My "RE-FASHION" contest entry

I just finished my "ReFashion/Repurpose" entry for the Pattern Review contest that ends on Nov. 15.  The rules are to use anything that has already been worn and make something entirely new out of it.

I went to the Thrift store and purchased (VERY cheaply) 3 wool and 1 suede men's coats, some silk ties and 4 sweaters (which I didn't end up using) shown here:

I had an idea that I wanted something "patch-work"looking in the style of this French Au Bonheur pattern (sadly no longer in business)

Though I didn't actually use this pattern I was inspired by the combination of vertical and diagonal lines.

First I threw all of the "thrifted" items in the washing machine and dryer, even the suede coat which came out looking much better!  I couldn't "cut" on any of the items until Nov. 1, the contest start date but at least they were clean.   When the start date arrived I began seam-ripping and cutting the coats apart, leaving the biggest flat pieces possible.  Wow, did I learn a lot about tailoring from these Italian made coats!

Then I cut out a large rectangle approximately the size I wanted the skirt to be in a lining fabric and began laying pieces on the lining.  

When I had the pieces sort of like I wanted I used fabric glue to secure them to the lining until I could sew them down.  I used strips of the ties to cover some of the seam lines.

   I PURPOSELY left the distinctive coat pieces such as buttons, pockets, leather elbow patch etc   I also  salvaged all the labels and put them in a prominent spot on a patch of the suede.                                                            

Here's  pic of the finished skirt

And another of me wearing it:

Now I need to figure out what to do with the felted wool sweaters I didn't use--any suggestions?