Recycled Clothing With New Twist
Same Dress 3 Weddings A bridal gown worn by a grand mother, mother and daughter saw three generations of weddings. The white velvet gown (right photo) was altered to size for the mother. The granddaughter was unsure of a third wedding for this gown. It had rust spots on the bodice from pins left in the fabric over the years. Food and water stains were down one side and at the hem. Sparkle organza was purchased to conceal and update the design. Mom and grandma had to wait until the wedding day to see the new look.
The Ugly Bridesmaid 
An iridescent taffeta attendant gown saw new life when a mother had the dress recycled into a Christmas dress for her daughter. New additions to this gown were black pearl buttons centered down the front and sleeve closure with black netting underneath for fullness. Black lace finished the hem edge. The dress was worn for the daughters Christmas program adding another wear date to its life.
Denim is another fabric that can handle a designer touch. A regular pair of jeans worn one year can be cut to Capri length the next. The following year they can be cut into shorts. I’m sure you have seen jeans recycled into purses, aprons, skirts, hats... The use of denim is endless. Just think of the space we can save in our land fills if we got our creative juices flowing. So whether you find a gown in the attic or purchase one for a special occasion, you can have recycled clothing to update a look with a little imagination.
Have You Recycled A Garment?Are you the creative type of person that recycles garments for a new look? Share your story with us. We'd love to see what creative minds have come up with. Just another way of going green. Recycled Clothing Back to Home Page
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Recycled clothing is a creative way of seeing a design in a new way. Imagine a bridal gown redesigned into a christening or first communion gown. You now have an instant heirloom that can be handed down through generations.
This boy and girl christening outfits are recycled clothing from a mother's wedding gown and daughter's prom gown both in white. 
The outfits were made in advance by the grandmother for their first grandchild which the sex was unknown. They will be kept at grandmas for all future grandchildren. The buttons on the vest were from the back of the bridal gown at the zipper opening. The rest of the outfit was from the prom gown. The christening gown, recycled from the grandmother's bridal gown, was constructed from the satin underneath an organza top layer. The organza was constructed into a sheer jacket to be worn over the dress. A matching bonnet was made from the satin and pleated trim with buttons at the side. 
While cleaning an attic, a 1940 bridal gown (photo of original wedding gown on lap of left doll) worn by a great grandmother, was discovered. It was restyled in to a christening gown for future grand children. They didn’t have the heart to toss it. The smocked neckline, stitched down princess lines and lace inset sleeves were the focal points in the restyle of this gown. A separate silk slip worn by the bride was used for the lining. The lace inset sleeves were used in the band for the bonnet. Ribbon to tie the bonnet and front streaming bow were the only new additions added to the finished christening gown. This gown was one of many shown at a fashion show.
Attendant gowns are second hand Prom gowns after a wedding. This gown had a full bodice and sleeves. After deconstruction, spaghetti straps and trim were added for a simple line. 
