DIY: How to embroider with a basic sewing machine

Supplies: Free motion machine foot here

If you want a unique way to customize your clothing, free motion sewing is a great start. It doesn't require an expensive machine, or loads of time hand embroidering. It's pretty simple when using a basic free motion foot here.  It takes some practice but you basically just write or draw with the machine while moving the fabric with your hands. It's best to do this on tougher fabrics like canvas and denim. I've tried jersey or stretch fabrics with little success. 

You can even create tags of your brand by using twill tape. 

Customize denim, cotton shirts, or pillow cases.

Mens shirt sewn playsuit.

 Supplies: Mens shirt

Cute little romper for these hot summer days!

Before: It was a mens shirt, but husband wasn't into the fabric. Perfect for a refashion since I loved it! 

Took it apart and sewed it into a lovely romper.

Can't wait to wear it!

 

Jeans basket weave into textured vest/jacket

Supplies: Pair of husband's old jeans. 

Started to basket weave my husband's terribly old jeans. I wanted to make a jacket but ran out of denim for the sleeves. For now it is an amazingly textured vest. Look forward to finding another pair to add sleeves.

Cut denim into panels. Rip strips leaving an edge intact. Cut extra strips and weave. Cut pattern. Pin all edges and sew all around...Put together. 

DIY Bow Bikini Bandeau

Supplies: scrap fabric

DIY:

Cut two 9 1/2 by 15 1/2 inch rectangles. Sew right sides together around all 4 corners leaving a 2 inch gap open in the middle of one side. Flip it out from the gap & top stitch closed. Iron the rectangle out flat. Make folds in the middle and sew...

Cut a 4 inch strip and sew into a loop (this is how I make a perfect bow). For the liner, I used 2 strips of jersey that fit around my bust. You can use a swimsuit or bandeau bra from the store too. When making the bandeau, sew only one side. You will then pull the front of the bandeau through the loop of the bow. Then finish off sewing it together. Sew the bow to the sides of the liner. 

CUTE beach top…

 

Indian Choli sewn convertible skirt.

Supplies: Thrifted Indian Choli. 

I got this in the Halloween section of a thrift store. It was 50% off so I got it for basically nothing. The beading was amazing along with the vibrant colors...I made pockets with the sleeves so I didn't have to cut the beaded work. Sewed the back up with a zipper and wah la! 

Before it was a lovely Indian Choli...I didn't take my scissors to it so I can still wear it as a cropped blouse.

When thrifting I always look for unique fabrics like this!

Up close! 

Oh I love it…

 

DIY Printed Victorian Shorts

Supplies: fabric (1 yard)

pair of shorts

The warm weather is almost here and it inspires me to start sewing summer pieces. Shorts are such a small piece of clothing that you can add color and prints too. I've always loved the victorian, shabby chic type fabrics and what a cute pair of shorts they made. I'm not fond of making pants/shorts...they never fit well. This time I drafted a pattern from a nice fit pair of shorts and it worked out perfectly.

Draft a pattern from shorts and copy where to sew. Find a pair of shorts that are simple to recreate. These had the zipper on the side seam which was perfect.

I love these shorts! Tailored and whimsical!

 

DIY. Crochet Trim Seam

I came up with this idea to make tight shirts wearable again. I had so many cool t-shirts yet most of them were purchased when it was trendy to have them nice and snug. I love how this turned out and did with with fringe here as well.

Supplies:

• Brother Sewing Machine XR3774 
• 2-3 yards of 4-6" width crochet or lace trim
• t-shirt or sleeveless top