Trash To Couture

5/25/12

Outdated Top Sewn Dress

Supplies: Thrifted XXL stretch top and only $2.00!

The color of the lace was beautiful and I needed a dress for a friend's wedding. I will share some more photos soon.

I cut the shoulder seam and used that as the collar for added length. I shaped it on my dress form and sewed it from their. I gathered the sides to create shape in the dress and fullness to the skirt. Added some straps for the shoulders.

5/19/12

DIY. Shirt Sewn Skirt.

I got this interesting shirt with a portrait of central park from the thrift store. I liked it as a shirt and will wear it as both, but here is an easy DIY to sew stretch shirts into a skirt/tube dress.

DIY:

If you like it as a shirt too, you can also just tie the arms around your waist and it becomes a convertible shirt/skirt.

Because it was stretchy, all I did was sew it into a tube...similar to this pencil skirt refashion (here) but without the zipper and waist band. Turn inside out and pin it to fit. Sew. Trim excess fabric and sleeves.

Even can be worn as a tube top or dress...

5/14/12

Photo Diary

We've been busy traveling/moving, but I always bring my sewing machine and set up where ever we go...

Jackie (my sister) made me cards...how cute are these...?

I never grew out of tulle skirts and what a pretty shot on the beach.

DIY tiered tulle and sash, kind of like the Carrie Bradshaw Skirt.

5/9/12

Road Trip DIY. Weave Texture

Supplies: Dolman (DIY here)

scrap jersey strips

What does this DIY gal do on a 14 hour road trip...?

Weave jersey strips...of course.

Idea came from here.

DIY:

Make a dolman tee using my tutorial

Use scrap jersey to cut strips

Cut little holes evenly

Weave strips

Sew ends with machine

5/4/12

Customize labels and clothing with free motion sewing

Supplies: Free motion machine foot (craft stores/online)

Ribbon

This was a ripped pillow case I made into a cropped blouse...Bonjour was sewn with the machine.

I wanted embroidered tags, but I don't have a machine that does that, so I purchased a free motion foot you put on your sewing machine. You just write your brand or message with stitches...

You can even write or draw on cotton scarves or pillow cases. Looking for a white pair of shorts to make some art on (how cool does that sound?).

Customize the ribbon according to the design.
It does take some practice, but fun once you learn.

5/1/12

DIY MUST

Supplies: old shorts, set of doilies.

(nastygal)

Get an old pair of shorts and add some doily panels...Sometimes crochet/lace shorts can look pajama to me but mixed with denim is the perfect combo .

Or floral...Just cut a panel of fabric to match up with the front and top stitch along. You may have to remove the stitching from the belt loop and resew it on...