DIY: Cardigan Slim Down

DIY: Cardigan Slim Down Alteration

When hunting for fabric for my upcycled creations it’s impossible for me to hold myself back from scooping up a goodie for myself here and there. Knowing that I’m scoring a deal and being green, by purchasing pre-worn, makes me feel doubly good!

But one of the dilemmas of buying used clothing is making it fit – which is where my handy-dandy alteration short-cuts come into play! Sure, I can disassemble each item and re-sew each seam, but there are so many other things I have to focus on: filling custom orders, updating my website, cuddling my bostons or noshing on home-baked cookies. So why not find a faster way to alter things to size?!

One of my all-time favorite sewing tricks for slimming down tops uses external seams. When created in multiples, folds of sewn fabric create a unique texture while taking-in the garment. The perfect item to test this technique is an over-sized boyfriend cardigan. Whether originally created for a man or dame, a soft cotton long-sleeve cardi is something I can’t resist when thrifting. So when wanting to taper one down, the “Cardi Slim Down” is my method of choice.

Here’s how to get it done:

step 1 Continue reading

Party Planning

NYE Party Decor Inspirations

New Year’s Eve is just around the bend – which means it’s the perfect time to do some party planning!

With the help of my handy dandy Pinterest collections I’ve compiled some sweet and festive ‘looks’ for all your merry-making needs. From handmade crafts and DIY garlands to ‘just because’ embellishments, I hope this list gives you some great ideas on how to throw the perfect soiree to ring in the New Year.

  1. DIY Photo Booth from Free People
  2. Gold Garland from A Beautiful Mess
  3. Stunning Paper Pom Poms from Project Nursery
  4. Clock Countdown Mantel from Martha Stewart
  5. Confetti Balloons from Kojo Designs
  6. Paper Bunting from EMMAS DESIGNBLOGG
  7. Sparkly Star Headband from Sippy Cup Mom
  8. DIY Festive Party Hat from Pinterest
  9. NY Resolutions Coaster Set from Lucky Bee Press

DIY Autumnal Wedding

The last week of October I embarked to South Carolina to spend eight wonderful days in the presence of my dearest friends. All of us flew in for a week long celebration of love, family and friendship. The occasion? A wedding of course! Traveling from Seattle, Chicago, Portland, Atlanta, Indianapolis, Madison, New York and even Poland, the wedding guests came in from around the globe to witness the union of a beloved couple: Natalie & Reid.

The bridal party arrived in Beaufort several days early to prepare for a grand task: Plan the ultimate eco-friendly, vegan and local wedding soiree. So in true DIY spirit, we spent hours crafting, consorting and conniving all in the name of throwing a handmade shindig for our two dearest friends.

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DIY: Cozy Sweater Bracelets

I’m always looking for quick easy ways to update my wardrobe. Whether it’s with layering, belting or accessorizing – there are so many methods for updating an outfit for a whole new look.

By far my favorite tactic is giving ‘fashion facelifts’ to already owned objects. Recently I updated a set of bracelets into cozy looking winter bangles using sweater scraps from a recent sewing project. Super easy to make and ultra cute – these fun seasonal accessories are a breeze to create. Try making one for yourself, or as a holiday gift, using this four step tutorial: Continue reading

DIY: Creative Mending

One of my pet peeves is throwing on a pair of super soft, worn-in, cotton leggings only to find a tiny hole near my knee. The culprit: over-exuberant Boston Terrorizers who love to do nothing more than bounce all over my thighs when I come home from work each day.

But never fear “not-pants” attire! There’s help yet!

I found this adorable tutorial on Karen Barbe’s blog. This uber talented textile designer put together an easy how-to for patching up holes and tears in style. Using little more than a cereal box (and you know how much I love to use those!), a needle and colored thread, she shows us how to create folk inspired patches with which to stitch up our most beloved garments.

So next time you find a critter has torn a hole in your favorite pair of leggings – don’t toss ’em –  bust out some serious stitching and you’ll be glad about your now happy accident.

An Indie Biz: Fabric Scraps

One day I may be given the title of ‘hoarder.’ Not of animals or tasty gourmet cookies – but fabric scraps. I can never muster the courage to throw away a pile, let alone one piece, of usable textile. But alas – my apartment space is coveted by furniture, pets and a spouse, so rationale states that only objects for immediate use can forgo becoming refuse.

But in the past month I started a secret stash of scraps, knowing that I’d find some way to use them for the upcoming event season. Continue reading

An Indie Biz: Sign Me Up

Every year I promise myself I’ll stick to last year’s show display plans – but then I start dreaming and become distracted by possibility. So I have once again undertaken the creation of new signs for my fair booth.

Last season I painted horizontal and vertical displays on balsa wood. The finished product was nice – but not large enough to catch someone’s eye from a distance.

So this year I’ve gone back to working in the medium I know best: fabric. Continue reading