13 . 12 . 2010
Altering Thrift Store Finds
by Jennifer Lem
When you shop at a thrift store, every item is unique. That’s what makes it so exciting, but also so frustrating! You can’t just ask for the size up if you find something you like.
But don’t despair — it’s often possible to transform that amazing find into something that will actually fit.
Bigger Size: It’s easiest to alter clothes that are a larger size. For example, I found a lovely silk-cotton blouse that was size 18. I really liked the polka-dot pattern and figured I could turn it into a short-sleeved blouse or a dress. All I had to do was shorten the sleeves and narrow the sides. Simple! You can use this technique on oversized sweaters, shirts, and dresses, too.
The new librarian’s first day at school. Polka-dot blouse (thrifted, $3), pencil skirt (thrifted, $6)
Altering clothes that are a smaller size is slightly more difficult; you may need a sewing machine and a bit more experience. Some quick fixes include shifting over buttons, letting out side seams, and lowering hems.
Other Alterations: You can also add embellishments, swap out buttons, join a top and bottom together to make a dress, add a fancy collar, taper a pair of trousers, and so on!
Here are some more examples (see picture below). The dress was actually a skirt that I pulled up to wear as a strapless dress. The blouse had long ties that wrapped awkwardly around my body, so I cut them off and used the hanging ends of the blouse as ties. The necklace was originally a short length of beaded lace from an antique store, so I added a piece of black satin ribbon to make a statement necklace.
Tea party, anyone? Tiered silk-cotton skirt (thrifted, $5), wrap blouse (thrifted, $10), antique lace necklace ($15)
The best part about altering thrift store finds is that you’ll end up with one-of-a-kind garments that are perfectly suited to your taste. All in favour of being unique, say aye!
Jennifer Lem spent her childhood camping and hiking, mucking about the garden, and occasionally sewing ill-fitting clothing. She now works and volunteers in the non-profit world, runs a blog on environmental and health issues, and has overcome her ineptness with sewing machines. www.thehealthyfootprint.com
