The Art Of Refashioning Mariana Kirova

Find all links and projects mentioned in this episode on the website:
https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/design-hacks/mix-and-match-colours-for-clothing/
 
Knowing how to mix and match colours for clothing (including upcycling) is critical design skill. It is one of the essentials that fashion designers apply to create aesthetically pleasing garments.
Therefore, it is a 'brake or make project' kind of thing for anyone who wants to recreate with existing clothing as well.
To give you heads up, don’t click away if you don’t like colourful. The design skill of mixing colours in clothing is still applicable to you, too.
The formulas work even for when you're the not-keen-on-wearing-too-colourful type.
Why Is Important And What Can You Do
Designers are spoiled to work with fabric from the roll which often is further colour coordinated as it's typically developed as a ‘collection’, stream-lined in terms of colour.
But, in refashioning is very different. When it comes to reworking existing clothes, we have a bigger challenge. Combining too many different items of clothing could become an overwhelming task quickly.
So, don't be too hard on yourself if you can’t figure it out on your own. It’s what many sewists like you who want to create from existing clothes experience as well.
The good thing is that you don’t need to be a fashion designer to make pleasing combinations!
This episode spells out what can make the task easier and most of all - fun :)
 
Highlights Inside This Episode:
[2:00] Why it’s important to know how to work with colours, to mix and match colours for aesthetically pleasing result
[5:40] Short overview of what we’re covering in this episode (+ a teaser you’ll love ;)
[6:30] How easy it is to use colour theory and the colour wheel to build up your colour coordinated combinations. Some traditional fashion formulas on how to mix and match colours for clothing.
Top 3 Fashion Formulas For Mixing And Matching Colours When Reworking Existing Clothing
[9:50] Formula #1: Mix the same or neighbouring colours. My trick here is to also focus on mixing different textures.
 [14:10] Next up, develop your design skills for combining colours with Formula #2: Mix and match colours from the same colour temperature. What are the two colour temperature in fashion design and what type of mood they imply.
[16:50] Great small but mighty tip how to recognise good colour combinations (powerful things are often very simple, right? This proves it, for sure!)
[17:30] Lastly, my secret formula #3: Create a contrast. Check out how to use it so you create smoother, more relaxed designs; or bolder, classy type of styles from colour standpoint.
[21:50] A side note tip on how you can start easy by adding colour in your projects (so you look beautiful wearing colours that suit you)
[23:10] Check out how to mix and match colours for clothing so to make more subtle and less bold contrasts.
 
Bonus Formula To Jumpstart Applying Colours Even If 'Not Your Thing'
[26:00] At the end, a Bonus Formula: Use colour as an accent. Very easy to apply and start even when you don’t like wearing colours. Without adding the ‘too colourful’ effect, accents can make the main colour of the garment pop. That’s the easiest I know that can transform your project without making it multicolour. It’s one of my favourite ways to bring colour to any design.
[28:00] Recap of the episode, good for getting the big picture
[32:00] Learn more about how to secure your seat in the upcoming FREE Masterclass on Clothes Upcycling
[32:50] What’s up on the podcast next time
 

Follow these 7 key areas to set the right sewing machine settings for T-shirts upcycle projects. Learn about the fabric, the tension, the stitches, and other insightful fine-tuning secrets.
Find all links and projects from this episode on the website:
https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/about-upcycling/sewing-machine-settings-for-tshirts/
Don’t you love a good T-shirt fabric? It stretches slightly and hugs the body, and it’s SO comfortable. Or you can drape and create a unique tunic top. There is SO much potential in a good old T-shirt…
 
In the previous EP 13 we talked about different ideas how you can rejuvenate T-shirts you no longer wear.
Now, it’s time to demystify the sewing part. In this episode you are going to learn the important that will get you started upcycling T-shirts TODAY. In particular:
How the fabric behaves and what to do,
The machine settings, tension and other fine-tuning tricks
The different stitches for your projects, and all other essentials that you need to know so you don’t miss on this wonderful material, easily available and affordable.

Discover how to recycle clothes just with basic machine skills (or more advanced - your choice!). Use the unique upcycling methods from this episode on the podcast to invent your own simple ways to refashion clothes you LOVE!
Check all links, projects and downloads from this episode at this link: https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/about-upcycling/simple-ways-to-refashion-clothes/
 
If you love the conversation, please consider writing a review and rating the show.
This will help to get the word out to others who want to make change by buying second hand or refashioning clothes they already have.
Your actions will help me reaching out more people and helping them learn the ins and outs of refashioning, thus we all save valuable textiles and reduce the enormous waste we face today! One. Project. At. A. Time.
Go to the show page here and click “Listen on Apple Podcasts”. In iTunes then select the “Ratings and Reviews” tab click 5 stars to rate and select “Write a Review”. Make sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
If you haven’t done so yet, subscribe to the podcast. It will secure you never miss out, including the free downloads which I’m adding to some of the episodes. Subscribe here.

Rejuvenate your old T-shirts! Make them flatter your body in a new way while showing your sewing creativity to the world. Some inspiring examples how plus some good books on knits and T-s.
Find all links, projects and video of this episode on the website:
https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/about-upcycling/how-to-recycle-old-t-shirts-into-new/
 
Soft, comfortable and most probably cotton – old T-shirts are the hidden treasure in your wardrobe!
Especially the old favourites of yours. Once loved means ton of potential to be loved once again!
 
Some Highlights Inside This Episode:
[2:30] Some essential resources to help you start refashioning. Quick overview what is included in this episode.
[4:35] Why you should rework your old T-shirts.
[6:15] Easy care tips to make T-shirts last longer.
[8:15] Questions to consider and two initial direction or strategies when thinking how to recycle old T-shirts into new.
[10:40] Tips on how to strengthen the material if you’re adding embellishment or similar.
[11:10] Other ways and ideas, including example of the distinctive applique that Alabama Studio use to create their unique artwear.
[12:40] Few other ideas for how to change the surface of the material while keeping the garment more or less intact.
[15:55] Some examples of quick projects that change the look of a T-shirt with materials at hand.
[17:30] Two more books on how to recycle old T-shirts into new styles and how to use them when over 40.
[18:50] Three examples of more creative upcycling approach that suit better mature body types. Plus, some insights about the creative process.
[23:10] A couple of books that offer great coverage of the essentials around working with knitted fabrics in general (plus my tip for vintage books).

Find all links, projects and now also a video of this episode on the website:
https://www.ecofashionsewing.com/about-upcycling/ways-to-refashion-clothes-with-one-new-from-two-old-technique/
It's exciting to dive deeper into the ways to refashion clothes with the 'One New From Two Old' technique. It's one of my favourite!
Although often too simple at a glance, this upcycling technique is a clever method to make old clothes work for you once again.
The 'One New From Two Old' technique, as I called it, has potential to deliver amazing results... when you do it right. Hence, my top tips at the end of the episode.
Furthermore, you'll enjoy (hopefully;) different example refashions while I'm explaining how to get creative easier following the technique.
In the video you'll see me wearing an upcycle project I can't get enough of (more photos of me wearing it on the website)! It is a great example how mixing two mainstream and boring on its own items have hidden potential to turn an absolutely amazing new combo!
In a nutshell, method simple to apply, promising eye catching results, and resulting in completely unique you potentially adore for years to come.
Well, all that while challenging your creativity, of course. But isn't that the most fun?
Check some action steps you could do now at the end of the article on the website.
Mariana x

All links mentioned in this episode are on the website: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/how-to-assess-quality-of-a-garment/
The idea of the Quality Miniseries, as so many other insightful pieces of valuable content were created, actually came from you, my audience and workshop students. It was the question ‘How to assess quality of a garment’ that inspired this episode.
The last Part 3 of the Quality Miniseries is now also available as a video. It focuses on how to assess quality of a garment regardless where you get it - in a thrift store, second hand sale, a swap party or elsewhere.
In particular we talk about:
Is it about the brand, is it the fabric or what else tells you ‘good quality’
When you need to consider taking it regardless of the quality
What I avoid, again regardless of the quality, that will give some food for thought for when you buy or acquire second hand, to wear ‘as is’ or refashion.
Furthermore, if you like the idea to rework some of your finds, then check out the other episodes from the Miniseries on Quality:
Part 1 talks you through the sewing standards that can elevate an upcycle project. It explains in details what to keep an eye on when sewing. Easy to apply, the 10 Sewing Tips and Tricks sets you up for great results.
Part 2 explains what makes the overall look of a garment perceived as high quality. Regardless of colour or style, there are certain things to look for. It is all covered in the Top 10 Design Tips here.