Drab to Fab: Tribal Print using Freezer Paper

We've ALL seen the tribal print craze.  Leggings, purses, shirts, jackets, scarves, pockets, and more and more and more!  Here's a way to join the trend (or add to your tribal print collection!) without spending much or ANY money!

1.  Draw your favorite tribal print on the paper-y side of freezer paper with a pencil.  (There's a waxy side, too.)  Before you draw, decide the size you'd like your print so you don't have to erase a bunch of times!

2.  Using an Exact-O Knife, carefully cut out the print to create the negative.  Iron the print with the waxy side DOWN.  Smooth out/iron down the fabric first to avoid bubbles and creases.

3.  I chose to use Martha Stewart's Multi-Surface craft paint.  I'm unsure of the durability of regular craft paint on fabric, and the only color of fabric paint I had on hand was black!  (Look back HERE to see where else I used this metallic paint!)

4.  Carefully dab the paint onto the fabric in the negative space.  Make sure to put cardboard or extra freezer paper in the middle of the shirt to prevent bleed-through.  

After deciding if you need another coat of paint, carefully peel off the freezer paper.  (My favorite part!!)  I chose to do only one coat of paint and peeled the paper off immediately after finishing.

Be careful to follow instructions for the fabric paint!  Some paints suggess letting the paint 'cure' for 48-72 hours, then heat-setting the fabric either with an iron or in dryer.

Now it's time to rock that print!  You can obviously choose a more intricate pattern to paint, but I like ease and time to be on my side in my projects!  This was literally a 30 minute deal.  You can make it even EASIER by printing out the tribal print from a template.  But we don't have a printer... bummer.

Let me know what you think!  This project is obviously VERY versatile.  Paint a word, picture, etc.

Thanks for reading y'all!!

-Jess

Geometric Print Drape Front Cardi {tutorial}

I went through a stage where I felt like I needed to get ALL solid printed clothing so it would be versatile... 

SO... what do you do if you need more patterns in your wardrobe without spending the bucks?

Do. It. Yourself.

Here's how I added a little pattern to a piece in MY wardrobe:

1.  I grabbed a plain black knit drape front cardi from my closet that I NEVER wear...

2.  Using a sheet of foam from the craft store (with adhesive on the back), I cut a couple triangles and attached them to a jar lid to create a stamp.  I used Martha Stewart's Metallic Gold acrylic paint and a foam brush to paint the stamp.

3.  After deciding to alternate the triangles pointing up then down, I started stamping in the middle on the bottom of the back of the cardi.  I didn't worry about perfect spacing or clean stamping.  On each 'drape', I stacked the triangles higher so the triangles would be more noticeable when worn.

-  After the paint dried, I threw the cardi in the dryer to 'set' the paint.

And that's it!

tunic:  Marshalls // cardi:  Target (refashioned by me) // 'leather vest':  thrifted // leggings: Wal-Mart //booties: thrifted //short necklace: Wal-Mart // long necklace: thrifted

{I styled my cardi over a sheer tunic with leggings and wedge booties.

I added a 'leather' vest for texture and stacked two necklaces for added interest.}

I know this piece will get a lot more use now that I updated it with a little pattern!  I can't wait to try this with a lighter colored cardi and and darker paint...  I'm thinking an aztec feel!

Let us know if you have any questions or if you try it out!!

Thanks for reading, y'all!

-Jess

Weekend Wear: { Volume XV }

Dress:  Gap viz GoodWill  // Vest:  Refashioned (originally from Charlotte Russe) // Sandals:  Rack Room Shoes // Necklace:  GoodWill

I'm sitting here with my Grams and Gramps having the time of my life!

Y'all don't even know.  I have the best grandparents ever!

Have a good weekend!!!

-Jess

Jeans to Shorts Tutorial

Anyone find a great pair of jeans at a steal of a price in the store, only to get them home and suddenly you don't like how they fit anymore?

And you keep them past the return date because you are trying to convince yourself that you like them?

And you keep washing and drying them hoping somehow the magical dryer will spit out a perfect fitting pair of jeans?

And, even if you liked them before, they are now too short because of you washed and dried them so many times?

Just me?

Ok.

I guess I was being a little too specific to include anyone else in that story.

Ha!

But you can probably relate in some way or another. 

Well, I decided I needed to get some use out of them before being donated.  So, I decided to refashion them into shorts!

{ By the way, this is a VERY SIMPLE refashion that anyone can do, I promise!  So, if you are a beginner sewer, don't be scared to try this one! }

1.  First, I found a pair of shorts I already owned that I liked the length of to serve as a template.  I placed my shorts on top of my jeans so I could also use the slight slant of the bottom of each leg as a guide.  I cut 4-5 inches below the shorts on each leg of the jeans. (If you don't own a good pair of fabric scissors, now would be the time to invest in them.  It will make cutting through denim a whole lot easier.)

2.  Next, I folded each leg twice and then pinned the fold into place.  If you want to get super technical, you can measure your fold all the way around to make sure it's even.  I just eyeballed it.

3.  Pin both legs, making sure to pin the back of each leg as well.  Then iron to make a nice, crisp fold.

4.  I just wanted to show you what kind of thread I used!  It's specially made for jeans and matched the thread already used on the jeans I owned.

5.  Sew a straight stitch all the way around.  Mine was about 1/4 inch down from the top fold.

6.  And your done!

So before you throw away those jeans that don't fit you quite right consider refashioning them into shorts or changing them into skinny jeans (like Jess did a while back).

Happy Monday, y'all!

Rox

Weekend Wear: Volume XII

Shirt: Thrifted, refashioned // Jeans:  Wal-Mart // Flats:  Thrifted // Necklace: Rue 21 // Watch:  Anne Klein, gift

I may or may not have been at the beach this weekend...

And since I'm not going to post what I wore most of the week, this'll have to do!

--Please ignore the cheeseball smiles... I got to spend a little time without the kiddos so the hubby was being a goofball and making me laugh.--

What are YOU wearing this weekend??

Kids Pajamas Refashion

I'm not sure if it is the same with girls, but boys WEAR. OUT. CLOTHES.  

And FAST.

Jess and I have 3 boys (2 mine, 1 hers) within 14 months of each other and we are always talking about trying to keep them clothed in a thrifty manner and mending what we can.

Since my boys are 14 months apart, I try to buy clothes that are good enough quality to last through them both.  I end up spending a little bit more on each item, BUT save in the long run.

(Speaking of saving in the clothing department.....I think the best investment we have made are on Sun San Surfer Sandals.  They are are about $30, BUT last forever.  I was able to buy some for my oldest, pass them to Jess's oldest, back to my youngest, and now Jess's little girl is wearing them - since we bought them in gender neutral brown and tan colors.  And they are still in great shape!  Just thought I would pass that bit of information on to y'all since we are now in sandal weather.)

Back to the pajamas.

Ahem.

Lately, my oldest (who is 4 1/2) has torn through the knees of countless jeans, pants, and pajamas.  And since I mentioned that these clothes need to last through 2 boys, this simply had to change.

Patching, which Jess and I have both done to jeans and pants (tutorial coming soon!) just wasn't going to work on pajama pants since (a) the holes were REALLY big and (b) the fabric is some sort of thin, flimsy knit.

So, I decided the best option would be just to cut the bottom part of the leg of the pajamas just above the knee and hem them to make shorts.  And the shirt had to be done as well to make a complete warm weather pajama set.

1.  First I found a pair of warm weather pajamas I already owned to serve as a template.  I left about 1" of extra fabric and cut the bottom part of the pants off.  I didn't do any measuring, just kind of eye-balled it.

2.  Next I did the same thing with the shirt.  I laid the short sleeved shirt on top of the long sleeved and cut, leaving about 1" of extra fabric.

3.  Then I turned each piece inside out and folded over about 1" of fabric and pinned it all the way around.  (I didn't fold it under twice since knit fabric doesn't fray).

4.  Lastly, I stitched around each arm and leg with a 1/4" seam allowance and then again with a 1/2" seam allowance.

And that's it!

This is a very quick and easy beginner project for all of you readers who are just starting out.

So, before you throw away those clothes full of clothes, try your hand at mending them!

It's easier than you think!

Oh, and I keep forgetting to post this update to my entryway coat rack.

I mentioned that we had to use different screws than the ones that came in the package with the hooks, and they were silver.  I contemplated meticulously painting them with a small paint brush and black paint, when one of our readers mentioned that I should just used a sharpie.

This was SUCH a great idea, and much less time consuming!

Thanks Lialah!

DIY Towel Wrap

Graduation time is upon us.

I feel like every year around this time, I replay my 'glory days' of high school in my mind and reminisce about how cool I used to be.

Who am I kidding?

My view into my past is totally distorted.  

I was a nerd y'all.

And I wouldn't go back if I could.

BUT.....

I love to celebrate those that are completing this milestone in their lives....especially some girls at the church I've watched grow up into such awesome women!

I decided to give each of them a very practical gift, that is especially useful when walking down the dorm hallways from the bathroom or in an apartment shared with friends.

I looked up quite a few different tutorials for towel wraps on Pinterest and ultimately decided to combine a couple of them and make my own!

1.  Because I was using 2" elastic, I turned my towel to the back side (the one with the tag) and folded down top 2 1/2".  Pin down the edge.  Then, measure 15" from each side and mark with pins (I used 2 pins really close together so I wouldn't get confused with the pins that were already used).  Then sew a straight stitch down the edge of the folded down towel between the two double pin markers ONLY.  This will be where you insert your elastic.  Use a 1/4" seam allowance.

2.  Cut elastic to approximately 13".  Attach a large safety pin to the end of the elastic and move it into the tube you just created.  Once the end that does not have the clothespin lines up with the opening of the tube (the rest of the elastic should be hidden in the tube), sew 2 vertical lines to secure elastic into place.  

3.  Continue to move elastic through tube, bunching towel as you go.  Once elastic is lined up at other end, sew 2 vertical lines to secure elastic into place on this end as well.

4.  Sew tube on either end of the elastic (that should still have pins in it) closed.  Also sew the very end of tubes shut on edge of towel.  Cut velcro to approximately 8".  Sew one side into place on the INSIDE right top edge of towel.  Sew other side onto OUTSIDE left top edge of towel.

5.  To personalize it a little more, I used some extra contrasting fabric to create a monogrammed letter on the bottom corner of towel.  (To create letter, I iron heat-n-bond to a square of fabric, then used a sewing marker that disappears with water to sketch the letter.  I then cut it out and removed paper backing and ironed on the letter.  A zigzagged stitch on the edge of letter secures it to towel.)

And that's it!  

Now I think I should make one for myself.

Happy Wednesday, y'all!

Rox

Taking in a Dress {Easter Edition}

Ahhh.

The Easter Dress.

How does one go about choosing the Easter dress?

If you're like me, you decide that this year you'll just find something in your closet.. then the day before Easter you find a $15 dress at Wal-Mart that's 3 sizes too big but you really like the fabric and think you can figure something out to make it into a dress you love and you don't worry too much about messing it up because if you do you only spent $15 and could use the fabric for something else but you really don't like to alter brand new things but it really couldn't be too hard or take too long to change it a little bit even though it does have a zipper on one of the sides that you would need to take in and you've only installed a zipper one time and it was a long time ago and it wasn't an invisible zipper like this one but surely you can do it this time right?

(This is how my brain works.  Scrambled, much?  Tell me about it.  I have to use this brain 24/7... )

1. One Shoulder Lace Cocktail Dress by Adrianna Papell 2. Shimmer Lace Bodycon Dress by Free People
3. Zarita Lace V-Back Dress by Dianne von Furstenburg

I love the fit of these dresses and was hoping to turn mine into something similar.

1. Dress before the chopping block.

2. Removed the sleeves.  (Just cut them clean off.  No seam ripping here.)

3.  Removed zipper.  (I ended up not really needing to do this since I changed my plan a teensy bit, but now a have a perfectly useful invisible zipper for another project!)

4. Layed a dress with a similar fit on top of the lace dress (while it was inside out).  Since the dress on top has a elastic waistband, I stretched the elastic until taut and marked it with a pin. (Or you could use a fabric pen.)  The shape of the dress ended up being straight up and straight down from the waist line. Pretty easy!  After marking up and down each side with pins, I sewed using a long straight stitch to avoid too much puckering of the fabric and cut off the excess fabric.  Make sure you try the dress on before you cut the excess off!!  You can always unpick the stitching and do it again!

(not pictured) I ended up having to take the shoulders in a tiny bit since the neckline and arm holes were a little low.  I just tried the dress on while it was still inside out, pinched the shoulders on the seam until I was happy with the neckline and arm holes, and measured (mentally) how much to take in (almost an inch).  I used a long straight stitch again to take it in.

5.  Reattached the sleeves using a wide zig zag stitch.

6.  Using 1/4 in. braided elastic, I measured and cut a piece that is the size of my waist.  After sewing the elastic into a continuous circle, I used a wide and long zig zag stitch and stitched right on top of the elastic to attach it to the waist line of the dress.  Remember to stretch/pull the elastic as you sew... so that when you sew on top of the elastic, it's tight.  You want the fabric to cinch to the size of your elastic (and waist).

The length was great so I did even mess with the hem! Although I did forget to mention that the dress was two pieces: the lace overlay and a stretchy slip.  I literally just sewed straight up each side of the slip so it was the same size as the dress.

Done!

  

The Lady:  Dress - Wal-Mart altered by me, shoes - target, statement necklace: handmade (using Rox's tutorial HERE)

The Gentleman:  shirt - Roundtree & Yorke, pants - Vineyard Vines via Goodwill, tie - thrifted, belt - Columbia, shoes - ??

The Little Guy:  shirt - Wal-Mart, shorts - Wal-Mart (altered by me), bow tie - gift from Rox (BUY HERE), shoes - Sperry's via Rack Room

The Baby Girl:  smocked dress - gift, hair bow - handmade, sandals - Wal-Mart

Was the last minute, late night sewing worth it?

I WAS tired.. I could have decided to do this A LOT earlier... I didn't NEED a dress....

But, I love how it turned out, I will definitely wear it again, and I'm glad I didn't waste $15!

So, I guess it was semi-worth it! :)

**We had an amazing Easter spent with some family, eating 'til our bellies were bulging, hunted for eggs, ate candy, let the guys & mom win at trivia because we JUST. THAT. AWESOME., were entertained by our ever-growing kiddos, all to celebrate our Love that lives again! Hope y'all had a great one, too!**

Lace Dress Extender

I don't know if it is because I am getting older, being a mom of young rambunctious boys that I have to chase around, the dresses and skirts are literally getting shorter these days, or all of the above.

BUT, whatever the reason, I don't feel like I can pull off a skirt or dress that's very far above the knees, and yet, I've seen so many cute dresses and skirts that I would love to wear if it weren't for the shortness factor.  

They are EVERYWHERE.

And by everywhere, I mean...Target.

They are in Target.

My second home, remember?

I'm sure they are in other stores as well.  But for some reason, every time I have an hour to get our of the house by myself, there is a OVERPOWERING magnetic pull on my car from Target.  I can't explain it.

That's my story, anyways.

And I'm stickin' to it.

So, back to that dress.

I recently found this dress at Target.  I thought it was long enough in the store, but when I tried it on at home, I just didn't feel comfortable with the length, especially of the small slits on the side.

So, I got on Pinterest.

And discovered what some are calling 'dress or skirt extenders'.  

The idea was brilliant, but I could only find them being sold online for about $30.  I didn't want to pay that much ESPECIALLY if I thought I could make it.

As I contemplated my plan of action, I stumbled upon this tutorial, and she had a genius idea.

Because regular slips are so hard to find these days (seriously, people....have you tried looking for a regular slip anywhere?  I had ZERO luck.), she went to the thrift store!

Genius, I tell you.

The one I found still had a tag on it (hallelujah!), so I scooped it up for $2.99.

Then, I headed over to a local craft store and purchased 3 yards of ivory colored 6" lace for $5.00 total with a coupon.

1.  There she is in all her glory.  Ha!

2.  Since the new one I purchased was too big, I used a slip I already owned as a template.

3.  I used pins to mark where I was going to sew up the sides.

4.  Once the sides were sewn, I cut off the edges leaving about 1/4" from the seam to the edge.  I then zig-zag stitched the edge letting the stitch to the outside wrap around, creating a 'faux serge'.

5.  This slip had a small edging of lace already on it that I didn't really care for, so I just chopped it off!

6.  I laid 2 layers of lace on the bottom of the slip to get a visual image of what it would look like before I sewed it on.  I ended up cutting about 2" more off the bottom of the slip before pinning, then sewing the bottom layer of lace and then the top layer.

7.  The completed slip! (I left my slip rather long so I would have the option of adjusting it's length based on what I wore it with by folding down the top.

8.  And here's the completed lace dress extender.

This was a simple and CHEAP project that was complete in about 45 minutes for only $7.99!

My wallet (and husband) are thanking me!  Ha!

Rox

Polka Dot Skirt {REFASHION}

Thrifting for clothes can be tricky.

You can't go in KNOWING what you want.  More often than not, you will leave in disappointment.

When I peruse the clothing racks at Goodwill, I'm not necessarily looking for something that fits perfectly... or is the right style...  

Three Things to think about when thrifting for clothes:

1.  Don't look at EVERYTHING.  You'll get overwhelmed.

2.  Scan through and pick up clothes that have an cute print or good fabric.  (I am loving the chiffon-like, flowy fabrics.. so I tend to gravitate towards shirts that are made of a more flowy fabric as opposed to cotton or cotton-blends.)

3.  Choose clothes that have plenty of room to work with.  If a shirt or dress (or skirt... or pants.. whatever!) has a great print that you love, you can always take it apart and use the fabric to make something else! OR, just take it in so it WILL fit.  *On the same note, also look at the sheets, tablecloths, and napkins!  You never know what you'll find that you could EASILY turn into something to wear!*

Ready for Spring??

Will I ever be used to weather in the South??

Maybe I just like to complain.. but I'm more than ready for birds a-chirpin', flowers a-bloomin', noses a-sneezin'... oh, yeah.  I forgot that spring brings the oh-so-dreaded sneezy season with it... talk about complaining!

Where was I?  Oh, yes.  The weather.  Our weather here lately has been just plain weird.  This morning was WAY cold, and by noon it felt perfect and warm... meaning, I was starting to sweat since I bundled up for the chilly morning.  (If you want to know something about us sisters, we tend to get a little cranky when we get too warm... avoid us when blow drying hair, folding freshly dried clothes, and when the A/C is out... you see sweat start to form?  Just walk away.  Maybe bring a fan back with you.)

I've gotten off track again... right.  How do you tackle the changing weather?  One easy way to dress for the transition from cold to warm is tights and shorts. 

Leather Jacket - Forever 21 via Goodwill;  Denim Button-up - American Eagle via Goodwill;  Shorts - restyled from romper; tights - Wal-Mart; boots - LaPosh Style; necklace - handmade

This is especially nice for spring.. everyone starts to get the itch to wear shorts, but it's still really too cold... wear it with tall riding boots to stay a little warmer or with ankle boots or booties to dress it up.  I   would put this in the "date night outfit file" (since I file my outfits away and all...)  Plus you might be mistaken for driving in on a motorcycle with that leather jacket! And let's be honest... that's pretty stinkin' cool.  Although, I'm pretty sure you shouldn't ride a motorcycle with tights on... safety first, kids. 

What do you think??  Do you like the tights and shorts trend?  What are your favorite winter to spring transition styles?

DIY Colorblock Shoes

My sister introduced me to a blog called Merrick's Art a couple of months ago, and since then I have been obsessed!  I'm just getting interested in the whole refashion idea (thanks to my stylish sis, Jess), and her tutorials seem pretty straightforward and not to too hard to manage.

I will admit, while I've done a couple of refashions involving sewing, Jess is a much better seamstress.  So, when, I saw Merrick's recent post, about a refashion that did not involve sewing, I jumped on it!  

My new obsession is anything mint colored which made choosing a color for the toes an easy decision.

I have one pair of black flats that I have had for years that I think were originally purchased from Shoe Carnival or Rack Room.  I've worn them quite a few times and they weren't terrible, but I avoided them because I always felt they made me look a little bit like tinkerbell.  

Case in point.....

Drab to Fab: Sequin Pocket

I love an excuse to wear cute clothes.

But it's hard to say no to a T-shirt and jeans sometimes.

An EXCELLENT way to marry cute and comfortable is a POCKET.  I love, love, love pocket T's.  I'm not so sure why... I guess it adds a little dimension.  Or interest.  Plus you can hide a few M&M's in it just in case of emergencies, right?

I found this V-neck at Goodwill a couple years ago.  Since my love of pockets began, this little guy has been neglected a little.  Time for an update, I say!

Flowy Dress to Fitted Skirt

Blazers.  Fitted Skirts.  Statement Necklaces.  My current semi-obsessions...

You may have seen this outfit floating around the Pinterest world...

Source: Happily Grey

Is it weird that I keep looking at it over and over?? 

Yes.

So... I was browsing at Goodwill recently and saw a print that IMMEDIATELY made me think of this outfit.   (Even though the inspiration photo is a little more tribal than geometric... we can overlook that right?) I decided to stop looking at the outfit and make somethin' happen!

I knew with the amount of fabric in the skirt portion I could manage something.  PLUS there was  elastic in the back meaning even MORE fabric!  Here's what I did:

1. I first cut off the "bodice" portion (just above the waist).  I intended to use the original waistline since it had elastic shirring in the back, but it had a weird fit. SO. I cut off the waist line, too.

2. The blue liner was a little longer and had a ruffle (which I didn't like) so I cut it off.

3.  I found a skirt of which I generally liked the way it fit and used it as a template. I would recommend pinning the template skirt to the liner, use a fabric marker or chalk, and THEN use a straight stitch to sew up the sides. *Make sure the liner is inside-out.* I wanted to just do the liner so I could make sure it fit well under the outer portion of the skirt. To finish the bottom of the liner, I just zig-zag stitched the edge (since I don't have a serger) because I knew you wouldn't be able to see it. (I like short-cuts!)

4. After I tried on the liner, I took it in a couple more times until I liked the fit. *Remember the liner needs to be a little bit tighter than the outer portion so it's not bunchy underneath.* I laid fitted liner on top of the skirt and repeated step #3.

5. To prevent fraying on the top, I zig-zagged again. After all of the chopping I did earlier, the skirt was starting to get shorter and shorter.  I couldn't use much more of the skirt to make a casing for elastic so I found an old black T-shirt to make my own.  The width of the T-shirt was exactly the same size as the skirt (SCORE!) so I just cut a strip that was just over double the width of my elastic (*Remember your seam allowance!*)

6.  I cut my elastic to my waist measurement + 1 inch (to sew the elastic together).  I folded the T-shirt strip in half, lined up the raw edges (skirt & liner, and both layers of the T-shirt strip casing), and pinned it all the way around the skirt.  Since the T-shirt doesn't fray, I used a straight stitch almost all the way around.  (*Remember to leave an opening for your elastic!!*) Thread your elastic through the casing, and sew the ends together. FINALLY, sew closed the gap left for the elastic. DONE!

I had the fun blazer on earlier and that random tuft of hair at the nape of my neck pinned back... ANYWAY.  Here's the after!  I'm very pleased with the outcome and can't wait to wear it again!

Tribal Skirt Refashion!

Y'all.  I love an easy sewing project.  I think I love the result more than the actual process of sewing.  Which is why a 20 minute refashion is GOLDEN.

I found this little gem at Goodwill while shopping with my sisters and mom (HOLLA!).  We were on our way out when I saw this draped over a shelf on the end of one the aisles.  I saw the fabric and just knew I NEEDED it.  (Dramatic much?)  I didn't try it on.  I hardly knew what it was as I bought it.  But I loved the fabric and thought I could use it for something.

Lo, and behold!  This awesome fabric is a wrap skirt (thanks, sissies for helping me figure it out!), and it just so happens to fit me!  Here's what I did to fix it up..

1.  I tried on the skirt and marked length I liked.

2.  Since it's a wrap skirt, it was easy to unbutton and lay it flat to trim.

3.  The longest part of the process was pinning the skirt to hem it.  But it is oh, so helpful.

4.  Using a medium straight stitch, I hemmed the skirt.

5.  I tacked the bottom of the outside of the wrap so it doesn't flap open..

And...

Scarf:  Handmade (Similar tutorial found here.), Shirt: Marshall's, Tights: Wal-Mart, Boots: Target on clearance 

 That's it.

I love it!  It's so, so easy to turn a not-so-flattering long skirt into a skirt you love just by cutting off a little bit of fabric!

Go to Goodwill.  Search for a cute fabric.  Make something you love out of it!

Love,

Jessie

Stripes: Sweater to Fitted Skirt

Pinterest is my FAVORITE place for fashion inspiration.  I loved an outfit found here.  I couldn't find the original link so the pin will have to do.  I LOVE the stripes, and I just so happened to have a striped  stretchy sweater that would work PERFECTLY.  I bought this sweater at Goodwill last year to wear with a growing belly.  Since I only spent a couple dollars on it and hadn't worn it since last year, I knew I needed to try to revamp it!

Instructions:

1. Cut the sleeves and neckline off.

2. Using the bottom of the sweater as the top of what will be your skirt, turn it inside out and try it on.  If you're lucky, it will fit just fine!  If not, pinch the skirt down the side seam and either pin or mark wear you need to take it in.

3.  Use a long, straight stitch and follow your pins or markings. 

4.  Before cutting off the excess material, try your skirt on to make sure it fits. (I had to take it in in a couple different places.)

4.  Cut off the excess, and you're done!!

Pair it with cozy tights, oversized sweater, and boots... I kid you not, this is one of the most comfortable outfits ever.

Now.

Go find an old sweater or thick knit shirt, and make it into something new!

Love,

Jessie

Stained Cardi to Mini Cardi

I was recently at my sister's house (hey girl) and did a little "shopping" in her garage!  She had a yard sale a couple of weeks ago so I got to go through all the leftovers.  One of my favorites was a mustard yellow cardigan.  I thought, "Who in the world would get rid of this??"  After a closer look, I realized it must have been washed with jeans because there were blue splotches in a few places... BLAH.  I decided if I really scrounged, I could figure out something to do with it...

1. I used a cardigan I already had for my baby girl as a template (a very ROUGH template...). I pieced together one of the front pieces for the right side of the vest and the left sleeve.  Remember to add seam allowances (especially if you have to piece it together like I did!)

2.  After sewing the right side of the vest and the left sleeve, I double checked to make sure everything matched up.

3. Next, I pinned the vest pieces (right sides together).  Using a straight stitch, sew both shoulder pieces to the back part of the vest and up both sides until you reach the armhole.

4. Keeping the vest inside out, match up the sleeve and the armhole of the vest together by inserting the sleeve into the vest. (Make sure the right sides of the fabric are together.) Pin in place, then sew together.

5. I finally found a piece of the ribbed hem line on the original cardigan that was the right length for the neckline. I folded under the raw edges (at an angle) and sewed it down.  Next, I put right sides of the neckline and the hem together and pinned it in place.  I used a straight stitch to attach it.  Finally, serge or use a zig zag stitch to finish any raw edges on the inside.

Dress up your baby girl and have a photo shoot! Can you believe how easy it is to make "mini-me" clothes?! Now I need to make her some more!

Love,

Jessie

Old Purse to New Clutch

I've recently been inspired by the envelope-style, over-sized clutches that are popping up everywhere.  They are big enough to hold all the essentials but compact enough to... well... clutch!

I found an old purse that I'm pretty sure I bought from the thrift store and decided it needed a better purpose than sitting in a drawer. 

1. First I cut the bottom (circle-shaped), straps, and drawstrings off the purse. I essentially cut out a square shape (along the dotted lines) so I ended up with 6 pieces: 2 fake leather, 2 fusible webbing, and 2 lining.

2. You can kind of see in the second picture (on the left piece) a piece of cardboard.  I knew I needed a stabilizer (the fake leather is pretty flimsy) so I used a Ritz cracker box! Notice that I gave myself 1/2 in. or so with the cardboard so I didn't have to sew through it.

3. Place right sides of the liner and fake leather together (with webbing on the outside or WRONG side of fake leather) and straight stitch across the TOP. (You can see the BACK side of the pocket in the liner).  Do this for what will be the front and back of purse.

4. Lay both sides with RIGHT sides of the liner lined up and RIGHT sides of the fake leather lined up. (It will be in the shape of a rectangle.)  Place your stabilizer/Ritz cracker box pieces between webbing and fake leather. Pin around the outside of the rectangle.

5. Straight stitch about 1/4 in. from the edge leaving a gap at the bottom of the liner.  I left about half of it open as you can see in the picture, but I would recommend leaving the entire bottom side of the liner open.  It was pretty difficult to get the cardboard through that hole!

6. After turning the purse RIGHT side out, sew the lining closed and stuff it into the purse.

7.This is NOT shown, but for the top flap, I pieced together some of the side pieces that I cut off (when I made the purse into a square..) to make it the length and width I wanted.  Mine flaps over about halfway down the front side.

8. I wanted to use the original magnetic snap closure, but I broke it as I was removing it.  Instead, I used one snap fastener on the front to close the purse (Although it probably doesn't NEED a closure.)  I failed to realize how incredibly difficult it would be to sew through all the fabric AND the cardboard to attach the flap so I improvised once again. I used 3 snap fasteners to attach it on the back. It's a little unsightly, but I don't think anyone will see it much!

And here it is! I would have LOVED to use a fun color...But, when you're shopping in your OWN closet and drawers you just use what you have!

I would LOVE to hear if you try to make your own!  Let me know if you have any questions!

Love,

Jessie