The Alterations Diary
Growing, learning, and teaching, one project at a time…
Refashioning #7: Crochet Chevron Skirt
Giving new life to one of my favorite pairs of shorts…. from 18 years ago…
Refashioning #6: Quilted Christmas Stockings
Transforming a thrift-ed treasure into a special holiday gift…
Accessories: Beach Waves Purse
There was just enough material left to make a matching purse… at least, that’s what I first thought…
Refashioning Redux: From Jeans to Skirt
Converting an old refashion into (hopefully!) a better version…
Creative Studies
Refining skills and practicing technique, one project at a time…
Altering Bottoms: Slimming Jeans
Taking in a pair of jeans is surprisingly more involved than you think…
The Alterations Diary
I’m pulling back the curtain slightly and answering all of your sewing, alterations, and upcycling questions. Welcome, friends, to Rigsby Studio!
Knitting Basket Redux
That time I refurbished my old knitting basket and cleared some of my fabric stash…
Refashioning #5: Hoodie Makeover
Taking an old (and very over-sized!) hoodie and making it fit my personal style!
Heirloom Upcycles #1: Plushies
Here’s one of the many creative ways you can Upcycle and refashion your most precious mementos, and give them new life!
Studies: Fabric Flowers
A behind-the-scenes look at one of the best ways to use up material, and make accessories for a rainy-day. Plus a minor rant on my personal feelings regarding pattern-ownership (it’s a hot-button topic, ya’ll!).
Travels: Passport Holder (& wallet!)
Travel time is right around the corner, and there’s so much to do to prepare! But I’ve got one less thing to worry about: keeping my IDs safe and secure.
Studies: Pattern making
When your favorite clothes finally start to fail, there’s no escaping the trash can that awaits them. However, you can copy your pattern first so that you can make an entirely new piece. Never lose your favorite outfit again!
Studies: Quilted Dust Jackets
I have always valued education, because it can open the doors to so many opportunities. And when I noticed that some of my most precious books were starting to succumb to certain ravages of time, I started looking for ways halt the march of time.
Or, at the very least, bring it to a slow-crawl.
Refashioning #4: Burgundy Blouse
It went from a simple alteration job to a much more intensive refashion… but I am a glutton for punishment, and my hyperactive brain sometimes takes over!
Studies: Quilted Bunnies
Just in time for Easter, take a peek behind the scenes on some of the studio’s daily processes!
In this post I’ll be showing you my personal method for recreating a specific project, when only a reference photo is available. It can seem a bit tedious when you’re first starting out, but, like most things, once you find your rhythm there’s nothing to it.
Refashioning #3: Jersey Tee-Shirt
This refashioning was definitely a small one- such is expected when you’re using older clothes.
For this project I decided to keep things as simple as possible and make up a “new” tee shirt for lazy or casual days. In my opinion it’s one of the best ways to keep your nicest clothes looking nice.
Travels: Bonny Scotland (2024)
On my first solo trip abroad, I learned so much, met such amazing people, and found a skein of yarn I will always treasure…
Especially during the icy, Kentucky winters!
Refashioning #2: Crocheted Jeans
The next refashioning on my hit-list: letting out a new(ish) pair of jeans- but do it with crochet! After a Quick look around online, I found another crocheter who came up with this idea and was so excited to try it myself. Though, with mixed results if I’m being honest, haha!
Refashioning #1: Cropped shirt
Turning large flannel shirt and a worn pair of jeans into a new button-down crop shirt!