Nothing crashes a little fashion high faster than these words:
“Excuse Ma’am, but would you like to do this in private or are you Ok out here?”
WHHHAAAATTTTT!??!!!
“What do you mean it looks like I have an explosive device wrapped around my hips?”
I thought I was looking pretty darn cute in my little black and white sweater skirt as I went through airport security. I even had Pre-Check so I didn’t have to take off my boots and spoil the look.
Well, apparently, I find out as I’m getting swabbed from head to toe, little metallic threads running through the fabric of your skirt are not a good idea at the airport.
Note to self:
Don’t wear metallic threads on an airplane….
🙂
But these gals certainly made it through Refashion Runway security with flying colors this week. Talk about creative and thinking out of the box.
I had such a good time opening up my inbox his week and seeing their work.
Enjoy! And don’t forget to vote for your favorite at the bottom of the post!!
**********************************************************
Jen from Diary of a MadMama
“Ever since I found out all of the themes for this season, I’ve been looking
most forward to this week because of the metallic theme.
I started out with two curtains that were given to me and used them to make
a shift dress from an old pattern I’ve had for ages.
After sewing the dress pieces together, I got busy adding the metallic
aspect. I gathered a bunch of pennies, soaked them in a vinegar salt
mixture to clean them up and pounded holes in them using a punch and die
set I ordered online. Once I had all the pennies punched, I sewed them onto
the collar and bottom hem. I decided to use some of the leftover curtain
material to make a belt and embellished it with pennies as well. I even
made two penny buttons to use to fasten the back of the dress.
I absolutely love this dress. I feel kinda like a gypsy when I wear it and I love the jingly sound it makes when I move. What can I say? I love the sound of money! 😉
It’s been so much fun to participate in this season of Refashion Runway. I
love being challenged and I don’t know if I would’ve thought up the idea to
put money on my clothing if it wasn’t for this competition.
Thanks again for this awesome opportunity!
If you want to see the detailed refashion, check out my blog, Diary of a
MadMama.
http://diaryofamadmama.wordpress.com/refashion-runway-season-four-all-stars-week-two-metallic-challenge”
~Jen
********************************************************
Carissa from Carissa Knits
“I love to learn new crafting techniques, and this week’s metallic challenge
gave me a great excuse to try something new. I had read about creating
permanent pleats by steaming with a vinegar-water mixture. I found a pair
of ultra-high-sheen, gold satin (well, polyester) curtains at the thrift
shop. I first cut off the little valance thing and used it to experiment
with the pleating process. Once my sample had gone through the washer and
dryer and come out with its pleats still intact, I was able to use the rest
of that curtain panel to create my new skirt. I cut it in thirds and joined
them together to form a rectangle nearly 12 feet long. Then I spent hours
and hours measuring, marking, folding, pinning, and basting before it was
finally time to do my vinegar steaming. Once all the pleating was complete,
I installed an invisible zipper inside one of the pleats, making it even
more invisible. I used the rod pocket from the top of the curtain, along
with some interfacing, to create a waistband which also got the vinegar
treatment. Lastly, I hand-stitched a hook-and-eye just above the zipper.
Then into the wash it went, and it didn’t touch an iron again between the
dryer and the camera! Hooray, science!
To go with my gold skirt, I pulled out an unflattering silver lace bubble
skirt from a clothes swap years ago. Once I removed the bottom hem and
waistband so I could flatten out the bubble, I used a well-fitting top to
trace out my pattern from both the lining and the lace. Next, I attached
the front lining and front lace to each other along the bottom, armholes,
and neckline, and then the back lining and back lace were sewn in the same
places. Then the front and back panels were joined at the shoulders and
side seams. Finally, a couple of bust darts were added for a more fitted
look.
And I couldn’t let that tassel from the original curtain valance go to
waste. I pulled out an old gold necklace of my grandmother’s, a big glass
bead, and some gold jump rings, and I made a trendy tassel necklace. Paired
with a gunmetal clutch and my nude heels, I’m ready for a night on the
town. Or I can dress it down with a chambray shirt and Converse sneaks.”
You can see all the details here on Carissa’s blog, Carissa Knits.
*********************************************************
Miche from Buttons and Birdcages
“Last week I mentioned that I’ve been into festival fashion lately. To get a
little more specific, I’ve been really fascinated by Burning Man, which
basically just means be weird and a totally unconventional.
This weird and unconventional pull has me feeling increasingly challenged
in this contest because I know many people want to see outfits they would
actually wear, but whenever I sit at my sewing machine, I feel pulled in a
different direction. So this week I decided to honor that pull and see what
I came up with..
Shopping for metallic to refashion was pretty challenging because most
things that are metallic are already pretty hip (it’s a pretty hip
material). I went to 3 thrift stores before finding these possibilities and
while I wanted whatever I found to be gold, I was beyond thrilled to find
this amazing silver dress!
Once I found it, I had a pretty clear vision in my head. When I got home, I
almost immediately chopped the top part of the dress off and added button
closure, turning it into a maxi skirt. I removed the bottom and sleeves off
of the black dress, turning it into a sleeveless top. I used the extra
material from the black dress and purple metallic skirt to create a
reversible hood that can be worn with the metallic out, or the black side
out.
Extra fabric was used to add little flourishes like the lace up part of the
top. I’m not going to Burning Man this year, but I am going to YOUtopia (a
smaller burn), and will be sure to wear this while I”m there :)”
Miche from Buttons and Birdcages
*****************************************************
Susan from Second Chances by Susan:
“Metallic…my first thoughts leaned towards evening wear. I found several metallic
offerings amongst the discarded prom and bridesmaid dresses. But, since I had just
made a party dress, I couldn’t see a need for another one. In reality, my holiday
parties consist of banging pots and pans at midnight on New Year’s Eve with the
grandkids which, by the way, is the best! So, this week I opted for a more casual
metallic look. I also didn’t want to go over board with it so I kept the metallics
to mostly accents.
I started with a sequined t-shirt. I really liked the metallic hue of these sequins
and thought the t-shirt would make a fun and simple skirt. And simple it was! It
was just a matter of cutting it out, stitching up the sides, and adding an elastic
waistband.
I already had a bag of shower curtain hooks that I had picked up a while ago. I
added some leather cording, brass beads, and a gold chain. Several square knots
later and I had a chunky metallic necklace.
I could have stopped there, but I really thought a jacket would be a nice addition.
This, however, was not as simple as the skirt! After cutting away the bulky fleece
trim, shortening the length, adding darts, and taking in the side seams, it was
shaping up to be a fun little jacket. But, the edges needed finishing and the
jacket needed some metallic accents.
I found a blouse that was not only the right color, but it was adorned with metal
snaps and studs…perfect! I cut away the collar, pocket flaps, cuffs, and front
band and added it all to the jacket.
I can dress up with the skirt and jacket, or dress down with the jacket and jeans!
If you would like to see the process, you can visit my blog, Second Chances by
Susan, where I will be posting it soon.
Thanks to everyone who was been following along, commenting, and voting! And,
thanks to Beth for another fun challenge! Good luck to all of the ladies and happy
sewing!”
Susan
*****************************************************
Marissa from The Refash Stash
“This is what I love about this competition is that it forces me to get out of my
comfort zone and think way outside of the box! Metallic was something I wouldn’t
really pick on my own but now I don’t think I’ll shy away from it!
I was so lucky I scored this beautiful metallic formal dress! First, I made a
waistband out of 3 inch black elastic. (See where I’m going with this…skirt!) The
dress had a black lining under the metallic fabric so I used that to make a skirt.
Then I cut 4 strips of metallic fabric to make a layered skirt. Instead of hemming
each layer of metallic fabric I used black bias tape! I think it really defines the
layers too!
Next: The Top!
I had a solid black t-shirt, in stock! I removed the top decorative layer of the
original dress. I cut the t-shirt at an angle to make a one-shouldered top and then
sewed on the decorative piece from the metallic dress.
Lastly: An accessory!
I had left over fabric from the top of the original metallic dress…but what to do
with it?
I made a wristlet! I sewed the scrap into a square, added a button loop and wrist
loop made of black bias tape scraps and sewed it together with silver metallic
thread! Then added a hot pink button as an accent!
Happy Refashioning!!!”
Marissa
******************************************************
Mary from Thrifty Chic
“Metallic? Thinking about this, I needed to find something to incorporate this into my wardrobe without looking like a cheesy episode of “Lost in Space” (Dating myself here)or someone who had never left disco behind??? It had to be simple, classic, and fit into my life. This sweater was a $3.00 Goodwill find and made of lurex yarn. It is a classic shape with a perfect fit, but VERY see through. I had to jazz it up! When I saw it, I knew the plan immediately!
The plan was to use some off white cotton yarn and weave in stripes with a tapestry needle.
It created a great chevron pattern!
The under bodice was created from an old wrestling costume I made for one of the boys years ago for Halloween!
Such memories this one gave me. ☺”
Mary from Thrifty Chic
****************************************************
Gema from Sequins and Slippers
“Hi All!
I had something COMPLETELY different in mind when I started my Metallic
project; in fact, it was only in the final moments I changed my mind, and
went with an alternative plan! I was wanting to avoid looking ‘cheap’
(which I think is a danger when working with metallic/shiny fabrics) – and
found lots of ‘disco’ inspiration to fire me up… you might be able to
tell in the results, haha!
Starting with a peplum top I’ve had for AGES in my wardrobe… it has a
small amount of sparkle on the shoulders, and seemed to work well with the
second part in the outfit…
I went for ‘subtle’ for half of the look, as the bottom half was going to
be DISCO-TASTIC! So, here’s the ‘gun metal silver’ sequined top I found in
a charity shop…
And, after a fair bit of styling, sewing, cropping, and fixing… whilst
breaking six needles in the process… (*argh!)
I ended up with an outfit I’m excited to wear, and will continue to be,
come rain or shine, winter or summer, indoors or outdoors… let’s face it,
no-one can lose me, wearing this…!
Honestly, it even glows when I’m in the shade… I also like the thought of
pairing the skirt with a pair of Converse, and a sloppy jumper (I’ve seen
that look so many times, and wanted to copy it!).
Y’know, sometimes having a rather large behind isn’t such a bad
thing…..haha!!
I can’t WAIT to see what all these talented ladies have produced this
week…
Hopefully see you next week!!
Big Sequin Smiles!
Gema x”
****************************************************************
The Renegade Seamstress 
It was a super close call!!! Once again, Carissa got my vote, but I love what Gema and Susan made.
Thanks so much for voting and being a part of Refashion Runway, Abigail. 🙂
Wow! So many great looks! Good job ladies!
All-Stars is the perfect name for this competition! You are all rock stars in my book!!!
Again – really close in the voting today! I enjoyed them all and look forward to next week!
It was so much fun to open my email this week and see so many great ways to interpret the metallic challenge. Thanks for voting, Kelli!!
Pingback: Refashion Runway Season Four: All Stars – Week Two: Metallic Challenge | Diary of a MadMama
This should be a TV show. You ladies rock. All of these are fabulous. And runway-ready, I might add. You’re ALL winners in my book.
I would SO watch that show!! We have the Great British Sewing Bee in the UK (the closest we get to it) and I’m always so upset when it ends… So inspiring!!
I would watch the show too!!! I am in awe…not to mention throughly entertained. What a brilliant lot of garments!
I wish we could watch the Great British Sewing Bee here in the US. Believe me I’ve tried and I can’t find it ANYWHERE! I was able to watch the first season somehow but none of the other seasons are available. I LOVED it! Talk about a friendly sewing competition. 🙂
It is a friendly sewing competition- everyone in it gets tearful when someone leaves, it’s so emotional! I think the reason it’s hard to find outside the uk is something to do with the fact it’s commissioned by the BBC, so licensing laws mean it’s unavailable anywhere but the UK. It’s a real shame…
It’s Susan for the win again!
Thanks for voting, Jill!!
I love them all, but Susan gets my vote! I’d wear that jacket in a heartbeat. 🙂
Thanks for voting, Betty!
I love them all but the gold pleated skirt blew me away
I’m definitely going to try Carissa’s pleating technique. Thanks for voting Jane!!
How to choose?! Hmm…how to choose?!
Carissa, you went over the top with the pleats from a curtain. All that works really brought about fabulous results. I’d wear that skirt in a heartbeat. Love it!
Gema’s sequined skirt looks great and is very flattering.
Mary’s idea to counter the ‘see through’ on the sweater was brilliant! I am sure that was tedious.
Miche’s design is very trendy! I loved the hood. It sets off the entire outfit!!
But my heart and vote goes to Jen. I love the lacy feminine look off-set by the edgy copper of the pennies. The sharp edges of neckline is well countered by the gathering of the material below. I just love everything about the dress.
Well done ladies! Can’t wait for next week!!!
Well said Trudy!!! I totally agree. 🙂
I thought Jen’s penny buttons and accents were so clever! I also really liked all the work and detail that Susan put into her outfit. For inventiveness, fit, and my own personal taste, though, Marissa did a stellar job.
There was some serious thinking out of the box this week!! Thanks for your nice comment, Jennie.
Another difficult challenge and everyone has excelled.
I agree. They just get better and better!!! Thanks for voting Helen!
Being from Essex and we love our bling! gema gets my vote
Thanks so much for voting!
Very hard to decide! I love the use of unconventional materials (pennies, shower curtain hooks) and the sewing techniques (set in pleats) used. I hope Gema was wearing protective eyewear because all those broken needles make sewing look like a dangerous sport.
You’ve just reminded me, I need to write something about that in my post!! Yes – protective goggles would’ve been a good idea, not just for the sewing – but also for cutting the sequins… instead I positioned my scissors, closed my eyes, and snipped. Not the best technique!! But my favourite dangerous sport 😉
Who knew sewing could be dangerous??! Thanks for your nice comment!!
Second Chances by Susan, you rock! You get my vote!
Thanks so much for voting Kristie! 🙂
Some very creative looks here! I most identify with Susan as our tastes (modesty as always) are so similar.
Thanks for voting and your nice comment, Rozy. 🙂
Wow love it!
🙂
remember me showing you the renegade seamstress post where they make clothes out of other clothes. Well the first couple of these are made out of curtains!
On Sat, Aug 13, 2016 at 8:25 AM, The Renegade Seamstress wrote:
> The Renegade Seamstress posted: “Nothing crashes a little fashion high > faster than these words: “Excuse Ma’am, but would you like to do this in > private or are you Ok out here?” WHHHAAAATTTTT!??!!! “What do you mean it > looks like I have an explosive device wrapped around my hips?” I t” >
Thanks for sharing Robin.
Wow! So much creativity and talent! So hard to vote!! I have to give everyone credit-
Jen- PENNIES! I would have NEVER thought of that!
Carrissa- great outfit, love the skirt! Steaming with vinegar, wow!
Miche- kudos for following your heart, unconventional fashion is fun!
Susan- I LOVE THAT JACKET! Perfect blend of sweet floral and sassy metallic!
Marissa- the black bias trim on the skirt layers is a great touch, as are the pink heels!
Mary- weaving the yarn in was inspired! Never would have entered my head!
Gemma- that is one well tailored and flattering skirt! Love the peplum top too! (Isin’t sewing sequins a pain?!)
Wow ladies! Just wow! Thank you for sharing!
Such nice comments, Sabrina! 🙂 Thanks for being a part of Refashion Runway!!! Have a wonderful day. 🙂
Pingback: Refashion Runway: Metallic - Buttons and Birdcages
Wow – some great makes:) I love Susans jacket. This series is so inspiring, its truly amazing how items can be transformed.
Thank you for your nice comment and for sewing along with us this season, Vicky. 🙂
These ladies are amazing! I couldn’t stop scrolling through the post to see all of these beautiful and so creative transformations. Wow!!!
I agree. I love opening up their emails each week to see what they’ve created. Its like Christmas to me. 🙂 Thanks for your nice comment, Mary Beth!
These ladies keep getting better and better. I loved Jen’s for the innovative use of curtains (of all things, Gone with the Wind anyone?) and the pennies were so cool. Susan’s is so versatile though. So many ways to wear her creation. Great job ladies!
Thank you so much for your nice comment, Floy! 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
Miche blew it out of the water on this one. A modern day warrior meets boho! Love it!
🙂 Thanks so much for voting, Terrie!!
I loved Miche’s outfit too! I would so wear something like that to a Con or one of my book signings. Boho, steampunk, a touch of goth, love it all.
I feel like I’m going to have to close my eyes and randomly pick. THEY ARE ALL SO GOOD. I love the inspiration- so much goodness I can’t deal with it.
I agree. They are definitely All Stars! 🙂 Thanks for your nice comment!
Very clever refashions! The up close photos really do help in deciding whom to vote for. They showcase sewing skills, construction placement, and colors quite nicely…and unfortunately the lack of skills, construction and colors. The use of pennies was great, however, it is illegal to deface US currency. Even so how sweet the dress, it lost my vote. Susan of Second Chances, which took my vote, also took my breath away for that awesome shower curtain necklace! Metallics is not easy to wear or work with, but in my opinion, the women were very clever with their refashions!!
Hi Nora, Thank you so much for your comment. I was actually wondering if someone was going to mention Jen’s penny decoration. It is legal to drill holes through pennies as long as the penny will be for amusement, education, jewelry or similar purposes without the intention of using it as currency. Here’s the link to the US Mint site. http://www.usmint.gov/consumer/?action=FAQ
I hope this helps.
Yikes!! Thanks for your reply.
Defacement of currency is a violation of Title 18, Section 333 of the United States Code. Under this provision, currency defacement is generally defined as follows: Whoever mutilates, cuts, disfigures, perforates, unites or cements together, or does any other thing to any bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt issued by any national banking association, Federal Reserve Bank, or Federal Reserve System, with intent to render such item(s) unfit to be reissued, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
Visit http://www.secretservice.gov for additional information.
Hmmmmmmm…..
When I read “bank bill, draft, note, or other evidence of debt” it makes me think they are referring to paper money.
I think this one may refer to coins:
18 U.S.C. §331:
“Whoever fraudulently alters, defaces, mutilates, impairs, diminishes, falsifies, scales or lightens any of the coins coined at the mints of the United States, or any foreign coins which are by law made current or are in actual use or circulation as money within the United States; or whoever fraudulently possesses, passes, utters, publishes, or sells, or attempts to pass, utter, publish, or sell, or brings into the United States, any such coin, knowing the same to be altered, defaced, mutilated, impaired, diminished, falsified, scaled or lightened – shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years, or both. ”
It seems to me in order to be prosecuted, after drilling holes in the money, the person must be trying to use it as currency.
It makes me wonder, if this is illegal, why there are all of those machines you see that flatten pennies?
Interesting discussion.
indeed!
Can all of the seamstresses be winners? Does it have to be an elimination? I would love to see what these talented ladies can do in ALL of the categories. Every time I log in to vote, I freeze. Would you consider changing the rules? I’m relatively new to this wonderful blog, so feel free to tell me what’s what. P.S. Wondering if anyone else out there agrees with me…..
Hi Nancy. Yes, I have had some people wish there wouldn’t be any eliminations. That would be a fun way to do it, too. Refashion Runway is modeled after Project Runway and The Great British Sewing Bee. The contestants do know ahead of time that the winner will be the one who makes it through all of the challenges with the most votes. I guess they wouldn’t agree to participate if being eliminated bothered them since there is always that chance. But I do agree, it’s hard to say good bye. 🙂
Girls, I love your world. You are wonderfull. I voted for one, but loved all your clothes. Tammi
Wow that looks very flash!!!!!
On Sunday, 14 August 2016, The Renegade Seamstress wrote:
> The Renegade Seamstress posted: “Nothing crashes a little fashion high > faster than these words: “Excuse Ma’am, but would you like to do this in > private or are you Ok out here?” WHHHAAAATTTTT!??!!! “What do you mean it > looks like I have an explosive device wrapped around my hips?” I t” >
Pingback: Refashion Runway Sewalong: Metallic |
Pingback: Refashion Runway Season Four: Metallic Sew Along | The Renegade Seamstress
Commenting and voting late as I was not at my best when the original notification came, I had looked through and loved every one of the refashions. Thought I’d leave it until I was thinking a little easier but nope, still can’t decide! There are clothes I’d wear, clothes I love but know they’d not look good on me, techniques I admire… This is haaaard! About to do my 4th read through (I take my responsibilities seriously!) to decide. They really are ALL stars and very, very talented sewists and *refashioneers.
*P.S. I love that we are creating our own vocabulary for this!
P.P.S So sad for you guys stateside that you don’t get to see GBSB. Hopefully BBC Worldwide or BBC’s American programming bring either your own version or make the GBSB available to you as we saw it. Fingers crossed!
P
Sorry. It seems I can be very ham -handed at times. Susan’s accomplishment was right just my cuppa tea.
Again it was so hard to choose just one!!! All the ladies are so talented and I enjoy seeing each one of their projects. I had to cast a vote for one though so it went to Susan. Thanks Beth.
Pingback: What is Refashion Runway Anyway? A Look Back Through the Seasons | The Renegade Seamstress