Deconstruction Reconstruction
Samantha
Ever wonder
what to do with those hurt, destroyed rags in your closet that waste space but you can’t bear to part with them? Well, get your scissors and sewing machine and the right side of your brain sharpened up to bring new life to old tatters that you’d die without.
*Note: mostly for those with sewing experience!
So your precious period gown is stained past recognition, your beloved vinyl pants torn beyond belief, your irreplaceable Chameleons UK t-shirt practically “in shreds” (pun most certainly intended). Don’t despair... repair! If it is absolutely impossible to get the stain out of the dress, chop it in half! If the stain is on the bodice, then cut off the top, sew elastic into the waist and you have a skirt. If the stain is on the skirt part, then cut off the bottom, hem the edge of the top and enjoy your new blouse. Revamp damaged vinyl pants into a purse when you just add a handle or strap. As for the band t-shirt (this one actually requires no sewing skill whatsoever), just cut the band logo out of the shirt and safety-pin it to a bag or backpack and a homemade patch is yours!
More suggestions? For the busted zipper on your oh-so-treasured velvet skirt, take out the zipper entirely and put buttons and buttonholes in its place. Stockings that come up to your thighs instead of your waist make excellent shirts when you cut out the feet for your hands and snip a hole in the crotch for your head (but of course, you already know about this one). And what about that prized blood-red satin jacket with cigarette-burned sleeves? Just remove the sleeves (or cut and hem them to where there aren’t any burn-holes), choose a fabric you love, buy enough for whatever skirt length you desire and sew the skirt along the bottom hem of your jacket. Presto... you have a dress.
Now you have no excuse for not rehashing those 5-year-old threads once loved a little too much. Spruce up sleeves with lace trim. Replace the buttons on your jacket with something new and funky. Redesign your battered apparel into brand new, one of a kind pieces. A little time and hard work and LOTS of resourcefulness goes a long, LONG way in the world of fashion so have a blast with it! Good luck and believe in reincarnation.
Editor’s Note: We’d love to hear about your sewing experiences of the gothy kind. Tell us and send pictures! Share your re-creations with us!
For the curious, beginning and advanced sewers, the following links are recommended:
Antimony & Lace Home of Victoria Gwaed’s gothfashion guide – from do-it-yourself tips to luscious links of the scene’s designers.
Sewgeeky.com A journal of sewing, beading and patterns from a gal who is a Parsons alumni! Woo hoo!
Goth-able Sewing Patterns A review from JosieNutter.com of patterns that would appeal to goths. Time to just shop for the right velvet and lace...
Elizabethan Costuming Page An unlimited resource of history, ideas, patterns... things to make your imagination run wild!
Six Feet Under Easy stuff for those looking to gain confidence in their sewing skills.
Victoria Louise A mail-order resource for corset supplies, ribbons, historical patterns, fabrics...
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