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

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

The Funk Shop: Custom Necklaces

Some NEW #TheFunkShop custom handmade necklaces:

Check out The Funk Shop Etsy Shop for more funky accessories!

xo,
mssew

Sewing A Custom Made Dress

MAKING YOUR OWN DRESS FROM SCRATCH GUARANTEES A PERFECT FIT

The next party is around the corner and you’re thinking of rockin’ that new cocktail dress you recently purchased. And then you remember exactly why you haven’t worn it out yet – the side seams need to be taken in by a smidgen, the hem sits a little too low, and somehow it just doesn’t fit quite perfectly overall, does it?

Chances are, you aren’t the only one that is going through something like this. By now, I’m pretty sure there are counseling groups for this sort of thing. Ill-fitted Clothing Circle? Anyway, as you probably know, most of the clothing we purchase nowadays is fitted to a fit model, mass produced, and then sold in retail stores or online. Now, if you happen to have a slightly different body shape than the fit model, and you most likely will since no two bodies are alike, the clothing will not totally flatter your figure. Hmm, what to do? Oh, I know. Take a sewing class and make your own!

Lucky for you, TheSewing Studio offers just what you’re looking for - a PartyDress course. All you need to do is dedicate two hours per week for 8 weeks to learn dress construction essentials. You will be instructed on topics such as: customizing a pattern, working with difficult fabrics, boning, Princess line easing and shaping, installing invisible zippers, and lining.

A dress, in particular, is something a gal must have at least one of in her wardrobe. Even if you are not a girly girl with dresses galore, you need some kind of a dress for a special occasion. So why not have a dress that you hand selected, customized to the max, and have sewn to fit YOU perfectly? Sign up for a PartyDress class now! 

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on December 26, 2013

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