If you notice pieces of clothing in your closet that you haven't worn in a while, you may want to recycle them to get more use out of them. With just a few alterations, you can create a whole new wardrobe.
Instructions
1. Turn a long-sleeved blouse into a short-sleeved blouse. Cut the sleeves about an inch longer than the length you want. Pin up the extra inch of material and go over it with an iron. Next, fold in approximately ? inch so that the fabric doesn't unravel and iron it again; sew the hem with your sewing machine.
2. Form two pleats on the back of a blouse if it's too big for you. The pleats will bring in the material and create a waistline. Make sure the pleats look even on both sides.
3. Take a long dress or skirt and make it shorter; cut the fabric about 1? inches longer than the length you want. Fold in the material at exactly the desired length. You should now have a 1?-inch wide hem. Fold in ? inch to keep the fabric from unraveling and go over it with the sewing machine.
4. Transform a garment simply by replacing the buttons. Brass buttons on a blouse, jacket or dress will make it look more stylish and elegant.
5. Re-cut the armholes of a dress or blouse and turn it into a summer garment. Remove the sleeves at the seams first.
6. Cut a cocktail dress just below the waistline, hem it up and you now have a blouse that you can wear under a jacket.
