Candice Ayala Upcycling Challenge Kick Off
Last year Candice Ayala in partnership with Sewing Portfolios kicked off the first ever Upcycling Challenge. As a Diamond Ambassador I helped to kick off the challenge by offering a few upcycling tips and created a project of my own. You can go back an reminisce about that project here. You might remember my creations and that uncertain face that just wasn’t sure we were going to be able to make that upcycle work. This year the Diamond Ambassadors are helping to get things started again.
This year the challenge is taking on a new set of rules, and includes some amazing prizes from sponsors like Babylock, Windham Fabrics, and Nancy’s Notions. Other sponsors include so many of the independent pattern designers that I know and love today. Read all about the new set of rules (especially the part about the kits, because there are only 4 left, which means only 4 more people have a chance to compete for the largest prizes.)
As I’m thinking about upcycling, I have to admit, it isn’t what makes my heart go pitter-patter at times. Some people can look at something old and already see what is inside it and can bring new life to it, I don’t always have that gift. This leads me to some upcycling tips.
#1 Don’t over complicate your upcycle. If you have a shirt that needs new life maybe it still can be a shirt, but maybe you see it as something else. If you don’t see something coming together right away, don’t force it. The ideas will come to you, just wait for them.
#2 Upcycling doesn’t just have to be for apparel and apparel accessories only. This year I’ve done a project that met a need in our home. It isn’t something that is worn, but it was something that I knew we needed.
#3 Don’t be afraid to add the new to the old to bring things together. I’m using some new fabrics from Windham Fabrics to add to my old to bring my project together.
For my most recent upcycle project I started with a challenge and a need. Candice mentioned to the Sewing portfolio ambassadors that our projects didn’t have to be apparel. I felt challenge to make something that wasn’t clothing. My daughters have nice little white table in their play space they utilize a lot. It has had a lot of wear and tear from different things. It really needed a tablecloth and something to cover the chairs to help protect them from damage. (And to hide some of the damage that has already occurred.)
I decided to take some very old and out-of commission kitchen table cushions, along with some lovely Windham Fabric to create some new seat cushions and a table mat to protect the table set.
To tackle this project I first whipped out my trusty tape measure. I measured the seat of the chair and also the tabletop. From here, I cut down the old seat cushions to fit the little chairs. I cut new covers and ties to go over the seat covers from the Serenade line of Windham Fabrics. I pieced the covers together to make the seat cushion covers.
Next, I used the table top measurements and a little sketch to determine how to cut fabric for the table cover. I pieced the table cover together and added a backing by sewing it right sides together and top stitching around the edging to make things a little tidier.
After piecing together the tabletop and the seat covers I had a perfect set to protect and extend the life of our table. I’m completely satisfied with the finished project. Anyone ready for a tea party?
I hope you’ll join in on the upcycling fun. Be sure to read all the rules on the challenge page. Post your photos on social media with the hashtags #CAUpcyclingChallenge2019 and #CAUpcyclingChallenge. If you use supplies from one of the sponsors, be sure to tag them too so they can see how much you appreciate their support.