Welcome to Season Two of Refashion Runway!
We’ve started this season with a trend we’ve been seeing on the fashion runways lately, Plaid. I know you will truly be wowed by what these ladies were able to create in just one week.
Please remember to vote for your favorite at the bottom of this post. Voting will be open until Friday, September 27. Your public votes and the competitor’s score of each other will be combined to determine a winner. We will announce the winner of this week’s challenge next Saturday. Also, the refashion with the lowest score will be “going home”, but we won’t send her home without some great prizes, I promise! Remember, this is a “Friendly Sewing Competition”. 
So sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the show!
***
First, let’s check in on Desarae from Gladness of Heart:
“I love plaid.
I did not, however, love this outfit.
When I first saw this poor ensemble in our local thrift store, I fell in love with
the colors. Rich, deep tones are my favorite. But the fit and style were terrible-
so I left it alone.
For several months it languished alone and unwanted on the rack…then I learned how
to sew! I quickly snatched that baby up (at a bag sale no less!) amid a few
questioning looks. In my mind, this was too pretty a fabric to simply start hacking
away at, so I laid it aside until the day arrived that I could bring out the
beautiful potential lurking in those folds.
When I found out this week’s refashion theme was plaid, I knew that day had come!
Like I said, I love plaid, but I have to admit there was just a little too much
plaid going on. So I decided to use a deep blue, tank top to break things up. It
had some lovely princess seams which made it perfect for a dress bodice.
Both the skirt and tank were too small. The skirt was an easy fix, I simply removed
the waist band and readjusted the pleats.
As for the top, I cut some panels from the
plaid shirt and inserted them at the sides of the tank top. From there, I attached
the skirt, made a long sash to tie at the waist, and added some flutter sleeves to
the straps of the tank! And voila! I am in love with my new dress! It even has the
original pockets!”-Desarae
***
Now let’s go to Portugal and see what Magda from House of Estrela has been sewing for us:
“I started by cutting the shorts pieces. I used a self drafted pattern. For this I
only used the bottom of the pants, I still had quite enough left to make the vest.
Let’s focus on the shorts, this one has a waist band with a fly at the front. It
closes up with a (showing) big black button (which matches the big buttons from the
vest, though it is a bit smaller than the other 3), and two little snaps that are
hidden when it’s closed. I also added an adjustable waist elastic. I used the pants
original waistband for the shorts. I only had to cut a bit of this out, and adjust
the side loops. For the side pockets and decoratice cuffs, I used a small scrap from
a fabric. I used leftovers from a white sheet for the linning.
I traced the vest from an exisiting one. I added a front pocket with the scraps. I
was going to make it plain but it was a bit yellow(ish) and as to cover it, I chose
to add a bow to the pocket. I used 3 big black buttons on the front, that match the
shorts button, and at the back I used a buckle that I had saved from an old bag I
dismissed long ago. It allows me to adjust the vest fit too.
For more details visit my blog House of Estrela.”-Magda
***
Joelle from The Eco Wardrobe Warrior has been busy this week.
“I got these lovely high waisted plaid trousers with turn ups as part of a
wool suit for £3. I did consider just using the existing waist of the
trousers, but I find wool itchy against my skin. Instead I unpicked them
and managed to squeeze out a straight skirt utilising the existing front zip
fastening and pockets. I cut a curved waistband on the cross for added
interest, and to be able to get it out of the remaining fabric. I had
recently been given some pure silk satin off cuts by Stella and Alf which
made a luxurious lining (even if it did require an extra seam or two). I
finished it off with a button fastening at the front. I am looking forward
to wearing it for my 1st day at University on Monday. For more details and
photos pop over to my blog.”-Joelle
***
Instead of basking on the beaches of Hawaii, Trisha from Feeling Kinda Thrifty has been busy sewing for us this week.
“Luckily I snagged this beautiful red plaid skirt from Goodwill just in time
for our first refashion. I had originally planned to make it into a
strapless dress, using the top of another refashioned piece as a pattern.
However, it didn’t quite work out as I had planned. I remembered that I
had recently refashioned the full black skirt into a tight pencil skirt
that ended up being way too tight to walk in (oops). I flipped the black
skirt upside down on my dress form and created a sleeveless top. I then
attached the strapless portion of the plaid to the new top. I took out the
side zipper and trimmed up the bottom of the plaid skirt. Next, I sewed
the two pieces together in the middle with a long strip of the black skirt,
creating a belt. Lastly, I added a zipper down the back. These two frumpy
skirts were transformed into a stylish color block dress. To give it an
edge, I added metal brads around the collar. I love how it turned out!”-Trisha
***
Deanna from Wedding Dress Blue chose a cute little model for us this week.
“Plaid challenge meant starting with a man’s shirt, good color but way too large, at
least when the refasion model is a baby. The open button back of the dress (used to
be the front) gives a fun flair and shows off the matching diaper cover. The former
yoke became the bodice and the center back the front skirt. Using all possible
existing design elements, like the hem, button holes and already-interfaced yoke,
makes even a drastic refashion go much faster than sewing from scratch. And, when
you start with a free hand-me-down shirt, the price is right, too.”-Deanna
***
Let’s see what Carissa from Carissa Knits has been busy sewing this week:
“This project started with a basic button-down shirt from the back of my
husband’s closet. Having never seen him wear it in the fourteen years we’ve
known each other, and being the super nice wife I am, I offered to help him
find a better use for it.
First, I removed the sleeves and collar. I turned the whole thing around –
cutting my front out of the back and my back from its front – and added
bust darts and waist darts. The raw armhole edges were finished with strips
of fabric from the original sleeves. The final product features a drapey,
cowl-like neckline and the original buttons down the back.
I’ll have more photos of the entire process at CarissaKnits.com!”-Carissa
***
Although shaken by the turmoil in her home town of Washington DC this week, Lauren from The Adventures of Lauren was still able to refashion a plaid dress for us.
“I found this DIY (there were no tags! And sewn probably from
a pattern) school teacher plaid dress. I loved the plaid colors but hated the bib
with the really long arm holes… the big pockets… and that long skirt. I decided
to use the long arm holes to my advantage and use it in my decision. The front and
back parts of the bib were actually double sided of the same material. I took them
apart and used both back parts to make the main part of the bodice. The back part of
the bib had better coverage material-wise. I used the arm hole for the 2 shoulder
top part and used the neckline for the arm hole. I filled in the fabric holes by
using my dress form and the front part of the bib was the side part to complete a
full bodice. Next was tackling the skirt. I wanted something different so after I
cut the length off, I used the leftover fabric to make these sort of overlays- they
reminded me of flower petals for some reason. Cut them,
hemmed, and lastly I attached all 3 together to form the dress and added an
invisible zipper to complete it! I added a blue belt that I have previously
refashion from another project and my dress was done! I turned a bad plaid
schoolteacher dress to a one shoulder petal dress. 🙂
Best part was when my boyfriend got home and I was wearing it, he stopped and said
wow that looks great on! :)”-Lauren
***
And finally, let’s see what Susan from Second Chances has created this week:
“I started with four men’s shirts (although, the fourth was added after the “before”
picture.) I used one shirt for the bodice, turning it around so the dress would
button up the back. The other three shirts were cut into 3 1/2″ strips, sewn
together, pleated, then attached to the bodice. The scoop neck was trimmed from
some of the plaid fabric. I replaced the buttons in the back with dressier buttons.
It was a fun challenge….I hope you like it!”-Susan
***
There you have it, fun and inspiring plaid refashions from around the world.
So now it’s your turn. Please use the poll below and click to vote for your favorite. (I’ve left it secret so everyone will be surprised next Saturday.)
The winner will be announced next Saturday, September 28th.
The competitors will be scoring each other on five areas: following the challenge, originality, craftsmanship, design, and presentation.
The challenge for Week Two: Pantone 2013 Color Emerald Green
For more refashion inspiration:
The Renegade Seamstress 
Great job! Lot’s of WOWs 🙂 exactly as you expected.
Yes, loads of WOWs!!!!
Loving all the plaid and such ceativty… No clear winner, had a hard time deciding who to vote for!
Thanks for posting this on your blog and inviting your subscribers over to vote!!
You are welcome!
Reblogged this on Versatile Style by Tracey and commented:
Thought I would share this fun sewing competition with you, My Dear Readers. You van vote for your Favorite! Have a great Weekend
Pingback: Refashion Runway: Plaid | Wedding Dress Blue
So much fun! Great work ladies. You can see more of my refashion here: http://weddingdressblue.wordpress.com/2013/09/21/refashion-runway-plaid/
Thanks for all of your hard work this week, Deanna!!
Great entries. As before I really wanted to vote for more than one.
Me, too!
Hard to make a choice. So many great re-uses.
I thought it was hard to make a choice, too.
It always amazes me how refashioners go in with their beer goggles on and chose the ugliest piece in the store. When they get in the workroom they put on their designer spectacles and turn that piece into a beautiful designer ensemble. Great job ladies!!!!!
So true! I’m always amazed at their ability to visualize something beautiful from something that starts out so bad.
so hard to decide on only one to vote for – they are all so clever and cute!
Hi Anna, I had the same problem. Super hard to decide!!
Oh my goodness, this was the hardest decision to make in RR history! Such awesome refashions!!
They were all so different and creative. I’m still trying to decide myself.
This is really hard!!! There were some awesome transformations here….I love them all. 🙂
I know, all these ladies did a wonderful job!
Wonderful refashioning. Love to see what beauty can come from some not so beautiful pieces.
Refashioning at it’s finest!!
Every one of them has followed directions and made something lovely! There’s one I really wish I had myself and one I wish I could make for someone else. =)
Maybe you could strike up a deal….:)
So inspiring!!!
I think so, too! The transformations are incredible!!
wonderful job done by all!
I totally agree! I always get so excited to see their creations!
I hope they will all be posting their tutorials on their blogs. I like to see their process before I vote. They all did a wonderful job!
Hi Ingrid,
Yes, I believe most of the contestants are posting their process on their blogs. Thanks for voting!!!!
Beth
Love Love Love Trisha’s Block Dress!
Thanks for voting!!!
Wow! Fabulous job everyone! I hate to see anyone go! They’re all fantastic!
I know, I always hate to see them go, too.
I wish I could’ve voted for more than one!
So may feel the same way. I might have to see if I can set it up to vote for more than one.
So hard to vote for just one! They are all lovely and very inspiring.
I love seeing what they all create!
Too bad I could only pick one!! It is amazing how something old and ugly can be transformed into something new and beautiful for very little money!! Makes me proud of my fellow thrifters!!!
They are all so amazing!!
I wanted to vote for several too! Super fun to see the different projects!
I’m so excited about season two!!
I know it’s already been thoroughly expressed, but I’ll say it again anyway. It was REALLY hard to only choose one! Maybe we can bring someone back mid-season?
Ohhhhhh, now there’s a good idea!!!
Wonderful idea!
Wow, so many great ideas!!
They definitely didn’t disappoint!!
Oh. My! So VERY hard to choose! What a bunch of creative genii you have gathered!
I totally agree! Thanks for voting!
So happy Refashion Runway is back! Loved this week’s creations – so hard to choose just one.
Yay! I’m glad you are having fun!!
This was a tough call!!! SO many good choices, it was hard to choose 🙂 Yay for the return of Refashion Runway!
YAY!!! Hope your year is going well. We miss you!
Amazing work by everyone – really attractive results and very hard to choose my favourite
Hi Jo,
Your encouragement always means so much. Fun to see what everyone came up with for the plaid refashion challenge. Thanks for voting!!
Beth
Love the dress by Trish
I hope you had a chance to vote for your favorite!
These are amazing! I had a difficult time choosing. So impressed by the work that went in to these! ~Laurie
Hi Laurie,
Thanks for voting!!
Beth
Awesome works! I love refashioning and therefore reblogged your competition.
Thank you for reblogging!!
Wow, like the others have said, is right! Amazing creativity! So hard to decide. So excited to have stumbled upon all these blogs just in time to see this new season of RR! Makes me itch to get sewing more!
Hi Lynn,
Be sure to send me pictures if you decide to sew along!!
Beth
All incredible! How inspiring – I think I’ll dust of my sewing machine.
Oh, Leslie-Anne, I hope you do!! Maybe you could sew along with us.
You all are so talented. I love to watch the magic that you produce!
Hi Claudia,
I hope you had a chance to vote for your favorite.
Beth
How fun to see season 2 from the other side. I was torn between Trisha and Susan. There is fierce competition all the way around here!
Hi Mary,
Do you think you’ll be sewing along for any of the challenges?
Beth
Anything is possible but at this point I am drowning in common core standards and thinking maps. I am kind of happy to watch this time but I am still managing to post once a week!
Trisha’s dress stands out from the others with it’s very classy finish- well done to all competitors
Thanks for voting, Jane!
Wow Great work by everyone! What I did can now be found on my blog here
http://laurenphd.blogspot.com/2013/09/refashion-runway-1-plaid-school-teacher.html
Hard to decide!
Cheers,
Lauren
Adventures of Lauren
laurenphd.blogspot.com
Thanks for your beautiful entry this week, Lauren!!!
Gosh darn it, you all sew so well! I really wish I could figure out how to create those sorts of fantastic outfits! I just have never sewn a zipper, created arms/armholes, sewn darts, pleats, etc. Wish I knew how!
I hope you’ll try sewing some day, it’s loads of fun!!!
So many wonderful makeovers here! I feel so inspired! Really was hard to choose a clear winner as they were all so good in their own ways.
I’m so happy this has inspired you. Thanks for voting, even though I know it was a hard decision.
Aghhhh, difficult. It took me a minute to decide. These ladies are pretty much amazing! It is so cool to see this competition take off the way it has. Great job Beth. Are you ready for where this is going? Lol!
Hey, Tamika! Thanks for your encouragement! I’m pretty sure after the last few weeks, I’m ready for anything that comes my way…:) I totally agree with you, everyone did such an amazing job sewing this week. Thanks for voting!!
Beth
Quite impressive! Can’t we keep them all and do totals at the end so we can see their creative takes on all the challenges??
Now there’s an interesting twist, Dawn. Mmmmmmm…..maybe we’ll have to do something like that next season.
Thanks for voting!
Beth
I like Dawn’s idea too!
So difficult to choose; they were all great! 🙂
I thought so, too. Thanks for voting!
So hard to choose a favorite. They’re all wonderful in different ways. Great job, everyone! 🙂 Lisa
Thanks for voting, Lisa! Stayed tuned for the Pantone Color of 2013, Emerald, challenge next Saturday….
should be interesting!!
Beth
What a bunch of talented ladies ! This challenge made me think of Last week’s Project Runway where the winner had an unconventional use of plaid for a Modern Southern woman. You should check it out. Season 12 episode 9. Can’t wait what the ladies come up with next. I wish nobody was eliminated though…
Hi Claudia,
I saw that episode and was thinking the same thing about the plaid. The judges LOVED the plaid dresses!
Thanks for voting!!!
Beth
Very difficult to choose the best one.. Well done all the ladies!
Thanks for voting!!!
I’m not just saying this, I truly mean it: I LOVE every single one of these projects! I have no idea how I’m going to choose just one to vote for!
I agree, they were ALL so creative.
Kind of like the old Lay’s Potato Chip comercial…. Betcha can’t (eat) choose just one!
Great work ladies!
So true!! 🙂
Unbelievable plaids! They are all well thought out with unique creative touches! Well done ladies and impossible to pick the best one. Thanks for creating these challenges, it makes me want to sew. sew, sew!!!
Hi Jean, I hope if you sew along with us, you’ll send me pictures of your projects.
Beth
Taste, Class, and Fashionable Style speaks for your projects. Congrats on your nomination for The Good Neighbor Award! Blessings, Mtetar
Thanks so much!!!
My pleasure always! Blessings, Mtetar
Love the way Trisha’s dress turned out, it looked fabulous & she looked like a model herself. (Feeling Kinda Thrifty)
She DOES look beautiful in her plaid dress!
Wow. Some great refashions. Really inspiring. I will be doing a couple of flannel plaid shirts that are too big & were my hubby’s. Now to figure out what to make.
I hope you’ll send me pictures of your refashions!!
Wow! I am so impressed with everyone’s handiwork this week! It is so exciting to be sewing along with these amazingly creative women!
Thank you for your beautiful dress this week, Desarae!!
Brava – a lot of great plaid refashions – good luck them them all. Congratulations on your Good Neighbor Nomination and enjoy the first week of Autumn.
Thank you so much! I was honored to be nominated!!
Its really difficult to choose.:(
I agree!!
I woke up early Saturday morning to see what everyone had done with their plaid refashions – I couldn’t wait. Amazing! What a display of creativity and sewing skills. Well done, Ladies!
On a side note, I have posted more details about my refashion at feelingkindathrifty.blogspot.com.
I still get so excited every time I open an email with the photos of the challenges. It feels like Christmas. This is so much fun for me, too!! Thanks for being a part of all this!!
I’m loving it. Thanks for putting this on. It’s such a wonderful idea.
I’m not too thrilled about the refashions for babies / kids. I mean, altering an adult garment to make a smaller garment is not the same challenge as altering an adult garment to make another, unique adult garment. JMHO.
LOVE LOVE LOVE all of the refashions! So hard to choose which to vote for just one…
I respectfully disagree with L in NL, I have attempted to refashion adult clothes into childrens clothes, and it isn’t as easy as you might think. Example, Pants, you can make into a skirt or shorts, rather easily. But to cut them apart into pattern pieces (the pattern has to fit on the material you are using too) to make a complete child’s outfit – not so easy, and a lot more sewing and detail work. Just saying from experience. 🙂
Thank you, Cathy, for your insightful comment!!
That was a tough vote- I’m so impressed with all of them!
Thanks for voting, Amy!!! Stay tuned for Saturday….
I agree with you cathynd95. I make a lot of children’s clothes and yes some refashions from adult clothes can be easy but some of them can be quite complex. Some kids outfits are even more complex then some adult outfits. It all just depends on what it is you are going for in your design. Although I can see how someone who is unfamiliar with making children’s garments may think that.
Thanks, Lee, for your insight.
They were all good, but one was great; making my vote easy!
Thanks for voting, Debbie!!
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Wow- Great job everyone! I started a plaid refashion and got stuck… maybe in a week it will be ready.
L in NL, I use to refashion both children and adult clothes! And believe me, the children are most of the times more challenging than the adult ones. But we all have our own opinions and I respect yours.
I guess I was just giving my first impressions upon seeing all the refashions. The big change from last year is that people are refashioning into clothing for kids. Nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t inspire me to use a particular refashion technique or idea, since I don’t have small kids to sew for anymore!
I like the design Trisha came up with. The black adds a great dimension to the whole dress design. I love the finished dress!!
Plaid, now that’s a challenge! They did a fantastic job. Who didn’t vote for the cutest baby in plaid??? Shhhhhhhhhh …. I’ll never tell who I voted for, but next time don’t make it more difficult with cute babies in the mix. 😉
they are all amazing and wonderful but Susan’s refashion is kind of mindblowing. Wow. I’d love to have her teach me her mad skills. 🙂
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I loved this dress. The foresight to see it from the hideous dress it was originally was genius. Well done. X
Tough call this time! So many cool refashions, I love the dresses!
Thanks for voting, Christina!!!
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Voted. For those who did not get my vote, please, please do not give up re-fashioning because this was a hard decision. I admire you all for taking on a “plaid” challenge.
Thanks so much for voting!!!!
son geniales, de verdad muy buenos todos
muy lindos…… muy buenos todos… Felicidades todos son geniales ¡¡¡¡¡
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