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. 

Supplies:

• Dritz Fashion Grommets
• Dritz Fashion Grommet Tools 740T
• 2-Part Eyelets Gunmetal
• 2-Part Eyelet Tools
• Basic Sweatshirt
• tailors chalk or fabric marking tools 
• embroidery scissors

DIY details below:

DIY Espadrille Wedges

I've always loved the idea of creating shoes but never really dabbled into it until I was introduced to Dritz Espadrille Soles. Since then it has really sparked my interest in shoe design and a fun side craft to take on. My first go was when I made these upcycled sweater boots which I've been wearing a lot. So for my next pair I wanted to do a traditional espadrille for the spring and summer. I went with a wedge and a couple flats to wear to the beach. The wedge I wanted as a dressy and more comfortable alternative to a traditional heel. I did have a hard time narrowing down the fabrics and style I wanted to go with so I of course made three samples. Get the details below on how to make your own espadrilles!

Supplies:

• Dritz Adult Espadrille Wedge Soles (available here)
• Dritz Adult Espadrille Soles (available to purchase here)
• Dritz Create Yarn
• Dritz Needle Puller
• Dritz Assorted Needles
• Dritz Yarn Wax
• Iron-On Stabilizer
• 1/2 yard of Outer Fabric: Medium weight/ cotton fabrics are suggested
• 1/2 yard for liner. 
• Glass Head Pins
• Loop Turner
• Marking tools
• Measuring tools
• General Sewing Supplies
• Brother Sewing Machine

DIY No Sew Cloak Gown & Boot Covers

I love simple base pieces for Halloween or Cosplay that are versatile to wear for all types of costumes (and also as real clothing). Just simply change up the fabric, colors, and accessories and you can be just about anything with this simple cloak gown. The over the knee boot covers are something I've been wanting to make for a long time. Of course I had to go dramatic and add the lace-up eyelet details. You can again make these in all types of fabrics to match your costume or style. 

Dritz has all the right supplies and products to make your dream Halloween costume come true. Check out the tutorials below to make your own boot covers and cloak gown. 

DIY: Sports Bralette

Give a girl a good sports bra and a pair of shoes and she can take on the world...am I right? Lately, I've been creating a lot of Sportswear tutorials with Dritz. It's fun to combine my 2 passions of running and sewing together. I use to be intimidated by such projects but Dritz products makes sewing Sportswear and even Swimwear easier than you think. For this tutorial we wanted to show you how to create a sports bra with the many different elastics Dritz has to offer. Their Fold-Over Elastic is my favorite and makes finishings edges not only simple but also adds additional support and a contrasting detail. This low impact sports bralette is versatile for yoga and even Swimwear. Get the details below and make your own. 

Supplies:

• Dritz 1" Fold-Over Elastic
• Rotary Cutter
• Cutting Mat
• Pattern Weights
• Matte Tricot Knit: 1/2 yard of watermelon and 1/2 yard of black
• Pattern or garment to draft
• Brother 1034DX Serger
• Brother Sewing Machine
• Ball point needle (twin needle optional)

DIY Upcycled Denim Satchel

I hate to say it but getting "back to school" ready is already in full swing. I have thoroughly been enjoying my summer a bit too much because it hit me like a bag of rocks when I just heard a back to school commercial...I am not ready! I know that may seem a bit strange for a mom of 3 boys, but it's been a wonderful break thus far. We've done A LOT but also have enjoyed these carefree, schedule free days of summer. To get myself ready (and inspired) for the upcoming school year I wanted to make something. I saw this Indigo Junction Side Note Satchel pattern using upcycled denim and it got me inspired. I love a pattern that encourages repurposing and I have a bucket of denim scraps that needs to be used. It's a nice size for all the necessary items you need for school or mom life.  I wanted to incorporate the new Dritz 1 1/2" message belting that said "original" in black and white. They also have a tan and grey that say "maker" and "one of a kind". Cute for belts too!  

Get the details below on how to make your own. 

Supplies:

• denim scraps or fabric
• liner fabric
• interfacing
• Indigo Junction Side Note Satchel Pattern
• Dritz 1 1/2" belting (I love the new ones with wording like this "Original" design)
• Dritz Rectangle Rings
• Dritz D-Rings
• Dritz Adjustable Slide Buckles 
• Dritz Swivel Hook
• Dritz Magnetic Snap

DIY Gifts: Faux Fur Pom Pom Key Chain

'Tis the season for making gifts and who doesn't love a faux fur pom pom key chain? This is a fun gift for little ones and teens. Or even better make as a group for a Christmas break activity. My nieces and sisters would love this project to create and receive. They're cute stalking stuffers and take less than 30 minutes each.  Use Dritz 1/4" Metallic Elastic for a festive spin.  Get the details below on how to make these faux fur pom pom key chains. 

Supplies:

• Dritz 1/4" Metallic Elastic 
• Dritz Small Swivel Hook & D-Ring 
• 1/2 yard Shannon Fabrics Faux Fur: I used their Sable Fur but they have many colors and fur option.
• Coats Button & Craft Thread (this a heavier thread that is great for projects like this and won't break from the heavier fabric and tugging).
• Razor Blade
• Stuffing
• Marker
• Template

DIY: Scarf to Kaftan

Now that the weather is getting warmer, I've already started to sew my summer wardrobe. For me, living in the South, that means looks that can transition from the beach to lifestyle and made of light materials. I had this blanket scarf for awhile now and I got it because the China blue print (my fave) and gauze fabric. I'm not a scarf person and look at them more as fabric for projects rather than a neck accessory. The material and size of blanket scarves make great cover ups, kimonos, and kaftans. They generally measure about 1 yard of fabric and made in fabrics like gauze, chiffon, or knits. Bonus points for not having to finish side edges... Since we were headed to the beach this past weekend I thought I'd whip up a kaftan from this scarf to wear. It was simple to do with Dritz 2-Part Eyelets and 2-Part Eyelet Tools to create the drawstring casing. This piece is also a nice transitional piece from beach to dinner by just adding a strappy dress or white jeans underneath.

Get the details below on how to make your own kaftan from a scarf:

Supplies:

• Blanket scarf or 1 yard of fabric (chiffon, guaze, lt. weight materials)
• Dritz 2-Part Eyelets
• Dritz 2-Part Eyelet Tools
• Interfacing
• 2 strips of similar fabric for casing (1.5" x waist) I used a netting that doesn't fray.
• Dritz Heat Erase Marking Pen
• General sewing/measuring tools
• Drawstring cording: 2 yards (for the waist)
• Brother Sewing Machine
 

DIY Custom Bag Straps

I love the unique bag straps that I've been seeing lately. From runway to ready-to-wear brands are showcasing fun prints and extra wide strapping on purses and bags. This is a simple project to DIY and a great way to customize or jazz up a plain bag. I like the idea of simply changing the strap to go with my look instead of having different bags for all occasions. You can create many looks and styles with these. With Dritz 1-1/2" Belting/Strapping, Double Cap Rivets, and bag hardware making your own is simple. I couldn't help but make a lot of different options and because I was making so many (great for gifts too) it was a good idea to get these products in bulk (coming soon). Get the details below and make your own. 

Supplies:

• 1-1/2" Dritz Belting/Strapping
• 1-1/2 Swivel Hook (2)
• 1" Swivel Hook
• 1- 1/2" Adjustable Slide Buckles
• Fray Check 
• Double Cap Rivets
• Mallet/hammer
• Hard cement block
• Additional trim/fabric
• vinyl/leather for tabs
• optional supplies (fusible interfacing, fabric glue)
• Brother Sewing Machine

DIY Bucket Backpack

I've always been a backpack person. Maybe, because I'm a mom of 3 boys and need my hands free. It's my go to when I'm headed out with the kids to a museum, park, shopping, etc. The problem is most backpacks are too large or not visually appealing. I've been looking for something smaller that can carry the essentials (phone, keys, wallet) but with a modern look. With no luck I decided it was time to create my kind of backpack and Dritz products make this easy to do. Get the details below on how to make your own bucket backpack with a draw string closure and adjustable straps.

DIY Corset with Dritz

The corset trend is one of my favorites right now because of its historic background which dates back to the 1500's. Originally designed to slim the waist and exaggerate the bust and hips. The construction of a traditional corset is a time consuming process done by a skilled tailor called a corsetmaker. This involves accurate measuring and materials like leather, metal, wood, and plastic for the boning inserted into the cloth of the corset. Now most of us aren't skilled corsetiers and nor do we plan to be. I just like the look of a corset as a fashion-forward piece to add to my wardrobe. It's a great addition to a baggy top and even for cosplay costumes (Halloween's coming). Dritz products make it easy to create your own custom corset using their 2-Part Eyelet Tools and Eyelets. You can even try their Eyelet Pliers which I used for the vinyl corset. 

Get the details below and make your own corset.