Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects
Betz White
Class Preview
0:47
- In-depth Instruction; over 194 mins
- On-demand video access anytime
- Bonus downloadable PDF resources
- Access to class Q&A
Course Introduction
2:24
Betz teaches you about re-purposing and being thrifty at the same time. You will see how easy it is to transform something old into new fashions and accessories.
Hunt and Deconstruct
8:21
With so much "stuff" in the world, where do you start looking for what you need? Betz guides you to the best places to look for items to repurpose, but also what will and will not work, what to look for, and importantly, what to avoid. You'll also learn how to felt wool sweaters to create an entirely different kind of fabric.
Mad Cap
45:27
Using a wool skirt or men's wool suit on the outside and a dress shirt as the lining, create this sassy beret, a perfect accessory for fall. You will create a custom pattern to fit your head exactly, then follow the step-by-step instructions to sew the pieces together.
Cashmere Shrug
34:17
See how easy it is to turn a thrift-store sweater into a playful shrug in a wrap style. Shorten the sleeves and sew a lettuce edging for a frilly look. Finish with a rosette made from the remaining scraps.
Off-the-Cuff Wallet
32:22
How clever is this wallet? It's made from the cuffs of two dress shirts. The wallet has a pocket to hold the dollar bills you will save by upcycling, and several slots for credit cards, all secured with a Velcro closing and embellished with buttons.
Felted Tote Bag
31:55
Can a woman ever have too many bags? Create a sturdy tote with a wool sweater from your closet or the thrift store. Use the original construction of the sweater to create the main part of the bag, then add a button flap and pocket with the remaining scraps.
Wrap Skirt
39:10
Use tea towels, pillowcases, bed sheets or fabric from your stash to make a gored skirt that's fully lined and reversible. Sew it in three sizes, mixing and matching fabrics for a wonderful addition to your wardrobe.
Project Upcycle shows you thrifting and garment construction techniques that you’ll use again and again. You need basic sewing skills — and an eagle eye for the good stuff at rummage sales — to make projects like cute cashmere shrugs from old sweaters and flirtatious wrap skirts from vintage tea towels. Celebrate your exit from the corporate world and liberate your suit jackets and dress shirts into saucy berets. With Betz’s upcycling magic, your shirt cuffs become billfolds to hold the cash you save, and you’ll learn endless variations on felted totes, limited only by your imagination and your stash of old wool sweaters.nnWatch each lesson in Project Upcycle on your own schedule, at your own pace, as many times as you like. If you enjoy creating unique looks that are simple, sustainable and fun, sign up for Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects.
Betz White
Fabric and pattern designer Betz White is known for her bold, colorful modern aesthetic and skilled craftsmanship. She’s the author of "Warm Fuzzies," "Sewing Green," and "Present Perfect: 25 Gifts to Sew & Bestow." Betz has been featured on "The Martha Stewart Show," on the cover of CRAFT: Magazine, and in numerous craft podcasts.
Bonus materials available after purchase