I’ve always been artistic, but I never really thought of myself as ‘creative.’ When I moved to Kentucky some 8 years ago, I met some of the best, most creative and talented friends that I’d met my entire life. Meeting friends that excel at everything is a little daunting. It made me want to observe rather then participate. Here, though, you can’t just observe. They won’t let you.

Our friends, Gary and Regina, have an art studio across the street. You’ll find one or both of them at the Nolin River Art Studio most days (and nights) painting, sketching, making beautiful things, teaching, and inspiring others. You’ll find me there (and other friends) many nights, too.

The first time I made a duplicate of one of Regina’s pieces (a felt hat), I felt awkward; almost embarrassed for “copying”. Regina laughed and put me at ease. She said that I couldn’t copy. I could only “be inspired” by her piece. There would always be differences; something “uniquely mine” about it.

Somehow, her statement gave me permission. Permission to make something that someone else had done; to not have to be totally original. Permission to explore and see things a little differently. Permission to make mistakes. So, now, I create.

Regina has her own style (which we all admire, but only she can pull off ). She loves bangles and necklaces…and plaid.

We love refashioning: using something we have (out-of-fashion or too big or small to wear now) to make something new. So, when I wanted to make a gift for her, the decision was easy: a skirt refashion that became a unique, fashionable scarf. Did I mention it was plaid?

It was super easy and only took about 5 hours to complete.

I started with an old, red plaid, out-of-fashion and too-small-for-me skirt.

STEP 1: Cut the Skirt into Strips

This particular skirt had fringe on the sides, so my cuts were made horizontally (so the fringe would be on both ends of the finished scarf). You can cut strips in any direction you choose if fringe is not a consideration.

I also cut strips in two different widths and lengths because I wanted both layers visible (width) and the top layer to be more ruffled (length). I cut 2 strips for the top layer about 3″ wide and 2 strips for the bottom layer about 5″ wide.

STEP 2: Sew the strips together

Sew the strips together to make one long 3″ wide strip and one long 5″ wide strip. (To sew strips together, put the right sides together matching the edges that will be sewn. Pin and sew. Press the seam open.)

STEP 3: Baste a hem on all edges

Using a needle and different coloured thread (so it can be seen easily), quickly baste a hem on all raw edges. I prefer to iron my hem first, and I double-fold to prevent unravelling.

(To make a double-fold, fold in the edge approximately 1/4″ and press. Then fold again and press. Basting will be easier.)

 STEP 4: Sew the hems

Sew the hems in place, then remove the basting threads.

STEP 5: Baste the center

Baste down the center of each strip using different coloured thread.

STEP 6: Ruffle the strips

Hold one end of the basted thread firmly and with the other hand, pull the strips of material towards the held end, creating a ruffle. Ruffle the second strip.

STEP 7: Sew the ruffled strips together

Lay the narrow strip centered over the wider strip and pin in place. Make sure the fronts of both strips are facing forward. Sew them together and remove the pins and basting thread.

The scarf is complete and ready to wear.

Regina makes the scarf look fabulous.

Do you have clothes you no longer wear? Don’t get rid of them! Refashion them. Be inspired… create!