summer sewing flashback:

Hello there you lovelies,

In the spirit of 'summer reruns' I bring you this sweet summer sewing roundup.

A few simple projects to beat the heat, and you'll look real... neat.

(Now, if you're a die-hard follower for more than a year - you've already seen these, but feel free to click on any project you may want to be inspired by afresh!)

I bring you: shorts/shirts/skirts upcycling fun... with LACE of course.

Lace edged shorts.

Two Lace Scarves into shirt.

Lace curtain into maxi skirt.

Happy sewing friends,

Mel ;o)

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion.#18.

Well hey there lovelies!

I'm back with another edition of taking something thrifty and sewing it into something nifty.

I'm still working on some new spring fashion to wear... and this piece caught my attention.

(Oh, and I'm also needing to work on that ghostly pallor of my skin... sorry to blind you!)

 Much like that polka dot dress I discovered in my fabric stash, this green button-up shirt was mashed in there too.  I always liked the style of this shirt, just not the length (it barely made it to my waist).  So, since belly-tops just aren't my thing... I opted to chop it and then lengthen it big time!

 (Sorry for no 'before' shot... I sewed this project at night!)

You get the idea though, I just cut the bottom half off the shirt - leaving the buttons/edge in place.

I then attached the lighter floral fabric to the shirt, while using that lovely green lace to hide my seams.  Sneaky sewing suits me best.

Annnnnd, in a final stroke of upcycling *genius*, I used the leftover green fabric to make large front pockets and accent edging around the bottom of the shirt.

I then sat back and wondered why/how I never thought to do this before! (Face-palm).

Oh, and the awkward cat picture.

Yah, I don't know what's going on there either.

Needless to say, I'm now hunting through my wardrobe to see what other shirts I can hack and customise like this one.

Hope it inspires you to upcycle too!

Creatively yours,

Mel ;o)

D.I.Y: quilted children's play pad.

 Ok, so it feels like ages since I've shared any do.it.yourself projects around here.

This one if for the younger crowd... a sew simple quilted 'natural habitat' for the kids to play on with their animal toys.  I was inspired by the interactive Pilgrim's Progress quilt we had been given when Hudson was born, so I wanted to make them a smaller landscape to play with on their desk.

Here's some creative hints to inspire your own version:

 1. Lay various fabrics out to create 'terrains' (water/forests/flowers/hills/grass etc).

2. Using wax paper (cereal bags) underneath areas will create that fun crinkly sound!

3. Stuff small shapes to make 3D layers for the quilt (flowers/mushrooms/trees etc).

4. Sewing boning inside felt strips can create curved 'bridges' or cave openings.

5. Fold fabric in half, stuff with quilting batten and create cave/pockets for the quilt.

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The more areas to interact with, the more fun for the kids!

Our gal loves hiding her animals in caves... and tucking them behind various pockets.

 Kids also love helping create the project (if possible)... Azriel stuffed the mini trees for me.

While also guiding my fabric through the sewing machine... with her keen eye there!

 She wasn't quite as keen to 'pose' for me here... but that's ok, thumbs do need sucking.

Lastly, as a final bonus sewing project:

I used this cute woodland animal print fabric I had on hand... and sewed quick lil' felt-back finger puppets for the quilt too.

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The real treat about sewing kids projects is that it can be done without worrying about perfection.

Sloppy sewing, fast stitching, mis-matched threads are all accepted without hesitation.

This quilt pretty much looks like a kid sewed it.. and that's fine with me!

Hope it inspires you to create for the kids in your life too!

Mel ;o)

thrifty & nifty threads. upcycled fashion. #17.

 Annnnnnnnd we're back ~ with another fun edition of taking something thrifty and sewing it into something nifty!

Or, what could also be called 'further adventures in repulsing my husband'!

(More on that part, later..).

Anywho, here's how this project went:

1. Take one frumpy old sweater cardigan.

2. Use a seam ripper to remove the front panels.

3. Lay those sections as a tracing pattern over fabric of choice (a sheer aztec print seen here).

4. Cut two panels of new fabric and insert into the sweater...sew/surge in place.

Voila!

Bonus features:

+ I sewed the front cardigan pockets back on to the aztec fabric.

+ I added leather elbow patches (as seen in a previous project).

+ The front buttons were replaced with matching wooden ones.

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Now, back to the husband in crisis.

It's pretty hilarious around here... every weird sewing project/notion I start to design.. he starts to cringe.  It used to be just vests that had him hurling.  But now I have successfully created a whole new line of gag-worthy fashion it seems.

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While sewing this project, Ben said incredulously:

 "A sweater cardigan... really??"

"Don't worry, I'm about to make it awesome!" 

says I.. triumphantly holding up the sheer aztec material.

"You mean that Grandma curtain material?" he retorts.

"Pfffft..'GRANDMA'?!!..... c'mon, it's AZTEC"!

(as if this word in itself should convince him of how cool my project is). 

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Yah, he's still not convinced.

I told him not to worry.. from now on I'll make sure to get his *approval* for my future sewing adventures... maybe I could do a lingerie line... out of upcycled potato sacks.

 Yes, that could be a winner.

For now, I just have a growing wardrobe of 'what not to wear' if I want to catch his eye.

(Here's hoping you all aren't new here... and think my man to be some critical goon, we actually laugh/tease each other in complete affection... which you would have seen on Valentines day).

So, do you ever tease your partner about clothing choices?

sew silly,

Mel ;o)

(P.S... also, if you're new... you can catch up on previous upcycled fashion projects here!)

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion. #16.

 

 It's that time again, friends.

All together now: 'take something thrifty ~ and sew it into something nifty!'

(Granted, I technically made this poncho from a bolt of tweed fabric given to me...but, I still maintain that I *upcycled* the accent pieces of leather and wooden buttons).

 Here's the basic pattern I invented to make my poncho.petticoat.cape...thing from.

You know, because I would rather the frustration of blindly inventing what I think will work... than the frustration of having to submit to following a real pattern.

I know, me sew crazy.

If someone said I could have a comedy show, I would totally call it:

"Sewing with Mel".

I laugh at myself anyway.

(Sewing collars in backwards... using a pasta colander for my 'neck-line' shape... re-inventing what nip & tuck means...  etc).

But, as in most areas of life,

I learn best from my mistakes.

Charcoal tweed poncho.

Wooden button detail.

Leather inset strips (where I first envisioned arm holes).

Inside lining is a camel coloured linen.

Accent lining of wine fabric under the collar. 

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Sure, it's a lil' messy and haphazard in the details... but that just makes it a better reflection of it's owner.

I think we're going to get along just fine.

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Oh, and one last thing:

"Poooonnnnnnchhhhooo  Libre!!"

(Just had to get that in here).

Mel ;o)

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P.S:  Yes, this is the "handmade pea-coat poncho vest?" thing my hilarious husband was referring to in his recent valentines blog post to me.

(And here's the 'paisley tribal leggings and the 'beaded sailor's hat' he also dislikes!).

*C'mon dear, I don't rarely wear vests anymore... why can't you love it when I want to wear a shapeless wad of draped fabric over me.. or some garish patterned threads?*

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P.P.S: if you want to catch up on previous editions of upcycling sewing adventures.. they're here.

xx

thrifty & nifty threads: upcycled fashion #15 (D.I.Y)

 It's time for another (extra-fun) edition of taking something thrifty and re-fashioning it into something nifty, friends...  to the power of five!

 That's right, one large wool sweater - five creations!

Talk about a giving sweater...  sooo, here's the breakdown:

 1. Wool skirt: Cut the bottom off sweater - hem in the sides - make the bottom edge of sweater into the waist for the skirt - flip lace around the 'raw' bottom edge and sew (zig-zag for stretch).

Boom, baby.

 2. Toddler poncho... cosy cuteness with lace folded around the raw cut edge.

3. Mittens from the sweater wrist cuffs.

4. Toque (in progress) from one arm of the sweater.

5. Hot water bottle cosy from the other arm of the sweater.

Simple sweater-upcycling sweetness.

You may recall my previous pack o' projects from one ol' sweater here.

Cosy fun for everyone in your nest.

Happy upcycling, friends!

mel ;o)

D.I.Y: upcycled rice bag ~ haversack.

 Yes friends, for the 'price of rice' you too, can have an upcycled messenger bag.

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I wanted to make my guy Ben a new haversack.

(For as long as I've known him.. he's always wearing one to carry his gear around in).

They've been lost, stolen.. lost again.. so this time I wanted to keep it 'thrifty'.

So I, being such a hoarder environmentally conscious person... opted to upcycle:

1. Fold an empty burlap rice bag (zippered top 1/3 downward).

2. Slice across one side of the inner part of the bag. (this is the interior opening).

 3. Fold a spare piece of canvas to line this interior section.. sew up the sides.

4. Insert canvas pocket into the sliced opening... fold canvas edge over the split opening of the burlap bag and sew in place. (Make sure you've sewn closed the slice that opened the top third of your bag).

5. Slice two small holes on the back of the bag for both ends of a strap to be inserted into and sewn securely.

You're done!

As you can see.. that top flap become a secret pocket with the pre-existing zipper of the rice bag.

Another 'super fast. stupid easy' upcycling project.

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You may recall that one way to 'use up' a lot of rice - if you're eager to just sew these bags now - is a toddler's play station.  Our daughter still loves using hers!

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Happy upcycling, friends!

mel ;o)

D.I.Y: fabric scraps infinity scarf

 Here's a scrap-happy easy sewing project for all you lovelies.

If you're looking for a funky way to upcycle all those strips of leftover fabric you may have... here's an idea:

A fabric scraps infinity scarf.

 Maybe I'm just too Scottish... or a hoarder... but I tend to stash my fabric remnants in a bin after every sewing project.  Considering that half the pile are ridiculously miniscule shards of cloth.. it's no surprise they just sit there unused.

Until today.

 This is messy, fast, carefree sewing friends.

Simply grab strips of random fabrics and twist them to contain the fraying edges (you can wrap smaller 'accent' pieces around them too) and feed it through your machine.

I used a 2 degree zig-zag line.

Just keep twisting new strips into the preceding pieces as you go.

The longer you make your scrap scarf the more layers you'll have in the final product.

Mine was almost 10' in length!  Then, I sewed both ends together to make a large 'infinity' loop.  In less than twenty minutes.. a new funky scarf/fabric necklace is created!

I really like its messy, fraying, eclectic vibe.

You could use this approach for creating fun wrist 'bangles' or hair bands too.

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(But, if you prefer a more clean-edged version of stacked-fabric scarves.. you may recall this past d.i.y project).

*And, if you want to do a no-sew option.. just cut various t-shirt strips and knot them together.*

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Scrappily happily yours,

Mel ;o)

D.I.Y roundup! (Children's projects):

Hey there y'all!

As mentioned in the last d.i.y winter edition, I put together a whole collection of simple and thrifty projects you could make for your kids (or friend's kids).

Let's teach the next generation that fun toys don't need a big price tag.

Because, as seen above, sticking your head in a plastic house (upcycled cat litter container) can be purrrfectly hilarious!

Happy crafting:

  1. Puzzle Magnets             2. Simple Super-Hero Cape         3. Wild Animal Sweater

  4. Baby Necktie Shirt              5. Tank top into tote bag           6. Toddler Sewing Cards 

7. Woodland Jar Terrarium      8. Fabric Mushroom Rattle      9. Toy Oven (upcycled furniture)

Here's a sneak peek at an upcoming toy-project for our daughter, too.

A sliced 2"x2" (?) chunk of wood... sanded... with magnets glued to the middles.

I'll likely paint 4 woodland characters on each side... but for more inspiration, Mer Mag has some adorable designs! 

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Can you believe Christmas is a month away?!

I need some of those elvish minions to come craft with me.

P.S... I've loved hearing about your favourite Christmas memories on my GIVEAWAY post ~ thanks for sharing them... and there's still time to enter this week for those who haven't yet!
 

merry making mama,

Mel ;o)

chair, and back again.

 Further crafting chronicles in the quest to turn everything in our home turquoise:

I'd been dreaming about this project for half a year now...

 Armed with this beauty turquoise ("Catalina Mist") spray paint... some hot glue and rope-yarn, I got busy with it.

While my lungs filled with spray fumes, and my fingers burned with glue... this retro chair inherited from my Grandparents got beautified!

 I'm sure many of you recognise this chair... it often graces the front porch of many retro motels around Ontario.  This one has been my travelling companion ever since I left home.

It's been a funky bucket seat in - and outside - over these years.

Now our daughter loves to crawl on it.. (so she can press her nose directly against the t.v screen where it usually sits).

She wanted to share her drink with the camera while posing in the chair... but don't dare ask her to share the popcorn.

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Note: I vowed after painting this chair that I would never spray paint something like this again.. I hate working with the stuff... fumes, drips, uneven coats.. blech.  

Painting on plastic was also the one thing not on Krylon's list - call me a rebel.

At least now I can sit back and enjoy one more trinket turned turquoise in this nest.

Blue-eyed,

Mel ;o)

Colour me: fashionable or frumpy?

I don't know about you... but my wardrobe consists of three sizes of clothing:

frumpy

fitted

funky

The first size I keep around for those days I just want to lounge around, eat sugar, or feel like the post-pregnancy physique has room to jiggle.

The second/third options are for the days of actually 'trying'.. you know, to be fashionable dressed half-decent.

This past weekend I decided to de-frumpify (sure, that's a word) my wardrobe a bit:

 Example 1:  The uber baggy.. two-sizes-too-big navy cordurouy pants.

Turn inside out, pin to fit... sew a new seam up the sides, voila!

The more fitting tapered cords.

 Example 2:  The bell-bottomed baggy mustard corduroy pants.

Tapered in from the knee down.  Hemmed up at the ankle.
I could take them in a bit more... and attempt the hipster 'skinny' jeans look, but I'd likely end up looking like I was riding a chicken.  Yep.

So, subtle it is, but that's enough difference to fit them in my boots.

 Now, a word about fashion.

I believe a woman's beauty goes way deeper than an inch of fabric on the external.

I know I've said this kind of thing before... but I need the reminder.

Seems our mother's always tried to remind us that it's "what's inside that counts"... when we came home crying about how our outfit was teased at school.

Yet, we still find ourselves primping, preening, perfecting the exterior so often.

Looking at beauty/fashion magazines (blogs) and coming away feeling... uglier.

Now, imagine a world where our beauty was determined by the quality of our heart?

Because when the makeup cracks off, and the hair loses it's shimmer, and the clothes are eaten by moths... that's what we'll be left with, our heart.

body

soul

mind

Frumpy or fashionable... doesn't need to be my focus.

Grant me a heart that glows and grows in beauty.

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³ "Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel— ⁴ rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

1 Peter 3:3-4

Have a beauty-full weekend friends,

Mel ;o) 

D.I.Y: super-hero kid's cape

 Well here's a ridiculously simple do.it.yourself project to the rescue.

If you have five minutes, a spare t-shirt, and no sewing ability... this is the one for you.

 This shirt inspired me to make a quick cape for my wee wonder woman Azriel.

I don't take credit for the idea though, Pinterest covered that part this time.

Simply grab an old t-shirt and cut up the front (or back)... all the way up and around the entire neck hole.

No sewing.  All done!

Cape your child and watch their imagination soar.

 (just try to discourage jumping from large buildings...).

Super simple, silly fun.

Happy crafting, friends.

WonderWoman

Mel ;o)