Let's talk about those plain ol' t-shirts hanging in your closet! Wouldn't you like wear them with more than your faded jeans and sneakers on Saturdays? Why not spruce them up with a bit of gorgeous upcycling? Whether your personal style is lacy, cute, or funky, we have a simple DIY to remake your new, well-loved or thrifted shirts into eye-catching wardrobe items! Are your favorite old shirts tighter than you'd like? Maybe you found the perfect band t-shirt in a thrift store but it's a size too small? Using a bit of lace edging, remake it into a flowy, boho style and enjoy the shirt in a beautiful new style! Crocheted Lace Side Seam - Trash to Couture Simply cut four slits in the back of a shirt, wrap small bits of lace or ribbon around each fabric section and you've got a quick … [Read more...]
3 Upcycle Sewing Projects That Are Great For Beginners
When I got started sewing in my teens, my grandma encouraged me to work with old t-shirts and pillowcases. Let me tell you – I thought she was being silly, but it was so smart! I made a mess of so many projects back then and I’m very happy that I wasn’t using my babysitting money to buy fabric! For those of you who aren’t familiar with upcycling, it’s simply the process of reusing old things to make better new things. Upcycling is great, especially if you’re new to sewing. You’ll be able to make neat, useful things while spending little or no money on materials. The other great thing is that if you make mistakes, it’s no big deal since you didn’t have to invest in the materials. Today, we’ve collected a few simple upcycle sewing ideas to get you started. You'll need a few old … [Read more...]
How To Make Window Cornice Boxes
Learn how to make window cornice boxes and you’ll create a whole new look for your windows and spice up your décor at the same time. Cornice boxes are a simple but very effective way to add a tailored and classy look to your windows. They’re easy to make and can be covered with any color and texture of fabric your heart desires. Cornices are rigid, boxlike frames created from a lightweight particleboard or plywood. Cornice boxes sit at the top of a window as sort of a “valance”. It’s easy to customize cornice boxes with fabric, paint, and wallpaper so they fit your style and décor. How to Make Cornice Boxes for Your Windows You’ll love this simple do-it-yourself project once you figure out how easy it is to make window cornice boxes. You’ll also save quite a bit by building the boxes … [Read more...]
Make a Homemade Magnetic Fishing Game
You've seen those electronic fishing games right? Not suitable for young children and annoyingly loud. Well, this fishing set is sure to be a Summer Boredom Buster! DIY Magnetic Fishing Game Supplies You'll Need: 1 sheet of paper for the pattern pen to mark out a pattern fabric (I used 4 coordinating fat quarters and had loads left over) pins sewing machine leather cord (can substitute with yarn or twine) 1" circular magnets hot glue gun scissors fray check stuffing (instead of buying stuffing you can use an old pillow) 1" dowel How to Put the Cloth Fish Together 1. Trace a fish pattern onto paper. The simpler the better! Make it a little wider than you think it needs to be for seam allowance. 2. Cut pattern out of paper then use it to cut out the fish. … [Read more...]
How to Turn a Sweater into a Stocking {Tutorial}
I first saw this lovely idea at an antique store downtown. There are so many things to love about the sweater stocking. You can use old/sentimental/colorful sweaters to make the most lovely and meaningful Christmas stockings. And then embellish them with almost anything you like. There are no rules and no two need be alike. Start with a stocking whose design you love. I used this one {for the large size} that I bought at the antique store. Just find a stocking you love and use it as a template. This particular sweater was one of my favorites {from Gap} for several years and then I accidentally dried it. Its' colorful stripes are perfect for a stocking. 1. Turn the sweater wrong side out and use the band of the sweater as the top of the stocking. Lay your template down and use a … [Read more...]
