Make It Yourself: Cropped Sweatshirt

Reconstruct your old sweatshirts into cropped tops with a twist! Use contrast fabric to make the sleeves and sweater details stand out. One-of-a-kind for sure!

SUPPLIES

• 3 old sweatshirts
• Seam ripper
• Pins
• Scissors

INSTRUCTIONS

STEP 1
Carefully remove the collar binding (1), hem (2), and sleeve cuffs (3) from one sweater using a seam ripper. Then remove the sleeves (4) from the second sweater. Lastly, remove all of the above (1-4) from the third sweater (this will be the final sweater body).


STEP 2
Pin one sleeve to the armhole and then serge around to attach. Repeat this step for the second sleeve. TIP: To prevent jersey fabric from stretching out, carefully feed it into the serger and avoid pulling or tugging on the fabric.


STEP 3
Pin collar binding to collar and serge around.


STEP 4
Pin one sleeve cuff to the sleeve hem and serge to attach, and then repeat for the second sleeve.


*Mix and match the leftover sweatshirt pieces to compete two more tops. Keep them for yourself or gift to friends!

PUBLISHED IN LOVESEWING MAGAZINE ON JANUARY 27, 2014

DIY: Copy Your Clothes

Making patterns from scratch might, at first, seem daunting and time-consuming. It certainly does take awhile to perfect, but, in the end, having the ability to create a pattern suited specifically and only for your body is a great reward and a highly-coveted skill. And like anything else, once you’ve made a few (patterns), you will find your groove and actually look forward to making more.

Before diving into scratch-making patterns, though, try making patterns from an existing garment you own as a warm-up for the real thing. Register for a Copy Your Clothes course at The Sewing Studio and learn to create a pattern from two existing garments. You will get to recreate your favourite item(s) and learn the basics of pattern making. The clothing you choose to copy will stay perfectly intact and what’s even better – the pattern you draft will be reusable. Woot! So if you want to make that black pencil skirt out of a cheetah print fabric, the same fabric as the one you own, or even a Valentine’s Day version (with printed hearts and roses, of course), the choice is yours, Cupid.

Copy Your Clothes is an intermediate course and runs for four weeks. Each week, you will attend a two-hour class filled with drafting paper, straight and curved rulers, the sharpest pencils you have ever seen, and a few other like-minded individuals who are probably there for the same reasons you are. Your instructor will most likely be totally awesome. Hey, I’m just speaking from experience. You’ll have to go and see for yourself.

Knowing how to make patterns gives you the freedom to choose fabrics according to your style and, more importantly, to create clothing which will suit your body shape. Total customization!  

 PUBLISHED IN LOVESEWING MAGAZINE ON JANUARY 22, 2014 

Wardrobe Planning

For me, dressing up for any occasion is fun. Stepping into my wardrobe and picking out an outfit allows me to immerse myself fully into a character that I wish to play that day. I can use a piece of clothing to convey a message or display how I’m feeling at the time. And I usually feel like a rocker from the 80’s.  With pin-up girl hair, tribal accessories, and a modern bohemian street style. But then again, I might feel like sporting a casual chic outfit with sneakers. Just depends on my mood. Even though my wardrobe does not have one particular style, I am able to incorporate the pieces I have to create a style that’s all my own. This is simply because I put a little extra thought into new clothes I make for myself or purchase from a retailer.

If you plan on sewing a few new clothing items, choose patterns that you will be able to wear together in an outfit. Or make something which will contribute to the clothing you already have. Add essentials when needed and try not to overcrowd the space in your closet. Your goal is to form a comprehensive wardrobe which suits your everyday life. Just how a designer creates a collection, think of how you can mix and match new clothing you plan to make or buy.

Think ahead to create a “collection” of pieces to form your wardrobe. You will have more options in the long run. More options = a happy you!

                                                                             Published in LoveSewing Magazine on January 17, 2014

Make It Yourself: Wedding Veil

Make your own wedding veil using tulle from an old skirt! Add a personal touch by incorporating a few fancy embellishments. 

Supplies

• 1 Tulle skirt
• Hair pin/comb (or bobby pins)
• Embellishments (feathers, lace flowers, studs, rhinestones)
• Glue gun
• Seam ripper
• Hand sewing needle
• Thread
• Scissors

Instructions

STEP 1
Using a seam ripper, remove the tulle underlining from your old skirt. Keep the amount that you'll need to make a veil (depends on the final size of the veil).

STEP 2
Start shaping the tulle by cutting around the designated piece until you have the desired shape.

STEP 3
Using a hand sewing needle and thread, attach a bobby pin or hair pin/comb to your veil. Test it out to see if it is sturdy enough by pinning it in your hair.

STEP 4
Embellish away! Add feathers or lace flowers to your veil using the hand sewing needle and thread. Use a hot glue gun to add small rhinestones and give it some bling.


#DIYeverything

Published in LoveSewing Magazine on January 6, 2014

The Funk Shop: Custom Necklaces

Some NEW #TheFunkShop custom handmade necklaces:

Check out The Funk Shop Etsy Shop for more funky accessories!

xo,
mssew