Reconstructed Clothing's topics - tribe.net

Dyeing tips and tricks

miyomaniac — 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 - 124 replies

my new dyeing tribe

miyomaniac — 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 - 0 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 - 0 replies

hey whatcha working on?

miyomaniac — 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 - 21 replies

anyone got a supa-dupa embroidery machine?

Alexyana — 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 - 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!

Phil — 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 — 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.

Adele — 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

Adele — 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 — 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.

Adele — 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.

Adele — 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

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 - 5 replies

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?

Bryndl Inc. — 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

Regular clothes into maternity?

Jen — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 04:46:52 GMT

Sorry if this is in the archives somewhere.....

So how would I go about deconstructing regular pants and making them maternity-able? My stomach is really the only thing that's grown so far (nearly 6/12 months pregnant) and this is my fifth kid so I kinda know that I just need tummy room.

Does anyone have any links or book/magazine references to steer my exhausted self towards? Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

sewing with real fur?

Paula — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 16:01:39 GMT

The faux fur topic reminded me of a project I bought material for about a year ago and never got around to starting ....... I have a fur collar from and old coat that I'm planning on turning into a pair of matching cuffs. What do I need to know about sewing with this material? How do I keep the fur from getting caught up in my seam as I'm working? I've worked with leather before so I'm familiar with that but never anything fluffy.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

zipper pull problem

Sugar — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 00:45:48 GMT

I broke the zipper pull on a pair of boots, anyone know if shoe makers will replace them?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

TRASHION ROX IT!!!! [video link]

missvelvetcream — Sat, 29 Dec 2007 19:59:47 GMT

TRASHION is no longer just a San Francisco adventure. Take a whirling trip into remake, salvage and reconstructed style and fashion shows with the best of the best in this FAB video! Produced by the AMMOSF team featuring footage from the Burning Man Trashion shows in June, September and October of 2007 and with designer interviews for independent SF clothing lines miss velvet cream, Bad Unkl Sista and Lucid Dawn.
http://www.vimby.com/video/life/us/all/detail/3512

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Become a part of "bAbeL - art project"

seipone — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:09:04 GMT

Dear brothers and sisters,

i study art therapy in Germany and work on the arty part of my diploma at the moment - and i invite you to support my work “ babel“!
Babel is about the try to cancel the moment of disintegration, it is about identity, community,structure and the basic needs of human beings and it is about you as well, when you join this project;
Please send me one article of your clothing, which you don`t need
anymore (it doesn`t matter if there is a mark on it, a cut in it, the
zipper is not working anymore etc.) and a word (in your language, a
word, which you like, which you don`t like, which you use often or
never, it can be a name, too) to this adress :

Sandra Becker
Hunscheidtstraße 162
44789 Bochum
Germany

in case you like to send me more material - like little messages,
infomation about you, your life, your country,the article of clothing
( maybe there is a story about it - you never liked to wear it, it was
a gift, you wore it in an important moment) - i will be pleased about
it.
my plan is to put all together in a new way - so that there will be one dress and one poem at the end for one performance/ film/installation, but it is not clear how it will be exactly - at least the most important thing depends on you. maybe the dress and the poem will go on a journey again, maybe they will come back to you, maybe you get a message from them, maybe you won´t see them again, maybe....the ideas become more and more with every package i get from you what ever will happen - i let you know. and be sure; whenever you give something - you get something.
the artwork will be shown at the diploma exhibition of the FH Ottersberg (Germany) on march 21th 2008.
you will find a documentation on my tribe-blog.

i hope that it will be possible to support me,
looking forward to get a message from you,

Become a part of babel !
sandruschka

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Jean Therapy Denim Project Workshop Saturday December 1, 2007 3pm : Green City Gallery : Berkeley : FREE!

missvelvetcream — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 19:24:03 GMT

Salvage Rockstars and Crafty Kings + Queens! I'm doing a free workshop this Saturday at Green City Gallery. Details are below, if you're interested, please stop by! If you can't make the live demo, I will have a step by step installation on site, and handmade mini-zines with instructions and other project ideas for sale....... Yay! DENIM!!!!

ECO-WEAR HAPPENING
Saturday December 1, 2007 : 2-9pm
Green City Gallery
http://www.greencitygallery.org
1950 Shattuck Ave.
Downtown Berkeley

WHAT'S THIS?
An event for those interested in eco-conscious fashion to mingle with designers and emerging artists to network and create. The gallery will host eco-fashion exhibits and will leave you feeling more 'awear' of unfashionable social and environmental issues; inspired to make a change (even if its tomorrow's outfit).

TIMING IS EVERYTHING........
2pm – Gallery Tours, Display Set-up and Light Refreshments

3pm –'Jean Therapy' workshop and remake design exhibit with Miss Velvet Cream; www.missvelvetcream.com
~FEATURING! A denim salvage mini-project not in the Jean Therapy book! Along with a sneak preview of some pages, a limited edition, handmade mini-zine with project instructions, resources and ideas by Scatha G. Allison [the miss velvet cream maker] will be available for purchase for $5.~
And pre-order your own [discount!] copy of Jean Therapy here:
http://www.amazon.com/Jean-Therapy-Deconstruction-Conscientious-Domestic/dp/1592533884/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1196189871&sr=8-1
Publication Date April 1, 2008

4pm – Natural Dying Workshop with Permacouture Institute;
5-7pm – What is Eco Fashion? A Series of Short Films and Presentations
AND- Living and Dyeing Project with Edible Schoolyard; www.permacouture.org
7-9pm – Green City Scene: a Party with a chance to show off your Sustainable Style!

DIY!
Please join us for educational exhibits and resources, displays from local designers
~Featuring a static installation from miss velvet cream SALVAGE, with pieces and designs from the Jean Therapy book showcased with a variety of fantastical remake/recycled designs.~

AND!
Clothing Swap - Bring your old clothes to trade.
Come dressed in your eco-best, bring your own remake/salvaged designs to share or bring your vintage favorite!

PRESS + ?S : contact Kirsten@greencitygallery.org for more information

DIRECTIONS!
Take the BART to

MAP
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=1950+Shattuck+Ave.+Berkeley,+CA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=41.224889,118.476562&ie=UTF8&ll=37.877631,-122.268519&spn=0.010061,0.028925&z=15&iwloc=addr&om=1

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

sewing injuries

Vajrana — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:15:33 GMT

last year when I was sewing the cover to our dome (from old draperies), I sewed through my thumb. the needle broke on the tip of my thumb bone, but I thought all the needle had come out. A couple months ago a bruise started to form deep in my thumb where the needle had gone in. I showed the doctor my thumb this morning (I had gone in because of a dancing injury). She took x-rays. There are three small pieces of metal in my thumb. Now I have to have surgery on my thumb. No one warned me that sewing was more dangerous than dancing....

Anyone else have a sewing injury?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 25 replies

Apparel Arts School in San Francisco

moonbeamstarshine — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 19:15:43 GMT

has anyone here heard anything about (or attended?) the Apparel Arts School in San Francisco?

link:

http://www.apparel-arts.com/index.html

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

Metal rings for assembly ?

Shaun — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 20:17:30 GMT

Anyone have ideas on using metal rings to assemble hard pieces of plastic, metal, wood, cardboard into a wearable garment? What kinds of rings did you use? What diameter were the rings? Did you make them? What was the main material of the garment? How did you make holes in the main material for the rings? How small were the pieces of the main material? How far from the edge should holes be?

Any advice? Pitfalls or succeses?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Redesigned shoes!

Adele — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 17:22:47 GMT

I found this cool new-to-me site & they had an article or redoing shoes that looks fun.. http://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/redesigned_shoes

a bit labour intensive.. looks great ..

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

fabric shopping in NYC? interesting clothes shops?

Vajrana — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 02:08:32 GMT

I'm going to NYC for a dance workshop next month. I'll have longs mornings to putz about. I want to go fabric shopping. Where should I go? Not the expensive places, I'm seeking the outlets and the fabric district shops.

How about off line cutting edge designers. Where should I head to find them?

I'm staying with my brother who lives near Thompkins Square Park, the workshop is on the west side near Chelsea Park.

Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

suede

skrooz — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:54:48 GMT

i bought this suede messenger bag...i would love
to use it except every time it rubs against a garment
like a t-shirt, it leaves this stain. So I have two
questions, one, how do I get rid of this stain and
two, is there a way to use this bag without staining
my clothes, like is there some kind of thing I can
spray on it so it won't stain my clothes? thanks in advance

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

JESUS CHRIST+JESU KRISTE+YESHUA HAMASHIACH+JESUS CHRISTUS+JESU KRISTU+ISOUS HRISTOS

Sun, 23 Sep 2007 10:01:06 GMT

JESUS CHRIST+JESU KRISTE+YESHUA HAMASHIACH+JESUS CHRISTUS+JESU KRISTU+ISOUS HRISTOS

Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophesy and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near. REVELATION 1:3

And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." REVELATION 11:3

He who testifies to these things says, " Surely I am coming quickly." Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. REVELATION 22:20-21

+++

Everyone, has the responsibility to find the truth for themselves. What is stated below, must be researched and verified, so that every individual can then decide to accept, or discard it as myth. The only truth is God the Father, the Son our Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Read the Bible, pray to the Holy Spirit for guidance and our Lord Jesus Christ will not abandon you, but will place the truth in your heart.

+++

We must not try to copy the world, but be different to it, as the example set by our Teacher, our Lord Jesus Christ. Being the same as the world, sharing its base values, being part of the fashion trends, is all part of Satan's system (Sex changes that are taking place ever more frequently and therefore not knowing anymore who is a man or a woman). The Pope of Rome is one of Satan's instruments (the Papists have immense power and wealth, our Lord Jesus Christ was humble and owned nothing). Talmudists/Zionists want to rebuild Solomon's Temple and proclaim their own false king of the world (there is only one King of the Jews and Orthodox Christians and that is our Lord Jesus Christ). Their power base is the U.S.A (Superpower of the world). They contol many governments, banks, newspapers, television stations (the media in general), etc. We must not forget the very elusive and cunning Masonic Lodges which form part of Satan's means to spread anti-Christian and heretic information. Television and video has been one of the most powerful tools of Satan, which has ruined the ethics which sustained our youth and the family unit. With pornography in all its forms, men have been misled and subsequently their women, a whole generation of our youth and their families have been devoured by Satan. We have forgotten about God, the Bible and prayer and have allowed ourselves to go down the road to hell and have fallen into Satan's trap (in other words we are slaves to flesh and our desires). Hedonism is the aim of humanity.

The group that is attempting to rule the world, consists of three member countries, U.S.A, Europe and Japan (3 presidents). Their central control, consists of 32 members (of the 29, 8 are Americans; 9 from Japan; 12 from the European Union (contolled from Belgium/Luxembourg). Head of the 3 member group is Rockefeller (his head quaters is in Rhodes, Greece; his specific influence is in the U.S.A and E.U). Whoever does not obey the orders of this group are murdered. Death is the penalty for disobedience. Another Satanic "club" is called, Bildeberg. They can destroy any government and put a new one together again. They can make a country vanish and create a new one too. 200 members, which include intelligence agencies (CIA; BIA; BND (Ger.); SIB (Ital.); SPELA (Fra.)). There are members who are involved with NATO and hold important positions in the US administration, etc. They hold an extremely harsh stance against the East, especially with Russia because of its Christian Orthodox heritage. They exterminate/demolish any opposition.

An enemy going back thousands of years is head quatered in China (the Himalayas/Tibet). The Seljuks come from that region, who are the ancestors of the Turks, who attacked and oppressed Christian Orthodoxy in Asia Minor and Greece. The Turks/Jews have tried many times to wipe out the Greeks and Christian Orthodoxy. They call the Greeks and Christian Orthodoxy, the people of the "Blue Trigramaton" (which is refering to the Holy Light that emenates from our Lord Jesus Christ's tomb). The roots of martial arts is that region spoken of above. Martial arts are Satanic and anti-Christian and yet has our youth spellbound under the innocent guise of sport/fitness. In the Himalayas there is a glass pyramid (Sambala), it has many entrances. This is where the White Brotherhood is based. It's aim is to destroy all the world's religions except its own. It has more power than the U.S.A. It has more resources at its disposal than all the governments in the world. It has infiltrated and controls many governments and religions (Roman Catholics, Protestants and Judaism). The First and Second World Wars were masterminded by them. They are going to start the Third World War too. The White Brotherhood works with the Bildeberg club and all the others. They are assisted by the Zionists. They created Hitler and introduced the Swastika (broken cross, that is what it means). Hirohito of Japan was responsible for a massive bloodbath, but he was not punished like the others, after the Second World War because he was a member of the world ruling 3 member group mentioned above. Grey Wolves (Turkish Muslims), are connected to the White Brotherhood. Only Grey Wolves members may rule Turkey. They must always mantain a harsh stance against Greece/Christian Orthodoxy (Turgut Ozal, was exterminated for his softer stance).

The White Brotherhood want to destroy the followers of Jesus Christ. They call His followers, bipods or two-legged ones. Their methods are many: thirst, hunger on a worldwide scale. All plants and forests must be destroyed. Wars, so as to ensure maximum slaughter. They refer to humanity as a chicken breeding farm. They destroy humanity with drugs; they have contaminated our drinking water (it has been doctored with medication); our food is also contaminated and our clothes too from the fancy washing powders that we use (that is why everyone is getting ill and they don't know why). Thirst on a worldwide scale, for eg.. Euphrates to be dried up because of Turkey, which will lead to a confrontation with Iran/Syria. Hunger, for eg., Russia was the world's wheat provider, even the U.S.A relied on her. The White Brotherhood ensured that Russia would starve. In Moscow young women give themselves for a plate of food. Homosexuality, the U.S.A being its banner. One can go on and on, but there will be no end then. It is devestating. But do not despair, if you are a follower of our Lord Jesus Christ because He has defeated Satan and the world.

(This is a summarized version and a translation of a tape recording in Greek, from a Greek Orthodox perspective ofcourse, given to me by a Monk at Calvary/Golgotha in Jerusalem, Christmas, 2001. I cannot divulge any names, nor my own because this is a very dangerous subject. You will have to verify the truthfullness of the matter yourself. Please excuse my errors of spelling or other. May God forgive me if I am wrong about any of this, but I do it with honest intentions. God bless you. From a humble follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.)

+++

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." JOHN 16:33

+++

"LORD JESUS CHRIST, HAVE MERCY ON ME."

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 16 replies

sassy vest

shireen — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 18:08:43 GMT

ok, here's a question for you all...

i bought some tuxedo vests to turn into tops, i was taken by the brocade type fabric and fun colors. i'd love to make the front look like a vest-- show off my belly with the v at the bottom, tailor it to actually fit & hold me in.

but...even though i bought kid sized vests, the part that goes around the neck is still too long for the look i want, and there is no back to the vest. i'm not sure the best way to get a good fit without completely remaking the vest, or adding it to another...

i've seen versions of this kind of thing using suspenders, suit vests instead of tux vests...any suggestions for tux vests? patterns?

thanks!

burning brightly and flying high,
shireen

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

Shortening Sweater Sleeves...

~E~ — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:37:51 GMT

I have a wonderful ivory bell-sleeved, tight, cotton-woven sweater with ridiculously long sleeves. I would like to shorten them, but am afraid of the unraveling that will occur. The thought of these sleeves going under a presser-foot is *scary*! I was thinking of maybe fabric tape - but I would have to place it on both sides (?), and it would be visible on the sleeve.... hmm. Machine, or by hand....

Any help would be most appreciated!!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

T-shirts in bulk?

Yasmeen — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 10:51:06 GMT

The BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse) group of which I'm a member has need of mass producing T-shirts with the logo and a pre-determined design. Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I can have this done cheaply?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 11 replies

Pants Waistline Modification Q

dancepanther — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 19:57:02 GMT

So-- I'm in the midst of a purging cycle, and in going through the pants section of my closet, I realize that I have a few pairs that fit well, some are even cool-- but I never wear them b/c the waist bands on these pants hit me-- at the waist. I'm a hipster girl-- I can't stand things around my waist. But I've hung onto these b/c, well, ya never when you might need an official pair of jeans-- might use them horseback riding, for example... or to clean out a barn...

Here's my q-- has anyone here experimented with modifying/lowering the waistband on pants-- which would include lopping off the top of the zipper, cutting through pockets, and adding to the band to make it hip-width? I want to play with this process, and surely I'm not the first to want to do such a modification. I guess I'm sessing out if it's worth the time. I'm not looking for perfection either. It's just the pants are a good fit overall (not always the case) and so if this process can be done, I'm up for it. Some of the pants are denim, some are a light material-- and all have zippers, pockets and waistbands.

Any feedback? Thanks! ~Lisa

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

how to make my hood bigger?

kinwah — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 23:29:56 GMT

most hoodies out there are too small to cover my head properly.

i want to open my hoodie and make it bigger and into a point.

any tips?

thanx :)

also anyone have tips on where/ how to make designs to make hoodies from scratch?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

theoretical question

Claire — Thu, 09 Dec 2004 19:59:20 GMT

Hey everyone, got a question and I could use some help brainstorming . I'm up against a wall trying to write the background and justification section for the college grant proposal related to my thesis. So rather than just design reconstructed clothing because its way cool.... I've got to come up with an official 'hypothesis.' yuck. oh well, its a university and they have to make fun things hard...

So I've been interested in reconstructed clothing not only because I think its neat, but in that I've seen it pop up everywhere from the runway to the mall. (i.e. Martin Margiela in the 90's to Barney's selling 'Project Alabama' to Urban Outfitters 'Urban Renewal' to random local boutiques selling one-of-a-kinds by local designers.)

Obviously, there are ecological benefits to recycling clothes, but are most who are doing this motivated *primarily* by ecological reasons? Or just into a hip, postmodern aesthetic? Or just cant afford other stuff to design with?

Another student a few years back did a thesis exploring recon in term of manufacturing for the market. She came up with the unsurprising conclusion that due to the unregulated, idiosyncratic supply of raw materials, it was not cost effective in terms of mass produced (even on a small scale) ready to wear because of increased labor costs. Now, SuperLuckyCat is doing it profitably, so is Preloved, but these companies are infinitesimal in relation to the broader apparel industry. (also, Preloved is making it because their patternmaking is *superb*. they could sell those designs even out of new fabric)

So where does this trend fit in? It appears to visually reflect and represent and anticonsumerist stance, but does it have the potential to really become a part of the way we clothe ourselves? So many of those who are 'anticonsumerist' just keep their same old clothes or wear thrift finds as is.

My supposition is that as the industry exists at present, no, it wont work on a large scale. Its just too darned easy to find piles of cheap stuff at H & Mmade from miles of cheap fabric. But at *some* point (hopefully before its too late) the earth's resoures will not be able to sustain the continually accelerating consumer demands of a growning population. Will we turn to reconstructed clothing out of necessity?

I'm actually most interested in the process of reconstructing done by individuals non commercially for the craft process itself and as a lifestyle statement. Part of the 'live simply and beautifully.' Are more and more people going to become drawn to work at ecologically responsible lifestlyes as a matter of principle? (because its more work than going to the Gap...) Or even if they're doing it to be cool, the net effect on the environment is the same. How is it possible to make the practice cool and desireable, (because lets face it - there will be no widespread adoption from a fashion perspective unless it is) and an alternative status symbol instead of a mark of poverty.

any thoughts?

Claire

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 29 replies

Flat Iron for Hair

rabbitythings — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 01:47:56 GMT

My iron just crapped out on me in the middle of trying to press seams... Do you think I could use my flat iron that I use to straighten my hair or would it scorch??? It's late-ish here and I live in the middle of no where and don't want to wait til I can get into town to finish this garment...

Any ideas, anyone?

Fanx,
Rabbit

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

serger

Vajrana — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:56:11 GMT

I've been shopping for a serger. I have an offer for a 10 year old Huskylock 234D for $75. She says it works but needs a service. Anyone have an opinion of this machine. Opinion of affordable sergers? I saw a newer Babylock on Craigs for $300 (Pro Line Model BL4-838D). Is that a much better machine? Help....

Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 1 reply

dying things

Melissa — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 19:04:05 GMT

hey everyone,

im in the process of crating my husband's halloween costume, which includes a pair of world war 1 jodphurs (riding pants) they are kakhi in color and fabric type. We would like them to be black so that they will look like nova's pants, from the anime "bleach" (follow link to see photo) : http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v294/rudeskagirlmelissa/?action=view&current=nova.jpg

anyhow, i was wondering if anyone had advice on what to use to dye them with that will make the strongest color. We we're thinking multiple dye bath sessions and double strength rit, but if that doesnt seem to be working, we though maybe RAW hair dye ( does not contain wirerd chemicals, works more as a stain) might work. What are your thoughts?

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

House of Diehl presents: Style Wars!

Emily — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 22:33:29 GMT

HOUSE OF DIEHL'S STYLE WARS BATTLE TOUR KICKS OFF THIS FALL.
Presenting a new art form, Style Battling: FAST FASHION LIVE, contested head-to-head for big cash prizes and major credibility.
We need contestants from these major cities! (San Fran, LA,New York, Miami and Chicago)
To enter the competition or for more info, go to: www.moli.com/stylewars

The deadline is September 29th!

Tour Dates
October 11: San Francisco
October 13: New York
October 20: Miami
October 23: Los Angeles
October 26: Chicago

Each show = Live Style Battling + Top DJ + Catwalk Show + Prize Giveaways.

Feel free to pass this along to anyone or any tribe, you think would be interested.

Good Luck!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

T-shirt Design Contest

Sandro — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 15:59:42 GMT

hello all,

I am actively trying to spread the word about a t-shirt design contest I'm running called "Rock Your Wear". It's a contest wherein artists, and designers, can upload up to ten original designs to be considered for a grand cash prize of $1500. The contest is only open to all northj american residents. Please have a look at the site. I'd love for you to register your name and submit some artwork.

All the designs you submit remain your property even if you win. We simply want to get creative people to join so we can build a great community around a new website i'm launching called Wordans.com.

I urge you to have a look!
check out Rock Your Wear at: http://www.wordans.com/rockyourwear/en

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

reconstructing for work

Eridun — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 16:15:36 GMT

Here's my question:
Does anyone here work in an office, and if you do, what kind of clothes do you recon for work? Do you go traditional? Do you go wild? Are you somewhere inbetween? Do your co-workers accept it? Does your boss ask you not to wear it?

I'm in an office now and I've been trying to gauge wether wearing some of my recon skirts or jackets would go over well - just wondering what other's experiences are.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

Suggestions for demos at Swap-o-rama-rama

Satin — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 13:40:33 GMT

I've been lurking on this list for a while...I'm a designer and sewing teacher and it's interesting to see what everyone's up to on here. I've been asked to teach some demos at Austin Texas' Swap-o-rama-rama in October...What would be techniques/demos that you guys here would suggest? There will be a demo and hands-on chances to try it out with materials available....you bring your own clothing to reconstruct...there are soooo many options....what would you as a community vote for???

Needing advice...

Satin

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

PEOPLES FASHION SHOW : BRC : SATURDAY 9:1:7 5PM CENTER CAMP STAGE

missvelvetcream — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:56:07 GMT

theme of the year : GO GREEN!!! = salvage : trashion : remake : reconstructed : reware :
I WANT YOUR FRESH FRESH GEAR FOR THE PEOPLES FASHION SHOW SATURDAY B4 THE BURN!!!

are you rocking the best of the best salvage / trashion gear this year? i want you for the peoples fashion show!
all participants are delightfully encouraged to strut your best and most delicious in center camp cafe on saturday early evening B4 the burn.

to get a participant patch, please visit miss velvet cream or sticky t at DUSTFISH 9:30 + Esplanade
OR email me now!!!! missvelvetcream@gmail.com [more venues for recruiting posses TBA]
dustfish will be up and kicking from monday morning through tuesday morning.......

YOU BRING!!!
your fanstastical gorgeousness and funky fresh remake salvage trashion reconstructed gear for the best of the best.......
WE GIVE YOU!!!!
funky beats : an adoring audience ready to learn the cutting edge of what's FRESH REMAKE NOW!!!! and video : photos : rockstar fun and delights........ maybe maybe maybe that case of chilled champagne [bring a bottle!]

join the tribe for more details!!!!
tribes.tribe.net/trashion

and get to know miss velvet cream
tribes.tribe.net/missvelvetcream

and the trashy gorgeous DUSTFISH!!!
dustfish.tribe.net/

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Seatbelt belts?

heatherlyn — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 02:33:41 GMT

I'm pondering how to make an adjustable seatbelt belt. See, I've come into possession of a few old GMC metal seatbelts, but since they aren't the "middle backseat belt", they aren't adjustable.

Has anyone ever made one of these? I'm thinking I might have to just cut the actual metal buckle from the seatbelt-webbing they're still attached to (these were literally cut out of cars w/seatbelt material still attached).... or somehow attach something that would make them adjustable?

I have been looking up seatbelt belts on the web, and they say "adjustable!" but don't actually show the adjusty-part.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

Glitter shedding prevention?

Jamie & Deborah Project — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 17:17:28 GMT

I have these cheap costume glitter bat wings that have now become Sailor Moon -esque looking shoe covers.
I am noticing that the shed a lot of glitter. Does anybody know of any spray sealant/etc. that is not super toxic and won't mute the look of something? Thinks-Jamie

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 6 replies

Pimping my coveralls/jumpsuit?

heatherlyn — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 17:34:23 GMT

So, I FINALLY found a pair of coveralls that fit me like a glove (yay!) and want to use them as a base to do something... well, more interesting.

But, I have teh dumb today, and can't think of any really good ideas.

Anyone have suggestions? have you done anything particularly creative with coveralls in the past? I can't get beyond "make fur cuffs". Sigh.

Mine look sort of like the one in this photo: http://www.serviceofsupply.com/images/OriginalSale/OverallsODNew1994.jpg

Thanks!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

Moving! Crafty and household items for dirt cheap! (East Bay)

persephone — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 01:05:31 GMT

I will be moving Wednesday to a dinky apartment and so I must part with my beloved sewing table- for only $50, this is a real deal.
Also selling: a big grab bag of fabric, clothing, large desk perfect for art projects, computers, futon, bed frame, book shelf, lamps, little glass jars for lotions and potions, bike+ bike parts, and much more- all for dirt cheap!! My loss is your gain. Message me on tribe to get the details- everything must go by Weds (8/8).

*Thanks for letting me post this sale!*

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Cross Post: I need help making a long bell shaped skirt

candacecrawford — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 04:53:56 GMT

Okay, so I went to this thrift store and low and behold!! $5 for a skirt made of heavily sequined chiffon (way heavy) with a georgette lining. It's a Macy's brand name (I-N-C if anyone is familiar) and I think it is to be used for a party skirt two/three seasons ago when everything went shiny/metallic.

All that to say I bought 3 in gold and two in silver. In the gold, one of the skirts is my size, and I want to add the other two to the bottom of the skirt but a little bell shaped.

Question:
Since the skirt is literally covered in a vertical pattern with sequins and small bugle beads, can I sew this on a machine?

How do I get it to be bell shaped? Do I cut the other two like I would cut a circle skirt to fit the measurements of the bottom hem of the upper skirt?

Please advise:)

Candace

P.S. I want to take the silver apart to make a halter top and a belt, so any tips there would be appreciated!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

bustle trouble

mishakitty78 — Sun, 22 Jul 2007 14:35:04 GMT

i'm working on creating a bustle skirt, and *cannot* find a good pattern. does anyone have any suggestions? I don't want anything too complicated, as I am going to raise it in the front (tis for bellydancin') and am more concerned with having the foof in the back.

any pointers would be greatly appreciated!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 8 replies

Broomstick pants

oolima — Fri, 18 May 2007 15:39:40 GMT

Hi! I am forever looking for shortcuts because I don't sew so neatly (or straight for that matter.). In my illogically logical brain, it seems to me that I could take a broomstick skirt, turn it inside out, sew two seams up the center and then cut, and I would have a pair of very wide "broomstick" pants.

Simple right? Except I know that nothing is ever that simple.... So tell me ladies - what pitfalls am I missing in my illogical logic?

Thanks so much.

~Oo

PS Please PLEASE dont answer "Just go out and get a pattern and do it the right way". Ive tried. My brain don't work that way. :(

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 5 replies

how to adjust that dang dressform?

kirra — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:02:40 GMT

i just got a dress form as a gift. yeah! no more pinning things to myself! but i've been having trouble adjusting it to actually fit my frame. i've got broad shoulders, narrowish waist and a big booty. i am also relatively short waisted. is the bust line underneath the boobs or does it go right across the nipples? should the waist line on the form correspond with my narrowest section or my navel? Should the hips be my widest section or be right on the hip bones?

i'd appreciate your advice.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

Craft fairs...share space??

pinkmini — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 18:15:39 GMT

Hi all you crafty vixens....I am ready to get to the street and try a few local fairs. I dont know the timelines to apply as some of the cheaper ones are in september. I may not even get in but anyhow if anyone wants to share with me and help ease the hefty fees....the booths are 10x10 which isnt too bad. fees are about $200. Please message me if interested.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Decorationg canvas totes

Margaret — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 21:07:53 GMT

I want to decorate four canvas totes as gifts for people in Bulgaria. We're going to a wedding there July 21, and I intended to make purses, but decided the ready-made totes, if cleverly decorated, would be easier. Now I need some arty suggestions from you artistic folk. I live in Texas and lean to Texana for out of staters: long- horned steers, horseshoes, broncs, etc. Or perhaps i should use something more delicate: bluebonnets, butterflies,
scorpions, tarantulas. Please give me some ideas using embroidery, ribbon, sequins,
leather scraps, barbed wire - I just need designs.
Many thanks.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 4 replies

serging

Dyann — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 16:19:54 GMT

Hi, as you can see by my "photo', I'm new to tribe.net and I just bought a new White Speedylock 1634 serger. The threading process looks totally intimidating and I wondered if any of you out there had one of these? My regular sewing machine is a Janome which is great but I felt for some of the materials I was sewing with that I needed the serger.
Thanks for any tips.
Dyann aka Dayah

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

i am home on sick leave.

miss crankypants — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 02:22:13 GMT

i am home on sick leave(foot surgery)
and in the last two weeks of boredom i have finished 32 garments.
I think have lost my mind.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 2 replies

Will trade child care for sewing help

Jamie & Deborah Project — Sat, 07 Jul 2007 18:55:39 GMT

Hello burners,
I have repetitive strain injury and cannot sew. I work as a teacher and have time off for the summer for the rest of July. I can tutor and do fun science projects with kids in the Bay Area. I just can't sew but don't want to skimp on my costume either. If you're interested you can e-mail me at mottjamie@Hotmail.com

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Flaming Lotus Girls desperate for carpet

BarbieSkinner — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:16:47 GMT

If you know of anyone getting rid of carpet we would be very grateful of it.

The only catch is we need it today! or as soon as possible, yesterday really. We are trying to pack the serpent mother for the fire arts festival in Oakland and then on to Amsterdam, taking Flaming Lotus Fire Art to the world, and it would be part of the solution to a problem. We are working day and night. It isn't easy fitting a 168 ft long Flaming Serpent into a shipping container. She takes a bit of taming!

If you know of friends or family getting rid of carpet which could be donated to the cause, please email as soon as you read this. Packing deadlines are being pushed!

Many thanks

Fire, lipstick and kisses from

Barbieskinner and the rest of the Flaming Lotus Girls and the Serpent Mother too

xx

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

Drop the pants, I need sleeves

greendeva3 — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 05:51:06 GMT

Finally, a use for a pair of georgette pants that looked awful on after seeing them look good on at the shop. I had a black dress with super tight sleeves and armcyses. After ripping the sleeves out I was at a loss as to what to replace them with until I remembered the pants. After cutting off the legs and gathered in the edges to fit in the armholes,all that was needed was decorative ribbon to lace around the biceps like in medieval garb. The cuffs are flowy and soft--wore it to Convergence this year and,while the sewing job I did had the "sleeves" at odd lengths, the bagginess and ribbons disguised the off-sizes. Soon as I can swing a camera, I'll have pics available.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 7 replies

project alabama : remake tshirt project

missvelvetcream — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 14:56:03 GMT

this is super-fresh!
and the compay, project alabama is near and dear to my heart......
thought i'd share.... they also step by step out this quilting reverse applique technique that is their specialty. i love the effect and have been trying it out as well.... hazah! craft!
project alabama specilizes in fab clothes all made literally in alabama by hand. yeah. we need more and more and more of all of this!
http://www.projectalabama.com/RecipesProjects/OffTheShoulderT.htm

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

Fashion Show Brainstorming - Ideas, Theatrical, Entertaining?

Nikki — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 16:50:24 GMT

HI Reconstructed Fashion People
I am producing a fashion show for the Prepare for the Playa Event on July 22nd at Mighty in SF -
I don't want just the average walk to the end, turn and go off. I want it to tell a story, to be theatrical and entertaining!
I know a lot of you have been involved in these types of shows before and was hoping for a bit of brain storming help!!

Any ideas on how to make it unique?
If you are in the SF area and would like to get involved - let me know!!

Thanks for the ideas!!
Ms. NIK

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 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 - 7 replies

my first dressmakers form

Eridun — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 13:11:14 GMT

yay!!! my husband paid for the auction I won on eBay last night and now I have my first dress form on it's way to me.

Any tips/tricks I should know about? How easy are they to cover with a cloth that slides a bit more? I'm working on a bridesmaid dress that the bodice is made of crepe back satin, the skirt of chiffon and the lining is a strange sort of mock duponi silk. Oh, and the tunic that goes over it is antique gold organza.

Oh - and anyone with experience making 1920's dresses feel free to chime in! I usually make medieval clothes (i'm a re-enactor) so this is a little newer than I usually make from pattern. I make all sorts of tops and skirts to wear around town but like everyone here probably I don't use patterns for those. I'm so happy to have this form now!!!! My wardrobe is going to double!

(belive me when i say that when this is all said and done and the dress has served it's original purpose it will live a new life as something that I'll actually wear more often. the only redeeming thing is that it's all the same shade of bright clover green, a color that isn't too bad on me)

Thank in advance!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 0 replies

my first fire performance costume!!! any ideas?

lala — Wed, 23 May 2007 16:23:22 GMT

hello lovelies!

lala here from the amo tribe in slc. we are getting ready for Element 11, our Utah regional burn, happening the first weekend of june. i am so excited to be in the fire show, actually spinning fire!! (last year i was in it doing african dance)

this is my first fire performance and i am in the process of brainstorming for my costume. here's some details...

my role is the 3rd chakra
costume has to be yellow
emphasising (sp?) on the area of my 3rd chakra (two inches above my bellybutton)
inexpensive
fire proof

so i was thinking about a yellow leather corset somethin somethin...

here's where you come in (and thank you so much ahead of time for input)...
what are some do's and dont's you've discovered with your costumes?
any fabulous ideas for the costume?
any chance you have some yellow leather scraps or pre-constructed clothing you want to send my way? <<smile, blink blink>>

i've only been spinning poi since december, and with this E11 performance, i have the opportunity to spin with the enclave at BM!!! (holy shit, pinch me!!)

you are all wonderful, beautiful creatures!!

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 3 replies

You cannot reconstruct the same clothing twice...

angrybutterfly — Wed, 23 May 2007 00:43:16 GMT

Just like the proverb, I've found I can't repeat what I've already done, even if I try. Many people want me to make more army bag kilts, and I've tried to do it, but it's impossible without another identical army bag, and I've never found another one, I haven't even found one reasonably close enough to use. The same thing happened with a silver raincoat, I made an outfit out of one and when I found a similar silver raincoat I tried to do something similar and bombed in a big way. I've even had trouble with things that should have been easy to reproduce, like the sweaterpants, get another fleece and make another the same way, right? I bought a whole bag of them and not one has been made into pants. I ended up wearing them when I was cold or using them for details in other projects. I still have a stack of them all cut up and ready to go, but no more sweaterpants. It seems like I have to just look for things with details that inspire me and go from there, otherwise I end up with piles of clothes I just don't use. I just bought another ski jacket because I could see a skirt in it, but I'm worried I won't be able to do it because I've already made a skirt out of a ski jacket.

posted in Reconstructed Clothing - 9 replies