Pattern Review & 2 MAJOR Clothing Redos!

Using this pattern:

Little Smarty Pants by Favorite Things

and these 2 atrocities purchased for $1 each at Goodwill:

women's size 18 pants

The UGLIEST corduroy pants I've ever seen!  Check out that massive split!

.... I created 2 cute pairs of shorts for my kiddos! 

This was my first time creating inset pockets.  Why did I wait so long???  They are so much easier than I thought they would be. 

Keep an eye out when scavenging those thrift store racks!  You'd be suprised at the things you can transform with a little creativity. 

A Little Scarlet O'Hara Upcycle Project

Mother's Day Gift for Maw Maw (Mr. Mudpie's step-mom)

"Maw Maw" is an avid baker.  She is known for her beautiful cakes and her mean biscuits.  BUT, I think her true specialty is the little confections she gives all of us kids every year at Christmas.  All year, I look forward to receiving the bucket of yumminess from her.  Fudge, cookies, bon-bons, and my favorite..... chocolate covered cherries.  They are to die for.  So, an apron was only fitting.  You really can't have too many aprons.... they're like kitchen towels.  You can always use more. 

She likes wearing a specific style of apron, that is very different from the type of aprons I have made before.  She likes simple - I like girly ones that accentuate "the lovelies" as Mr. Mudpie calls them.  (Did I make you blush just then?!) 

Here's where the upcycle comes in:  When I picked out a window treatment for my kitchen window, the valance I wanted came with a set of 2 panels, which I didn't need.  Becky suggested a long time ago that they would make great aprons.  Perfect! 

I cut the curtain panel down, sewed a pocket and added some double fold binding, made from stash fabric.  It was a perfect gift for her, and I think she would be proud that I made it with materials on hand. 
Before (a lonely set of curtain panels): 

After (a cute, functional apron for Maw Maw to wear while making me goodies cooking dinner): 

Like this apron?  An identical one will be appearing in my about-to-open Etsy shop very soon! 

Adult Shirt ----> Child's Skirt

Last month my mom gave me a big bag of stuff to take to Goodwill.  Well..... I didn't.  I kept all of the clothing to use as fabric for other projects.  I like to think it's because I am "going green" but in reality it's because I'm cheap.  Have you seen the prices of fabrics lately? 

Project Stats
Total Cost:  $0.75
   (shirt was free, elastic was $0.75)
Time:    12 minutes
   (Yep, you read that right.  Only 12 minutes!  I actually timed it.)
 

BEFORE

AFTER

It's double layered gauzy material, which is the perfect amount of girliness for my little fashionista.  And that awesome bead work on top?  I have a project in mind for it too. 

I apologize for the crappy camera phone pics.  It was dark already, the lighting in the house sucks and my camera is broken.  I had everything going against me!  Oh yeah, and ignore all of the wrinkles!  It was past her bedtime, and I made her stay up so I could measure her, sew it and take pictures.  If I didn't make it right that second, it would have gone on the incredibly long "to make" list.... where project ideas go to die.