Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 6:58 pm

I picked up some Korean vests at the 2nd hand store Thailand. They ended up covered with all manner of fringe, lace and in this case shoe laces. It's handy to have 8 or 10 pockets!! I wanted to show you the fringe and foreign ads on the back but the picture won't load. Darn.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:03 pm

Here are some other ones. I love these stupid things. I even wear one when I travel. Carry-on too heavy? No problem. I'll just stuff 8 pounds of crap in my vest..(I've done it).

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:17 pm

These are fleece 'Simpsons' pj bottoms. Fringe down one leg and conchos on the other. Think comfort.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:23 pm

I sometimes use the lining of a coat for a vest. Add some of your favorite old t-shirts and it's your new favorite. This one had some orange fur fringe added to the bottom.

moonrise · Post by **moonrise** » Fri Dec 30, 2011 7:57 pm

Schweet Ratty! More guy stuff please! (if ya got any)

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:09 am

There should be a different name for men's tutus. this started out as t-shirts. I cut them into long spirals from the bottom right up to the armpits. Stretched the strips into tubes and tied pieces onto a belt.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:12 am

I made one of the neck and sleeve portions into a sling bag that hangs over the empty part of the belt where there were no holes. You just reach in through the 'neck' of the t-shirt. A double bag.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 8:19 am

Great idea Auntiem, That reminds me....Curtain valances are abundant at thrift stores. They are ready to run a scarf or ribbon through them. Gather up in the back for a bustle or spread around you for a skirt.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Jan 02, 2012 6:34 pm

Annie Oakley anyone? This is so western looking. It should come with a water pistol. I had more of the same t-shirts to cut up. I like it!!

MyDearFriend · Post by **MyDearFriend** » Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:04 pm

You are such a genius, Ratty, thanks so much for the pix!!!!!!!! I am now totally inspired

brain whirring like a blender, chopping up everybody's old clothes...

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 7:59 am

I just scored!! I work at a California card room. My boss just said I could have the old layouts from the Black-jack tables. The cloth covers. Picture a craps table with tons of writing silk screened onto it. These are a bit more colorful. As soon as I wash them up I'll be making some very interesting skirts for men with matching caplets. Also some long capes with fringe all around. If I start with awesome material it will carry my low skill level.

Drawingablank · Post by **Drawingablank** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 9:30 am

Your level of creativity with repurposing clothes with minimal sewing is inspiring - keep em coming.

Post by **AntiM** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 10:35 am

Ratty wrote:I just scored!! I work at a California card room. My boss just said I could have the old layouts from the Black-jack tables. The cloth covers. Picture a craps table with tons of writing silk screened onto it. These are a bit more colorful. As soon as I wash them up I'll be making some very interesting skirts for men with matching caplets. Also some long capes with fringe all around. If I start with awesome material it will carry my low skill level.

Ooh, I just got a tingle in my nether ya-ya.

Katiebaby25 · Post by **Katiebaby25** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 1:38 pm

Ratty wrote:I just scored!! I work at a California card room. My boss just said I could have the old layouts from the Black-jack tables. The cloth covers. Picture a craps table with tons of writing silk screened onto it. These are a bit more colorful. As soon as I wash them up I'll be making some very interesting skirts for men with matching caplets. Also some long capes with fringe all around. If I start with awesome material it will carry my low skill level.

AWESOME! Can't wait to see what you come up with

Sassy Britches · Post by **Sassy Britches** » Fri Jan 06, 2012 4:34 pm

Thank you for all of you! I am inspired, and am full of hope and emerging confidence that I actually might have a bit of creativity hiding inside. I really appreciate the ideas and you showing how easy it could be!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:08 am

This is kinda silly. I took this old leather dress and hung plastic things on rings on it. It really needed something. But not too much.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:14 am

I like the way this worked. The sweater with a fur collar didn't wow me. I sewed a decorative t-shirt piece on the inside of the sweater. Facing out. Then I cut some of the sweater away so it showed through. After I got it just right, I sewed the hell out of it. I don't want the whole thing to revert to a ball of yarn.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 12:18 am

It you HAVE to join the army, let it be the, "Happy Face", Army. Any jacket can be military. Paint the buttons and start attaching 'stuff''.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 9:52 am

Ratty wrote:It you HAVE to join the army, let it be the, "Happy Face", Army.

Or Apokaliptika.
Or MASH 4207. Oh wait, that's not the army...

On that leather dress, can we get a close up of the "plastic rings". Also, did they come from a gumball machine or off the nose of a dolphin?

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 11:45 am

They're plastic discs on metal rings that came off of 'hair ties'. Scrunchies are a great source of bling.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:40 pm

This is what I got from an ugly old prom dress. I cut all the lining out of the top and attached a bow from the back for modesty. the skirt lining I cut and finished in a shredded look. ( Gig'sville has a great prom night).

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:43 pm

I'm working on a gladiators skirt made from neckties. On a belt of course.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:26 am

Some people just like to wear shorts. I split the seam up the side and pulled off threads till it was fringed. A couple of logos from t-shirts dressed it up just enough. The fringe came from leaving the material long on the sides of the t-shirt images. I cut it into strips then stretched it. Nothing fancy.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 8:38 am

Once I get started with the t-shirt pile I can't stop. Look. Button eyes just like Raggety Ann. (Almost).

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 9:19 am

If I were 30 years younger I'ld wear this with my army boots. Very Daisy Duke.

NessaZee · Post by **NessaZee** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 1:41 pm

wow. awesome ideas! (((Ratty))) thank you for sharing.

i especially like this one:

I made one of the neck and sleeve portions into a sling bag that hangs over the empty part of the belt where there were no holes. You just reach in through the 'neck' of the t-shirt. A double bag.

most of my favorite re-purposing projects used ALL of the parts of garments I cut into

love your stuff, You've inspired me!!

again....(((((Ratty)))))

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 5:05 pm

Can't believe it took me this long to come across this post!
Ratty you are an inspiration!!! Thank you!!

Do you need a special tool for the all the punching of belts and such?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 5:20 pm

A leather punch. You can buy one at craft stores. Probably the Tandy Store, too, if you have them in the valley.

lazerfox · Post by **lazerfox** » Sat Jan 14, 2012 6:01 pm

Holy crap we actually have one in town.

Thanks. You are like my angel fish lately

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Jan 15, 2012 7:34 pm

I can't remember what you call those baggy pants that have the crotch hanging down at your knees. They fit snugly around your calves or ankles. They are great for both sexes. You can easily convert a full, billowy skirt into those pants. You start by playing around with a hand full of safety pins. When you get it all gathered, tucked and pleated you can see it taking shape. Take a needle and thread to it. Lastly, cut off the extra stuff. You'll laugh and be so proud. (your first one will be experimental so don't cut up your favorite garment).

Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Baggy Pants