Refashion Runway Week 3, Faux Fur, Michelle Paganini

Hello, I am Michelle Paganini.  You may already know me from my business, Paganoonoo, or appearances on the syndicated PBS TV show

 It's Sew Easy, or my upcycle sewing YouTube tips.

Lucky me! I juried into Refashion Runway hosted by Beth Huntington a.k.a. "The Renegade Seamstress. It is an online 6 week challenge to refashion with the emphasis for each week selected in advance, much like Project Runway. There is winner each week, based on votes (like yours) 50%, and 50% judges choice.  You can vote for your favorites once a day, every day, Sat - Friday.

This weeks challenge is "Faux Fur"

I had never worked with faux fur before, so felt a bit intimidated. I selected a faux lambs wool coat to transform. It is very well made and was a steal for $35 at www.happydragonthriftshop.com in Los Gatos, CA where I volunteer.

Vests are also more wearable  in our temperate northern California climate, so a vest transformation was my plan.

The before pictures were taken in bright sunlight, which makes the "fur" look a completely different color than the after shots. My photographer (husband George) advised open shade for the remainder of photos, right as always - thanks honey.  

The coat is a classic shape, with nice in-seam pockets. Liking the simplicity of the cut I decided to maintain the basic silhouette.  

I removed the sleeves, removed the shoulder padding, detached the armhole lining, and sculpted out vest shaped armholes.  I also tightened the armhole by taking in the side seam and shoulder seams a bit.
 

After turning under the raw fur edges and stitching them in place by hand I tackled the lining.  In order to curve the lining shy of the armhole opening I clipped it all the way around, turned it under, and hand stitched it in place.

I considered adding embellishments. Tassels would have been fun but limited the wearing options (for me).  I found ribbon that was a perfect match but looked awkward sitting on top of the textured fur.
I opted for straight up simple and classic. I'm loving the result.  It is a very wearable vest, much more so than the jacket.  Paired with a thrifted linen blouse, thrifted jeans, and gifted earrings it looks great.

 

 

I wore my vest over to to the Happy Dragon to show the ladies the transformation (which they loved) and ran into my doppleganger!  Marley is an adorable 5 year old Labradoodle from Scotts Valley, CA.  His human graciously agreed he could appear here for your viewing pleasure. 

I hope you love the results too and vote for me here. 

What's coming in the next weeks? If I stay in the contest then... 4) Small to Large, 5) Southwest, and 6) Kentucky Derby Hats.

Previous weeks:

We started two weeks ago with 15 contestants.  

In challenge #1, "statement sleeves", I tied for 3rd!  See full details on my sleeve refashion entry on this blog post, and all the contestant entries here.

In challenge #2, "1970's", I was inspired by one of my favorite 1970's sewing patterns!  See full details on my blog post, and all the contestant entries here.

P.S.  Find out more about Michelle and shop Paganoonoo upcycle sewing tutorials at www.paganoonoo.com