I find that it is helpful to understand many different aspects of a variety of subjects that intersect with the urban farm lifestyle. One of those subjects is garment construction and sewing. Knowing some basics has been a lifesaver in many instances throughout my life and career. It also has given me confidence to create items that were not readily available or too expensive. This past Autumn I new I wanted to have some fur leg warmers for winter but was not willing to buy new ones so I created my own using a thrift store purchased fox coat that was badly damaged (at $30).
By carefully taking out the lining stitches I was able to access the seam where the arm was attached to the shoulder without disturbing the batting layer. I then removed the lining stitches surrounding the armhole and cut the batting layer and fur to match.
All that was left to do was attach the lining and batting back onto the fur. By leaving the smooth lining attached to the arm (now turned leg warmer) it slides easily over a variety of footwear without catching as raw suede would plus it adds body to the overall piece. On tall boots slide the leg warmer over the boot then insert your foot into the boot. For short boots and heals slide the leg warmer over your leg first and then put on the boot/shoe. Here are some examples.
With tall wedge boots
With mid-calf cowboy boots. Shown with and without homemade "sweater arm" leg warmers used as liners. (I harvested these from a nubby-knit turtleneck sweater that I remade into a strapless dress)
With sassy heals
With vintage seal-fur short boots and "sweater arm" nubby leg warmers as liners.
Never say never. Mount your own CPS offensive and tackle your wardrobe dilemmas. Got some great ones? Share them here!
Comments Welcome!
Lydia
