Tag: lifesytles

RECYCLE THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK…

The shirt of his back

‘The Shirt off his Back’ is a book by Hilary Bruffell which has 30 projects ideas on what you can make out of a man’s shirt.

It’s available from Amazon and other good book stores. http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shirt-off-his-Back-transforming/dp/1906417644

The Shirt off his Back provides crafters with the ultimate thrifty, creative project. What happens to men’s shirts when they are no longer worn? This book puts them to excellent use and shows how, with a little imagination, it’s easy to transform them into beautiful, useful objects – from bunting to bags, doorstops to duvet covers, cushions to chairs and much more. Successful blogger and craft expert Juliet Bawden reveals how to re-invent men’s shirts to make an array of charming, pretty and functional projects, including things to wear, accessories, toys and a host of ideas for your home. Charity shops are always brimming with men’s shirts in a wonderful array of styles, patterns and colours. Whether it’s stripes, checks, florals, retro prints or plain brights or pastels, you’ll have little problem sourcing inexpensive, good quality material with which to create fabulously stylish items. Each project is beautifully photographed and features clear instructions as well as either painted illustrations or step-by-step photos. You’ll be surprised and inspired by how many inventive ways there are to utilise every part of your shirt – from buttons to sleeves, collars and cuffs.

VINTAGE DRESS SIZES…

vintage pics

When you start looking into buying vintage clothing then you have to remember that many dresses were small in size (a modern 8-12).

The trouble is that most will probably not have the original labels in but if they do then remember that we have all grown considerably since the war.

A 1950/s early 1960s size 14 is more often the same as our size 10.

Skirts can easily be altered by moving buttons but you will need to see if you bought a coat or top if it showed enough excess to alter.

The 1950’s cotton dresses were very high quality and in fact you will most probably find that vintage clothing is often cheaper and better quality than their modern day equivalents.

Many were fully lined and extra details such as popper tags in the shoulders to secure bra straps as no underwear was shown in the fifties.

One trick for stubborn zips is to try rubbing them with a lead pencil or a plain white candle.

VINTAGE HANDLES AND KNOBS…

knob

You can soon refresh tired bedroom furniture with pretty colourful vintage inspired knobs and handles. There are a number of ceramic blue and white ones which could also change the look of a kitchen.

Even your main doors from one room to another can look quite different with vintage style glass, shell and bone doorknobs.

Some of the website that I found that had some really different styles were http://www.bombayduck.com
http://www.lauraashley.com http://www.chloealberry.com and http://www.grahamandgreen.co.uk. Of course you can also buy them from local hardware stores like B&Q, Homebase and Whicks.