This project was created for one of my weaving classes, where we were tasked to create a minimum 18”x18” weaving with three different weave structures. I wanted to create a wearable weaving made from secondhand materials. I have been collecting trims and tapes from estate sales and thrift stores for a few years now, so I decided to use those as the basis of my weaving. I traced my skirt pattern onto a piece of foam core, and used sequin pins to secure the warp pieces into place on a diagonal atop the pattern. Then I weaved the other pieces of trim into the warp. For the back panel, I chose a to utilize a plain weave. For the front middle panel, I used a 2x2 basketweave. For the side front pieces, I used a twill weave. After a piece had been woven, I secured the pieces of trim to one another with pins and painter’s tape. Then I carefully removed the sequin pins, and sewed along the edge of the weaving to secure it. Finally, I ironed a piece of fusible interfacing to the weaving, and adjusted any loose pieces of trim. Once all of the pattern pieces were made, I sewed the skirt together, using ribbon as accents and a waistband. I used a bedsheet to create a lining, and added beading to the ribbon waistband and accents. The entire skirt was made out of secondhand materials, apart from the fusible interfacing.

After the skirt was finished, I made a zip-up blouse using a quilted fabric I had on hand. The top was inspired by different types of Trachtenmode, like dirndls and dirndl blouses. I used some of the same lace trim that was used in the skirt to create lace inlets in the sleeves, and made cuffs out of the same floral ribbon. I also added a strip of the ribbon to the back of the blouse. While the metal clasp and the quilted fabric were not secondhand, the rest of the blouse materials were. I used leftover ribbon to make a headband. I also used leftover ribbon and quilted material to make a purse using a bermuda bag base that I found at a thrift store.

If you would like to see the process in action, a TikTok of the making behind this outfit is included below. Outfit modeled by Zofia Bochenek.