Adaptations by Anna - Bringing New Life to Old Pants

I had a few conversations with this awesome seller who is also upcycling old clothing into new clothing.  Take a look at some of her clever creations!

This button wrap shirt can also be worn as a skirt...

Gentleman's trousers are transformed into a darling pencil in the pants skirt

I'm always looking out for good upcycling examples.  Taking the time to find the potential value in something that is usually written off as useless is an activity that we rarely consider anymore, but it is those "old and worn out" things that have the most character and personality.  I look at the pencil skirt pictured above and think, what would the former owner of those pants think if he saw that skirt? Ooh la la!

Upcycling: Where There's a Will, There's a Way

When it comes to upcycled clothing, where there's a will, there's a way.  Armed with a few tablecloths, a curtain, an old wedding dress train, a silk scarf, and lot's of coffee, I set out to make something.  The results are below.

Summer Grays Dress

The skirt was a tablecloth, the bodice a gray curtain.  The collar is wedding dress satin, as is the lining.  Only the thread, zipper, and lace are new materials.

Carefree Cocktail Dress

The bodice is a gray curtain (same used for the Summer Grays dress), the belt is a vintage silk scarf.  The skirt is an upholstery remnant with a beautiful luster, and the lining is a combination of wedding gown and bed sheet.

Both of these dresses were so much fun to make!  The next time you find yourself digging through you closets to throw away old clothes or linens, pause and remember that these items can all take on a new life!

 - PJ

Poor Jean is Officially Green!

Poor Jean has just been accepted into the Kirkland Green Business Program for waste reduction and recycling. To celebrate this distinction I bought some vintage tablecloths and a few large caftans that I intend to make into skirts and high-waisted shorts.   Hooray for sustainability, responsibility, and cute upcycled dresses!

 Sleepy Garden Party Upcycled Dress at Poor Jean

 Dandelion Upcycled Dress at Poor Jean

  - PJ

Thursday's upcycling tip: Spring cleaning!

Upcycled Linen Blouse at Poor Jean

If the spring cleaning bug has bitten you, chances are there are some household items and articles of clothing that are sitting in a box, waiting to be dropped off at the local Goodwill. Before you toss out those old boot-cut jeans and teal placemats look at them with a critical eye - an eye for scavenging.  That shoulder-padded button down blouse may be ugly, but what about the buttons?  Pull them off and put in your button jar.  Jeans with out-of-style shapes can be made into shorts, like these Urban Renewal Lace Shorts a Urban Outfitters or these Tomboy Crops at Anthropologie. Try cutting off the back pockets and sewing them to a heavy piece of canvas to make a handy pocket office organizer.  Old neckties are now being upcycled into amazing creations, like this Neck Tie Belt by Berry Unconventional or these super creative half-aprons by Forevercraftydotcom

Finally, I leave you with this fantastic example of spring cleaning upcycling - a T-shirt by Mountain Girl Clothing.  Enjoy!

- PJ