Shoes to "Dye" for

You may have noticed now that I love shoes, particularly ballet flats.  I wear them constantly, especially in the summer as they are cute and comfy.  As I discussed in my previous post, I might be a cobbler, I bought two pairs of cotton flats years ago.  I remade the turquoise ones in that post and now it's time to re-make the pink!

Tie-Dye Flats

Supplies:

Ballet flats, natural fabrics work best
Bleach
Tie-dye kit (I got mine at a craft store)
White vinegar

I work at a university and students LOVE to tie-dye.  I was inspired as some of my students hosted an event last month where they tie-dyed sports bras.  I thought it was clever and more interesting than the typical t-shirt.  I had the brilliant idea to tie-dye my shoes.  My shoes originally looked like this:

I had to first remove the color.  First, I tried putting them in the washer with several cups of bleach.  This did nothing...don't try it!  I decided straight bleach was the answer so I filled my sink with 2" of bleach and dipped them in, fabric side down.  Don't forget to wear grungy clothes or you'll have bleach spots everywhere!

I let the shoes sit in the sink for about 30 min.  Afterwards, I drained the sink (wear gloves!) and ran the shoes through the washing machine with some detergent.  I threw them in the dryer as well; however, if your shoes aren't a natural fabric then I suggest letting them air dry. They came out nice and white. 



Notice the large grease stain that the bleach didn't remove!

 Now, it was time to figure out how to tie my shoes with rubber bands.  I ended up using small bands and just making tiny clumps wherever I could grab the fabric.  This depends on how you want your design to be placed as well.

You can skip this step if you want to

Next, mix your dyes according to the directions on the package.  My kit came with gloves, rubber bands and 6 colors and applicator bottles.  While wearing gloves, I mixed the powdered dye with water in the bottle.

Color time!  I applied the colors rather haphazardly.  I made sure to choose colors that I like and would compliment my wardrobe. I definitely did not use all the colors.  Make sure your shoes are completely colored (or, in whatever design you choose.)

They look kind of funky when they're wet

I then wrapped the shoes in plastic wrap so they would stay wet and let them sit for 1 day.  Afterwards, I ran them through a short washing cycle with cold water and one cup of white vinegar to set the color.

Tada!

This hides that ugly grease stain!

I love how these turned out!  Perfect for my summer happy hour outfit!

A "hole" lot of trouble

I am so happy my mother taught me how to sew as a child.  It's great that I can alter, shorten and mend just about everything I own.  It's so much cheaper than buying new!

My favorite white blouse has a hole in it.  It's a tissue thin white sleeveless button down with tone on tone embroidery.  I decided to find a way to revive my blouse so I can wear it in this crazy Texas heat!

Fixed Hole Blouse

Materials:

Torn item of clothing
Coordinating thread/needle
Sewing machine (optional)
Lace trim in a coordinating color
Scissors
Iron (optional)
Straight pins




This is the perfect summer blouse



I wear it often and have had it for years, which of course, has led to some general wear and tear.

Very obvious hole right in the front

I began by taking some white thread and hand stitching the hole shut, from backside of the shirt.  This isn't a perfect fix, as it caused the shirt to pucker a bit where the stiches were.  However, I didn't want the hole to get any larger.

Next, I took some flat white lace, I used Wright's 1-3/4" Flexi-lace hem tape in white.  It's pretty inexpensive and very easy to work with.  I layed the hemtape vertically on the front of my shirt, covering the hole.  Since I had a seam to work with I was able to line it up with that to get it straight.  If you don't have a seam, use a straight edge or a level to ensure your lace is straight.



Pin the lace in place


Even though there was no hole on the other side of my shirt, I wanted it to match so I pinned the same size of lace running down the other side as well.  trim the top and bottom of the lace where you'd like it to end.  I pinned the lace starting just below the shoulder, where my shirt had an embroidered pattern, all the way to the bottom.  There's no need to fold the lace under or use any type of anti-fray solution as the lace will hold up pretty well.

Now I simply stiched a straight stitch with my sewing machine in coordinating thread about 1/4" inside the edge of the lace, all the way around the bottom and back up the other side. 

Looks like it was meant to be there!

Now I simply washed the shirt on the normal cycle and lightly ironed the lace (check package directions before washing.) 

Tada!

I've rescued my favorite summer blouse!  This technique can be used on a multitude of items.  If you don't like lace, try adding embroidered patches, buttons or other scraps of fabric that jazz up your clothes. 

Exercise makes you happy

I have very short hair.  I typically don't do anything with it when I exercise.  The last time I went to yoga I was sweating like mad and my hair kept falling in my eyes.  Yesterday, as I was getting ready for yoga I got the brilliant idea to make a sweat band to keep my hair out of my eyes and to soak up sweat at my hairline.  this only took my 10 minutes!


Sweatband

Materials:
1 clean washcloth
2 inches of elastic
scissors
needle and thread (I used a sewing machine but you could stitch it by hand)

Cut your washcloth into 1 in. strips, they don't have to be perfect.  Cut 6 total strips. Lay two of the strips end to end and stitch them together so you get double the length.  Do this with the other 4 strips so you have 3 extra long strips of washcloth.

Stack the 3 strips together.  Take your elastic and lay it vertically at the end of the strip.  Stitch the elastic onto the stack.

A sewing machine makes this project super easy

Braid the 3 strips tightly

Once the strip is braided, wrap it around your head to measure.  You want the braid to be about 3in. smaller than your head, I had to trim mine a bit. Now just bring the elastic around to meet the end of the braid.  Stitch in place.

It helps if you pin the elastic to the other side to hold it in place while sewing

Now you have a sporty headband to wear while working out.  Not the cutest accessory I've ever made, but functional!

Don't I look fab?

Skirting the Issue

You will never believe what I'm doing this weekend.  Seriously, you'll never guess what I'm going to type next.  I'm going camping.  Yes, folks, camping.  I know!  I'm girly, my version of camping is a hotel without a pool.  And alas, my cousin has invited me to camp this weekend with her , her hubby and friends.  I'm pretty excited, as she has defined this upcoming weekend as "glamping," which is her term for "glamorous camping."  Apparently our campsite has a pool, electricity and showers.  Sounds like a great way for me to dip my toe into the outdoorsy lifestyle.

Since I've never been camping I asked my cousin what to pack and she sent me a list.  She suggested bringing a few pairs of shorts or skirts to pull over my bathing suit.  As I surveyed my skirt collection this weekend I realized my wardrobe is lacking in casual skirts.  I have tons of pencil skirts but nothing casual enough to take camping.  I decided to make my own out of some old t-shirts I have laying around.

T-Shirt Skirt
Supplies:
2 t-shirts, one in your size (I used Medium) and one in a larger size (I used extra large).  It helps if their colors look nice together
Scissors
Straightpins
Iron
coordinating thread
Ribbon
Grommet maker (optional)

I started by laying my smaller shirt flat and cutting a straight line, directly under the armpits through both sides.

This is your skirt tube

You should end up with a large t-shirt tube.  Turn the tube inside out and fold down the top (the cut side) about 1.5" all the way around and iron.  This is when you can use your optional grommet maker, for the drawstring.  I just bought a little grommet tool and wanted to play with it.  Decide which side will be the front of your skirt and lay it facing up.  Measure across the top and find the center.  Mark a small dot with a Sharpie one half inch on either side of your center point. Don't do this on the piece you folded down, do this on the right side of the skirt, about 1/2" down from the folded over top. If you're not using a grommet maker, skip the next step and just poke a small hole with scissors at the Sharpie marks.

For some reason I thought you'd need to see a picture of me measuring...

Following the instructions on your grommet maker, install a grommet, right-side out, over each Sharpie hole.  These will be the drawstring holes.  Re-fold and iron the top piece back down and pin in place.  Stitch the top fold closed, close to the cut edge of the fabric so it's wide enough for you to work a piece of ribbon or string through.

Now, you can just add your drawstring and leave the skirt as is.  However, I have an ample rear end and this tube skirt wasn't long appropriately cover it.  I decided to add a ruffle.  Using your second, larger, t-shirt, lay it flat and cut a straight piece about 6 inches up from the bottom, like so.

This is your ruffle tube

Now turn your original piece (skirt tube) right side out. With your 2nd piece (skirt tube) inside out, slip the ruffle tube around the bottom of the skirt tube, upside down (the cut edge of your ruffle tube should match up with the hem of your original skirt tube.)  The right sides should be together and the skirt tube should be inside the ruffle tube. The ruffle tube will be wider than the skirt tube, so make sure you center them.  Starting in the center, pin the two tubes together.  Every 3-4 inches, make a dart in the ruffle tube, this is what makes the ruffling.  Continue to do this around until your ruffle tube and skirt tube match up all the way around.



It's hard to see my pins and darts


Now, stitch all the way around the skirt, over your pins and darts, close to the edge of the fabric.  Remove your pins and flip the ruffle down.  T-shirt material is forgiving so you might not need to iron it, but you can iron the seam in between the ruffle and the skirt. 

Now just add your drawstring.  Tie a tight knot into your ribbon and slip it into one of the holes you created in the waistband.  Work it all the way through to the other side and pull through so the ends are even.  Slip the skirt on and tie it in a bow, gathering the waistband evenly.

Tada!  A super cute, free, casual skirt!

I realize my instructions might be confusing.  Hopefully they make some sense to try to recreate!

Who wears short shorts?

Sorry for my delay in posting, I've been lazy about my crafting!  If you know me at all you probably know that I love pajamas.  Pajamas are just so cute and soft and comfy and I love nothing more than lounging in my jammies and drinking coffee on a Sunday morning.  Additionally, I've discovered a new love for the Hanes ComfortSoft tagless shirts.  They are so soft and I love sleeping in them.  They're not really cute though.  For some reason I had a package of 5 of these shirts in XL, much larger than my actual size.  I got an idea to make myself pajamas out of these extra tees.  I thought I'd start by making a pair of shorts.  I used my favorite pair of pajama shorts as a guide.

ComfortSoft Shorts

Supplies:
2 Hanes ComfortSoft T-shirts, XL
Sewing machine and coordinating thread
straight pins
scissors
ribbon
large safety pin
shorts to use as a guide

Start by turning the guide shorts inside out and folding them in half, along the seams.  Pajama shorts are very simple, basically made up of 4 panels stitched together.  Lay the shorts on top of the first t-shirt, with the hem (bottom of the shorts) along the bottom of the t-shirt.  This way you can make use of the original hem and not have to sew more than you need to.

Line the side seam of the shorts against the folded side of the t-shirt

Trace around the shorts with a pencil.  Cut out the panel adding about 1/4in. to the edge for a seam allowance.  Since your shirt is flat and has two sides, you're basically cutting out two panels at once.

Next, lay your second shirt flat and lay your already cut piece on the shirt just like you did with the original shorts, matching the hems and the sides.  Trace this piece with a pencil and cut precisely along your pencil mark (you already worked your seam allowance in!)

Now, unfold both pieces and lay on on top of another, right sides together. You should have a piece that looks vaguely like the picture below. Pin two pieces together on the curved sides, I marked these with a dotted line.  Then sew the sides together along the dotted lines I indicated.

I forgot to take a picture at this stage, I'm sorry for the poor rendition I drew!

Once you've sewn the two pieces together, adjust the shorts so the seams you just created are in the center. 

They should look something like this

 Now, pin the outside of the crotch area together, perpendicular to the seams you already created, like this:

make sure you keep the shorts inside out!

 Stitch the crotch area closed where you pinned it.

Now, your shorts actually resemble shorts! All that's left is making the waistband.  Keeping the shorts inside out, fold down the open top part of the shorts about 1in.  This should be along the cut edge of the shorts.  Pin this down and iron it flat.

Make sure you don't pin the sides together!

Stitch the around the waist, close to the edge of the cut edge of the fabric.  You'll be inserting a drawstring so you want to have enough space for it to fit.

Now turn your shorts right side out.  Determine which side is going to be the front (I chose the one that looked the nicest.)  Cut a tiny vertical slit (about 1/4in.) in the center of the front of the waistband, only through the top layer.  You can rub some fabric glue or fray check on the slit if you choose, I just left mine. Take your safety pin and pin it to the end of your ribbon.  Stick the safety pin into the waistband through the slit you made and work the safety pin all the way around the waist until you get back to the slit. 

make sure you don't lose the end of your ribbon!  I left mine on the spool until I was done

Now pull the ribbon so it's all stretched out.  Slip the shorts on and pull both sides of the ribbon and tie them however feels comfortable for you.  Tie two small knots in the ends of the ribbon so it won't slip back through. 

Sorry for the blurry pictures...I really need to invest in a new camera!

 Voila!  You now have a new pair of sleep shorts.  Since these are plain white they can easily be decorated with fabric paint or dye or cute embroidery.  Go crazy!

Bloglovin'

Have y'all heard of this bloglovin' thing? I'm still a new blogger but I'm giving it a whirl. Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I might be a cobbler

So friends, I have a date tomorrow.  I love first dates, you never know what to expect!  I went to Anthropologie tonight to get outfit inspired and left empty handed but full of awesome ideas!  I'm still not sure what clothes I'm going to wear; I do, however, know what shoes I'll be wearing.

Years ago, when I still lived in Cleveland, my friends and I went to this fun part of town called Coventry.  Full of indie shops and restaurants we shopped and ate and had a great time.  We wandered into some crazy little shoe store and ended up buying cloth ballet flats for about $10 each.  I bought a pink pair and and a blue pair.

I have a severe ballet flat addiction

 Since I look best in turquoise, I decided that I'd update the turquoise shoes to match my outfit for tomorrow (no, it's not impractical to build an outfit around my shoes.)  I decided to add a strap and button to create a mary jane style flat.

Mary Janes

Supplies:
Flats
Coordinating fabric
Rounded elastic
Thread and needle
2 buttons

I started by finding a coordinating fabric, I chose a lime green cotton with a white lattice print.  I put the shoes on and measured across the top of my foot, where the strap would sit.  I figured a 6 in. strap would work well.  I cut two rectangles 6.5" x 3" and ironed them flat.  I then folded them in half lengthwise and ironed a crease.  I unfolded the fabric and folded each side up to the crease, so the right sides were showing and the crease was in the middle.  I ironed a crease on each side and then folded the shorter sides in about 1/4".  I then folded the fabric in half again, sandwiching the two folds I had made in the middle and ironed and pinned.  At this point I cut small pieces of rounded elastic to serve as loops and pinned those into the shorter ends as well.

You'll end up with 6" by 1" straps

At this point I top stitched around the entire strap, securing the ends.  In order to ensure the elastic was secure I stitched over it several times.

Now it was time to attach it to my shoe.  I put the shoe on and decided where the strap should sit.  I pinned the strap to the outside of the shoe.  I then took coordinating thread and hand stitched the strap to the outside.  I didn't sew very well, but I've decided it makes it look more charming!

Now all I had to do was stitch a button on to the other side and voila!  I have a new pair of shoes!

The hard part is figuring out the rest of the outfit...