Recently, I visited San Francisco Japan Town’s Kinokuniya book store. My first ever garment upcycling / refashion book “Kakkoii Couture Remake” by Koko Yamase (pictured left) was there. Having done several projects from this book, I was swept with happiness. Koko Yamase‘s website Matriochka is both fashionable and home-y, and this book has that vibe. Undoubtedly, this is the book that got me into stylish garment upcycling.
The English version Cut-Up Couture: Edgy Upcycled Garments to Sew book (pictured below right) is now available. The project featured on the English cover is my favorite, and Carly Cais of Chic Steals shared her step-by-step tutorial of this convertible blouson tunic.
There’s no excuse for fellow DIY fashion lovers not to have this book. It’s really inspirational and straightforward. The projects encourage you to rethink and reshape men’s sweatshirts, T-shirts, and dress shirts into beautiful, fashionable home couture pieces.
My latest project from this book was the one on the Japanese book cover. The process was quite fun and painless! It took several hours to complete it. It could’ve been finished faster, but I didn’t have a dress form and had to go back and forth to the mirror to check the pieces’ alignments.
With that said, below is the up-to-date list of DIY projects I have done based on the this book. The page numbers noted below are based on the Japanese version “Kakkoii Couture Remake.”
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On Japanese version’s cover, page 29 – 31
Trompe-L’oeil One-Piece from T-Shirts
page 43, 68
Knit T-Shirt with woven men’s shirt sleeves
Featured in Knit T-Shirt with Dress Shirt Sleeves.
You’ve been warned. The projects are so much fun. So have fun!
Musank
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Read more DIY Project posts
Upcycling Linen Curtains into Handkerchief Dress
A linen upcycle inspired by an “Instant Dress” how-to from Family Circle 1977 magazine cutout. Two panels of rescued linen curtains were naturally dyed and transformed into a dress with T-shaped bodice and handkerchief skirt.
The Refashioners 2018: Bubblegum Dreaming Cage Dress
Inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s take on cage dress trend during Comme des Garçons AW 2008-9 collection, I wanted to create a similar look, albeit with a few twists: delicate lingerie look and color combos inspired by a Alexander McQueen SS 2018 dress. The result is an enchanting cage dress that’s somewhat fragile yet bold, and I styled it with 80s influence of pearls and fingerless gloves.
Reversible Dress with Pockets: 7 Challenges I Had to Overcome
Reviewing 7 big challenges I encountered during the process of making a reversible dress with pockets, modeled after a rectangular dress from an old Japanese sewing magazine. From fafafoom.com.
Flats Refashion with Lace and Velvet Fabric Remnants
An old pair of flats are refashioned into elegant lace pair with velvet back detail. IMO, they are very elegant and perfect for special occasions now, including weddings!
DIY Handwoven Tote with Clear Vinyl Cover
I learned how to weave with a floor loom recently. I’m really happy with my latest woven piece , so I made a handwoven tote bag with clear vinyl cover.
DIY Three-Way Apron Dress
This three-way apron dress is made with a diagonal striped knit fabric and striped lining that also doubles as accent. It’s versatile and easy to wear in all seasons.
