15 Jan 2013

WhatIWore: Looking for a fun and easy project that you can complete while cozy on your couch? Make your own jeweled knit hat, no knitting skills required! Read on for the simple steps to make your own glam beanie. 

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29 Mar 2011

WhatIWore: How many canvas totes do you have hiding in the depths of your closet? A lot?! Me too! I took my favorite (compliments of those fine folks at tumblr) and did a little DIY magic on it! Behold! A weekend’s worth of needlepoint and applique!

Wanna do your own version? Here are the supplies I used:

• Free tote bag
• Multi-pack of floss (this thicker kind was intended for friendship bracelets on the package. Kool.)
• Crewel/Needlepoint Needle
• Remnant Fabric (I used denim from my DIY sandals)

Here’s what I started with: A basic, cotton canvas tote bag.  Before I could start my needlepoint, I cut along the side seams so I was only working with the top half of the bag.

Next I filled in the “reblog” and leaves with a free form stitch. I made it up as I went, making sure to get even fill in all of the leaves.

After I had completed all of the fill in (it probably took about 10-12 hours, nerd alert), I pressed the entire design with a hot steam iron. This flattened the puckering made by all of stitching.

I quickly realized that I wasn’t going to have the patience to fill in the huge ‘t’ and ‘tumblr’ with needlepoint, so instead I chose to use some denim scraps left over from a past project.

For a flawless fit, I traced the letters using some scrap (and sheer) muslin and then cut my applique fabric.

I attached the large ‘t’ by machine, but did the smaller letters by hand.  The edges have been left raw and I hope with use they fray out nicely.

Finally, with right sides together, I sewed the original bag back together.

And there you have it! Go forth and spiff up that old canvas tote!

21 Mar 2011

WhatIWore:  Looking for a cheap and easy way to update your sunglasses?  Here’s a quick DIY on my striped shades.

Supplies:

• Sunglasses (white or light frames)
• Tissue Paper
• Glue
• Sponge Brush
• Clear Nail Polish

To start I had my dad help me remove the black bow on the corner of the shades.  There is a little mark left over, but it doesn’t bother me!

Next I cut a strip of tissue long and wide enough to fully cover the side band.  Using some watered down glue and the sponge brush, I delicately applied the tissue.  Mega patience is necessary here! Once tissue is applied, gently smooth out. 

Once the entire band is covered, I let the glue set up before trimming excess tissue.

Next I clipped around the curves of the side band, much like you’d trim a curve when you’re sewing.

Now glue excess to inner side of side band, slowly and carefully.  Everything should wrap around smoothly.

Finally, once the tissue paper is dry, I coated the side bands with a layer of clear nail polish.

The entire project cost under $20 (I picked everything up from Target) and under an hour to complete!