DIY: Linen Tulip Wrap Skirt

Nothing says Spring sewing like a linen tulip wrap skirt. This is easy to make and can be customized with all kinds of fabrics and prints. I got a lot of interest in my gingham wrap skirt I posted on IG so I thought this would be a perfect tutorial to share. I drafted the pattern so you'll have to have a bit of pattern making skills. If you have a skirt that fits you well you can even use that as a pattern and just create 2 front pieces that have a tulip hem on alternating sides.

Sew your own tulip linen wrap skirt in the tutorial below:

Supplies:

• 1 yard woven fabric
• Dritz Loop Turner
• Pattern paper
• Marking tools: Dritz Tracing Paper and Dritz Tracing Wheel  

For darts I divided my back measurement into 3 equal parts and marked each center point as (a) and (b). I then drew a straight 4 inch line down.  I marked out 1/2 inch on each side of the lines and connected that to the bottom of the line as shown above with the red dashed lines.

Draft your pattern from the above illustration and cut.

You will have 3 pieces for the skirt: 2 front pieces and 1 back.

Mark darts in the back. This will help with the overall fit.

You will need 2 strips for the ties. One that is 2" x 16" in and another 2" x 32". You can also use bias tape or make bias tape. 

When sewing a curved hem I begin by basting 1/4 in. from the raw edge.  You can increase your tension a bit.  This helps sewing the curve and gives you an even 1/4in. line to fold over when pressing the hem. I did serge my raw edge but if you don't have a serger that's fine.  You will however want to fold over another 1/4 inch to incase the raw edge. 

Press so the baste stitches are just barely over the fold on the wrong side and edge stitch, then repeat pressing over and edge stitching if you didn't serge your edge.

Press so you have a nice curved hem.

Sew the back darts and press to the right. Finish the bottom hem of the skirt. I serged the raw edge and folded over a 1/4 inch to match the front hems.

Sew front pieces and back pieces right sides together.  Start at the bottom hem and sew up toward the waist so the finished hems match up. You can always cut the top back and front pieces if they don't match perfectly.

Fold your ties in half and sew right sides together.

 Use a loop turner from Dritz and pull the strips out right sides together. Press so the seam is in the middle of the back.

Fold your top hem over 1/4 inch and press to incase the raw edge and then another 1/2 inch. Again, I serged my raw edge.

Pin each strip to the each side of the front pieces and then edge stitch the strips and hem into place.  The small strip I placed on the left side and the longer strip on the right.

Wrap the long strip all the way around and tie at the front/side. Mine is a bit sheer so I'm going to line it or use it for a pool wrap.

And that's a WRAP...

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Named Clothing Maisa Denim Jacket from Upcycled Jeans

One of my very first sewing projects with a pattern was a denim jacket… I know very ambitious of my 13 year old self.  I remember having to ask the teacher to help me with just about every step. After it was done I was unimpressed by the end result. To me it looked handmade (in a bad way), bulky, and wasn’t what I was going for with all that work.  From that point on I decided I didn’t want to try another denim project (jeans, jacket, etc). And I pretty much stayed true to that until now…

I saw Named Clothing’s Maisa Denim jacket from their SS17 Playground collection and I couldn’t resist giving it a go again. I was drawn to the combination of contrasting colors and their sample was even made of recycled denim remnants. Perfect! My boys have a box of torn down denim that was just too trashed to giveaway but not nearly trashed enough to throw out.  I also can show my boys (as they laugh) this was the pocket of your jeans here, and here was yours right here…I know I’ll get good use out of this and it will also remind me of the many adventures I have with my boys. For the parts I didn't have enough denim to cover I used TÉLIO's bleached wash denim that went perfect with the mix of colors I had. 

Named Clothing is a Finnish clothing pattern label founded by sisters Saara and Laura. They offer patterns of all skill level from beginner to more experienced.  This one is a bit advanced but if you’re new to sewing patterns they have plenty of options to pick from. I love the style of their patterns…classic silhouettes with a twist, interesting little details that bring out the designer in you. 

 “The aim of the collections is to bring a new perspective to making one’s own clothes and to support ethical and ecological consuming in contrast to a clothing industry focused on fast fashion.”

What I loved the most about this specific sewing pattern is the easy to follow instructions, even for an advanced project like a denim jacket. I never once questioned what was to be done. This alone deserves an applause as we all know most sewing patterns can be difficult to follow.  

“Named is much more than handicrafts but it is also more than a fashion label among others – it is learning, love for creation and joy of accomplishment!”

  See the steps of the process below including video...

Sewing Pattern Series: Sew House Seven

 The #modernseamstress is a term I use to describe today's sewist.  She most likely can re-create patterns from existing garments on last year's wrapping paper, and loves redesigning clothing into fashion-forward looks.  The cut and sew type of person knows the project will somehow work out…usually,  although he or she may have a hard time with sewing patterns. I’m pretty much describing today’s seamstress.  We’ve shunned traditional sewing patterns because of the unnecessarily difficult instructions and outdated looks, using sewing terms you’ve never heard of and you cringe at the thought of nylon paper exploding from the envelope.  Now don’t be turned off just yet.  There are many modern sewing patterns that are created for today’s seamstresses in mind.  They offer fashion-forward looks with simplified instructions.  They also come in digital or PDF files you can simply print at home!  All you have to do is download, print, and tile the patterns.  Learning to create garments from sewing patterns is actually a breeze.  It’s also a necessary skill that as a seamstress you should know.  The finished results will be better fitting garments and professional finishes that will enhance your sewing and design skills.  If you plan to work in the garment industry, pattern making and construction is a necessary skill you’ll want to master.  This new series, that I’ll be introducing you to, will use a few of my go-to sewing patterns. 

The first sewing pattern I’m starting off with is Sew House Seven’s Bridgetown Backless Dress & Tunic.  The pattern is easy to follow with clear instructions.  The design is a simple silhouette with modern features like the open draped back and kimono style sleeves. It’s a versatile look for all occasions.  Go with a semi-sheer cotton gauze for a swim cover up, a cotton knit tunic for casual, or/and a silk sateen for special occasions.  Once you master this pattern you will zip through them and want one in every color and fabric.

I chose Navy Bohemian Print in Wool Dobby from Stylish Fabric and couldn't resist a ultra soft and drapey knit jersey in teal here.

DIY: Off-the-Shoulder Ruffle Top

Create this off-the-shoulder ruffle top I designed for summer! This is a versatile top that can be casual or dressed up for a special occasion. I chose a light weight organic cotton gauze to keep it breezy for the Georgia heat. You can make the hem longer for a dress or add trim for extra details. Once you get the hang of this pattern you’ll want one in every color and print. Get the details below on how to make your own. 

DIY: Bell Cuff Top from T-shirt

 In this tutorial I'm showing you how to update a basic t-shirt into this trendy bell sleeve top.  This versatile look can be worn dressy or casual.  For this look I used ShirtSpace tee in ice blue.  All you need is a t-shirt, sewing machine (or thread & needle) and 15 minutes.

Video Instructions Below:

DIY: Embroidered Collar and Flutter Sleeves

 This is the second project we did with Sulky on embroidering with sheer lightweight fabrics (chiffon, organza, tulle, silk, challis, etc) here.  You will want to head over to this first post to see the initial steps and refer to the video we did here.

For this project we used Sulky Rayon 40 wt. Embroidery Threads, Sulky's Fabri-Solvy, and OESD's  

Flores de Mexico design.

 For the sleeves on this design we did a flutter sleeve.  A flutter sleeve is basically a flounce.  To figure out the measurement for a flounce check out this post here or just free style it. 

DIY: T-shirt into Macramé Market Bag

It's Earth Day (although that's every day here) and what better way to celebrate than with an upcycled project tutorial!  Our goal at Trash to Couture is to inspire a less wasteful approach to the mass-produced fashion mainstream by designing tutorials using repurposed materials whenever we can.

Lately I've been inspired to upcycle unrepairable items into practical items.  We've partnered up with Péla case to show you how to make this macramé tote bag from a worn out t-shirt.

Péla Case is on a mission to show people how a sustainable and eco-friendly plastic alternative can look and feel.  The cases are made from renewable plant-based and recycled materials, designed to be strong enough to protect your phone, but formulated to be 100% compostable after you no longer need it.  They're NSF tested to be free of BPA, lead, and cadmium because products you use should be safe for you, your family, and the planet! 

Make your own trendy macramé market bag with our video tutorial. UPDATE: In the video the hem is cut off and we show you how to sew a casing. You don't have to do this, you can simple use the original hem as the casing...

  

Knot the strings closer for smaller produce or go big for a beach day bag.  Even better make one to for your engraved Péla Case covered Iphone and carry inspiration with you!  Either way this cool bag will stand out and when someone asks where you got it from, you can say with pride my "husband's old t-shirt!"