DIY Lace Up Collar

Here is another fun t-shirt recycle I designed and it's quite easy. This is a unique way to create a 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 Dritz Plier Set.  You can also get pre-made trim with the eyelets already inserted from the fabric store. Just look in the trim isle.  I prefer to make mine because it's easier to customize the length in between each eyelet. 

Supplies:

• Dritz Plier Set
• Eyelets (gold)
• 2-Part Eyelet Kit 
• Basic T-shirt 

DIY

• Removed any sleeves.
• Cut the shoulder seams open.
• Cut a scoop neck. You want to be a light scoop neck, not too low, almost straight across. 
• Create your trim with your Dritz Plier set. I used a hem from an old shirt or you can fold a strip of jersey in half, press down and use that as your trim.  Follow the product instructions to insert the eyelets with the plier set into the fabric. 

• Top stitch the trim along the collar front and back. Trim any excess from the ending side (do this on front and back).
• Then lace it up. I used jersey string (you can use ribbon) to lace it up starting at the shoulder side and ending to the collar. Make sure you can put your head through!!! 

Tie ends and done...Rocker Chic!

My Zipper Tee DIY tutorial...Tshirt Recycle

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. All I had was a black zipper, but they have some cool colors (neon pink, mint, corals, etc).

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.

Macrame Tshirt Yarn Top

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 macrame woven into a cool pattern. I will not be doing a tutorial simply because it will take hours and be so confusing to teach online. I would suggest investing in macrame books if you like this craft. 

A comfy piece that stands out. 

LA Trip...

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!!!

Time Square Billboard Blogger For Forever 21

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!

New York New York

My husband surprised me with a New Years trip to New York. I was featured on Forever 21's Time Square Billboard as their New Year's "Billboard Blogger." 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...

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.

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Forever 21 Guest Blogger. DIY

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.