporate stores. Corporations can afford testing because they have Sweatshops/Labor concentration camps [yes, literally thats what they are] Small stores and consignment stores and Thrift stores that donate proceeds to Veterans, Epilepsy, Salvation Army [lots of funds go to help the homeless/poor from those stores], and will hurt those with either Felony records that can't get jobs elsewhere Or those with disabilities that work in stores such as ARC Thrift stores.

This, I firmly believe, is a Deliberate attack to cut out competition/and to force the poor OUT of the work force by Corporate Textiles, using Environmentalism to do so. This legislation was passed by Congress [Dems strongly behind it].

for more info, please pass this around to Any tribe you know that works whatsoever with used clothing including Reconstructed clothing, as they too will be effected. I'm sure, those who sell used clothes at Garage Sales will also be targeted, eventually,

I also believe this is an attempt for Government to put an end to bartering and working off the grid, in many states its already illegal to 'dumpster dive' or what they call 'scrapping'. Making it IMPOSSIBLE for those who are LEGALLY discriminated from jobs, due to either bad credit, sexual orientation [they discriminate using those Mode of Lifestyle checks and even fast food places are doing these more and more now], divorce, bankruptcy, you name it,

and they Don't have to give you a reason as to why they don't hire you...all they have to say is the report/investigative turned up something. Therefore, forcing more people such as myself, especially with bad credit [and mine is medical bills/student loans], to work off the grid, because no one will hire you...

if you can't work even selling at Flea Markets or if you do have a job but can't afford clothes except at Thrift Stores, well guess what,

your children are going to be forced to wear either rags or go naked or you'll be forced to pay those high prices at the high end stores, or buy from Walmarts, so those who don't shop at Walmart due to sweatshop/bad working conditions, as well as KMarts, etc., will now be forced to.

This law also effects materials used, buttons, you name it, if you work in any form of textile for children's apparel, it effects you.

contact this petition, and also, some links to this law.

Modotti

see below: www.wgrz.com/news/local/story.aspx

petition listed in that article/on comment, I'll also post here

Congress passed a new law Aug. 2008 stating that as of Feb. 10, 2009 it will
be illegal to sell any items used for children under the age of 12 if it was
manufactured before Feb. 10, 2009.

This is what YOU can do:
YOU need to call the following 3 people and let them know that you are
calling about the CPSIA Law. (www.cpsc.gov/cpsia.pdf) Tell them that in theory this new law is a good idea, but that they did not take into consideration the consequences it will
have on the rest of us in these already financially trying times. Tell them
whether you are a shopper or a consignor. Also, who and how many you shop
for. Tell them how this law will affect you personally if you could no longer
buy used items. Be passionate and persistent. TELL THEM THIS LAW MUST BE
AMENDED. ASAP!

1. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) - (202) 224-4451

2. Senator Charles Schumer (D) - (202) 224-6542

3. Your Representative (Choose one and be sure it‘s yours)
26th District:
Christopher Lee (R) - (202) 225-5265

27th District:
Brian Higgins (D) – (202) 225-3306

28th District:
Louise McIntosh Slaughter (D) - (202) 225-3615

hubpages.com/hub/In-Toug...hrift-Stores
posted by:

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 8 replies

Bleach

Ruth — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:20:08 GMT

Hi, I want to dye or lighten this rayon dress, I thought bleach would chance its colour straight away, like when you spill some bleach on a black top and it goes pinky, but I dipped a bit of the dress in bleach and it didn't do anything!
Can you please help??!
Thanks Ruth x

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

how to dye black warm-ups black again?

Patrick — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:36:39 GMT

i would like to dye my warm-ups black. They have been spotted with bleach spots. is it possible?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

old boots for utility belt

RoxyinAustin — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:13:33 GMT

Wanted to pass this along: I had a faux suede brown pair of knee high boots that were torn. So, imagine the long sleeve of boot...I cut a decent pocket sized piece on a vertical angle, sewed up that end with think thread and it's pretty much ready to go on a utility belt!
I'm going to do more pockets of different sizes with the rest of the boots and when it's done I'll post a pic.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

CPSIA PRICES AFTER FEB 10

ModottiManifesto — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:56:48 GMT

Several have replied that the law due to the 'throw the bone' comment by CPSIA in regards to Thrift stores won't effect resellers,

that couldn't be farther from the truth. While Yes, the law has been revised to not demand Thrift stores and resellers to test their garments, they still have to assure those garments are lead and phthalates, IF any file a complaint on that store they are still liable under law if they come in and find just ONE item, that exceeds the limits.

As for reconstruct--those are NEW items, while they may use old recycled material they are still deemed new so yes, they have to be tested, that is anything from jewels to dresses to toys.

Anyway, here you go, prices on items, to give you an idea, after Feb 9, posted on Etsy. This will give you an idea of what you will need to charge to cover the expense for testing on items,

quilting and jewels will cost far more, as Each fabric swatch, component, zipper, button, closure, threads too, have to be tested.

Some examples:

jewelry cross: cost after testing to comply with law will now cost you $23,027...girls dress $7,000 [rounded off], quilted skirt for girl, $15,160.00, and so forth

Here you go, see for yourself, the new CPSIA PRICES, THANK YOU CONGRESS.... for anything Handmade, Reconstructed, Consignment, etc

[on each garment, the manufacturer has itemized the costing by Third Party Lab so that you will know what you are paying for OR what you will have to now charge.

All with photos and itemized statements: http://www.etsy.com/search_results.php?search_query=cpsia&search_type=tag_title&order=price_desc&min=&max=&page=1

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Eco Couture – Buy Local, Save the Economy and The Planet

recycledfordancing — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:32:33 GMT

Wear Your Values

Coco Chanel once said “Fashion is not something that exists only in dresses. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

At the end of its journey clothing and fabric scrap takes up a huge amount of landfill. Add to that the environmental costs of packaging, transport, color dying, printing, and laundry and it creates a dangerous and enormous carbon footprint. This is the reason fashion designed with recycled materials comes as a welcome new fashion trend. There are countless ways to reduce your fashion carbon footprint and rebuild the economy. The choice is ours to support local designers and in turn save the planet and create jobs.

“Several studies have shown that buying from an independent, locally owned business, rather than a nationally owned businesses, significantly more of your money is used to make purchases from other local businesses, service providers and farms continuing to strengthen the economic base of the community and creating jobs. Locally owned businesses can make more local purchases requiring less transportation and generally set up shop in town or city centers as opposed to developing on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution. Small local businesses are the largest employer nationally and in our communities, provide the most jobs to residents.“ Source: sconnect.org

RecycledForDancing.com designs by Deborah Paulino are collectable works of art that show the nature of transformation, and draw attention to the human connection to one another and the environment. Combined are an array of fabrics from different eras and areas of the world that are either surplus, recycled or vintage.

The reconstruction process starts with hand washing the fabrics in oxygen bleach, then looking at the fabric, shape, color, then sketching out a design. Often several pieces are used to make one piece of clothing and it can take time, sometimes weeks searching through thrift shops, to find the right elements that compliment each other. Once all the elements are in place the construction takes place, then fittings and finishing touches - sometimes tailoring alterations, other times embellishments such as beading, appliqué, or distressing. When the garment is finished and ready for retail, it is then steam cleaned for any leftover dust and allergens and de-wrinkle and refresh the fabric. The results are one of a kind sincere works of art that are well-made, timeless, and fun to wear. For more info please visit http://www.recycledfordancing.com and check out the latest Winter 08/09 Collection

Retail Store Locations for Recycled for Dancing

Recycled for Dancing
Studio By Appointment:
Haight Ashbury, San Francisco, 94117
Phone 9 am to 6 pm: 415 420 5871
http://www.recycledfordancing.com

Distractions
1552 Haight Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Walking - Upper Haight, Between Ashbury and Clayton
Open 11 am to 7 pm - 7 Days a week.
Phone: 415 252 8751

Trunk
554 Haight St.
San Francisco, California
Walking - Lower Haight, Between Steiner and Filmore
Open 11 am to 8 pm Wednesday to Monday
Phone: 415 861 5310
http://www.pandorastrunk.com

Jalina's
19 E Blithdale Road
Mill Valley, California
Phone: 415 388 4682

Arara
665 San Jose Ave.
San Francisco, California
Walking - between 28th and 29th / Bernal Heights -Noe Valley
Phone: 415 756 5826
http://www.ararasf.com

“On matters of style, swim with the current, on matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Thomas Jefferson

For more info please visit http://www.recycledfordancing.com and check out the latest Winter 08/09 Collection.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Latin Inspired fusion costume

Etta — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 21:10:42 GMT

This is a crosspost **((sorry))**...but, I bought fake flower bouquets on clearance from WalMart, found bits of string and ribbons and fringe that I always hoard...it's a compulsive obsession...(I might NEED these one day!!) Made a belly dance costume to a latin fusion style dance we're doing. I posted the self-taken pic in the photos tab of RE-CLO. Let me know what you think.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

How to indicate that a Fur Coat is FAUX?

fixit — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 16:50:00 GMT

I picked up this gorgeous black fake-fur coat at a thrift store for very cheap because it had been hanging on a bad hanger for so long, the many seams at and around the shoulders had come apart. I sewed it all back together and it is beautiful. Amazingly soft, and surprisingly warm. (The lining, however, is still pretty shredded...)

I am opposed to killing animals for fur, though, and now feel uncomfortable wearing this coat because it seems so real!
(I can accept that there are parts of the world where furring is a way of life, but since I personally have other options, I feel that for ME to wear fur would be unnecessary and therefore wrong- I'm not trying to pick a fight on this topic :)

How can I decorate or alter it to show that it's not really fur? I've never really seen a real fur up close that I know of...
A silly lining that peeks out?
A matching turban with goofy accessories? (I have a couple of yards of very-similar faux fur, and since I keep my long hair up in a bun so much, most hats are a pain in the ass... maybe I could make something that would meet my needs AND look cool with the coat?)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 18 replies

Goto Sew-Op.net to localize action

Kokopaulli — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 04:45:07 GMT

Hello everyone,
The sew-op.net organizes people, places and things for community to form Sustainability.
We are currently focused on the Los Angeles Area Actions.
Sew-Op is moving forward with your participation helping the Community to see each other in person and virtually connecting different worlds.
Look over the website, join a group or create your own city/location.
This resource promotes all people harmonizing in the name of textiles.
There is a higher end Sew-op operating out of AD2013 @1305 Abbot Kinney in Venice,Ca.
We will be having a In the New year meet and greet on January 10th 8pm.... stay tuned for more.....
now go log on to sew-op.net and change the world one stitch at a time.....

much love and happiest holidays from the SO team

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

how do I get dye stains ouf of a dryer?

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 12:26:29 GMT

Ack! I washed & dried ***commercially dyed*** fabric I purchased at JoAnn's.. and it stained the enamel parts of the dryer pink! The dryer belongs to my landlord/housemate & the dryer's nearly new. I tried softscrub & it didn't work.. I need to find something that will remove the stain, but not damage the dryer.

I'm going to call the dryer manufacturer tomorrow.. err.. later today to see what they recommend... and also take pics of the damage & take it to show the manager at JoAnns & try to return the fabric.

This so sucks.. it's a really nice, and expensive dryer.. I'd feel bad enough if it were mine.. but the fact that it's someone else's makes me feel even worse...

miyo.. are you out there?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 9 replies

anyone interested in link exchanging?

SierraNightTide — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:55:59 GMT

http://marketinggrrl.blogspot.com/

I would like to find a couple of people to do link exchanges with. I actively market the blog.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

dye a white skirt black but stitching stayed white how do I fix this?

Karen — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:26:45 GMT

dyed a white skirt black but stitching stayed white how to fix this?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Sew-op.net is waiting for you

Kokopaulli — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 17:47:32 GMT

We have been developing this site for some time and it is finally ready for you to come bearing all.
The site is pretty descriptive so go there to find out more......
Sew-op.net

but if you need more convincing...
This is a resource for all those into textiles and the fashion industry (in any shape or form).
Call it a one stop shop for networking, sourcing materials, finding help, marketing your designs and gatherings in your area.
Here is a great example:
You have a gig that needs fulfillment, here you can find people to make it happen, post your left over materials when the job is done and potentially clean the house because someone in your area needs what you have, thus connecting you to more people while liquidating and have a place to post pics. Sounds like a great way to make the most of everything and be "green".

big love and lots of support

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Jean Therapy Video Interview

missvelvetcream — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:16:11 GMT

This is just a quick video intro to the book Jean Therapy, which came out this April......
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zyOvSaXihg

You can get the book online at Amazon, or support indie online bookstore Better World Books!
http://www.betterworld.com/Jean-Therapy-id-1592533884.aspx?UserID=13801609&SessionID=ar133khE9lzZfq8EiyFf

And you can find it in your neighbourhood......

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Los Angeles Garment District .... advise,

Vajrana — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 04:08:42 GMT

I'm going to be in LA next month. I'm hoping to do some shopping in the garment district. I'd like to pick up bulk fabric for shade structures as well as fabric for costumes. Anyone have advise on specific places to go?

Thanks,

Vaj

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 10 replies

pics from my fashion shows

madame7 — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 05:59:36 GMT

I recently did two shows, Seattle Fashion Week and a food drive benefit hosted by Buddhaful clothing. Since these shows took place within ten days of each other, and they had completely different attendees, i showed mostly the same clothing. But from these two sets of photos it's kind of fun to see how the outfits looked so different on different bodies and with totally different energy at each event.

Here are the photos: www.flickr.com/photos/32763942@N07/

All of my clothing is reconstructed, mostly from vintage.
enjoy!

m7

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Iodine in salt...

herecomesthesun — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:17:47 GMT

I was wondering if the iodine added to salt has an effect on the dying process (assuming one is using iodized salt!)

Thank you for sharing your tips, experience and expertise!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

bleaching...

Nadia — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:07:12 GMT

so, i have this army bag that I've used for a bout a year. tough little thing. But I'm getting kind of tired of the drab green color it is. So... could I bleach it and then die it a different color? or would that weaken the fabric too much?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 7 replies

Programs for designing patterns/clothing

ButterflyLisa in HD — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:03:11 GMT

Can anyone give suggestions to which ones are the best if they are used? Or others to offer if they are being used and are user friendly

I'm looking into several but don't have too much knowledge in this department.

Adobe Illustrator
Google Sketchup
AutoCad

Thanks!
{)'(}

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Fling it Girl:Social Shopping in Action!

Fling it Girl — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 21:18:34 GMT

Get the word out about your products or the products you love. Fling it Girl is a place for fashionistas to submit and vote on what they like. Show us what you got, popular products rise to the top!

www.flingitgirl.com

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

Desperate 4 Input & feedback!

Suzyque — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 03:51:20 GMT

I've been doing the reconstructed clothing thing for awhile now (YEARS & YEARS!!). Have sold stuff to friends, went on to Sat. Mkts., now looking @ online business. Want to do this right. Any feedback on my stuff will be greatly appreciated! There's some here, MORE in my photo album, and still more in my house...Arrrgh! I'm also looking for recommended sites or whatever...(I'm an old techno phobe) Friend is willing to come over & set me up on ebay....another friend is on etsy & says she's making $, I have no knowledge, no experience....
I am a single mom. Got laid off from my wonderful art gallery framer position in March...sigh...damn economy!... I want to be able to work @ what I love, from home, so I can be here for my grrrrl. AND...add to all that...I want to be a great role model for my kid, make her proud, show her it can be done! any words of wisdom? pointers? Directions for the lost???

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 11 replies

Eco Couture

recycledfordancing — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:26:55 GMT

Hi, I'm seeking like minds.

I grew up designing and making my own clothes since a little girl, and apprenticed with Mirage in Melbourne, Australia’s largest CMT house for major Oz designers; before studying fine art at Heatherleys in London. I was also sponsored by Mirage and a runner-up in the Australian Fashion Awards. Then I traveled and lived in a few different countries and got into planet activism and events, then running an online arts community, then helping manage festivals. Now current fashion has caught up with the designs in my head and the ideals in my heart and I recently returned to designing wearable art.

The stuff I’m now designing and reconstructing are Eco Couture, individual one-off’s made from recycled and vintage fabrics. My design skills are coming back and improving with each collection batch. Sketches and photos of recent experiments are up at http://www.recycledfordancing.com plus I already have clothes in 2 boutiques, addresses are on the site under Retail Stores.

I also do custom stage gear, before working on festivals full time I actually did costumes for Music TV dancers, musicians, and theatre. I had a few designs on national TV way back when, on long running music TV show called Countdown. And I designed costumes for a whole Bertolt Brecht play at the Chelsea Playhouse in London, plus whole wardrobes for nightclub dancers and contemporary cabaret.

My current designs are inspired by San Francisco and Japanese street fashion, as well as European Couture and Burning Man. For me it is sculpture using textiles with a wearable framework and chaos, I take something that I see and mix it with something else that I see, each piece inspiring the next piece. Anyway take a peek at http://www.recycledfordancing.com for art’s sake, and keep me in mind when you are thinking of new additions to your wardrobe or recycling your wardrobe.

Thank you for being here.

Deborah Paulino

Eco Couture

http://www.recycledfordancing.com

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

blankets

Nadia — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:17:27 GMT

what have you guys done?

i remember a few that my mom and i made... we took ties and made strips out of them, and then fabric add backing... tada! blanket

what she did for my baby blanket was take cartoon drawings (disney) and trace them onto white fabric, then sprayed them with stay-on. we recollored the blanket every few years as a ritual.

for my going away blanket, we took blanket squares, and i finger painted on them... very fun. or put quotes... and this was checkered with cool fabric that we reclaimed from old dresses.

what have you guys done? or planning to do? or wish you had the time for?

nadia

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

are you making anything for the playa?

Vajrana — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:45:47 GMT

Just curious what people are creating for August....

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 7 replies

HI EVERYBODY!!! CALL OUT FOR DESIGNERS AND MODELS WHO LIKE TO GET DOWN AND DUSTY!!!

fembot — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 08:34:12 GMT

Wow! Burning Man is approaching fast and furiously and i don't have a thing to wear! So i am asking for any designers and models who will be at Black Rock City this year, 2008, to come and represent yourself at the Center Camp Fashion Show! Last year was beautiful and perfect, whew! thank you Scatha, and i'd like to repeat the same fabulousness this year!

The deets are:
Saturday August 30, 2008 5-6pm at the Center Camp Cafe Stage, preceding the People's Fashion Show...

please contact Ty at ty.fembot@gmail.com or Nika at tangaz@gmail.com

i would love and adore you if you passed this on to anyone and everyone!

check it: tribes.tribe.net/peoplesfashionshow/

yours, ty

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

I'm moving- what stays and what goes? Help!

angrybutterfly — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:32:05 GMT

Ok, I'm planning on moving soon and I need to pare down my project pile. In general, I'm pretty good about not having a lot of unfinished projects lying around, but since I started reconstructing I have more on hand than I used to.

In particular, I had this idea of reusing unwanted leather (see, "Too Big Dammit, Aries Flame Suede pants, Alex's Digeridoo pants, my leather utilikilt, (the other one not the army bag) And it takes a lot of unwanted pencil skirts and dated jackets to make a corset, kilt or pants, so at a dollar each, I have a mountain, literally an overflowing milk crate plus sized box plus a smaller crate specifically for this one white coat that I promised someone on this tribe a sleeve of that they can still have if I can get off my butt and send it o them, yeah, you get the idea... Should I keep it for future projects and treat myself to that industrial machine I always wanted? should I give it away to you guys (provided you can pick it up, since I'm obviously too lazy to send it out) or should I cut my losses and take it back to the thrift store?

What would you do? How do you decide how to weed out your collection?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

zeta's fashion /style

zeta — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:10:40 GMT

exclusively designed by zeta, belly dance , tribe,latin, costum made, very unique,
colorful and beautiful material's ! also belt's by zeta, for the dancer in you! good prices and rental,
call zeta for more info, 719-217-3820-

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

non-fabric wearables?

Shaun — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 19:36:24 GMT

What "alternative" raw materials are you making into a wearable garment these days?

rubber? plastics? glass? wood? stone? metals? paper? plaster? plant materials?

How are you holding your materials together and on the body?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Misbehaving sewing machine!!

Ali — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 22:52:41 GMT

Maybe one of you crafty mamas can help me out-

I'm using fabric from an old skirt to make bloomers, but my machine doesn't seem to want to stitch this particular material. The bottom thread is not coming through and pulling the top thread down, so no stitches are being made even though the sewing machine purrs along like it's doin just fine. It is not having a problem sewing other fabrics. This fabric is stretchy and a little plastic-y, but still pretty thin. I've tried changing the length and width of the stitches, and the thread tension. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 16 replies

sewing tribe...

Nadia — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:19:57 GMT

so, i see thrifting, and the reconstruction tribes... but is there a straight up sewing tribe? go to the store, buy the fabric, design, suggestions of tips, etc? Fashion suggestions; short people look best in this style type of tribe?

if there isn't, do you think one would be worth starting?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

Creative Event Planning Opportunity!

lauren — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:27:12 GMT

Our project is growing!! After launching Unbridaled Expo this year, we are looking to expand everything (seriously, everything!!!) for our next show, including another member for our team:

Creative, excited, energetic person needed to help plan and execute Philadelphia's alternative wedding expo. We have one very successful expo under our belt and are building this year's to be more of what we are: local, handmade and green solutions that allow individuality to be the focus of the event, not the brand name or money spent. Assistance needed with locating and securing sponsors, coordinating the fashion show, and working with local vendors as well as event-specific tasks.

Check out the slide show from the Daily News:
http://www.philly.com/dailynews/gallery/Unbridaled_Fashion_Show_and_Expo.html

and our site: http://unbridaledexpo.com/

If you are looking for a creative opportunity to be a part of an industry project with a serious heart, here is your chance!! This internship will expose the right person to business development, event management, community outreach and time management. We need someone who can and wants to contribute toward being part of something new and growing.

The right person will be organized, personable, efficient, creative, and self motivated. If you are interested, let us know why and little bit about your experience. Please forward to unbridaledexpo@gmail.com. Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Faabrika's email list for costume workshops, sales, events...

faabrika — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 21:12:23 GMT

Faabrika's email list for costume workshops, sales, events...

If anyone is interested in being on my email list for
upcoming workshops,
costume builds,
fur n fabric sales
studio sales,
events,
etc.

please email me from your actual email to:
faabrikacreations@yahoo.com

Yours costumerrily,
Faab

"If you can hallucinate it, I can create it..."
or I can help you create too...

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Reconstructed wigs and sewing fake hair

brenna — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 02:11:57 GMT

Once upon a time a couple years ago I shaved my head. i bought a wig for occasional use that i never really wore, and now that my hair's grown out some i don't really need to use it. it occurred to me that I could probably cut it up and use it for some sort of clip-in extensions, but as it's a "natural skin" wig it's not like I can cut the under-mesh and sew up the edges, nor can I really add any hair to it as there's no mesh to sew anything to. while i don't really think there's much I can do with this particular wig i did get to thinking about all of the wigs i see at thrift stores and the potential for reconstructing them into extensions and falls and such.
i'm curious if anyone here has done such a thing and if you have any special methods that would prevent all of the hair from falling out if the "scalp" is cut. have you ever sewn fake hair? it's obviously possible since a lot of extension hair already comes sewn into tracks but i don't know if that's something i should attempt sewing on my machine at home.
anyone have any success reconstructing wigs?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Working with Latex

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 06:48:58 GMT

Aloha,

I'm working on my girlfriends outfit for Lovefest this year and I have some Latex that I bought a while back and never did anything with.

I'm thinking of using some of it but I have no clue. I would imagine that sewing Latex would not work and that using glues is probably the way to go. But what about joining the latex with fabric?

If anyone could give me some tips I would really appreciate it.

Mahalo,

B

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

An interesting concept and contest

Chèvre — Tue, 27 May 2008 21:43:23 GMT

Hey! Is anyone else here on Rehash clothing? It's where you can trade clothes all over the world via the magic of the internet!

They've got a design contest on right now that I thought perhaps some of the folks in this tribe might find interesting. The link is . . .

http://www.rehashclothes.com/competition

And the deadline is July 1st (Canada Day!). I'm 'Grayson' on there if anyone wants to find me once they join.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

anyone got a supa-dupa embroidery machine?

Thu, 01 May 2008 02:19:15 GMT

I got some digital art that I would like to translate to embroidery..

does anyone want to collaborate on this art project with me?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

silk sway skirt...

tai — Wed, 07 May 2008 22:29:55 GMT

i have reclaimed some large silk pieces from old work blouses, negligees and lounge pants, all 100% silk of a variety of beautiful hues, but have no idea how to go about making these glorious chunks into a patchwork skirt i so desire. i am a noob seamstress, and neeed tips! anyone?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

hey whatcha working on?

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 19:01:52 GMT

this tribe got quiet.
might be Spring. ;-)

projects currently being worked on?

I'm building a Matrix coat, lined, interfaced, horsehaired...whew!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 30 replies

my new dyeing tribe

Thu, 08 May 2008 01:05:54 GMT

hey all. It looks like my Dyeing Tips and Tricks post has grown in 3 years. I decided to start a separate tribe just for dyeing questions.
In the next few months I will put up as much information as I can esp to those questions asked and answered in Dyeing Tips and Tricks.
It will be as comprehensive as I can do for beginner dyers.
Alll are invited to join.
If you have dyeing experience or not, please feel free to ask, answer, show your finished work etc.

It's still brand new and I will get to it as soon as I can.
You all have been so supportive and kind to me over the years.

http://tribes.tribe.net/dyeingart

miyo maniac
17+ years dyeing experience in theatrical, television, film, commericals, interior design and fashion dyeing. Recent finished work is seen in Little Mermaid on Broadway. Newest project I'm about to start is Shrek, the Musical (ugh, don't ask.)
;-)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Inspiration!

Wed, 14 May 2008 06:23:00 GMT

My friend Lulie turned me on to this site http://sewgreen.blogspot.com/search/label/clothes

Be sure to check out the Wardrobe Refashion & Junky Styling links for some reconstructed awesomeness..

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

anyone dyed a vintage nightgown/slip? how did it turn out?

Leesahh — Tue, 13 May 2008 03:53:12 GMT

I just bought a cool vintage nylon nightgown at Goodwill today and I'd like to dye it. It's off white and nylon so I know it won't dye very well unless I use something stronger than Rit, but I'm just wondering if anyone has done this and how it turned out. I saw a designer vending at Tribal Caravan in Agoura Hills last April and she had a bunch of reconstructed full and half slips and they looked so cool. I can't remember the name of the designer, but I've been wanting to make something like her stuff since then. I've got my Rit and I'm ready to take the plunge.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

book review?

Tayissa Blue — Sat, 10 May 2008 03:41:16 GMT

Greetings All,

I was curious if anyone had thoughts on this book

Reconstructing Clothing for Dummies
http://www.amazon.com/Reconstructing-Clothes-Dummies-Sports-Hobbies/dp/0470127678/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1210390665&sr=8-1

I have been a seamstress for two decades, but am just getting into recycled clothing side of things.

Thank you,

-Tayissa

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

looking for DIY links or reconstruct ideas for doing baby/kids clothes...

Cherie — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 03:56:38 GMT

Just had a baby in December and can't justify some of those boutique prices! I'm looking for links or ideas to do reconstructed baby and kids clothes. I've got a book and DIY onesies revamping and looking for more!

Thanks, C

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

North Cali-Bay Area- Berkeley Stitch & Bitch

Promise74 — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:56:35 GMT

Please come, if you are in the area!~

http://sanfrancisco.tribe.net/event/Stitch-Bitch-Treize-3/berkeley-ca-94703/06626569-8b63-4fca-9d30-3b6b56420a2f

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

Dyeing a wool suit

Drew — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 07:21:18 GMT

Hi. I am working on a play in Seattle, and am trying to modify the color of a wool suit. I have never tried to dye a wool, off-the-rack garment, and was hoping to get some tips. Does anyone have any relevant information?

Thanks so much
Drew

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

sleeve issues...

karinlzbth — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 20:02:04 GMT

i'm making a coat out of an old bedspread, and realized yesterday i have made the top of the sleeves too narrow. i've been fiddling around with different shapes to add in, but thought perhaps one of you lovelies had a brilliant (and simple) idea....?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 8 replies

jean therapy : denim deconstruction DIY/craft book from miss velvet cream available NOW!

missvelvetcream — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:56:37 GMT

Get it at Amazon NOW! Available in bookstores nationally April, 2008
JEAN THERAPY
http://www.amazon.com/Jean-Therapy-Deconstruction-Conscientious-Domestic/dp/1592533884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196189871&sr=8-1

Book Description
More than 20 projects and an array of gallery creations are imaginative and practical fashions-hardworking denim at play.

Pair cast-off denim with a crafter's unyielding creativity and you have a craft with limitless possibility. Denim is the perfect fabric for many arts and craft methods: it is durable, washable, and dyeable; it can be cut, sliced, shredded, poked, prodded, and cinched. Jean Therapy teaches basic techniques - building anything from skirts, bags, vests, and accessories - and illuminates these basic techniques with dozens of clever, funky, and stylish variations.

Jean Therapy includes straightforward, illustrated instructions for more than 20 projects, running the gamut from simple accessories to reconstructed pants, skirts, and halter tops, each featuring design and personalization tips and techniques. Each project will have a main beauty shot, detail shots (as needed), and a number of technical step illustrations that show creation and assembly details.

It also includes a detailed chapter on customizing and tailoring clothing for a perfect fit - a key ingredient when working with repurposed clothing.

About the Author:
Scatha G. Allison (San Francisco, CA) is an artist and designer with a background in painting, installation, and mixed-media work, and is known in the San Francisco design community for her distinct cutting, draping, and patterning skills, specializing in couture techniques and reconstruction. miss velvet cream men's one-of-a-kind items are carried at Residents Apparel Gallery boutique in San Francisco, featuring 'miss velvet cream salvage', pieces made from recycling vintage and unwanted clothing, donated by clients or collected from flea markets, thrift shops and estate sales. miss velvet cream artwear and couture clothing is available by appointment from the downtown atelier, and at independent designer trunk shows in San Francisco.
WEBSITE
http://www.missvelvetcream.com
TRASHION
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=26888298
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
http://www.underconstructionproject.net
With Foreword by:
Wendy Tremayne is the creator of Swap-O-Rama-Rama, an international community clothing swap and series of DIY workshops designed to offer people an alternative to consumerism. She is a regular columnist in Craft magazine. She currently lives in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, where she is building an off-grid hotel and cultural center made out of reuse. She is a conceptual artist, event producer, and yoga teacher. http://gaiatreehouse.com

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 7 replies

Maker Faire 2008 - Who's going to be there?

Lincoln — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:14:45 GMT

Hi All,

I am going to my first Maker Faire this May. Just wondering who else is going, and if there is anything I should know before I head out. Also, if anyone from Los Angeles is going, let me know if you want a ride. I will be driving from LA to San Mateo a day or 2 before the show.

Lincoln

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

Make your own cut and mix sweater this Saturday!

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 02:45:05 GMT

Want to make a sweater but don’t feel comfortable making one from scratch? Like to mix things up? Clean out your closet or go to Goodwill and buy the most fabulous knits you can find. In this one-time Saturday afternoon workshop you’ll make a copy of your favorite sweater or invent something new or fabulous by cutting up and recombining the ones you brought to class. This class is for guys and dolls!

Instructor: Sarah Phillips is a community activist and textile artist, who spends her days teaching young adults how to change their communities. She learned how to sew and knit as a kid. She tackled quilting as an adult and is adding upholstery to the mix. Sarah is excited to be teaching a class at Stitch House and is looking forward to seeing what your creative self can do.

Specifics: This class runs 1 Saturday, April 12th, in the afternoon from 1-5pm. The class cost of $30, not inclusive of materials, is due at time of registration. You should bring the following with you:

• Your favorite crew neck sweater (to copy),
• A sharpie or black marker
• 3-4 sweaters that you want to cut up
• Scissors, a stitch ripper, pins, a roller-cutter, mat, and ruler

846 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, Massachusetts 02125
(617) 265-8013
www.stitchhousedorchester.com

All Classes: If you are registered for a class at Stitch House you’ll receive a 10% discount on your yarn purchases on the same day you register and during the class session.

Maximum class size is 6. Any class may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Refunds will only be made in this circumstance. Any class cancellations will be made at least 1 week before the start of the class. If an individual class session needs to be cancelled, each participant will be notified immediately. In a single session cancellation, the class will be held the week after the last scheduled class.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Dress Forms?

Nina_Nazir — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:22:00 GMT

I am looking for a good dress form. I do a lot of costuming so I need something sturdy and pin-able. I have checked out reviews of the Singer and Dritz models and neither have a very good review, plus I'm between sizes in both. If you have a favorit make/ model I would love to hear about it.

Thank you ~Nina

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 17 replies

rit dye

shar — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:32:09 GMT

hi miyo,
I need your help, Iam thinking of dyeing my (shrimp pink) saree into (dusty rose) .well I dont wanna color the whole thing just the bottom half for a two tone look.The material of my saree is georgette. Do u think rit will work on it ?and if it does which color should I use to make that already pink into dusty rose. I dn't wanna ruin my saree sso please help

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Funkin' up t-shirts

TZ — Tue, 28 Jun 2005 21:07:58 GMT

Any ideas what to do with t-shirts that are in pretty good shape to begin with, but just too boring? I like the graphics on the front, so don't want to mess with them, and I want to wear the shirts as they are, but want to make them more funky. Wish I had a surger, but I don't. :)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 26 replies

Another reconstructed coat.

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:38:33 GMT

I just posted a photo of a coat I designed & built from a bathrobe & tablecloth.. I've been doing a lot of "from scratch" lately & really longing to do some more reconstructed things!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

plastic fusing?

Vajrana — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:41:39 GMT

I'm curious about fusing plastic to make 'fabric.' I've read posts on instructables and gave it one quick try. I"m planning on doing more as soon as it warms up enough to work with the windows open. I'd love to hear from the general wisdom on this list about their experiences of working with fused plastic bags.

thanks,
vaj

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 23 replies

Shops in LA ?

defalco — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:01:09 GMT

Howdy, I'm headed down to LA for a month and will be investigating places that sell reconstructed clothing or one of kind items from indie designers. Were fortunate to have places up here in SF like Pandora's trunk and Miranda Caroligne etc but I've heard that LA isnt quite up on this tip. True?

I'll also be thoroughly investigating the garment district.. woo hoo.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

sewing sweaters

April — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:45:47 GMT

Hi all. I am truly new to reconstructing clothing, but I love the idea. My hubbie has been doing it for years, before we met. He uses old curtains for all kinds of coats and interesting clothing.

My question here is with sweaters.

First, to say we got a serger recently and I have seen some reconstructed sweater pictures with serged edges. From start to finish, how does a person take two sweaters and make them into one? There was a picture on here or on someone's profile of a gorgeous dress made out of I think 3 sweaters all in a red/pink color range. Wow, I want to do stuff like THAT! Plus the adorable little sweater/shrug picture on here.

Can you just cut and serge or do you need to bind off the edges of the knitting first? Can you cut pieces out of a sweater in any direction or just one?

I had heard that with a regular sewing machine, you sew behind the edge you want to detach from the original piece (like a sleeve) then cut it off and go back and bind those edges, but it seems with serging, the serger would be doing the binding by holding it all in place?

THANKS!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 16 replies

another good resource...

susan — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:51:14 GMT

I have found a website maybe you guys havent heard of but it is really interesting. It is threadbanger.com check it out!!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

bedcoat

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:26:41 GMT

Karin's post about sleeve issues reminded me that I had a photo of a bedcoat I made of a tablecloth & a bedspread.. I posted it in the album..:)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

vintage/antique lace clothing restoration

Celeste, Dangerous )'( — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 06:03:10 GMT

I was recently given a bag of really really cool old clothing that belonged to my grandmother and my great-grandmother including my great-grandmother's wedding dress, among other things. The only problem is that a few of the items are made out of lace that literally desintigrates when it is touched. Right now, all this beautiful clothing is just sitting in a bag in my room which is really depressing since I want to either wear it or display it somehow without ruining it. Does anyone have any suggestions for anything I could do myself, or a good place that could restore these clothes somehow?
Thanks in advance!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

When dye runs, what to do?

Marz-XamanEk — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 23:35:41 GMT

I made myself a swimsuit from some orange lycra, and the color began running shortly after I began using it. I thought it might have stopped by now...months have passed since it began running. Anybody here have any ideas for "fixing" the dye to the fabric? Thanks in advance...

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 17 replies

glow in the dark piping source?

Vajrana — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 04:05:25 GMT

Last year someone posted a photo of a coat with glow in the dark piping. Anyone know where to find the stuff?

Thanks,
Vaj

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 15 replies

Style Wars Video

peanutgallery — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 02:19:18 GMT

http://www.subrepublic.net/webpagetry_10_5_06_040.htm

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

Converting a crew

Suz — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:28:51 GMT

I have a high crew neck dress and I'd like to change the neckline. I'm sure a scoop neck would be difficult given the inner-curve issue, but that would be my preference. Otherwise, a straight cut down the front and then folding under for a v-neck might be the next best option. Anyone have suggestions on the best way to do this? :)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

When ya can't buy, dye.

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:54:55 GMT

It's not exactly reconstructed, but I really wanted a pair of brown jeans, but my budget didn't allow for it... so last night I was kickin' around the apartment & had an "aha" moment... hey.. I've got this bottle of brown RIT.. what the heck? So I took those two pair of light blue jeans.. you know.. the colour the What Not to Wear crew rolls their eyes at & plunked em in the dyepot.

The jeans aren't dry yet, but I'm really happy with them.. right down to where the dye didn't take over old paint & a couple of mystery areas... now all I need to do is wait for them to dry & them run them through the washer.

wee! :)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

a beutiful gift-but the color! ugh!

Promise74 — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:55:45 GMT

My best friend got me a pair of arm warmers. They are rad! They are FLEECE lined-SUPER soft and fit my arms perfectly. Even have a little thumb hole. The problem is that they are puke green and mustard yellow yarn on the top layer. Should I cover it with another fabric, or dye the yarn? I don't want to undo the stitching--dying appeals to me more.

Thoughts?
Thanks!
Ps-Will post pic soon

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 27 replies

Brain hurt .. need help.

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:48:19 GMT

soo.. I want to put a zippered slash pocket into a blazer & I can't for the life of me figure out how/when to put the zipper in.. can anyone walk me through it or know of a good online pic step by step? My internet search came up empty.

dang.. so close to finishing this.. I can do a welted slash pocket.. but the zipper boggled my mind so much I actually looked for "brain hurt" on my tribe list to get here..

thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

Altered Couture magazine

lobocita — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:05:28 GMT

anyone seen this new magazine? apparently out of Southern California... I saw the title on the rack at a joann's fabric (don't ask me why i was there, they have NOTHING useful), and came to find it on the web. here it is:

http://www.stampington.com/html/altered_couture_sp08.html

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 8 replies

Is it steeling?

FaeryWishes — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:13:48 GMT

My mom got rid of two pieces of clothing one with a cute floral pattern and another with a spary of beaded work. I kept them because I'd like to use the fabric for sewing on different clothing. I was wondering what everyone's opinion is on this. If I cut up some other person's clothing they created would that be wrong? What would you do?

Jenna :)

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 10 replies

faux fur question

Elise — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 07:05:48 GMT

I just reconstructed a couple of my white jeans and used white faux fur around the bottom of the short skirt.

My question is, how should I hem it? Or maybe, do I need to hem it so that it won't fray?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 12 replies

Teeshirt Modification...

Christa — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 01:23:27 GMT

So I was watching LA Ink the other day (don't) laugh and I saw some really cool torn tee shirts and that. Does anyone have an idea on how to make them?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

fitted coat

karinlzbth — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:53:36 GMT

when making a long coat that's a bit fitted~not tight but contoured to the curves, how do you adjust the back panels? i'm doing it, but it's sloppy..ideas?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Discard to Divine- entry deadline is January 31 2008!!!

Kenna — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 07:08:48 GMT

www.svdp-sf.org/discarded08.htm

Okay, it's Project Runway time. Designers have to get down to SVDP San Francisco, get a box of unwearable garments, and turn them into designer duds. No get to it!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

Any ideas on recycling a button down?

herecomesthesun — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 20:26:19 GMT

I have this button down shirt (kinda like a cowboy shirt) with a really funky pattern, that I can't seem to part with. I no longer wish to where it as a shirt as it doesn't fit me too well (too baggy, leaving me looking quite shapeless).

So I want to make something with it, but can't seem to come up with anything clever enough that I can do without a sewing machine.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Serger help!

duckietime — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 01:28:27 GMT

So I just received a serger for my birthday. I've been pining for one for a while! It's a Singer QuantumLock and I've spent much time trying to figure it out and threading it and all that good stuff. But I've run into a problem and thought I'd come to people here with serging experience before I called a service number.

This is a five thread serger. When threading the various paths I've successfully been able to get some stitches happening. However whenever I try to thread the Lower Looper, it doesn't work. At all. It will just move the fabric through and the needle will go through the fabric, but will not catch or anything.

When threading the Cover stitch Looper, it works ok. A little loose, but I think that is just my need to play with the tension. So the thing is that the Cover stitch Looper and the Lower Looper are very similar in threading paths and all so if I can make the Cover stitch Looper work, I should be able to make the Lower Looper work, because I assume that means I get it. I've tried it over and over again following the directions exactly and there don't seem to be any variables that I'm missing.

Any ideas? Anyone run into anything like this and have ideas for troubleshooting? Or is probably just an issue with the machine?

I appreciate any help anyone can offer since I'm extremely frustrated at this point...I've never threaded something quite so much before in my life and taken so long to do it and have it not work. So advice would be lovely!

Thanks so much!
Patti

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

seattle area, anyone?

shounen — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 08:26:50 GMT

i just moved up here from the east sf bay area, and i don't know anyone up here. are there any crafting/quilting/needlepoint/knitting circles full of rad folks in existence up here?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

looking for a pocketful of input....

wyllough — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 02:47:09 GMT

after collecting old and/or castoff levis for about 4 or 5 yrs with the express purpose of creating a levis rear pocket quilt (see posted pix), i got to wondering after looking at the project so far...maybe i should pull a major switchup and go for a "pocket poncho" using the aforementioned acclumulation of rear pockets...ive got over 100 single pockets...enough for a queen size quilt and more than enough for the poncho...so whos for the quilt and whos for the poncho...or should i just knuckle down, collect a few more pockets and do both?..
shanti, willow

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 14 replies

LA: Cleaning out my sewing studio

lobocita — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 07:19:04 GMT

Looking for someone to help me move my sewing studio from storage to my garage. I will be giving away a majority of the stuff, including fabrics, tools, storage units, notions, trims, and complete sewing machines. I have enough for my previously 20x16 sewing studio and am now going down to a 6x10 storage studio... so there is LOTS to take home.

If you help me with moving this stuff, you take home a sewing studio for yourself (you can even borrow the truck to take it home).

Must be available the afternoon of January 23 and January 24 or 25 for moving. This takes place in Whittier, CA, just off the 605 freeway.

Please contact me, I can't wait to give you a brand new sewing studio of your own!

Jo Ann Villalobos
moderator, Crafty Vixens tribes
joann@medior.net

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Little tip

candicmt — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 23:24:14 GMT

I heard this little tip the other day on a quilting show, this lady uses a bar of soap, once it has gotten used up a bit and there is just a sliver left, to mark her fabric, I thought that you all would appreciate this recyclable idea to use in your sewing and creating...

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

favorite tips and tricks

peanutgallery — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 00:01:26 GMT

I've been going through the topics on this tribe and realized that there are a few products that may help a lot of people trying to work with more difficult materials

1. FRAY CHECK. Put it on to the edges of your fabric and it will stop it from fraying. Bingo for stuff like tight weave sweaters!
also try it if you're doing exposed seams with a sewing machine on looser weave pant weights or men's suit jackets. It saves you having to over sew the edges or leave a huge seam allowance.

2. Tacky Glue. Use it instead of pins if you're working with slippery or stretchy fabric to apply patch pockets or decorations. It will allow your fabric to lay flat, save accidentally pulled threads, and keep it from sliding on you in between the pins.

3. SPRAY ADHESIVE. If you're putting on appliques, just spray adhesive the applique back, and lay it on. Smooth it out immediately if you've got any accidental wrinkles. Wait a minute or two then zigzag the edges.

4. When you're doing anything that involves cutting an easily frayable fabric down and then sewing along that edge ( putting in an elastic casing, or finishing an edge) and you're working with a sewing machine, sew it FIRST, then cut. It will check runs and keep the fabric from stretching inordinately while you sew.

5. COMPRESSED AIR. Forget your cleaning brushes. Head to office depot and buy cans of compressed air. Follow the directions. It's the next best thing to the industrial air compressors that they use to clean your machines in the shop. It will also allow you to clean while your machine is still threaded as there are no bristles to pull the threads or your parts out of allignment.

6. WAX. Any kind, really, even chapstick and standard candles will work. When you're hand sewing, run your thread through a block of wax first and you'll avoid unintentional knots and pulling.

7. STRAIGHT RAZORS/ EXACTO KNIVES. Seam rippers are for pussies. They're even selling an overpriced seam ripper with a razor on the inside hook. Whatever. Buy the 1/2 inch or smaller width of a craft straight razor and use that to rip your seams. EASY. You'll also have the precision to avoid pulling your fabric with it, and when it gets dull, just break off that edge and keep on going.

8. KNOW YOUR FEED DOGS. On your sewing machine you will most likely have an option ( usually located near to the lower bobbin) to disconnect your feed dogs. This will mean that you, and only you, have the control over your fabric as you move it under the foot ( or not).
This means that when you're sewing buttons on, you can set your stitch to a wide zigzag, allign the two needle entrance points over the buttons, then just sew away to loop the thread through. Stop, lift up, and reallign over the other two holes ( if you're working with a button with 4 holes ) and do the same. Go back over both to secure a bit and your button is sewn on, and reliably so.

I may have more now that my brain is on this. Anybody else got tricks up their sleeve?

Most of us here seem to be self taught, and so a lot of these things are standard information that we just never learned in any class...I'm not taking credit for most of this, but i did do the spray adhesive one all on my own. My mom taught me about fray check.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 13 replies

what's your favortie brand/model serger?

Wed, 31 Oct 2007 22:36:28 GMT

I am shopping for my first serger and I am realizing that i am a bit in the dark in this arena....

I have used friends sergers in the past and found some easier to thread than others, and some more reliable than others......
I will be using it for personal / hobby sewing but it would be good if it could handle heavier fabrics too because I sew with Jean and upholstery on occasion.

If anyone could share their experiences, good or bad, I would be grateful for the info.

Thanks in advance!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 11 replies