I really hope I’m not the only one who hears the voices.
You know… those voices that come with the change in the weather. Those voices that speak in perfect harmony with the chirps of the spring sparrows. Those voices that call to me from the middle room as I enter my studio. I hear them constantly clamoring for their chance to be transformed.
Today, I heard the voice of this beautiful, but tired, old blue blazer. I imagine it once attended important business meetings in its day, but then somehow found itself wedged between some old velvet jackets at the thrift store. It convinced me that if I brought it home with me, I could, at least, use the fabric for something fun. It sat quietly on the shelf for almost a year, but today, it begged me to lighten it up a bit by taking off the sleeves and to bring it back out into the spring sunshine.
That smooth talking blazer was quite convincing, so I got right to work. I then dug through the miles and miles of bias tape that I can’t seem to stop making and found the perfect match.
It took less than an hour for that smooth talking, now sleeveless blazer and I to be ready to head to work, feeling polished but not too stuffy or hot in this nice spring weather.
Click here for the full tutorial and your chance to win your own copy of The Refashion Handbook. Just pin and leave a comment and your name will be entered to win.
Thanks to everyone who has been leaving 5-star reviews on Amazon!
Here is the latest review from KLH:
“I got this book in the late morning and couldn’t put it down until I had read the whole thing!! I’ve been sewing for a long time and have done my own minor alterations here and there. A couple of years ago a friend introduced me to thrift shopping and I was hooked. I, too, felt “called” to by gorgeous discards that didn’t fit, as Beth described. But as I looked at previously expensive former treasures, I wondered whether I could alter them but never took the leap (what was I thinking? It’s so cheap!! Like no risk!!).
I just happened to find Beth’s book during an Amazon book browsing session and couldn’t believe it–a book on something that was starting to give me great interest. I checked out her blog and felt like I had a new friend and acquired new stitching bravery so I ordered it. While reading it, I could tell as an experienced sewist myself that her techniques are good and sound. Now I can’t wait for my next visit to a thrift store–it will be with new eyes and a new adventure. So many new ideas…. Sooooo excited. Thank you, Beth!!”
Thank YOU, KLH!
For more refashion inspiration:
The Renegade Seamstress 
Your work is amazing! I love what you do – so practical and oh so pretty.
Thank you so much, Ann! Have a wonderful weekend.
Very clever, as usual! I like the matching bias tape. I pinned this.
Thanks for pinning, Margie! I LOVE making bias tape, and I’m always looking for ways to use it.
How cute, smart-styled, and sweet is this vest! I’m headed to the thrift store after Easter. Thank you for providing the ideas for the fun.
Yu are so very welcome, Mary! It’s fun for me to share with appreciative people like you. Happy Easter!
Oh I love this idea! I am a big fan of thrift shops, as a place to find cool stuff to play with. I just finished rejiggering a 70s caramel-colored leather jacket into a summery blazer with ribbon where the leather lacing used to be.
I’d very much like to see your blazer! It’s sounds wonderful.
I pinned. I see so many things in thrift stores that I would like to refashion. I just don’t know how. Would like to have this book.
Thanks so much for pinning, Sandy!
I love this and I am addicted to making bias tape! Happy Easter!
Thank you Rosie! I am addicted to making bias tape too! Weird how that happens.
This is a great idea. Now I wish I hadn’t gotten rid of the old light green blazer I had in the closet. 🙂
Thank you, Lynn! I hope you can find a good blazer to use the next time you go to the thrift store. Or maybe if you put the word out, someone will clean out their closet and pass one onto to you.
Always amazed at your creativity!
You are always so sweet, Susan. Thank you!
You are not alone. I hear voices too! I will see something unique and my voices tell me that there will be some use for it soon (or in the future) and I need to have it! I love what you created with that blazer and I really like the white lace blouse you’re wearing beneath it too. So chic! Pinned too.
Thanks so much for pinning! Cheers to the “voices”! 🙂
A very successful makeover. It is surprising how fresh the colors looks once the sleeves are off. I like, too, that you take the time to finish pieces nicely so they will last beyond a single wearing.
I was surprised by the freshness of the colors, too. Thanks so much for your nice comments!
Thanks for this great tutorial! I’ll be searching for a blazer to make this great vest!
I hope you find the perfect blazer, Joen!
I would love this book. Want to try some of these ideas and need to learn more about it. Thanks for the ideas.
You are so very welcome, Jan!
Love the sleeveless blazer, looks great w/the lace top!
Thanks so much, Jane!
this is so cute!!! I probably have something old OLD in my closet that I could do this little trick to. I find blazer sleeves too constricting anyway. I had some huge SUCCESS thrifting this weekend. I scored with a couple of tank tops that will be shoulder bags/tote bags. I also got a very nice pair of pants for work that are pinstriped but with very, VERY WIIIIIDDDDEEEE legs. I am too short for that look. I will have to comb through your posts to see how I should narrow-taper them a little and not mess up the pinstripe look. 🙂 you are my go to gal and I have loved shopping at thrift stores more and more.
Sounds like we are definitely kindred spirits! Great thrift store finds, I’d love to see your projects someday!
Very nice! Great idea!!
Thanks, Debbie!
Your ideas are so inspiring. I need to revamp my wardrobe & would love the help of your book.
Thanks, Mari!
What a nice way to refashion a blazer…maybe use some more bias tape to accent the lapels and pocket flaps! I am thinking this would be a great idea for my bulky fall / winter blazers as well with a turtleneck underneath. Until then one in denim would be real sharp looking for springtime!
Great ideas, Nora! Thanks for sharing!
Oh my gosh, I am going through my closet with a fresher outlook~ better than sending it all to the thrift shop! Thanks for the inspiring ideas!
You are so very welcome, Sandie! Have fun revamping your wardrobe!
Beth, you’re not alone. I hear the voices, too! Sometimes they keep me up at night. I just wish I had more time to heed them! Your jacket is so refreshing for spring…love it!!