Hi-Cycled

Doctor's Orders:

I have been recovering from another concussion 😅

The first 4 weeks were just...can't remember lol I guess fully on recovery mode.

I'm finally accessing some supports and been reassured things will get better, just a matter of time and patience.

Small steps, here and there.

I was asked to finally attempt to get back to some sewing projects, and start small...so I can build up my abilities and threshold.

Upcycling and mending are great ways to get back into sewing.

I choose this gorgeous green dress purchased from an opshop. I couldn't resist it as I love the fabric and color so much 💚, even though it was one size too big.

I've shorten the straps, and it was enough of an adjustment. I've hand-stitched some bling on the shoulders on top of where I shorten the straps, over the shoulders.

The bling was originally on a gorgeous cashmere cardigan I've had for years from Brazil, but sadly had moth holes in it. Don't worry, I'm using whatever I can of the cashmere, you know me! Probably wrist warmers!

This beautiful hat was called 'mint' but it wasn't green enough for the Green Lady of Kirikiriroa (aka me!).

I used the same paint used on my boots and classic Reebok's.

Green enough now 💚

Added a bit more to the boots 💚💚💚

3rd life of a pair of boots 💚

Love upcycling and updating items I own!

Quick rainy day project.

My favorite Winter boots. It was gifted to me, and I'm the 3rd owner. It has had a lot of life, but still so much to give. And I always received so many compliments wearing it, even before the upgrade!

The first upgrade was done with green Sharpie, but that was long overdue a better/longer term solution.

So I used the awesome paint left over from my Classic Reebok upgrade. Such lovely paint, and so economic as so much still left!

Will take a better pictures once fully dried 💚

Looking forward to many Winters wearing this beauty 😁

Projects laid out in prep for a weekend in!

Thanks cyclone Vaianu! It's a rare occurrence to stay in an entire weekend, better safe than sorry. NZ is bracing for some dangerous weather...

We made the wise decision to stay put.

Those are some of my current projects I'm trying to get started on or make progress. Watch this space, and stay safe 💚

1st Pixie Beanie 💚

From 2 old beanies found in an opshop.

Many lessons learned, and it's so quirky...I love it!

Got new needles for my overlocker, had to troubleshoot it until I've got it right. Thanks to my local Bernina store.

Also gratitude to the original creator for the over 20 years of creating and sharing magic/inspiration, as well as the original patterns. And all other creators that shared their knowledge around this topic. I've read/watched so many tutorials!

I'm now inspire to attempt some upcycled wristwarmers for Winter!

Upcycled Pixie Hat from 2 identical woolen beanies:

I've been wanting to adventure into the Katwise style upcycled pixie hats, wrist warmers and coats for a very long time. Had all patterns for so long, read so many tutorials, variations etc. And today was the day I had the courage to work on my first piece. A Pixie hat from 2 identical beanies, found in an opshop for $1 each.

Added a little bit of my own flare, and was happily working through it, until my overlocker 'got stuck' and one of the needles broke! First time for me, and since I don't have spares, I will have to wait until tomorrow to complete it!

Patience they say...

The Retro Seating Duo 🧡

One more bean bag incoming to complete the set 😍

Today was the last sewing class of the term and I really wanted to finish my pouf, as I'm taking a break fir term 2.

I've learned to apply pipping! It worked beautifully, even though not perfect aligned, as it was a free pattern and we had to modify it a bit. I'm very happy with result, even remembered to sewing my little label on top 🧡🧡🧡

Now I need to make a drawstring bag for the inner, and will stuff it firmly with off cuts and bits of fabric that aren't good for anything. (I stuffed it with pillows for the pictures).

I will definitely miss my class next term, but will try and keep sewing every Monday...

Officially named "Sunshine Carousel" by Rebecca Lagas 🧡🧡🧡