Free Resources For Refashioning Ideas & Tips
Not finding good free resources for refashioning ideas? Very often, the biggest hurdle for people who want to rework existing clothing is “What to make?”, “How to come up with ideas?”.
In upcycling workshops or from my audience online I often hear “Coming up with ideas of how a particular item of clothing could be reworked is the hardest”. Or “I find it hard working out how or what to design with the piece”.
Although qualified fashion design professional, I must admit, finding redesign and design ideas that suit your personal style taste is not easy. It is not the straightforward process of making clothes from scratch (a.k.a. from the fabric roll).
However, there are some good free resources that could spark refashioning ideas.
As a result, you would be able to find, adapt and build-up a one-off concept, even if you are just a sewist and “not a designer”.
In today’s episode we talk about the free resources for refashioning ideas, plus:
In this episode you’ll learn what are my top 3 (and free) resources that helps me developing refashioning idea for a project. In particular, you’ll discover:
Listen to episode #2:
Top 3 Free Resources For Refashioning Ideas & Tips
Or listen on the podcast page HERE.
Here are some highlights inside this episode:
01:10 – Why getting your hands on some free resources is important in order to raise refashioning ideas of your own.
The top 3 free resources for refashioning ideas:
02:05 – Free Resource #1: Pinterest. What it is and how to search for ideas. Also, what key words to use and some other features on Pinterest that can help you organise, save for later or share ideas that you liked.
07:45 – How to use Google images as an alternative way to research for refashioning/upcycling ideas.
09:12 – Free Resource #2: Etsy. What is Etsy and how to use key words to search for recycled design ideas, upcycled clothing and creators.
12:00 – How to check for current and previous garment designs from a creator on Etsy.
15:00 – Free Resource #3: Sewing and upcycling books in local libraries. Why I find libraries are great resource.
18:00 – More on some additional resources, and their pros and cons.
The 5 tips how to look in those resources for refashioning ideas:
20:05 – My 5 Tips on how to look for YOUR idea. Moreover, how this bypasses the feel of being overwhelmed and being stuck not knowing what to pick right from the get go.
21:30 – Tip #1: Check your wardrobe what you like and usually wear, because your favourite items are great inspiration and starting point. How they will lead you to the right direction.
22:25 – Tip #2: Check what’s missing from your wardrobe and you would love to have. How going specific and in details is the key for developing the right refashion ideas, just for you.
23:26 – Tip #3: When you see a redesign idea that you like, try to figure out why you like it. Do your homework. What you like, specifics and details, is the key for your success.
26:06 – Tip #4: Ignore colours, prints and patters when you look at a design. I explain what you should be identifying in a garment so to train your eye and see the actual design.
28:20 – Tip #5: Keep in mind that you can customise any inspirational idea or designs. Refashion ideas are just the stepping stone to making your own. More on what you customise to your own fashion taste and preferences.
29:30 – Wrapping up the episode, plus what’s up next time?Download the freebie "List of Refashioning Books" below:
Other podcast episodes mentioned in this episode:
Ep. #1: What Is Refashioning & Why You Should Consider It – for terms/keywords to use and search in Pinterest and Etsy.com.
Links mentioned in this episode:
Projects mentioned in this episode:
Leather jacket refashion – upcycled black leather jacket with the black and white floral skinny jeans
Magazines mentioned in this episode:
Links to some of my favourite Etsy refashioning artists:
Your Host
As a fashion graduate and sewing professional with several years bridal and alteration experience, Mariana Kirova is passionate about quality one-off upcycles.
She loves sharing her findings, observations and upcycling ideas with like-minded aspiring creatives, refashionistas and makers.
It's time not only to start recycling those castoffs and add unique clothing pieces to your wardrobe. To enjoy it, it's time to immerse into the making process. Once you feel the deep satisfaction of creating with your own hands, you'll never look back to buying from the rack!
At the end, the more sewists start upcycling clothing already in circulation - the less valuable textiles will end up in landfill, right?
