DIY Hands Free Belt Bags

Elevate your accessories with these fashionable (hands free) belt bags. I look at these as an updated version of a fanny pack. Make a removable belt and now you have two custom accessories. Add Dritz Double-Cap Rivets for an edgy detail. These supplies now come in bulk packages so I can embellish as much as I need. Get the details below on how to make your own vinyl belt and bag. 

Supplies:

• Double-Cap Rivets
• Heavy Duty Snaps
• 1/4" 2-Part Eyelets
• Fashion Belt Buckle
• Stitch Witchery Bonding
• Vinyl/leather
• hammer/mallet
• Brother Sewing Machine

DIY Duster

Make your own DIY Duster with full tutorial on the Brother Sew's blog. 

DIY Custom Face Mask For Children

Now that the people have been advised and some states required to wear face masks when out in public, I started making masks for my children. The basic 2-layer pleated masks work great for me and my older kids, but for my 4 year old not so much. His nose would become exposed no matter how I adjusted the straps. It seemed the bridge of his little nose wasn't large enough to keep the face mask up so I made a custom one with a peak at the center and a nose bridge piece. This passed the jump and run test and solved the problem. Now at this time my children haven't had to go out in public, but when they do I'll be prepared as Georgia transitions into opening back up. The grocery stores in my community require everyone to wear a face mask when shopping and this will most likely be where they come into contact with people (closer than 6ft).  I personally believe they HELP (not prevent) against spreading infection and getting infection.

Disclaimer: Not for children under the age of 2. Do not leave a child unattended with a face mask. The straps should not be tight enough to restrict breathing.  Children should only wear when necessary and not for long amounts of time. Contact your doctor if necessary and follow these CDC guidelines for masks and children. ***These DO not prevent disease or infection. 

Sewing Cloth Face Masks

First of all, my hope is everyone is healthy and safe during this time. As you may know hospitals and medical clinics all around the world are running low on supplies. Some are reaching out to the public for help in sewing cloth masks to donate. So I put together this CDC-Compliant Face Mask Tutorial that is great for sewing in bulk to donate to your healthcare community. Now the CDC is recommending that everyone wear cloth face masks when out in public. This is an ideal pattern to make for family and friends. There is a lot of face mask patterns and resources out right now and it can be overwhelming. I find this one I created to be the easiest to sew in bulk and to customize (straps, fabric, filter insert/pocket, etc). I've been sewing for healthcare in the Atlanta area for a couple weeks now and the 2-piece (high quality, tightly woven) cotton masks are what they prefer. I also include how to sew an insert/pocket into these for filters down at the bottom and several ways to make fabric straps to tie as well as the elastic version below. 

Supplies:

• Tightly woven cotton for hospitals
• 1/4" elastic
• 1/8" elastic
• Strips of jersey (t-shirt/knit fabric) for straps
• 1.5" strips of fabric for straps
• loop turner
• Sewing machine
• basic cutting and sewing notions

How To: Machine Embroidery on Cardigan

Add some Spring inspired florals to a basic cardigan with machine embroidery along the collar line. This is a pretty way to add some color and detail to a simple sweater or blouse. Get the details below and make your own with Coats & Clark.

Supplies:

• Coats & Clark Embroidery Thread
• Flores De Mexico Embroidery Pattern
• Cardigan 
• AquaMesh WashAway Stabilizer
• 505 Temporary Spray Adhesive
• Brother PE800 Embroidery Machine 
• Ruler
• Marking Tools

DIY Custom Bag Straps

I love the unique bag straps that I've been seeing lately. From runway to ready-to-wear brands are showcasing fun prints and extra wide strapping on purses and bags. This is a simple project to DIY and a great way to customize or jazz up a plain bag. I like the idea of simply changing the strap to go with my look instead of having different bags for all occasions. You can create many looks and styles with these. With Dritz 1-1/2" Belting/Strapping, Double Cap Rivets, and bag hardware making your own is simple. I couldn't help but make a lot of different options and because I was making so many (great for gifts too) it was a good idea to get these products in bulk (coming soon). Get the details below and make your own. 

Supplies:

• 1-1/2" Dritz Belting/Strapping
• 1-1/2 Swivel Hook (2)
• 1" Swivel Hook
• 1- 1/2" Adjustable Slide Buckles
• Fray Check 
• Double Cap Rivets
• Mallet/hammer
• Hard cement block
• Additional trim/fabric
• vinyl/leather for tabs
• optional supplies (fusible interfacing, fabric glue)
• Brother Sewing Machine

DIY Faux Fur Keyhole Scarf and Cuffs

Kicking off Fashion Week with this versatile Faux Fur Key Hole Scarf and cuff set. I love that I can add these accessories to a simple coat for some additional glamour or with a blouse and dress. The cuffs can even be worn around low cut booties or shoes. Get the details on the Brother Sews Blog to make your own here.