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August 1, 2018

Five Essential Tips For Upcycling Thrift Store Clothing

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Five Essential Tips for Upcycling Clothing from the Thrift Store

Why Thrift Stores?

Is there any better feeling than getting a great deal, especially on a fantastic piece of clothing? The next best feeling is knowing you are making a positive impact on the community and earth by upcycling clothing.

My relationship with thrift and second-hand stores is an interesting one. My love for thrifting comes with the endless possibilities these stores offer. They provide a place of abundance that needs no sweatshops or additional chemicals in the air, water and earth to create their products.

There is so much beauty to find in the thrift store. It’s a place of pure possibility where once ambitious exercisers with never used running attire, want to be fashionistas and those cleaning out the attic take their excess attire to find a new life.

That’s why I thrift. How I began was nothing like my current feeling toward the thrift store, it is a part of my life that has grown and changed with me. A thrift store is a place that adds life to mine through the beauty of limitless possibilities; it is truly my happy place.

I began upcycling in high school when I would fix up my own clothes. I began predominantly sewing by hand, and eventually stole my mother’s sewing machine.  Sorry mom!

Later, in college, I would modify some thrift store finds. However, it wasn’t until I was out of college and working that I began to truly enjoy the thrill of thrifting and upcycling clothing.

Upcycling Clothing Tip One: Get Familiar With Your Local Thrift Shops

So often people say the thrift store is overwhelming and too much to look through. I go to the few stores I’ve identified as the best ones pretty often, so I have gotten good at knowing where everything in each store.

I have become better and better over the years with knowing my way around, kind of like getting to know a grocery store. It’s also easier to spot new arrivals when you visit often.

Pro Tip: Get to know the staff and find out when they tend to stock new items and when they have sales. Yes thrift stores have sales! If you let them know the types of things you’re looking for and get friendly with them, they may even set things aside for you.

Upcycling Clothing Tip Two: Feel It

I literally run my hands through the racks to get a sense of the materials, the quickest way to find a quality piece is to feel it.  You’ll also start to get a sense of how easy a piece may be to alter as you get familiar with working with different types of fabrics.

Upcycling Clothing Tip Three: Know Before You Go

Upcycling Clothing, Thrift Store Pants

For this clothing upcycle, I took in about an inch and a half on each side. I also let out the bottom hem for extra length.

I typically come to the store with a look or piece of clothing in mind. For example, I knew I wanted wide leg pants for the upcycle shown in the picture.  This also helps with the feeling of overwhelm that some people feel when they first begin thrifting.

Pro Tip: Even though you may want to stay relatively focused to avoid overwhelm, be on the lookout for additional great finds that can support your hobby. The machine I use is a Janome New Home, also found it at a thrift store.

Upcycling Clothing, Total of $4.98

Upcycling Clothing Tip Four: Size is (Somewhat) Irrelevant

It is amazing how just a few inches on the side seams or hem can change the fit/look of a piece of clothing. I am typically buying six to seven six to seven sizes larger than my actual size and taking in at the seams in to to get the length I need since I am 5’11”.

Then it’s a matter of taking in the side seams to get the right overall fit. Generally, having a little more fabric to work with makes this process easier. I also enjoy the fun of having extra fabric room to work with on the larger sizes in case I make a mistake.

If you’d like to experiment with upcycling clothing, your own closet is a great place to start! Everyone has an ugly item with a hole, fits poorly, too long, etc.

Upcycling Clothing, Total of $4.98Use the tips listed here and play around first. Then get more serious about what you’d like to add to your wardrobe and get out shopping.

How to Modify Your Upcycled Clothes

There are certain modifications that I struggled with, such as the crotch of pants, armpits and sleeves. However, after trying a few times these more challenging modifications became easier.

I always try items on and play around with the fit simply using my hands to grab excess fabric first;  seeing where things can be adjusted or modified and, or generally how the material can be manipulated. Once I have an idea about what I want the end result to look like, the actual process of modifying the clothes is pretty simple.

I am by no means an expert seamstress! I find existing clothes where I like the fit and use them as a guide. It is helpful to find similar fabrics to the piece you are modifying. I always use pins and tailor’s chalk to outline the modifications once I’ve decided on the final look.

Whether using a machine or sewing by hand, it is important to play around with stitches before you begin. Try this first on an extra piece of fabric in a similar material or on excess fabric from the project. This way once you begin the alterations, you already know what stitch you’re using and if you’re using a machine, that the tension you’ve selected works on the fabric.

The outfit shown in the photos is completely from the thrift store. The top is a Target Xhilaration purchased for $3.49 at the Oakley Goodwill. I found the pants at St.Vincent de Paul in Mt. Washington, they were on sale for $1.49,  New York & Company size 10 tall. I took in about an inch and a half on each side. I also let out the bottom hem for extra length. Outfit total: $4.98!Upcycling Clothing, Jessica and Layla, Both Upcycled Outfits

My daughter’s dress in the last photo is an upcycle as well that was made from one of my old maxi dresses. I used a well-fitting similar dress she had as a pattern and simply sewed the sides.

Final Thoughts on Upcycling Clothing

I have had plenty of terrible upcycles! But you shouldn’t let that stop you, especially when you can experiment on really inexpensive pieces.  Have an open mind about how you can modify things.

In a world of fast fashion and outfits you can “only wear once,” there is nothing more beautiful than an upcycled outfit!

 

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Filed Under: Grow, Upcycling

Jessica Martin

Jessica is the thrifting queen and founder of Dog Pillows. One of her favorite activities is taking items found in thrift stores and upcycling them into beautiful new creations. She’s also focused on minimalist living the last few years and has completely transformed her personal space to support a feeling of lightness. Her passion, creativity and the benefits she has experienced from minimalism and thrifting will inspire you to transform your space and your wardrobe.

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Answering Whether You Should Cheat on Keto and a Answering Whether You Should  Cheat on Keto and a Recipe. Chatting about whether you should cheat on keto and how to make the stuffed peppers I had for dinner. 

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Dry Farm Wines Unboxing: Clean Sugar Free Wine, Gr Dry Farm Wines Unboxing: Clean Sugar Free Wine, Great for Low Carb/Keto. If you're looking for a sugar-free, keto-friendly wine, you've finally found it! I've been drinking this wine for years and couldn't be happier with the taste or the clean profile. All Dry Farm Wines @dryfarmwines are tested to be lower than 1g of sugar in an entire liter as well as being free of commercial additives.

Full Dry Farm Wines Review at https://healnourishgrow.com/dry-farm-wines-review-keto

Be sure to check out our video where we drank Dry Farm Wines and tested ketones. If you're wondering whether you can drink wine and stay in ketosis this video will show you all you need to know! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prIRlx7pHn0&t=2s

Get an extra bottle for a penny at https://dryfarmwines.com/healnourishgrow​

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Interview With Dry Farm Wines Founder and Fasting Interview With Dry Farm Wines Founder and Fasting Stuff. Chatting about cheese, keto friendly wine, eating for health and fasting.  Shoot me your natural wines questions before tomorrow at noon for my interview with @dryfarmwines founder Todd White. 

dryfarmwines.com/healnourishgrow to get an extra bottle for a penny

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I love it when I can take leftovers and make them I love it when I can take leftovers and make them into something new! 

The other day I made my stuffed chicken recipe which you can find here: https://healnourishgrow.com/keto-bacon-wrapped-chicken/

Today, I heated the leftovers, shredded the chicken/filling, wrapped it in @cutdacarb and pan-fried in butter and tallow until crispy. Trying to get in more stearic acid!

Some creamy cilantro dressing would be awesome with this, but so was the @thenewprimal buffalo ranch I had on hand.

I wish you could hear the awesome crunch when I break into this but Peter was on a work call in the background so I had to mute 🤷‍♀️

Are you team leftovers or skip them?
Reds opening day is a big celebration in Cincinnat Reds opening day is a big celebration in Cincinnati, and usually very close to my birthday! Got my red turtleneck on and ready to go.⁣
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Today we have a high of 40 forecast, right now with windchill feels like 32 and snow in the air. Never know what you're going to get here this time of year!⁣
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Hitting up Ruth Chris for a steak pre-game, so at least it will be nice and warm there.⁣
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Glad we can celebrate this year even though things will be a lot different.⁣
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Are you a sports fan?
This cheese shell 😍 This cheese shell 😍
A recent keto haul plus you know I love my discoun A recent keto haul plus you know I love my discount @Krogerco flowers. I finally tried the @simpletruth4u cloud bread. Pretty good but not really sturdy enough for a bun. I always stock up on @happyeggcousa whenever they're on sale.⁣
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Unfortunately, @carnivoremd keeps ruining things for me LOL No more San Pelligrino when it's on sale...apparently it's full of uranium!?! 😱⁣
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Possibly ok on occasion in low amounts but if you're going for optimal health, probably going to want to ditch that.⁣
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What are some of your go to foods at the grocery?
Happy face-to-face Friday! Three of my favorite th Happy face-to-face Friday! Three of my favorite things in these photos...champagne, a clean kitchen and the ever-present desire to help people look and feel better through education and lifestyle changes.⁣
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On the left was earlier this month just prior to a cook-along Monday where I cook dinner and sprinkle in tidbits about the benefits of a low carb lifestyle long the way (livecookalong.healnourishgrow.com) On the right several years ago when I was super stressed and not taking care of myself. ⁣
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I was still helping others change their lives back then, but I was struggling with my own challenges during a particularly difficult time in my life. Finding balance and health is a constant practice and one that never ends. ⁣
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A big part of health is what you put in your body of course, but it's also getting a handle on stress, sleep and toxic relationships.⁣
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What aspect of your health are you working on right now?⁣
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#domperignon #veuveclicquot  #ketofood #ketorecipes #facetoface #ketofam #ketolifestyle #paleolifestyle #paleoeats #cooking101 #glutenfreefollowme #paleofood #glutenfreefood #glutenfreeliving #paleofriendly #paleoapproved #wineo #wineaddict #winelife #winenight #champagnelover #champagnepop #champagnetime #ilovewine #facetofacefriday #paleolife #ketodinner #ketolunch #lowcarbfood #wheatfree
No need to over complicate keto or just healthy ea No need to over complicate keto or just healthy eating for that matter...meat, low carb veg, done.

What's one of your go to meals?
Crab is one of my favs...I'd have it way more ofte Crab is one of my favs...I'd have it way more often if it wasn't so pricey! However, vacation is for indulgence, no?⁣
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Planning to have it again here shortly at home for by birthday.  We're fortunate to have an awesome seafood provider here in Cincinnati that flies in lobster and crab, @lobstabakes if you're in the area.⁣
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What's your favorite splurge food?
Colorado rack of lamb has been all over the menu o Colorado rack of lamb has been all over the menu out here...it's so delicious we had to have it twice.⁣
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They always recommend medium rare for this lamb cut and we're fine with that.⁣
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Are you a lamb fan?
Had one of my favorite treats for lunch yesterday, Had one of my favorite treats for lunch yesterday,  tuna sashimi. ⁣
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Are you a sushi/sashimi fan?
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Live Cook Along Monday: Cream Garlic Parmesan Shri Live Cook Along Monday: Cream Garlic Parmesan Shrimp. Ask all of your keto, health and wellness, yoga related questions!

Quick and delicious weeknight meal... done in under 30!

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One of my favorite components of entertaining is t One of my favorite components of entertaining is the charcuterie board! This was an extremely simple one but still included a lot of my favs like shrimp and port salut.⁣
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Are you a charcuterie fan?⁣
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Last night was French night in our house...this be Last night was French night in our house...this beautiful Nicoise salad was courtesy of my friend Marcie. Everything was absolutely delicious and the time with friends much needed!⁣
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She used high-quality olive oil and this recipe from @foodnetwork for the dressing: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/classic-nicoise-salad-recipe-2127613 it was so delicious! ⁣
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Skip the potatoes and you have an amazing keto-friendly salad! I usually use wild-caught @tonnino.tuna for Nicoise.⁣
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Do you ever make Nicoise salad?🥗⁣
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#foodnetwork #carnivore #culinaryarts #culinaryart #instagourmet #instagramfood #theartofplating #tastespotting #yellowfin #ketogeniclife #lowcarbrecipes #lowcarblife #ketolove #ketofriendly #ketolifestyle #ketoaf #intermittentfasting #ketorecipes #ketoforbeginners #ketorecipe #ketotransformation #ketoadapted #ketolove #ketoresults #ketobeginner #ketogenicfood #ketoeating  #ketofriendly #healthycooking #ketokitchen
Happy face to face Friday friends!⁣ ⁣ Recently Happy face to face Friday friends!⁣
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Recently found the gem on the left... an unflattering angle for sure but also was pretty depressed and about 15 pounds heavier. ⁣
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I'm so happy to have found a system that works so well for me! Keto+ketones+fasting. My brain and mood have never been better. Not to say I don't still have bad days every once in a while (especially the last year with all the craziness) but overall it's just so much better.⁣
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I can't imagine ever going back. Think keto isn't sustainable? Low carb 5+ and keto 4+ years. It's a lifestyle! I'm going to keep fighting aging every step of the way.⁣
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Heading into 48 like WHAT?!? If you could use help crushing your goals too, get in touch!⁣
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What are some ways you feel like you're getting better with age? Tell me all about it below!👇⁣
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#happy4happy #facetofacefriday #facetoface #blondes #ketogeniclife #lowcarbrecipes #lowcarblife #ketolove #kcko #ketofoodie #ketowoe #ketofriendly #ketolifestyle #ketoaf #intermittentfasting #ketorecipes #ketoforbeginners #ketorecipe #ketotransformation #ketoadapted #ketolove #ketoresults #ketobeginner #ketogenicfood #paleolifestyle #ketofriendly #healthycooking #fitmeals #52diet #paleoapproved
Your weekly dose of meat porn! I promise the rever Your weekly dose of meat porn! I promise the reverse sear tutorial is coming...you'll never have overdone steaks again. I had this on Tuesday night before I started my 23rd reboot fast.⁣
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I eat ribeye at least once a week. What's your favorite cut?⁣
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Make Some Extra Money With Bonuses the Next 3 Mont Make Some Extra Money With Bonuses the Next 3 Months. Huge opportunity that I would love to share with you! Let's all charge towards the 10k extra bonus. This opportunity is for anyone that's into helping others looks and feel better. 

#businessideas #workfromhomelife #sidehussle #wellnesswarrior #extendedfasting #intermittentfasting #eatwellfeelwell #ketofriendly #ketolifestyle #ketocommunity #ketofamily #yogafamily #yogacommunity #bossbabequotes #businessopportunities
The bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken from the Monday The bacon-wrapped stuffed chicken from the Monday cook along turned out so well...it was delicious! ⁣
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The recipe will be up shortly, but in the meantime are you cooking with me this Monday? Let me know in the comments below and what type of dish would you like to see next?! 👇⁣
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Sign up at livecookalong.healnourishgrow.com to get the ingredients ahead of time.⁣
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#cooking101 #gourmetfood #cookstagram #healthycooking #livecooking #cookingshow #covidcooking #baconlover #baconwrapped #ketogeniclife #lowcarbrecipes #lowcarblife #ketolove #ketofriendly #ketolifestyle #ketoaf #intermittentfasting #ketorecipes #ketoforbeginners #ketotransformation #ketoadapted #ketolove #ketoresults #ketobeginner #ketogenicfood #ketoeating #ketoeats #ketofriendly #healthycooking #ketokitchen
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Live Cook A Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts. Live Cook Along Monday 3/1/2021

Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Quick and delicious weeknight meal... done in under 30 and can be used for leftovers/meal prep too!

#ketogeniclife #lowcarbrecipes #lowcarblife #ketofriendly #ketolifestyle #ketoaf #intermittentfasting #ketorecipes #ketoforbeginners #ketorecipe #ketotransformation #ketoadapted #ketolove #ketobeginner #ketogenicfood #ketoeating #ketoeats #ketofriendly #healthycooking #ketokitchen #tacotuesday #casserole #fitmeals #cheeseburger #chickenrecipes #chickendinner #chickenbreast #weeknightmeal #weeknightdinner
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