Two Wrongs Make a Right

Well.  If I had known I was going to mess up like this I wouldn't have picked this project for my first one.  But hey, that's life, right?  I figure you can learn from my mistakes.  Plus, necessity is the mother of invention - at least that's what I've heard.  So, first, I cut my jeans too low.  Plumber low.  I also cut the top off the zipper.  oops.   After knashing my teeth a few minutes, I decided to make a new waistband (or should I say hipband) out of the one I cut off.  It wasn't wide enough for my hips, so I took leftover jean material and made a makeshift extension so it would have a little wrap around look.  Here is how it is at this moment, but I plan to embellish it a little to hide the chopped up look.   I just need to add heavy duty snaps to the band, as well as the flap if I can't fix the zipper.

This is how it will look after I add snaps

Then I cut the legs into a capri-style length, and hemmed them on the sewing machine. 

My first project is nearly done and I learned a lot. 

1.  Double check before cutting.
2.  Be careful not to cut the top off a zipper.
3.  Use stitch witchery to hold band in place before stitching.
4.  Have extra sewing machine needles on hand (I broke one in this project).
5.  For any future waist wrap band creations, I'll buy a larger size jean for the waist band. (I'll use the excess
     material to make a tote).
6.  Don't despair after making a mistake.  There is always something you can do with the project.
6.  Play calming music while sewing (rather than metal, which was what I had on)

Tonight, I'll post a picture of me wearing the capris, as I sip my wine in celebration.

Soon Come

I have to get a new heavy duty needle for my sewing machine before I can finish surgery on the jeans.  Haven't made up my mind whether I will sew belt loops on the risque too-low-rise jeans or if I will sew a new cool band to raise it up a little.  I'm leaning toward the former.   In the meantime, I'll sip some red wine and contemplate.  *sip*

Waistband Be Gone

Happy Monday.  Today is my rest day, but wanted to post the pics of my  $0.25 jeans transformation.  I began by cutting the waistband off.  Felt really good about the height, but they may be tooooo low.  oops.  I've got some ideas to fix it.  Hey - it's my first transformation, so it's all about jumping in, come what may. 

                                                  Jeans before surgery:

                                                      Off with her Waistband

Tomorrow - the finished project

Checking In

Lots of music going on this weekend, so I'll be back with a post on Monday.   I'll be working on a pair of jeans (which only cost me .25) , changing them from waist-high to low-riders.  Think I'll also turn them into capris.  Have a great weekend everyone!!

In the Beginning

After getting super pumped by "newdressaday," a great blog by Marisa Lynch who pledged to spend just $1 a day on clothing she revamps, I decided to do something creative every day too.  I will focus on going green with my finds from thrift shops, garage sales and hand-me-downs. My creations will include clothing, purses/totes, belts, scarves, wall hangings, and more.

So yesterday I went to Salvation Army.  They have a wall in the back with a great deal - anything you can fit in a grocery bag costs $3.00.  Yesterday they only charged $2.00.  I got one pair of jeans, 3 pairs of paints, 2 sweaters, one skirt and a cute long sleeved t-shirt.  And they all fit.  But I'll be making some updates with them and will be post pictures.

Check out the labels on these finds:

Dockers, Limited, Walt Disney, Ann Taylor!!

Remember, I spent just $2.00