How to Update Your Spring Wardrobe Without Spending a Dime

If new spring clothing is not in the budget, but your wardrobe needs an update, don't despair. It is possible to update your wardrobe without spending a dime. Here are some tips to brighten your wardrobe and your mood--all for free. For free instructions on sewing and alterations, check out PatternsThatFitYou.Com.

Brighten--To brighten tops, use scarves, belts, broaches, pins, necklaces, etc. Scarves or belts can be used around the waist of jeans, blouses or dresses. Mix necklaces of complementary colors or tie a scarf around your neck or hair for a dash of color close to your face.

Wear a New Way--For sleeveless tops, wear a fitted t-shirt underneath or wear underneath an unbuttoned short sleeved or long sleeved blouse for a layered look. This also works for covering up spots on blouses or t-shirts.

Dye It--If you have white blouses that have turned dingy, wash with tea bags. Alternately, if you have dye on hand that you have used for craft projects, use it to dye your shirt. This can also be done with coffee grounds, but use panty hose or some kind of filter to pour boiling water through the grounds. Check Associated Content on how to dye fabrics.

Cover It-Got bleach spots on a favorite pair of pants or top? Use a permanent marker, Marvy fabric pens or Sharpie pens close to the original color of the fabric, and color in the spot. Save the marker for future touch-ups. Another option-if the pants don't have pockets and the stain is near the hips, rear, or on the leg, sew on a pocket to cover this.

Alter It--One of the trends this Spring is blouses with gathers or pleats that fall below the hips. If you have a dress that is ripped, stained, or you just don't like the length anymore, make a blouse out of the dress. Sew your hem, or if you don't sew, use fabric bonding or ask a friend to sew for you. Cut the neck off a turtleneck and scoop out the neck to make a crew neck. Cut a pullover sweatshirt or sweater down the middle and hem the edges to make a great cardigan. Add buttons and buttonholes if desired and/or use hem binding to trim on either side. Cut the sleeves off a long sleeved sweater to make a short sleeved top or completely remove the sleeves for a vest. Cut the arms off a T-shirt and cut the neck deeper to make a tank top. Hem the edges.

Sew a ruffle or panel onto the hem of a skirt or remove a ruffle and hem. Crop pants to mid-calf to make capris or shorter to make shorts, then sew a hem or hem with fabric bonding. Another option for pants is to cut through the straddle and then sew a piece in between to make a skirt. For assistance with alterations,hemming, button holes, etc. look on Associated Content or Google it. Also, E-How has a great article on making a dress form from duct tape (http://www.ehow.com/how_4425108_make-dress-form-mannequin-from.html)

Craft It--Make cool looking jewelry out of old shower curtain rings. Just spray with paint for plastic rings, or wrap with yarn or fabric. Then, loop together with fabric or yarn for a cool looking necklace. Wood rings offer numerous painting options. Tie dye, stencil, or use fabric paint to pain a t-shirt or cotton skirt. Own holey or stretched out winter socks? Cut the feet out of one or more pair of socks, hem the legs, then stitch the legs from each sock together and add an elastic band at the back for a brand new headband. Or cover a plastic headband with fabric from old socks. Measure the circumference of your head to see how many socks you need, or just use an old headband as a guide. Socks also can be used for making belts, and braided necklaces or bracelets.

Embellish It--Sew rosettes, ribbons, buttons onto spots, rips, or stains to cover. Line the edges of a blouse or cardigan with rosettes, ribbons, or buttons just for effect. Paint canvas shoes with flowers, or graphic designs. Decorate flip-flops. Check Associated Content for instructions.

DIY Update Your Wardrobe http://www.cosmogirl.com/fashion/diy/diy-update-your-wardrobe

DIY Update Your Wardrobe http://www.cosmogirl.com/fashion/diy/diy-update-your-wardrobe

Dye Fabric With Tea http://www.ehow.com/how_2044773_dye-fabric-tea.html

Patterns That Fit You--http://patternsthatfityou.com/freeclasses.htm

Make a Dress Form Mannequin from Duct Tape--http://www.ehow.com/how_4425108_make-dress-form-mannequin-from.html