How to be Thrifty by Reusing Fabric

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Reusing fabric for 3 different items

How to be Thrifty by Reusing Fabric

I thought this quote was very apropos considering my mom has certainly shown her superpower of reusing fabric by creating many different items out of what it leftover. The three of us showcased a pink, plaid mohair fabric in the last post, and now are styling this floral print.

Quote of the day: “It’s not what you’ve got, it’s what you use that makes a difference.” Zig Ziglar

The tough part about this post is this fabric is certainly more of a summery material. It’s slinky and lightweight and not one that you’d usually reach for in the winter months. However, we have also tried to show that you can transition your summer skirts into the fall.

Charlotte’s (80+) Outfit: My mom made herself this maxi skirt within the last couple of years, and wore it on the blog previously.

It’s definitely one of those materials that really lends itself to go with everything because of all of the colors in it.

Reusing fabric from a floral print maxi skirt

I absolutely love that my mom didn’t match her turtleneck to any color in the skirt, but chose a neutral color instead. I think this works marvelously because then the necklace and earrings really stand out.

Most of us think of black and white as the neutrals of choice, but a tan turtleneck would also look great along with a light pink one.

Reusing fabric when sewing your own clothes

My mom just recently found these pink shoes at a local thrift store.

Pumps are definitely a classic shoe, yet for those of you who don’t wear heels anymore, I thought I’d search for some other options. As much as you might think that pink shoes would never be very versatile, I bet you’d be surprised. This pair have quite a chunky heel and plenty of laces for support. Then there is this pair that is definitely closer to the ground yet dressy. Or this pair of flats could be both dressy and casual.

Reusing fabric when sewing for fun

This white, furry cardigan was a recent purchase when we visited Glenwood Springs during Christmas at the boutique Ala Carte. In fact, Nancy bought the same one in black, because it was such a great deal. I happen to love the idea of these faux fur/fuzzy cardigans. It’s adds some fun to the outfit instead of our usual  cardigans. But if it’s too much for you, you may enjoy the faux fur only at the collar in leopard or in a solid color.

Reusing fabric for any age

Skirt: Mom made it (similar here)~~Jacket: (similar here)~~Turtleneck: (similar here)~~Shoes: thrifted (similar here)~~Necklace: (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Bracelet: (similar here)

Jodie’s (50+) Outfit: After my mom finished her maxi skirt, she pieced together much of the remaining fabric to make me a short skirt.

If you sew at all, then you might notice that there are 4 seams in this skirt because there weren’t enough big pieces otherwise. I think that the print is busy enough that it’s not too noticeable.

This skirt has shown up on the blog last summer when I styled this skirt a classic way and more modern way.

Reusing fabric for a skirt

Since I was trying to winterize the skirt, I added in a black sweater, tights and booties. I did not wear a black turtleneck because 1-I don’t have one and 2-because I was trying to showcase the mesh in the cardigan. However, I do think that a white shirt under this cardigan might have showcased the necklace better?

This is exactly the time to stock up on black cardigans since spring is right around the corner and retailers are offering great sales. If you’ve been looking for a long cardigan, then this one is under $25. Or if you need a shorter, black cardigan, I found another one for a fabulous deal.

Reusing fabric and making it work for any season

The black of my tights and booties really shows off the orange clutch wonderfully.

Even though this purse doesn’t hold a ton, I’ve learned that many times, I can get away with just my phone, driver’s license, credit card & lipstick. It’s probably better for my shoulder too, not to lug around all my stuff all of the time.

Reusing fabric for sewers

One reason I really like this cardigan is because of the faux leather trim on it. Many years ago, that would have turned me off, but I do feel that leather is one of those materials that have worked it’s way into the mainstream crowd. Whether you like it better as a trim, in a fun color jacket or even as leggings, there is something for everyone.

And before you start thinking that no respectable woman would wear leather pants, even Martha Stewart wore them. You shouldn’t knock it until you try it, because for some strange reason, the leather jeans really make you feel so powerful!

Reusing fabric is practical

Skirt: Mom made it by reusing fabric (similar here)~~Cardigan: Maurices (similar here)~~Top: Banana Republic (similar here)~~Boots: ShoeMint (similar here)~~Necklace: (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Purse: (similar here)

Nancy’s (60+) Outfit: Of course, because of my mom’s thriftiness, there was still an opportunity of reusing fabric that was leftover and turn it into a scarf.

Making a scarf or flower pin out of remaining material is my mom’s go to. Nancy has worn this scarf a couple times on the blog and I think it’s the perfect way to add some color into an outfit.

Reusing fabric to make a scarf

You can see that my mom even added a white, fringe trim on the ends of this scarf. These skinny scarves don’t always get a lot of love, but they can really be a great option, especially if you don’t love a lot of material around your neck.

We wore a skinny scarf 3 different ways previously. And I’m sure it won’t surprise you to know that mom made that blue skinny scarf from leftover material also.

Reusing fabric as a leftover scrap

If you are someone that leans toward the neutral outfits like Nancy is wearing, then I would think bright scarves would be perfect for you.

The black leggings are certainly becoming a basic item in everyone’s closet. Many times, Nancy has even worn her workout leggings, and no one is the wiser. There are many varieties, and lately my favorite is my fur lined pair. Possibly because they are warmer, but also because they seem thicker. I don’t worry as much about having to feel covered up in the thicker variety.

Of course if you live in the warmer states, there are other ways to get leggings with some interesting details. There’s the ankle zip or ones with lace inserts.

Reusing fabric for hand sewn clothing

These longer cardigans are perfect with our leggings since they cover the areas that women like to have covered. Just like most other winter items, there can be some great deals found right now. There are the straight across versions, the asymmetric ones, along with ones that have fun details.

Reusing fabric is economical

Leggings: (similar here)~~Cardigan: (similar here)~~Top: (similar here)~~Boots: (similar here)~~Scarf: Mom made it by reusing fabric (similar here)~~Earrings: (similar here)~~Bracelet: (similar here)

How to get the most out of Reusing fabric
how to be thrifty by Reusing fabric

If this idea of reusing fabric and clothing is something you gravitate towards, then I think it’s a great time to start sewing. I feel like with the advent of You-Tube, you can find all kinds of tutorials for any kind of sewing help.

Thanks to one and all of you for your support. It means more than you know!

The Facts

Even if you wouldn’t consider purchasing your clothing online, it can be helpful to look through my links to see what is available! It certainly doesn’t hurt my feelings, if you click on them but don’t like them. Just so you know, one of the ways I make money from this blog is through these linked items.

Keeping in Touch

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Do you ever wonder why you should connect with me on other social media sites? Well let me explain what I’ve been doing lately.

Sure you can find my posts on Facebook but I also love to share other people’s posts that I think you may like. Or my Pinterest page has all of our outfits in a nutshell along with fun inspiration from other women!

Right now, most of my time is spent on Instagram. Here’s where you’ll find many other of my outfits and plenty of musings about life and such. Sure, you may not feel like you want to add another social media site to your list. But I spend lots of time and effort to make sure there is something for everyone!

And if you’re new to the party, you can always see our outfits organized by categories, here. Don’t forget to check out the deals & discounts too, on this page.

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