Make It Yourself: Gym Shorts Into Dressy Duds

It's not too warm outside here, but it must be HOT somewhere! If you're a DIY lover, live in a sunny place AND if you're absolutely tired of your workout shorts, turn them into to-die-for shorts with sheer panels. You can rock these dressy duds to the club with a crop top and pumps or to the office with a tucked-in blouse and loafers. Go on, show off those long stems you've got!     

Supplies

1 pair of gym shorts

¼ yd sheer mesh fabric

marking pencil

measuring tape

thread

scissors

STEP 1 

To create high-waisted shorts, take in/adjust the side seams accordingly. The process will vary whether your shorts have an actual waistband or an elastic one.  

STEP 2

Mark the placement of the sheer panels with a marking pencil by measuring on the side seams of the shorts. Use the same measurement to guide your measuring tape along the hem and mark around the pant legs which will be the cutting lines.

STEP 3

Cut pieces of the sheer fabric to make inserts for front (2) and back (2) of the shorts. Sew together (or serge – depending on the fabric of your shorts) the front and back pieces. You should end up with a tubular piece of mesh for each pant leg. 

STEP 4

Cut on the cutting lines. (Keep the bottom pieces of the pant legs.)

STEP 5

Sew/serge the mesh inserts to the shorts. Then sew the bottom pieces of the pant legs to the mesh. 

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on July 21, 2014

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

How To Replicate A Garment

If you own a piece of clothing that you would love to have an exact copy of, whether the original is just past its prime or you simply lust for a duplicate made out of a different fabric, you, my sewing friend, are in luck because I’ve got a few tips for you!

Before you begin prepping your project, keep a few things in mind which will assure you have the least amount of speed bumps along the way.

PATTERN

You can easily make a new pattern out of your existing piece without taking the garment apart by transferring it onto paper. Carefully use a tracing wheel to trace around each panel, label the pattern pieces and add seam allowance, and you’re good to go! The pattern is, of course, reusable, which is an added bonus.   

FABRIC

To ensure the new garment you will sew will drape the same way as your already existing one, plan accordingly. If you are thinking of making a total copy of your garment, choose a similar fabric. On the other hand, if you want to sew the new garment out of a different fabric, pick any fabric, just similar in weight.

TOOLS & MACHINE SETTINGS

Research your fabric to find out if you require any special tools or notions, then grab them on your next fabric store run. Adjusting your machine settings for the kind of fabric you are using will make a significant difference in the final product. You can test the tension and thread length on a test piece before you begin.

Hope your cloned garment comes as close as possible to the one you already own!

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on June 16th, 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

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: Faux Fur Vest

Use an old throw to make a warm and stylish faux fur vest which will resemble the Nordstrom one shown below. You’ll stay super cozy and PETA definitely won’t be chasing you!

Supplies

1 old throw

lining

pins

hand sewing needle

thread

scissors

STEP 1

Cut out pieces for the vest: back (1) and front (2).

*TIP: To get the perfect edge when cutting faux fur, do not cut pile right on the designated cutting line. This will leave an abrupt edge. The pile is attached to another fabric (usually a woven). Use the tips of your scissors to cut only the root of the woven fabric without disrupting the pile. Brush off any excess fur pile before sewing. To prevent bulkiness and create a clean (furry) edge, ensure the pile is tucked in between the two pieces of fabric that will be getting sewn together.

STEP 2

Cut lining pieces - same as Step 1: back (1) and front (2).

STEP 3

With right sides together, attach the front and back shoulder seams using a 5/8" seam allowance. 

STEP 4

Repeat Step 3 for lining.

STEP 5

To attach the lining to the vest, with right sides together, pin: around the collar, down center front, around armholes, the hem, and one side seam. Exclude the second side seam. Sew at 5/8" seam allowance. 

STEP 6

Clip round edges (collar, armholes, and bottom of front pieces).

STEP 7

Next, pull the vest through the side seam opening to expose the right sides.

STEP 8

On the side seam that has been left open, pin the outer edges of fabric with right sides together. Sew at 5/8" seam allowance without catching the lining.

STEP 9

Tuck in the lining of the side seam and edge stitch the opening. You also have the option of hand sewing the opening using the hand sewing needle and thread.


#DIYeverything

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on February 17, 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

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: 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

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!

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/

Make It Yourself: Wide Brim Fedora

Have a forgotten jacket and belt lying around? Turn it into something you'll actually wear! Make a WIDE BRIM FEDORA similar to this Gucci one from the '70s.
Follow this link for step-by-step instructions: www.lovesewing.com/magazine/make-wide-brim-fedora-using-jacket/10338/





Happy DIYing!

xo,
mssew

Make It Yourself: Military Skirt

Use your old trench coat to make this snazzy military skirt. Follow this link for step-by-step instructions:
www.lovesewing.com/magazine/make-military-skirt-using-trench-coat/10148

Make It Yourself: Matching Hat & Scarf

Wave goodbye to winter in style! Use an old sweater to make a matching hat and scarf combo. 

Follow this link for step-by-step instructions: www.lovesewing.com/magazine/transform_sweater_hat_scarf_combo/9773/

Make It Yourself: High-Waisted Jeans

Like jeans that sit at your natural waist? Make 'em!

www.lovesewing.com/magazine/make-highwaisted-jeans-oversized-pair/9190/

Make It Yourself: Arm Warmers

Cold? Make these: www.lovesewing.com/magazine/make-arm-warmers/8134/

Make It Yourself: Baja Hoodie

Follow this link for instructions:

http://www.lovesewing.com/magazine/turn-a-throw-into-a-baja-hoodie/7801/

and make your own today!

happy DIYing,

ms. sew