the ReFab Diaries

Repurpose: Tanks, skirts & t-shirts ...

in , , , , , , by Candice
The heat is on in Chicago this year! And yes, I have summer clothes. But not enough of them (!) and... I kinda, sorta, hate most of what I have. So I've been thinking of ways to upcycle old skirts, stained tank tops, too-big-for me shorts.


This means I've been looking around and now I'm really inspired! The DIY empire-waste dress above is from TripOverJoy.  She added fresh fabric to an old tank.  Not sure I'm the right shape to pull of a little dress like this, but her finished product looks awesome on her! Read on for another 20 ideas for how to upcycle tank tops, skirs and shirts.
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Upcycle: Old book = DIY iPhone charging station

in , , , , , , by Candice

Ok ... I am a big dork.  I saw these book charging stations on Etsy a long time ago and went hunting for a how-to.  Couldn't find it.  Then a couple of days ago I literally tripped over this great step by step tutorial from The DIY Treatment.  Go make one of these ... you need one.  Really.
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DIY: Hermes Clutch (with free printable)

in , , , , by Candice


The clever marketing folks at Hermes are offering another free printable... this time, a DIY Jigé clutch. Visit this page, let it load up, and click on the "I want it, I'll have it" thumbnail. Choose from six different patterns, download ... and what?  They want you to print, cut, glue, and enjoy!  Because this is a pretty promotional idea ...and a waste of paper.  And the link will go away.  


But, if you save the PDF to your desktop before you "print" you'll have it for future use.  And if you print this off onto fabric transfer paper, you could actually make a little fabric clutch. I love love the bird!  (Via OhTheLovelyThings)

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Upcycle: Old pillow case = new tote bag

in , , , , by Candice

Simple no-sew makeover from CremeDeLaCraft.  


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Repurpose: Old toys = new grown-up decor

in , by Candice
Looking for a new use for your kids' old toys? Upcycle them into quirky decor.


new uses for old toys

I had a lot of fun putting this post together! Using old toys as decorative items or home "accessories" requires a certain sense of irony. Definitely a sense of humor. But old toys are so often at the top of the trash pile that we definitely need a way to upcycle them.  Read on for 20+ ways to repurpose old toys.

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DIY: Create your own pattern for a cowl neck!

in , , , , , by Candice




My very talented friend Lisa is the one-woman power behind PoldaPop Designs. When she sews for herself, she's super thrifty ... and this week she's sharing some of her thrifty thinking! She's posted a free sewing tutorial that shows you how to 

1.  Create a pattern for a cowl neck top using your own favorite top or bodice pattern
2.  Make the top!

(UPDATE:  New tutorial for the deep cowl now available here)

While you're there, check out her great list of free sewing tutorials

If you want to own a little PoldaPop for yourself, you need to see her Etsy store! 
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Thrifty Thursday: Shopping The Brown Elephant...

in , , by Candice

I actually went to a thrift store this morning ... my very favorite one - The Brown Elephant.  I spent a grand total of $10.25 ... and bought what you see in the picture.  The onesie will soon be converted into a top for Ms Ro.  I often buy earrings and turn them into pendants for me and a friend ... but these might get new hooks and stay earrings.  :)
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Upcycle: 1 old desk = 2 new nightstands

in , , , , , , by Candice
One beat up, $10 desk, a little carpentry, a little paint and hellloooooooooo.... yes please!  Get the how to from Sugar Bee Crafts.
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