Wardrobe mods

Once or twice a year, Kris has a garage sale to raise money for missions. She accepts donated items from all over everywhere to sell.

And when Kris gives the call for donations, I know it’s time to get sorting through my stuff.

What with a new job to dress professionally for, my wardrobe could use a going over anyway.

So a few days ago, I took to sorting through my drawers and closet. Pull out everything that doesn’t fit, needs mending, or that I just don’t wear. Critically evaluate each item and sort into three piles: garage sale, rag material, and mend or refashion.

Inspired by Marisa of New Dress a Day and by the hundreds of t-shirt refashioning tutorials I’ve seen in the past several months, I was more ruthless than usual when I sorted my first bit.

I pulled out dozens of shirts, dresses, slacks, and skirts that are perfectly fine and wearable–and that I do wear–but which I’d like even more if they were modified. Short sleeves instead of long. A little tailoring here and there. Redo the hem to a more flattering length. Bits and pieces.

And I started to get to work.

A plain black high-necked, long-sleeved t-shirt became this fun shirt:

When I accidentally put the shirt on backwards (with me, an unfortunately way too common occurrence), I discovered a happy surprise. The shirt works just as well backwards with a ruffly scoop back and a boat-like front neckline.

Sorry, ladies, I’m keeping this one for myself–but I sent plenty of other clothes out to Kris’s. If you’re in Lincoln this Thursday and Friday, be sure to drop by 4800 NW 2nd Street to peruse the offerings and support missions. (This particular sale will support missionaries who work with indigenous populations in Asia, teaching “storying”–a means of teaching the Bible to illiterate or otherwise non-reading people.)

Who knows, maybe you’ll find something to “mod” yourself!