Make It Yourself: Tank Top Into A Headband

Take your silk jersey tank and transform it into a chic-a-licious head band! Use Jennifer Behr’s chevron headband (pictured here) as inspiration to make your own headpiece.

jimmyjazz.com

SUPPLIES

1 tank top

1 black plastic headband

glue gun

hand sewing needle

thread

scissors

Step 1

Cut pieces of the tank top to use for the headband. Keep aside two small rectangular pieces (1 ½” x 1 ½”) which will be used to finish the ends of the headband later on.    

Step 2

Take the headband and start wrapping the fabric around until the headband underneath is fully covered. Use the glue gun to keep the fabric in place. 

Step 3

Use another piece of the tank top fabric to start shaping the tucks and folds of the headband. Once you’ve achieved the desired look, use the hand sewing needle and thread to sew a few tacks to keep the shape.

Step 4

Take the two rectangular pieces of fabric and glue them onto the ends of the headband. Fold in and glue to the ends for a smooth finish.

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on June 23rd, 2014

Sewing Clothes For Your Body Type

Whether you follow the latest trends or set your own, knowing which garments suit your body shape is key to feeling comfortable in your own (clothed!) skin.  And if you just happen to sew your own clothes, then you absolutely know that every pattern may not be the right fit for you. Since everyone is a different shape and size, identifying which styles of clothing will complement your frame comes with ease if you are familiar with your body type.

The most common body types are pear (or bell), apple (or triangle), banana (or straight), and hourglass. Next time you’re picking up a pattern, keep a few things in mind according to your body type:

APPLE

If you have a larger bust and/or broader shoulders than your hips, make darker coloured blouses and jackets. Pair that up with a pant or skirt with interesting patterns to create an overall balance. 

PEAR

Hips broader than shoulders? Sew brightly coloured tops and dark or neutral bottoms. Give strapless dresses a try – to show off your petite shoulders, of course!  

BANANA

If your waistline is not defined and the top and bottom of your body are almost the same size, add dimension by making voluminous clothing such as gathered skirts or shirts with puffy sleeves. Include a belt with your outfit which can help create an illusion of a more distinct waist.

HOURGLASS

You have a defined waistline and even width of shoulders and hips, which means  you can wear patterns on top and bottom to keep a balance throughout. Try sewing a pencil skirt to flaunt your curves.   

The tips mentioned here are nowhere near “rules” you have to live by. You can simply follow them to enhance your figure by giving it some balance. 

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on May 19th, 2014

Repurposing Your Clothes

Who doesn’t love shopping for new clothes? You get to try on skirts, pants, and tops and figure out how these brand new items will fit in with the rest of your wardrobe. What if I told you to skip the store and go shopping in your closet?! Crazy, right? Not really! Everyone always has clothing waiting to get dumped right around spring cleaning time, exchanged at a clothing swap, or lent out to a BFF – and you know those clothes are probably never going to be returned (maybe years later, if you’re lucky!). Repurpose these forgotten garments and turn them into something you’ll wear over and over again. Here’s how:

KEEP SENTIMENTAL ITEMS

You and your denim button up shirt have been through so much: windy summer days, casual Fridays at work, and don’t forget about the great recovery from that hot sauce stain! Keep that baby around and recreate it into a skirt with an elastic waistband or a fringed vest. You’ll get to keep a piece of something you already love and wear it as a totally new garment.

SPRUCE UP CLASSICS

That pencil skirt is your trademark, but let’s face it – it sure could use a little special something to freshen it up. Sew a fun belt to add to your classic skirt or add side seam slits to make it more interesting.

MODERNIZE    

I don’t know about you guys, but I definitely have a retro section in my boudoir. I love mixing oldies with current pieces for a one-of-a-kind look. You can even try utilizing pieces of your old school gear to add character to modern ones.

Repurposing your clothes can be a fun way to explore your imagination and get creative with your wardrobe. You’ll get to keep your favourites and make (somewhat) new pieces. Well, I’m off to use my Fresh Prince of Bel-Air shorts to make funky lining pockets in a jacket. Gotta go! 

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on April 23, 2014

Beginner Sewing Workshop

If you are looking to learn sewing essentials, but don’t have a lot of spare time on your hands, Beginner Basics might be just what you need! Beginner Basics is a one-time three-hour based Specialty Workshop offered at The Sewing Studio. You will learn sewing basics such as: threading a machine, winding and loading a bobbin, sewing straight seams, and installing a regular zipper.

Beginner Basics is appropriate for beginners (duh!), but also those who have not sewn in some time and need a refresher. It’s also great for sewing enthusiasts who may have a machine at home and have no clue how to go about tackling it. In this workshop, you are sure to get comfortable on the machine and will be sewing in no time! Once you’ve completed the workshop, you will be a proud owner of a zippered toiletry bag. 

And guess what? You workshop fee includes: use of machines and sewing tools, all supplies, as well as a  gift card to use for any future course you want to take at The Sewing Studio. Great deal or what?!

Register for a Beginner Basics workshop coming up on May 10th! This workshop is suitable for all sewing stars 15 years of age and up. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required, so make sure you save your spot.  See you there!

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on April 1, 2014

Make A Shirtdress From An Oversized Shirt

Use an oversized denim shirt to make a dress! Add an embroidery detail for a super girly effect.

SUPPLIES

1 oversized denim button-up shirt

embroidered fabric to add on (or you can use decorative stitches on your machine to create your own design)

piece of lace trim (for collar detail)

½” wide elastic (length of your waist + 1”)

pins

seam ripper

marking pencil

scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1

Armholes & Sleeves: Since the shirt is oversized, check if the armholes need to be brought up to sit on your shoulders properly and if the sleeves need to be taken in. If so, using a seam ripper, take apart the sleeves from the armholes and adjust the armholes to your measurements. Take in the sleeves, adjust (if need be), and then sew back into the armholes.

STEP 2
Mark the waistline on the wrong side of the shirt using the marking pencil.

STEP 3
Place the elastic on top of the waist marking. Slightly pull the elastic as you stitch along each edge.

STEP 4

Place the embroidery detail fabric on your shirt, pin, and then edge stitch along each piece. 
* To create an embroidery design instead of using fabric, use the decorative stitch options on your machine.

STEP 5
Pin the right side of the lace trim to the wrong side of the collar edge, then edge stitch. 

#DIYeverything

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on March 25, 2014

Make It Yourself: Cropped Sweatshirt

Reconstruct your old sweatshirts into cropped tops with a twist! Use contrast fabric to make the sleeves and sweater details stand out. One-of-a-kind for sure!

SUPPLIES

• 3 old sweatshirts
• Seam ripper
• Pins
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1
Carefully remove the collar binding (1), hem (2), and sleeve cuffs (3) from one sweater using a seam ripper. Then remove the sleeves (4) from the second sweater. Lastly, remove all of the above (1-4) from the third sweater (this will be the final sweater body).


STEP 2
Pin one sleeve to the armhole and then serge around to attach. Repeat this step for the second sleeve. TIP: To prevent jersey fabric from stretching out, carefully feed it into the serger and avoid pulling or tugging on the fabric.


STEP 3
Pin collar binding to collar and serge around.


STEP 4
Pin one sleeve cuff to the sleeve hem and serge to attach, and then repeat for the second sleeve.


*Mix and match the leftover sweatshirt pieces to compete two more tops. Keep them for yourself or gift to friends!

PUBLISHED IN LOVESEWING MAGAZINE ON JANUARY 27, 2014

DIY: Copy Your Clothes

Making patterns from scratch might, at first, seem daunting and time-consuming. It certainly does take awhile to perfect, but, in the end, having the ability to create a pattern suited specifically and only for your body is a great reward and a highly-coveted skill. And like anything else, once you’ve made a few (patterns), you will find your groove and actually look forward to making more.

Before diving into scratch-making patterns, though, try making patterns from an existing garment you own as a warm-up for the real thing. Register for a Copy Your Clothes course at The Sewing Studio and learn to create a pattern from two existing garments. You will get to recreate your favourite item(s) and learn the basics of pattern making. The clothing you choose to copy will stay perfectly intact and what’s even better – the pattern you draft will be reusable. Woot! So if you want to make that black pencil skirt out of a cheetah print fabric, the same fabric as the one you own, or even a Valentine’s Day version (with printed hearts and roses, of course), the choice is yours, Cupid.

Copy Your Clothes is an intermediate course and runs for four weeks. Each week, you will attend a two-hour class filled with drafting paper, straight and curved rulers, the sharpest pencils you have ever seen, and a few other like-minded individuals who are probably there for the same reasons you are. Your instructor will most likely be totally awesome. Hey, I’m just speaking from experience. You’ll have to go and see for yourself.

Knowing how to make patterns gives you the freedom to choose fabrics according to your style and, more importantly, to create clothing which will suit your body shape. Total customization!  

 PUBLISHED IN LOVESEWING MAGAZINE ON JANUARY 22, 2014 

Wardrobe Planning

For me, dressing up for any occasion is fun. Stepping into my wardrobe and picking out an outfit allows me to immerse myself fully into a character that I wish to play that day. I can use a piece of clothing to convey a message or display how I’m feeling at the time. And I usually feel like a rocker from the 80’s.  With pin-up girl hair, tribal accessories, and a modern bohemian street style. But then again, I might feel like sporting a casual chic outfit with sneakers. Just depends on my mood. Even though my wardrobe does not have one particular style, I am able to incorporate the pieces I have to create a style that’s all my own. This is simply because I put a little extra thought into new clothes I make for myself or purchase from a retailer.

If you plan on sewing a few new clothing items, choose patterns that you will be able to wear together in an outfit. Or make something which will contribute to the clothing you already have. Add essentials when needed and try not to overcrowd the space in your closet. Your goal is to form a comprehensive wardrobe which suits your everyday life. Just how a designer creates a collection, think of how you can mix and match new clothing you plan to make or buy.

Think ahead to create a “collection” of pieces to form your wardrobe. You will have more options in the long run. More options = a happy you!

                                                                             Published in LoveSewing Magazine on January 17, 2014

Make It Yourself: Wedding Veil

Make your own wedding veil using tulle from an old skirt! Add a personal touch by incorporating a few fancy embellishments. 

Supplies

• 1 Tulle skirt
• Hair pin/comb (or bobby pins)
• Embellishments (feathers, lace flowers, studs, rhinestones)
• Glue gun
• Seam ripper
• Hand sewing needle
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

STEP 1
Using a seam ripper, remove the tulle underlining from your old skirt. Keep the amount that you'll need to make a veil (depends on the final size of the veil).

STEP 2
Start shaping the tulle by cutting around the designated piece until you have the desired shape.

STEP 3
Using a hand sewing needle and thread, attach a bobby pin or hair pin/comb to your veil. Test it out to see if it is sturdy enough by pinning it in your hair.

STEP 4
Embellish away! Add feathers or lace flowers to your veil using the hand sewing needle and thread. Use a hot glue gun to add small rhinestones and give it some bling.


#DIYeverything

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on January 6, 2014

DIY Holiday Gifts

Know how to sew? Then show off your skills during the holidays! Sew personalized gifts for the people on your nice list. It’s a lot more thoughtful than a gift card and a great way to show someone you care. Take into account the following factors before starting the holiday sewing extravaganza:

COST

Handmade gifts do not need to be too costly or elaborate. Check out fabric store sale events to find fabrics and patterns that will suit the projects you have in mind. Pick up holiday inspired prints or opt out for a non-themed fabric. You can even stock up for your own stash!

GIFT IDEAS/PERSONALIZING

Consider making projects that can be reused and enjoyed time after time, such as: fabric door decorations, tree ornament sets or a tree skirt (for those who celebrate Christmas), bean bag chairs, or check book holders. Personalize each item and don’t forget to add some love. Trust me, it will be felt. No pun intended.    

Prepping a gift for a fellow sewer? Wrap up a pattern with fabric and notions – they’ll know exactly what to do with it.

Even if you purchase a store-bought item, personalize it with an embroidered name or secret message only the recipient will see (i.e. stitched in the lining of a blazer or near the collar line).

WRAPPING

Think of more modern ways to dress up presents and try to make the “wrapping” as sustainable as possible. Package presents in fabric gift boxes made by vous which can be used as storage bins later on. Handmade make-up/toiletry bags are perfect for smaller gifts, while bigger presents can fit inside hand sewn gift bags doubling as tote bags. It’s a two-in-one deal.

Sewing is a terrific way to spread the holiday cheer by making something memorable for someone special. But, hey, if you’re a last minute shopper, you’re probably better off gifting a sewing class or workshop. Whatever works!

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on December 16, 2013

Make It Yourself: Hand Muff

Revamping the decor in your living space? Don't toss your cushion covers. Use them to make a warm hand muff for the cold days! Check out the instructions to make your very own Hand Muff.

Here's a brief history about the hand muff. Pretty awesome, huh?

Happy DIYing!

xo,
mssew

Make It Yourself: Twisted High-Low Skirt

Maxi dress in retirement from the summer days? Bring it out of hiding and use it to make a hot new staple for your wardrobe - a twisted high-low skirt!

Twisted High-Low Skirt 
step-by-step instructions

Haunted DIYing!

xo,
mssew

Sewing Instructor: DIY Bride

DIY bride-to-be, you need to read this! Thinking of making your own gown and accessories to match for the big day? I've got your back! Check this out: DIY Bride

xo,
mssew

Make It Yourself: Leather Peplum Skirt

Have an old long leather jacket that's way past its expiry date? Don't trash it! Use the leather to make a peplum skirt much like the Alexander McQueen one pictured below. Follow my step-by-step instructions and you'll have a new fall staple in no time!

Happy DIY-ing!

Sewing Instructor: Draping a Garment

Want to make your own patterns, but drafting just isn't your thing? Try draping!
Read my article for draping tips: Draping a Garment

The dress pictured here is my first ever draped dress - sewed and modeled by yours truly. Not bad for something I made in Fashion Design school back in 2004, huh? Send me your first ever draping stories/photos below!

xo, 

mssew

Make It Yourself: Flower Applique Bikini

Don't throw away your old cycling tights! Use them to make a funky flower applique bikini, much like the Miu Miu one shown below. Textured and fun! Hey, summer, come back!

Make It Yourself step-by step instructions: Flower Applique Bikini

Make It Yourself: Blouse

Have a super long skirt that you don't wear anymore? Turn it into a brand new blouse! Follow these steps:
www.lovesewing.com/magazine/turn-skirt-into-blouse/10411/

Make It Yourself: Military Cropped Jacket

Back in May, I showed you how to make a military skirt out of a trench coat. Remember? In that post, I mentioned to save the trench coat leftovers because we would use that to make another project at a later time. Well, that time has come! We'll transform the top of the trench coat into a cropped jacket. Follow the link below for step-by-step instructions and sew away ;) 

www.lovesewing.com/magazine/transform-trench-coat-cropped-jacket/10499/

Sewing Instructor: Getting Out Of A Sewing Rut

Stuck on a project? Read my article for tips on how to easily get out of a sewing rut:
www.lovesewing.com/magazine/getting-out-sewing-rut-2/10477/

Sewing Reconstruction: Fringe Bag

Have an old pair of leather pants? Don't dispose of them, make this stylin' bag!
www.lovesewing.com/magazine/?p=4767