Red Wool Skirt Refashion

This post is LOOOOONG overdue.  I finished this refashion months ago, but could never take any good pictures for the blog.  The only pictures I had were taken in my mirror at work and are shoddy at best.  This weekend I finally committed to learning and mastering my cameras timer function, aperture priority and focus.  Whew!  I conquered the techniques and finally have some decent pictures to show you.  Without further ado, here is the post I wrote months ago and today's pictures.

I am so excited to show you guys this refashion!  It is one that I am most proud of to date!  It may not look like it was very difficult or time consuming, but it turned out absolutely PERFECT (which is why I'm so pleased).

I bought the skirt at a local thrift shop.  Like I do with everything from thrift shops, I washed it in hot water, knowing full well it might felt.  The fabric felted slightly, just enough to make it thick and cozy.

The skirt originally was bigger than my normal size and had elastic in parts of the waist band.  I decided to only remove the waist band and lining.  I then made pleats in both the front and back of the skirt to reduce the waist measurement to my size.

The pleats are sewn flat for about 2 inches to reduce bulk around my waist.  I slapped the zipper and waistband back on....and BAM!  A skirt!

Below are pictures of the inside of the skirt.  Apparently I was good last year because Santa brought me a serger!!!!  Check out those gorgeous serged seams.

Just because I have them, here are the shoddy pictures I was talking about!  Yikes!

Pink Amvets Sweater Refashion

I've done my first sweater to cardigan refashion!  I picked up this cute little number at my local Amvets thrift store for $6.

It's a cute 3/4 sleeve cotton lace sweater that hits me right above my hips.

I cut it down the middle front then hemmed it to create a "button band."  (Button band is in quotes since there are no actual buttons)

 I plan on attaching a hook and eye closure.  I was running late for a party so had to settle for a safety pin in these pictures!  I'm also toying with the idea of shortening the sleeves a bit to hit me right above my elbow.  What do you think?

Other than my lop sided safety pin placement, this sweater was easy peasy!  It's a perfect addition to my wardrobe just in time for Me Made May!

 Are you participating in Me Made May 2013?  If so, what is your challenge?