Taking Part in The Refashioners Challenge 2016
Have you heard about the Refashioners Challenge before? I had vaguely heard something about it last year, in the days before I had a blog, and I never really looked into what it was all about. Then just last week I saw a link to the blog, The Makery, and it caught my eye, especially as last week I was posting about my latest refashioning project, and since taking part in Fashion Revolution, I have pledged to become more conscious in my wardrobe. I took a look at what the challenge is, and I have decided that I am going to be taking part this year!
The gist behind the Refashioners challenge is taking something that we usually toss out, (basically an end of life garment) and turning it into something new, but it is not a simple challenge- oh no there are guidelines! Last year’s challenge was a men’s button up shirt, which people made some great things from! This years challenge is: jeans. Basically it is wide open- take a pair, or multiple pairs, of jeans, and refashion them into something new.
Oh, did I also mention that there are two great prize packages worth over £1000!!!! And the contest is open worldwide!
But I think that the challenge this year is going to make us all work for that prize! Jeans are a tough one for me, as there isn’t much fabric to work with, and I don’t really wear denim all that much. I used to live in jeans, but since converting to a vintage style of dress, I hardly wear them anymore. Not that you can’t have vintage style denim- I’ve just never found any that fit yet, and I’ve not gotten around to sewing any yet.
So, I had to think long and hard about what I could make from a pair of jeans that:
1. Would use such a minimal amount of fabric
2. I could piece, without it ending up looking like a hippie patchwork. Other people totally rock that style, but I wouldn’t like to wear it myself.
3.Which brings me to- would I actually wear it? That would be the key- something I would want to wear afterwards. As that is pretty much the whole point of refashioning 🙂 I am not a fan of the faded, washed denim style, so any jeans I use, will need to look fresh, not faded, and I will need to be able to make them into something that doesn’t look too “crafty” if you know what I mean.
But the thought of overcoming the challenge, the satisfaction of refashioning something old into something new, being part of this online community, and- oh yeah- the amazing prize packages, really drew me in and so I decided that I would join in.
The challenge runs until the end of September, so if you are thinking of joining in you’ve still got plenty of time! (Did I mention the amazing prize packages yet???)
I’m not giving any hints yet as to what I have decided to do, and I am still in the planning stages- as I need to hit up a thrift store for the perfect pair of jeans, (remember I don’t have any old pairs lying around!) but it is definitely going to be vintage inspired. I am going to try and keep as many original denim details in the final design, so that it is obvious that it was a refashioned piece, hopefully without making it look too “crafty”.
Oh, and of course, this challenge would come along, right as my summer/fall gets busy, so the pressure is on.
Time to get sewing!
Have you heard about the Refashioners Challenge before?
Are you planning on taking part?

No, I am not making any of these things, I just wanted to include a picture of sewing related stuff!
August 12, 2016 @ 4:24 pm
Ooooohh, how fabulously exciting! I hope that everything goes swimmingly for you and am excited to hear/see more about your challenge make.
Happy sewing!
♥ Jessica
August 16, 2016 @ 7:35 pm
Thanks Jessica- I’m excited too- but also a bit nervous, so thanks for the encouragement and well wishes 🙂
August 13, 2016 @ 11:54 pm
This sounds like a great contest! I don’t know that I could enter, since I’ve never made my own pattern and sew everything by hand instead of sewing machine, but it’ll be fun to see the entries.
August 16, 2016 @ 7:42 pm
You don’t have to make your own pattern to join in Carrie-Anne. I know that other people are using patterns, and you could sew it by hand too if you wanted as well. If you are still wanting to join in, you should definitely check out the post over at makery.uk for all the details.
I’m really excited to see what people come up with too 🙂
August 15, 2016 @ 3:51 am
I was tempted last year and I’m tempted again, but I’m not sure I will get around to it this year either. I really look forward to seeing what you make!
August 16, 2016 @ 7:47 pm
It is a time commitment, and I admit that deadlines scare me 🙁 I have a feeling that I’m going to be up until midnight on the last day scrambling to get it all finished!!!! Anyways, I am excited to see what everyone comes up with too 🙂
August 15, 2016 @ 10:36 pm
Oh, wow. I hadn’t heard of this. But what an amazing idea!! I’m all for recycling and re-working old clothes. And denim is the perfect material to use!
xo,
Leigh
http://www.pinkvintageheart.com
August 16, 2016 @ 7:49 pm
It is such a great idea, and I am excited/nervous to be joining in. Denim is a great fabric as it is one of the most wasteful to make and wasted after they are worn out garments. Are you going to join in?
August 17, 2016 @ 10:46 pm
This is exciting! I’m looking forward to what you make, as you always make such beautiful clothes. I’m not taking part (not much of a sewer, I’m afraid) but I am going to try my hand at refashioning a ‘beautiful’ 90’s dress I picked up in a thrift store. Pretty denim, ugly dress. Of course, I’ll be having super sewer mom helping me with it all, but I’m excited to see how it will turn out. Good luck on the challenge!
August 20, 2016 @ 9:27 pm
Thanks- I’m excited but nervous too! I’m excited to see how your dress turns out too! Go super sewer mom 🙂
August 31, 2016 @ 3:00 am
Sounds like an interesting challenge! I think you are right to try to make something that you might actually want to wear afterwards. I imagine that is the tricky part! Looking forward to seeing what you do.
August 31, 2016 @ 10:16 am
Wearability was definitely the biggest part of deciding what to make. I am excited about the challenge, but so nervous too! Can’t wait to share my make with you all 🙂