Trash To Couture

DIY. Fringe Sleeve/Seam Tee

2012-02-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

Great for making those tight tees wearable.

Supplies: Fringe trim (3 yards)

tshirt

Can be made casual or dressy depending on the shirt you use. The fringe is so pretty and looks lovely on!

DIY instructions:

Cut sleeves off and side seams open. Measure out fringe to bottom hem...pin.

Sew the fringe and shirt right sides together all the way around (front and back). The fringe i had was double sided. Usually it is sold with one side...you will want to get ribbon and sew a small stitch along the free edge...

Top stitch the fringe seam leaving enough room for your arm.

DIY out-dated tshirt into lovely pencil skirt.

2012-02-25T10:48:00.000-08:00

This tshirt was outdated and needed a revamp. I loved the pattern of the lace and decided it would be a great pencil skirt.

Cut the sleeves and collar line.

Sewed one seam all the way up and left room for the zipper on the other seam...I did mine quite snug since I wanted it to be a pencil skirt.

Added a waistline using vintage ribbon...top stitched it along the waist. If the fabric is stretchy, make sure to add some type of interfacing along the waist so it doesn't wave.

I personally prefer zippers...so I added that on the side seam that I saved space for.

It took me about 20 minutes so head to the thrift store and look for crochet lace type stretchy tees. They have loads!

Cute and comfy!

Outdated skirt into convertible drape dress

2012-02-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Long skirt with stretch/drape.

or 2 yards fabric

I loved the fabric of this skirt. It had a pretty sparkle and stretch that would make it perfect for my drape dress. I thought it was a cute skirt so I figured it could still be both.

DIY instructions: Get a skirt long skirt or 2 yds fabric.

All I did was cut slits on both the side seams (24 inches up). Finished the edges of the slits. If you chose fabric the skirt measured 42 inches long. The bottom of the skirt was 19 inches wide front and 19 inches wide back (add 1/4 inch for finishing seams).

I then sewed the top of the skirt tighter till I hit the slits...You want this to fit snug enough to create the fold of the bodice.

If you want to do a convertible skirt/dress add snaps or any type of fastener at the edge of the slits (which is also the collar/sleeves for the dress). If not, sew them...I just sewed them and will seam rip them if I want the skirt.

Add a slip underneath and done!

My Laced Up Collar Sleeves. DIY

2012-02-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Old tshirt or jersey cotton.

Eyelet Grommet Pliers Set

or I've seen metal grommet trimming sold at most fabric stores in leather...(this is the best option).

Here is another fun tshirt recycle I designed and quite easy. It is a nice way to create a unique shirt without showing too much skin (just enough). It can be dressy or casual as well.

I used an old large t shirt I had in my scrap trunk...it had one sleeve for some reason. I also made my own trimming since I had the plier set. I advise to get the trimming from the fabric store. I saw it in black leather which would look fabulous for this shirt. I cut the bottom of a shirt hem edge and used that to put the metal eyelets on.

Top stitch it along the edges...trimmed any excess from the ending side (do this on front and back).

I used jersey string (you can use ribbon) to lace it up starting at the shoulder and ending to the sleeve. Make sure you can put your head through!!!

Tie ends and done...Rocker Chic!

My Zipper Tee DIY tutorial...Tshirt Recycle

2012-02-11T10:13:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Zipper 22 inches or so...

old tshirt or 1 yard fabric.

I am all about casual style, but usually like something to separate my tee from everyone elses. This started in middle school when I took my first sewing class and from their I was refashioning the family's "giveaway pile."

Here is one I designed back then that I recreated for a tutorial. I wanted to share it because it's quite easy, yet still looks amazing! I've never seen anything like it...enjoy!

For this zipper: I know they have double zippers, but they go the other way so you will have to make it like i did. I had a 22 inch one (you can get these at any fabric store). I needed another side so I pried the little stoppers off the end and pulled another zip through...so now it's double sided.

You can use an old tshirt, it doesn't matter what size. Cut the neck ribbing and shoulder/sleeve seams as shown here. You will probably have to cut the sleeves to fit with the length of the zipper or adjust the zipper length if you don't want to finish the sleeves again. You can also cut sleeves off of mens tshirt and it usually fits about right...

If you use fabric: I used a light jersey cotton with a nice drape. I cut 2 pieces of fabric at 22 inches wide (as wide as the zipper). If you want to finish the edges add a 1/4 inch seam allowance. It is 40 inches long to add a cinched waist.

If the fabric is light, I would suggest ironing interfacing to the edges so it wont wave from the zipper.
Sew (front and back) right sides together starting at either end.

Sew the side seams if you used your own fabric. Then cinch the waist like I did here. This will give the shirt some shape.

Woven Tshirt Yarn Top

2012-02-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Suppies: jersey knit (1 yard)

t-shirt yarn

I love casual knit tops with a little something to make them stand out from your average tshirt. I made this using a jersey cotton blend knit I got for $2. It drapes just the way I like a tshirt. The sleeves were made out of tshirt string and then weaved/braided together into a cool pattern. I will try to make a tutorial at some point. If you have old t shirts you can make tshirt yarn and play around with braiding to create a pattern of your own.

A comfy piece that stands out.

80's dress turned edgy cocktail.

2012-02-01T16:15:00.000-08:00

Supplies: 80's dress with pretty silhouette, vintage inspired trimmings.

Now some might absolutely love how crazy 80's this is, but I also don't think many would wear this unless it was for an 80's dress up party. I kept the velvet silhouette, it had a perfect fit and exquisite fabric. It's hard to capture how pretty the hemline and sleeves are with the self timer.

I removed the pom pom sleeves and tiered skirt (saving those). I have been collecting special trimmings and found these at Fabric Planet in LA. I sewed them along the sleeve line (I hand sewed most of it). I loved the chains with the beading, it gives it an edgy look.

Here is a picture of the detailing...I love how the sleeves create this modern structure with a touch of vintage elegance from the fabrics. Great dress for any special occasion that I will actually wear!

Add pleated sleeves to any look to modernize sleeveless dresses

2012-01-27T11:01:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Extra fabric from this dress.

Project: pleated sleeve shrug

Why I love this? Because it is the perfect accessory to any plain dress. Also, great to make a summer dress into a winter dress.

Start by using a piece of fabric about 12 inches wide and 20 inches long. Pleat by folding and pinning along the edge where you want the sleeve to start. Then flip around to the last fold and start again. Each side I made about 4 pleats each. Trim any excess fabric.

Pin the folds you make and sew into place.

Top stitch right on the dress or add side panels and a back so you can wear it with other dresses. Also cute adding them on plain t shirts (white tee with cool sleeves like this sounds lovely).

Here is the pattern I used for the back and front pieces...

LA Trip...

2012-01-23T22:34:00.000-08:00

Fabric Planet was one of the coolest fabric stores I've ever been too (corner of 8th and Santee). The prices were crazy cheap and the owner Jack was fabulous. They had vintage laces embellished with beadings of all kinds for $1-$5 a piece about 1/4 of a yard. In New York it was $125 a yard. Trendy knits of all kinds for $2 or so a yard...a designers dream come true. This was the only stop I needed when it came to fabric.

Rummaging through all the vintage lace embellishments!

My sister and I walking the rows of fabric shops down the fabric district downtown LA (9th street).

Next stop was The Melrose Trading Post. It is located in the parking lot of Fairfax High School, every Sunday from 9am to 5pm ($2 admission fee).

Great place to find thrifted one-of-a-kind items. Lovely rows of vintage dresses & I wanted every one.

The treasure hunting never stops!

Great shops like this one where the designer Sas (at Melrose Trading Post) made his own graphic tees and hoodies. All hand dyed and cut in unique shapes with great prices!!!

Comparing New York to LA as far as fabric shopping...

Pricing, LA hands down! As far as more higher end fabrics, New York.
Casual trendy knits were more LA.

To sum up the differences in my mind, New York is timeless, LA is trendy.

Thanks to my brother-in-law Corey for taking the great photos!!!

Ombre Dying

2012-01-18T09:28:00.000-08:00

Hand dyed using an ombre technique. The tips of the sleeves and cardigan are a darker tint and it gets lighter towards the collar line. I used the same fabric from this previous project and the same rit dye formula (denim blue and sunshine orange).

Before it was a few yards of fabric sewn into my convertible cardigan. I dipped the end of edges in first and every ten minutes till its all in.

Great technique to add to white shirts or cotton scarves.

Mini Tweed

2012-01-14T12:18:00.000-08:00

Project: Mini tweed dress with bow pockets.

Supplies: old fabric from Grandma.

I love how this turned out as a whole. The tweed and vintage style lines work perfectly together. I made the bodice and skirt from this pattern. If I did have more fabric though, I would of made the skirt longer and fuller.

I added a set of bow and chain link pockets to add some pop. I want to get a black tweed with some shimmer to recreate this for a wedding.

Textured Wedding Shrug From Blouse.

2012-01-10T16:16:00.000-08:00

Supplies: old blouse

Project: textured wedding shrug

A bolero or shrug is a nice accessory to your wedding (great for dances and dressy events). They add a bit of coverage and a touch of personal style.

Before it was an old blouse I never wore. I used this pattern I made for the shrug.
Once you can make the basic shrug (pattern), you can do many things to personalize it.

For this one, I cut strips of the organza from sleeves and gathered down the middle. I then made my own ruffled pattern down the front of the shrug by twisting them around and sewing them into place. I love the unique texture and it looks great with a simple dress.

Time Square Billboard Blogger For Forever 21

2012-01-10T10:18:00.000-08:00

It was thrilling enough to design a diy post for Forever 21...even crazier, they asked me to be a part of their Billboard Blogger in Time Square...whoa!!! Here it is and so exciting (Thanks to my sister Jackie for the amazing picture she took!).

The Times Square district is one of the most desirable and sought-after neighborhoods for national and international advertising.

Thank you Forever 21 and hope to work with them more in the future!

80's Dress Sewn Parisian Cocktail.

2012-01-06T10:41:00.000-08:00

Supplies: 80's dress turned Parisian cocktail.

I got this dress as a donation (thank you Angie). I had a few ideas, so for now this is the first...What I loved about this 80's dress was the pretty lace detailing, so I wanted to use that as much as I could for this one.

I salvaged all the lace from the front, back bodice, and sleeves. The skirt of the dress was from the front and back of the bodice. The sleeves I sewed together to create the front bodice (added darts). The now collar line was the bottom of the sleeves. I love how sewing the sleeves together created a perfect motif.

For the liner I used the dress, I just needed to take it in and cut the hem. The back I used some of the extra dress fabric and sewed them all together.

I added a beaded belt to finish off the look.

New York Part 1

2011-12-30T13:21:00.000-08:00

My husband surprised me with a New Years trip to New York (sweet!). He was gracious enough to spend the days walking around shops down the fashion district. Mood fabrics was one of my favorite stops and unlike anything I've seen! Rows of fabric lined wall after wall. I was a kid in the candy store...a crazy tourist!

I loved how they had designs on each dress form. That would be my job if I worked here (have to dream).

I couldn't take my eyes away from the lace selection. Stunning hand embellished beadings, detailing I've never seen (very Marchesa). I have to say, it was overwhelming just thinking of all the projects you can do, but very inspiring. Can't wait to get home to my sewing machine.

Simple New Years Shrug

2011-12-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Sleeves

1/2 a yard of scraps

I used the sleeves from this project. Such a pretty beaded fabric that I couldn't let these go to waist.

I cut a back using some sheer scrap fabric

Sewed the sleeves right sides together.

Added a ribbon on each side.

I still need to finish the edges with my serger (I'm on vacation).

Great for some extra coverage during these cold months and you can still wear a strapless dress.

Forever 21 Guest Blogger. DIY

2011-12-22T10:23:00.000-08:00

Project: Textured Capelet

Supplies: 1-2 yards of fabric

I used an old zipper for the tie.

I had the pleasure of guest blogging for Forever 21. This is exciting because I have been shopping here since I was a young girl.

To make your own Ruffled Capelet check out my diy tutorial here.

New York...New York

2011-12-19T10:07:00.000-08:00

Supplies: $5 bolt of fabric (2 yards from the 10ish)

Rit dye (2 packages: sunshine orange, denim blue)

I'm going to New York for New Years, so I thought I would update my wardrobe. I wanted to do my convertible cardigans so I can wear it a couple of times...Here's what came about.

I got this bolt of crinkled knit fabric for $5 (it has about 10 yards). Also great because you don't have to iron it. I wanted to do a charcoal grey convertible cardigan. I'm still learning the process of dyeing with rit. The rit chart said to mix the orange and denim blue to get a dark grey. It came out a lighter greyish...

Which way is your favorite? I like the bottom 2...

Curtains Turned Bubble Cutie

2011-12-16T16:10:00.000-08:00

Supplies: new curtain (garage sale find)

I thought I posted this, but it was under drafts...

I got this new curtain from a garage sale for like nothing. I loved the contrast of sheer to satin stripes.

I made a pattern where I could contrast the stripes in different ways and sewed the many pieces together.
Gathered the skirt and added an exposed zipper in the back.

Finished the edges with a rolled hem. Did a bubble skirt hem, or you can wear it straight down. Needs a liner, but a cute slip will do.

Sound of Music Moment: Curtains Sewn Into Flapper Style Dress

2011-12-14T14:36:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Slip Liner (thrift store find $1 to $3)

sheer organza curtains (recycled find new)

I love this dress! You can easily wear sandals for a low key look or dress it up with heels and leather jacket for evening...Go for a darling flapper look by adding flats, pearls, and a beaded cardigan.

I used a set of sheer curtains (recycling). You can easily get sheer organza from the fabric store or use any fabric you like (sheer fabrics have a natural flow to them that creates a natural wave without gathering). If you don't want to finish the edges, it will have that raw look! You can find amazing slips at thrift stores for $2.00 or so.

To do this you want to create even strips so cut the curtains into even sections (6 inches for mine).

I also have a serger, which keeps the edges from fraying and creates the pretty curled edging. Also helps create a natural wave of ruffles.

A tip to make even lines on the slip: I like to iron mine on by folding it up the correct amount of inches.
Pin layers right sides together on the ironed marks: SEW every layer.

XL Mens Tee Sewn Into Dolman. Directions + Video

2011-12-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

Supplies: XL mens tee

Rit dye (grey)

I had a dingy old tee so I dyed it grey. Cut neckline, cut arms (as shown).

Gather the bottom hemline in a few inches to be snug on your waist (this is what changes the shape of the shirt). Sew the new sleeve seams you cut (everything is right sides together). Then you will sew a seam starting from the gathered end up the armpit. Make sure you sew the side seam going gradually out towards the edge to keep the fit loose. Then trim the excess fabric.

Old Cardigan Turned Vacay in the Hamptons

2011-12-07T22:23:00.000-08:00

Supplies: old cardigan

scrap fabric, trimmings, chain tidbits

So very Blair Waldorf dont you think? Pair this ivory knit cardigan with a pair of skinny jeans, flats, and a camisole and your ready for sailing in the Hamptons or perhaps tea and crumpets (or in my case a trip to the grocery store). Either way, this adorable cardigan has lots of nautical/victorian inspired elements. I added an antique gold trimming, pleated striped cotton ruffles with tattered edges. the pockets are trimmed with bows and chunky vintage coco gold chainlinks.

A platter of bows, ruffled scraps, trimmings, and chain links will do the trick.

Use an old cardigan that has no life anymore. Add some ruffles from scrap fabric (laces, chiffon polk-a-dots).

Very Coco Chanel meets Blair Waldorf.

Sewing for Barbie

2011-11-29T09:31:00.000-08:00

Supplies: scraps

Project: Barbie Clothes

I have 2 boys, so when my little sisters-in-law came for Thanksgiving I new they would love to do sewing projects. One of my favorite things we did was sew Barbie clothing. They love Barbie just as much as I do/did! All you need is scraps for these (which I have lots of). Of course, they wanted the fluffliest, pinkest, most outrageous dresses possible!

These are pretty little outfits that were my mom's when she was young! Aren't they lovely!? Vintage Barbie fashions were so well made. Fully lined with the finest of fabric (real fur trimmed collar, tweeds, silk) with gathered sweetheart bodices and tailored jackets (you can tell I'm a seamstress).

I decided to do a replica of the tweed jacket and pencil skirt set.

I drafted a pattern (it was so hard to figure out!). Then used this white tweed I had in scraps. I even printed a true vintage Barbie tag. Tailoring a jacket the size of my pinky was difficult, add in darts and all that fun stuff...work!

I then taught them how to make their own leggings. We did these ruffle ones (just take a pair of already made girls leggings, cut the outline of the fabric and sew. Add an elastic waistband).

Little Dottie

2011-11-27T22:13:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Oversized polk-a-dot skirt

I got this skirt for dollar day at the thrift store. I chose to do another peplem style dress because the large ruffle at the bottom of the skirt (on a roll with the 40's era) made it all too easy. I didn't change the color, just taken at different times of the day (it gets dark soooo early & ruins my pictures. grrrrr.)

Everything that went into this dress. Sewing the many pieces together (you can see the cute dots in this pic) Gathered the bodice in the middle.

Added a zipper in the back.

I ended up with this and decided to add more contrasting ruffles (why not?).

I wish you could see the polk-a-dots better, it's so darling in person!

Clearance Scarves Sewn French Convertible Cardigan

2011-11-21T16:09:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Clearance scarves I got for $3 each.

Turned into my French Riviera Convertible Cardigan. I love the fringed sleeves too.

Cut them in half. I labeled what parts became what (just showing you all part of the process...).

Love how it turned out. The color is a very neutral beige w/ some white stripes.

Although, now I know why the scarves were $3 a piece as the fabric is already fraying. Stay tuned for a giveaway of this one.

I had some comments/emails about patterns and step by step tutorials...My objective of this blog is to share what things inspire me (hopefully inspiring you too) and give a glimpse of the before and after process. This is not meant to be a step by step tutorial website.

Basket Weaving old tshirts

2011-11-18T17:36:00.000-08:00

Supplies: old grey t-shirt scraps

I love a simple top with a twist. I want to say this was easy, but it wasn't. The strips were VERY time consuming. It was fun to see the process come along though. I kept the front plain, but you can flip it to be worn either way...

Where do I get these t-shirts? My husband and I have hundreds from all the track races we ran in college (conference, nationals, indoor, outdoors...they add up). He wants one of those t-shirt quilts so I'm using the excess jersey for these projects. You can get a tshirt already made to cut the back or make your own.

For the strips I sewed each strip in half (right sides together).
Weaved them in and out and sew!

Once I got to the length I wanted, I made a larger strip to go all the way around.

wah la!

French Riviera Convertible Cardigan

2011-11-18T14:54:00.000-08:00

Supplies: 2 yards of jersey knit

Now that it's freezing out I can wear my French Riviera Cardigan. Why French Riviera you ask? Well, because of the contrasting striped knit and the fact you can wear it up to 8 different ways (10 if I use buttons) which makes it the perfect vacation piece.

Drape, hood, flip, twist, wrap...so comfy!

I am currently learning how to convert patterns into pdf format so I can sell this one to you crafty gals.

Pillow Cases Turned Dress

2011-11-15T20:42:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Vintage Slip for liner ($2 -$5)

Crochet pillow cases (thrift find: $5.00 for set!)

The moment I saw this set of pillow cases, I knew this would be a dress. I seam ripped the crochet from the muslin cases. I then formed the crochet into the liner slip by sewing the seams. I didn't want to lose the natural edges so I sewed them around the neckline. I added a zipper on the side seam. Very short but the 1950's neckline and capped sleeves even it out.

Doesn't look like it came from a pillow case does it!?

Table cloths make a lovely flutter sleeve dress.

2011-11-14T20:33:00.000-08:00

Supplies: 2 crochet table cloths

vintage slip (one thing I needed to find is a vanilla slip for this one)

First of all, these are lovely table cloths but they would not do well in my home (I have 2 toddler boys). They would be more useful as a dress (for me of course). So project crochet table cloths began!

Started by measuring out the collar hem line. I use my dress form which helps for placement and how I want it worn.

Then figuring out the side seams and flutter sleeves. I just left the drape of the fabric to form the sleeves and then pinned where I would sew the side seams and how tight I wanted it to fit around the hips.

Sewed the pinned points (collar and seams).

Added a pretty little liner slip (I had trouble finding a vanilla colored slip, but will keep my eyes open) and a little silk rosette head piece.

It looks 1920's era to me. Flapper Chic...I must be on a roll! xo

DIY Birdcage Veil

2011-11-14T13:39:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Strip of tulle,

russian netting (micheal's craft has this),

fascinator or pendant, comb or clip.

You will start by cutting the russian netting around like a rainbow. Make sure you keep the finished edge at the bottom. The tip of mine was about 12 inches.

Wrap the tulle around the comb or clip weaving in and out. Hand sew the cut edge of netting onto the tulle tip you made. I just gathered it in folds and sewed through the diamond shapes.

Hot glue or sew the fascinator on the other side of the tulle comb. You can even just use a clip to place over the comb which I think is easier in terms of hairstyling.

Stunning piece to add to your wedding and custom!

Old Mens T-shirt Sewn Into Women's Dolman Tee

2011-11-06T10:37:00.000-08:00

Supplies: Husband's old t-shirt

My husband is a runner so he has/gets about a million gazillion t-shirts. I love grey and wanted to make it into my favorite style tee. I love the comfortable, effortless style of the dolman tee...

Everything that went into this...It took me about 15 minutes or so. I played around with seams to get the fit right. New shirt for one of those "I've got nothing to wear" days. I can always count on a cute dolman!

For a video go here.

Stained 80's Blouse Sewn Stunner Dress

2011-11-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Donated 80's blouse

liner slip

I got this piece from Faith who runs the blog and website, City Girl Chronicles...fan of her blog and all the inspiration it has to offer for styling and design! Faith says, "The top is vintage, from the 80's or prior, and the beading is hand sewn. It has some staining, but what I love is the beading...I've seen how creative you are from some of your blog posts."

Faith was right, the beading was delightful. It had some permanent staining from old age so I wanted to do something with all the beading. Here, I show everything that went into the reconstruction of this dress...
Sewed the arm pieces together to create the last layer.
Pinned the layers of beading on and hand sewed them into place.
Added the liner and straps.

This dress reminds me of something Kate Bosworth would wear. Eventually I want to do a low cut back, but this is another project. I will update when I get around to it. For now the back is plain, but with a front like this!! Just add a leather jacket and red lipstick...stunning!
Thanks City Girl!

80's Geek Sewn Modern Sleek

2011-10-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

This was my first "donate" post (click here if interested). This "lovely" 80's dress came from Jackie in L.A. She said, "I hope you can make this into something, its awful! The oversized long bottom, 80's bodice and accessories need to go! PLEASE get rid of the white bow too :)!

Everything that went into this masterpiece.

I used the bodice from this dress because I liked the fit/style.

Finished the back by adding new sleeves. Then I fit the ruffled piece around, pinned, and sewed!

40's vibe mixed with modern. Pic of my 40's inspiration.
80's turned Modern Peplem dress.

Stained Lace Sewn Into Cocktail Dress.

2011-10-20T15:03:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Stained lace (trash find)

Rit dye.

Stained lace, sewn into pretty lace cocktail.

I've never dyed anything before, so this was all new. The lace had a yellowish tint to it that I wanted to get rid of. I wanted something nude toned...so I chose a tan rit dye. It was actually quite easy (so easy my 2 year old helped me). Mix the formula with warm water. Stir fabric in and then let dry...(hurdles: husband and I both run track).

Next, I cut out a pattern from this dress. I formed the bodice with darts and side seams and sewed the pinned folds.

I added some cute little sleeves. For the skirt, I went with a pencil fit. I added a silk sash and rose around the waistline, that way I can make the skirt fuller if i want. Now I just need a tan fabric or slip for the liner. I will update once I find that! xo

Table Cloth Turned Chic Dress

2011-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Table Cloth (free)!

Project: Make this into a dress!!

The same fabric as the table cloth here, but had a light pink colored one. I'm not a super fan of bright florals, but this is trash to couture! For some reason florals remind me of the 50's. I wanted this dress to be different from the last, but still a mod theme. The back is my favorite with the collar and open slit.

before: a standard table cloth. Next...cutting my pattern out and ready to sew all the pieces!

Finished with the full gathered skirt, a hidden front bodice, and the top collared overlay (with a peter pan collar). It's dress up time!

Guest Blog for Lauren Conrad. Carrie Tutu

2011-10-13T15:38:00.000-07:00

The Carrie Bradshaw Replica Skirt. My top seller.

Here is a simpler version I did for Lauren Conrad's website. You can see it below, be sure to check out my guest post at LaurenConrad.com.

A SKIRTED DEBATE
''People had reservations about the tutu in the opening sequence,'' Sarah Jessica Parker told EW in 2003. But she and costume designer Patricia Field ''stuck to our guns.'' And so it was that even before her first scene, Carrie Bradshaw and her $5 vintage tulle skirt became an instant fashion classic. Fittingly, the tutu, from Parker's personal collection, makes a cameo in the movie.

Supplies: Slip, tulle (4-6 yards), ribbon

Start by ironing even lines into the slip for the layers.

Roll out tulle and fold into an even tube (best way to cut tulle evenly

Measure the layers from the slip (I usually go about 3-4 inches below the lines) The bottom should be shorter, mine was about 6 inches.

Cut the tube of tulle in even layers according to measurements.

Gather the layers with your sewing machine.

Sew them all layers around each ironed mark. Top stitch the ribbon on the top layer.

Leave enough so it ties in the back...

I sell a more intricate version at my shop custom made to your measurements. Great for bachelorette parties!!!

80's (Gag Me!) Blouse Turned Parisian Cocktail Dress

2011-10-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Thrifted blouse $5.00

various notions (straps recycled)

Golden Girls blouse...Shoulder pads and bedazzled blouses were always apart of Blanche's wardrobe. When I was like 5, that was pretty! Now...? They are hysterical. Being a seamstress, I can appreciate the time and craftsmanship of a nicely beaded garment. So when I saw this fun blouse at the thrift store, I knew I could make is something wearable (in my standards). Flapper dress meets parisian chic??

Gag! First thing to go was the shoulder pads!

Took sleeves off using a seam ripper and shoulder seams apart.
The beading on the collar hem I cut to form a new collar line to fit a dress. Added Straps.

Sewed new side seams by flipping it inside out. Added a zipper for easy in and out.

1920's flapper look??? Cute with jeans too.

A dream...

2011-10-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

When I started sewing (at the young age of 12) I never believed I would have the opportunity to sell my handmade creations to others. Even crazier thinking was for future brides!!! It was more a dream then reality. Here is a special bride I made a 50's style tea length skirt for. She was kind enough to send me the pictures. She looks so lovely and I'm just honored to have been the gal she picked for this task (customers are always the best models)! Thanks for a dream come true and hopefully many more to come!

Vest turned mod chic dress.

2011-09-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

Supplies: old hooded houndstooth vest (free)

Another mini mod dress. I get on a roll with different fashion eras. I do love the back and the folded collar.

before: it was a hooded vest and scraps of fabric I put together for the skirt.

I took the whole thing apart...This was a pain because their was so many pieces (plus an interior).

The back became the front (added darts to mold it into a front piece.) The old front became the back and front collar peice. The other front pieces became the back.

Pieced together the scraps for the skirt and gathered.

Bodice and skirt sewn together.

DONE!

Table Cloth Turned Mod Chic Mini

2011-09-24T16:04:00.000-07:00

Supplies: mod pattern table cloth

Project: Mod style 50/60's dress with open back

This table cloth has no purpose in my home. The pattern is very bold and not my typical choice. Because the mod look, I'm going for the whole 50's style.

Started by cutting the pattern I made for this dress. Simple boat neck (1950's) style. Classic and not to crazy (the fabric is bold enough). Plus, the back will add some drama.

Gathered the skirt.

Sew top and bottom together. Added a tie.

Add a cute bow if you want to go really really cutesy.

Scarf turned Lace Cocktail.

2011-09-17T16:45:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Scarf (from collection, $5)

Vintage black slip (from thrift collection)

Scarves are great to look for unique and gorgeous fabrics. Usually they are big enough you can do something with them and cheap. I collect them and like to sew them into simple dresses for weddings or special occasions.

I loved the fringe at the bottom of this scarf... What I tend to look for when thinking of a project is fabrics. That is why I pick a lot of crochet, laces, and beaded garments because the fabric will do the talking. You don't need to create some elaborate piece when you have a lovely like this.

Fitting it on my dress form, the other side is flipped over. I opted for a simple boat neck hemline and capped sleeves. The lace and fringed bottom hem is enough drama!

Sewed side seams and shoulders. Roll hemmed the edges.

Add fringe to a Chanel tee

2011-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Supplies: basic Chanel Logo Tee (I got mine thrifted)
Fringe from fabric store

I love Chanel, but I wanted something that would stand out from everyone else who had a Chanel logo tee. So I added some fringe from my collection of trimmings.

Pin fringe along edge of logo and sew.

Prom 1950's

2011-08-20T08:55:00.000-07:00

Supplies: Silk Liner (or slip skirt)

LOTS of Tulle ( I have yards of 2 inch strips from my Carrie skirts)

I made this for a bride. She wanted a 1950's style wedding dress, but not your typical full tulle skirt.

The hardest part of making this is cutting the strips of tulle and evenly placing them along the skirt. Gather each strip and sew sew sew.

Added a crinoline petti-skirt to add fullness.

Maze of Ruffles Dress

2011-07-27T12:49:00.001-07:00

Supplies: Cotton blouse for the ruffles

Vintage Slip (thrifted)

To create this look I used a darling vintage slip I found thrifting and a old cotton blouse.

Cut strips from the blouse and gathered along the edge.

Pinned them to create a textured look. Sew.

Another Carrie Dress...

2011-07-20T13:06:00.001-07:00

Supplies: Tulle (lots of it)

Bridal satin

zipper

ready to wear!

Sweetness

2011-07-13T18:51:00.000-07:00

Vintage Barbie 3D Tee:

Supplies: white tee

digital printer

vintage Barbie image or your own image

tulle, fabric, ribbon, pearls

Fun one for my niece. She is all about Barbie (just like her aunties).

A Pretty Carrie Bradshaw Dress

2011-07-07T20:12:00.001-07:00

Supplies: Silk, Tulle

Size (medium to Large)

Price: $115.00

Inspired by the Carrie Bradshaw tiered tulle skirt. Sewed this silk mini dress with a pleated front bodice.

I never grew out of Barbie!

2011-03-16T21:47:00.001-07:00

...or tutu skirts either!

Supplies: My Carrie Bradshaw Skirt (in vintage pink)

Sewn Bow froms scraps.

I made the little Barbie illustration...