By Mariana Kirova
The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.
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.
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 :)
[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.
[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.
[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:
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!
[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:
Furthermore, if you like the idea to rework some of your finds, then check out the other episodes from the Miniseries on Quality:
All links and projects mentioned in this episode are at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/how-to-make-quality-refashions
If you strive to make quality DIY clothes here you’ll find the secrets behind making quality refashions. This Quality Miniseries on the podcast explains how to get your DIY projects to the next level.
Taken from the industry the 3-Part Quality Miniseries walks you through the main quality areas adapted from refashion point of view. It includes quality tips from sewing perspective, quality tips related to the overall look and design, and some secrets of how to spot good quality pieces when sourcing second hand clothing material.
In particular:
All links and project mentioned in this episode you’ll find at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/prevent-clothing-projects-from-looking-tacky/
There are different ways to prevent DIY clothing projects from looking tacky. This 3-Part Quality Miniseries on the podcast explains how to get those refashions to the next level.
If you care about the quality of your makes the Quality Miniseries is just the right thing for YOU.
Here you’ll learn the secrets that separate bad made homemade projects from a beautifully executed handmade works. All these handpicked throughout Mariana's fashion studies, work in bridal and alteration industries and personal strive for high quality upcycled pieces.
As we do have SO much existing clothing (a lot of which gathering dust in our closets) there's great opportunity to recycle and enjoy the creative outlet at the same time.
However, if you don’t care about achieving a certain quality level, why cut up a completely good item of clothing? This series contains the details that will take your skills and refashion projects to the next level.
So, the Quality Miniseries include:
Want more? To stay tuned and don't miss the insider's secrets from a full-time fashion upcycler, sign up on EcoFashionSewing.com. Do that and get the best freebie on how to refashion for yourself to get you started in the meantime.
All links, projects and downloadable files mentioned in this episode you’ll find at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/about-upcycling/how-to-refashion-clothes/
Are you tired from looking for the perfect idea and not finding something that would really work for you? Well, it is time to start right. From what you already have at hand and want to rework.
The 3-Pile System is a bit different approach to finding your upcycle project, as opposed to suggesting specific project ideas.
And the good part is that you can apply it to your wardrobe or clothing stash that you’ve collected and kept over the years because you know... these treasure finds have lots of potential.
In the last Part 3 of the Upcycling Beginner’s Miniseries, you'll learn about my 3-Pile System and in particular:
All links mentioned in this episode are posted at: www.EcoFashionSewing.com/design-hacks/clothes-upcycling-for-beginners/
Alterations Like A Pro Course: https://ecofashionsewingschool.com/p/alterations-like-a-pro
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In this episode of the Art Of Refashioning podcast we talk about all that. In particular:
- We discuss the top questions to consider before starting on a project. Answering those will help you understand what you want to make and actually enjoy wearing after that.
- You’ll get 5 top tips to help you stay focused on the important things when deciding on a project. There’s a lot to consider, so these are essential when it comes to clothes upcycling for beginners.
If you love sewing and want to tackle clothing, then you’ll love the show. Send me your question or what is your biggest challenge, I’d love to untangle it for you while you enjoy sewing and creating unique beautiful clothing yourself.
The podcast currently has 16 episodes available.