9/20/17

DIY Embroidered Sewing Machine Cover



I love to make clothing for myself but also for my sewing machines...:) well covers for my sewing machines. It keeps them free of lint and dust when not in use but I also have a lot of little hands around and so it's a safety/protection thing as well. I'll never forget when my toddler son got a hold of sunscreen and sprayed it all over my studio. I can laugh about it now but since then I always use covers on my sewing machines! I have a lot of the hard covers but I don't usually like those. They can be hard to store when you're sewing and I like to keep my thread on as well. I use to just throw a piece of fabric over but it doesn't look as pretty. When OESD sent me the Fashion by McCall's embroidery collection the first thing that came to mind was a DIY sewing machine cover. The collection features vintage artwork from McCall's rich history of fashion innovations. The set of 24 includes word art, illustrations, and sewing iconography.

Check out the simple tutorial below to embroidery and sew your own sewing machine cover in no time!

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9/11/17

Lilysilk: Wardrobe Essentials





My style and design aesthetic has evolved over time. I no longer shop and create based on trends.  Don't get me wrong, I do still like a good trend, but it no longer is my motivation for purchasing clothing.  I now make more informed purchases and  look for classic silhouettes made from high quality materials like 100% silk. It's a sustainable and practical approach to shopping. I look for versatile pieces the I can wear for all types of occasions and pair with other items in my closet. I was happy to partner with Lilysilk who meets these expectations and then some. They not only offer beautifully made, high quality clothing from 100% silk but also at affordable prices.  They have all your wardrobe essentials like silk camis, collared shirt, even bedding, sleepwear and more.  P.S. Great gift ideas for bridal parties and holidays!

Here are a few of my favorites.
The Lilysilk Cami is a wardrobe essential.  This cami comes in basic colors and has a great shape (not too long or short).  Made with the finest %100 silk.  It's a stand alone piece but also perfect combo for pairing with jackets and sweaters.

The Peplum Hem Silk Shift Dress is the perfect LBD. Yes, it's darling! The flounce sleeves and peplum hemline give this "little black dress" a feminine twist.  It's modest enough for day wear and can be styled with heels for special occasions. Even add a pair of jeans underneath as a tunic.
The V-Neck Blouse I call my "go to." It's the perfect transitional piece to go from work day to evening attire. It's a year round essential and offered in many different colors and collar details. This indigo blue is my favorite. 

  Shop more of the Lilysilk Womens Collection here. Please use coupon code: trashtocouture for 16% off women's clothing and comment "#eyemaskgift at checkout to receive a free eye mask with purchase at LilySilk.

* In Collaboration with Lilysilk.

9/8/17

DIY: Grommet Sweatshirt Refashion



If you've been following Trash to Couture for awhile now then you know I love an edgy update using Dritz Eyelet Tools and Fashion Grommets amongst their other products.  Some of my top DIY projects feature these.  I was thrilled to partner with Dritz again on this original sweatshirt update.  I usually prefer their Eyelet Pliers but they just released the Fashion Grommet Tools and Fashion Grommets that make it easy to create projects like this.  You can also apply the grommets anywhere on the project and not just on the edges.  Initially,  I was nervous to try the tool sets because it required a hammer but after practicing with a couple it was the easiest and most efficient way to apply them to the garment.  You can also get these products in all different sizes and colors because one is just not enough!  Follow the tutorial below to update a basic sweatshirt into this fashion-forward look. 

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9/5/17

DIY Camera Case


I was putting together my September content and on the list was a bag tutorial. I was thinking a bit too hard about this project because I didn't want to make another bag tutorial. Then I had an "aha" moment as I was taking photos for a post. What DIY project do I use everyday that's a bag? My camera case! I've been using an up-cycled case (from a coat sleeve) I designed and it's protected my camera for years through all the travel, kids, photoshoots, etc. So I partnered Sulky Threads to design this pattern and tutorial to share with you and of course add some embroidery into the mix. It's not southern after all if it isn't monogrammed. :)

 If you take photos and own a nice camera you will want one of these. If you're like me, I don't want to be carrying some huge case around but also need some sort of protective cover that I can use on the go.  I even made an army print one for my husband as he usually takes my finished photos.  I travel with this in my carry-on and just love how well it protects my camera and lens. Which as a blogger a camera is one of the most important things you need. 

Follow the step-by-step tutorial below and sew your own camera case. 


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8/28/17

DIY: Button Down to Bomber Jacket


I got a crazy response in regard to this refashioned blouse into a bomber jacket. It's exactly how I did the men's shirt upcycle "Button Down to Bomber" tutorial here.  Full video is here as well...

I actually was going to give this blouse away and before leaving for my "It's Sew Easy TV" taping I whipped it up so I could wear it on set for the episode on "Button Down to Bomber."

It fit me perfect so all I had to do was add the rib knit from Organic Cotton Plus and Coats & Clark 20" zipper.  I will be showing this on "It's Sew Easy TV" in full detail so I'll let  you know when that airs as well.

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8/22/17

DIY: Embroidery Fabric Basket & Wall Tapestry

Since moving to our new home this past month, I've been getting into home decor projects.  Being from Colorado I really want to incorporate that western style into our home in Georgia.  Which brings me to the Cacti Collection from OESD. The collection is 3 unique designs featuring the prickly plant. The cactus reminds me of the desert mountains of Colorado, a symbol of home away from home. These designs are also cute additions to t-shirts, sweatshirts, denim, and more. 

We came up with some great back to school projects you can make with these Cactus embroidery designs. Add some fun to your space with a wall tapestry or customize fabric baskets for a visually appealing way to organizing. 

Below I show you how to create a fabric basket which is perfect for storage from fabric scraps, supplies, and even clothing items (socks, scarves, etc.).  Then add an embroidered wall tapestry to personalize your space. 


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8/3/17

DIY Shibori Dyed Kimono




Do you remember a few posts back when I shared my yearly Shibori with Indigo post using Jacquard Products Indigo Tie Dye Kit? You can see the full post here.  It was to date my favorite outcome of all my dye sessions.  While dyeing I cut out a traditional kimono pattern using Organic Cotton Plus's White Sateen.  The feel and sheen of the fabric was perfect for this kimono.  I loved how vibrant the Indigo dye came through on the natural fibers. Well, I finally had a chance after moving to sew the pieces together.  Still in time for summer! The kimono is a versatile piece that can be worn as a cover up at the pool or a statement piece for an evening out.  You can alter the pattern to be longer and/or wider.  The sashes add fit and can be tied in either the front or back.  See how to sew your own kimono in the steps below! 

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