You know I love a good DIY project. When I came across this bold striped Zara blazer while thrifting I knew it would make a great canvas for some embroidered iron on patches.

Upcycled Zara Blazer DIY

I was modelling it here with the vintage 70s chambray jumpsuit which has since sold from my Etsy store.

Here I am as I wore it out.

That 1950s red handbag is a new addition to my personal collection from RetrouverBiz.  I couldn’t resist the cool shape.

 

How To: Upcycled Zara Blazer DIY

You can find iron on embroidered patches at craft stores or online through Etsy. I bought mine when I was in Hong Kong visiting my husband at their massive wholesale fabric neighbourhood. What an adventure that was! It took forever for us to find this tiny hole-in-the-wall-store amongst the hundreds of others. Once we found it though it was embroidered patch heaven!  They had small drawers full of patches up the walls to the ceiling. Needless to say I went crazy and brought home a big bag full of patches which I’ve been using for multiple DIY projects.

Just lay out your design on the back of your blazer. When you are happy with the placement of your patches pin them in place. One at a time iron on the patches according to the iron on directions. It will only take about fifteen minutes and is dead easy!

If you wish you can also stitch around the patches with a sewing machine to ensure they are well secured as sometimes the glue on the back of the patches isn’t enough.

Check out the tiger’s eyes!

I glued on googly eyes so they move! Ha ha! I love it!

 

Last week was HUGE for vintage finds.

I’m excited to share all the treasures I found at the Ian Drummond Studio Sale this past weekend.

Here is a little peek at what it looked like… and yes Virginia…it is all vintage! GAH!

Everywhere I turned there was more fabulous vintage!

I spent over two hours trying to narrow down my choices.

The selection was vast and varied including items from the early 1900s.

I enjoyed just looking at the quality and details of each piece.

In the end I stuck with my favourite decades 50s, 60s and 70s and came home with eleven pieces. I could have easily bought five times that amount, if not more. The temptation to go overboard was intense.  I stuck within my budget though and made it out without totally breaking my bank.

I’m still trying to decide which pieces I’ll be keeping for my personal collection and which ones will end up in my Etsy store.

This week I hope to take some photos to help me decide.

I’ve also been adding to the Etsy store lately and will be updating that this week with LOADS of great finds I picked up on my recent trip to BC.

 

Have you ever gone to a vintage warehouse sale? Would you like to?

 

Linking up with Patti at Visible Monday and Turning Heads Tuesday.