About 20 years ago I bought a duvet cover that I liked so much I couldn’t bear to throw it away when I downsized my duvet. I have hung on to it in the hope that I would find a use for it which is exactly what happened a couple of weeks ago. Luckily I remembered where I had put it!
My neighbour reminded me that when we had been in France last year and I had picked up a pair of trousers at an antique/vintage/second hand shop, that I had said I might be able to make her a pair, or something similar. Now heaven knows why I would do that as I have no machine and am neither a skilled or indeed keen seamstress. But I did! My husband also fancied a pair to kick around in in the garden in the hot weather. I think he is relishing not wearing work clothes while he is at home working during lockdown.
I had been lent a machine before lockdown as I was making recycled/re-purposed fabric sustainable gift bags. However, the problem was that I had no large pieces of fabric or access to any as I like to buy from charity shops and recycle fabric. Then Ping….. I remembered the duvet cover! My neighbour felt it was an acceptable design and so I set about finding a pattern online to help me. Years ago I had made a pair of wrap around trousers when I was pregnant with my first…great for growing with you! I knew it was a simple pattern within my capabilities.
Here goes..
I found the video below and set to with the scissors and tape measure.
First I made a pair for myself as a test run. I found I needed to make the waist measure about 8-10 inches bigger than my waist to allow for the section that you cut out to create the crotch. Thus with my pair they gaped indecently at the sides and so I had to fiddle about and adapt them with some extra sewing to close them at the sides. I also scalloped the edges as that was the design of the pair I got in France. I then went on to make the pair for my neighbour.
And here are the results…
The trousers for my husband were made from some reclaimed fabric bought in a charity shop by me neighbour. I used the same basic pattern but sewed up the side seam and elasticated at the ankles. I also added a drawstring at the top. Both trouser designs are incredibly comfortable and particularly cool in hot weather.
So what next?
I still had quite a lot of fabric left and now I had really got into what I was doing. I went on to make a sundress as well (using a dress I had to model the pattern on) which can be worn as a belted top and a longer skirt , and a knee length wrap round skirt and sun top.
None of these are examples of expert sewing or high fashion, but I wanted to share them with you to demonstrate how fabric can be re-purposed, and to maybe inspire you to have a go for yourselves. The Fashion industry contributes massively to the problems with environmental damage among other things. We need to find ways to re use and re purpose clothing and fabrics. We have very much more than we need, so let’s start thinking outside the box!
We would love to see how you get on if you give it a go! If you do, and can recommend any simple patterns for people to try, please also let us know!
Another you might like…
