I Made this for You

Vintage Book Journal

2012-02-29T23:01:00.000-08:00

[Yes, I know I haven't posted in awhile.]

A few days ago, my friend and I headed to Laguna Beach, where a cute little boutique sold these customized, upcycled journals that were made from vintage classics. I thought they were so cute, and right down my journal-obsessed alley. The thing was they were $23--which wouldn't have been so bad in itself except that none of the titles were anything that appealed to me.

So I headed to the nearest used bookstore and grabbed a bunch of hardcover children's books that have always been dear to my heart, ripped it apart (I know...sad), and punched holes in the left of the cover with a pair of scissors. I took an old notebook that's been lying around for awhile, un-spiraled it, replaced the covers with the ones from the used book, and then re-spiraled the entire thing. I made a few mistakes here and there, but for my first upcycled, spiral notebook, I'm pretty happy with the results.

Felt Kokeshi Doll Journal

2011-11-19T14:45:00.001-08:00

A few weeks ago, I became obsessed with making journals. I made a bunch of journals, or at least the interior of them. I finally finished a cover over the weekend.

It's a felt Kokeshi Doll! It's so cute. I'm so proud of it. It took me about three hours to hand-sew, and I'm so glad I did it in the end. I can't wait to actually write in this thing.

The Epitome of "Cool." Or not.

2011-11-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

At least once a year, I get hit with a Jane Austen craze. These phases are similar to my hat-and-scarf crazies (where I knit and crochet about 20 scarves and hats, that are eventually abandoned or donated), my writing fancies, running streaks, and book addictions.

I also have an obsession with all things British-Regency-period, and sat around watching BBC's entire 3-part documentary, "Elegance and Decadence," in one sitting. It was quite enlightening, but then it made me want to re-read my entire Jane Austen collection, and re-watch all the movies, including the remakes and the originals.

My favorite part in Sense and Sensibility is when Marianne comes to her senses (har) and realizes that Colonel Brandon is absolutely perfect, after all. I love BBC's 2008 adaptation of the book.

Then, of course, there's Pride and Prejudice, my favorite book by Jane Austen and my favorite book, period. Strangely enough, the part I love most in the story is when Darcy declares his love for Elizabeth, who promptly rejects him. I guess I just love it when characters fall for the person they never thought they would fall for.

The point of this rather random post about Jane Austen is to 1) point out how much of a nerd I am and 2) say that, as I whiled the hours away watching movies and documentaries, I finished my editor's hat.

Except it's not really a hat, it's a 2-in-1 scarf and hat. Kind of proud of it, I guess. It's versatile, and I'm borderline ADD, and get bored easily. So this is perfect for me to carry around, should I tire of wearing a hat or a scarf. Now I have both. In one.

[Can you spot the creep to the left in the picture.]

I should like to make a video for the hat, if I ever have the patience to re-knit it. I'm not the fastest knitter, so maybe I will make a crocheted version.

Here is my pattern, which is based off of this project on Ravelry. Sorry if it's not easy to understand. I am not a knitting-pattern writer, but thought it'd be useful if you guys want to make your own. The hat is actually easy to make, and is really just a simple tube (that fits your head) with a drawstring at the top.

Materials and tools:
Carron Simply Soft, 6 oz.
Set of U.S. Size 7 DPNs (or circular needles)

Hat
Cast on 100 stitches
Join, making sure not to twist the stitches.
Knit 12 rounds
Purl 1 round
Knit 13 rounds
Fold in half, wrong sides together (so that knitted side is facing outward), and double knit by *catching stitch from first row, and knitting 2 together,* for the entire round.
Knit 1 round
Increase round: *Knit 9, knit in front and back of next stitch* for entire row (total of 110 stitches)
*Purl 7 rounds. Knit 7 rounds.* Repeat until hat is long enough for your head.
End with knit round. Knit extra 7 rounds. Bind off.
Fold the last 7 knit rounds inwards, sew with tapestry needle to create a second band.

Drawstring and pom poms
Cut 3 strings, each measuring the circumference of the hat, plus 6 inches.
Like a drawstring, weave the strings into the top band of the hat.
Make 2 pom poms, and sew them to the end of the strings to create a drawstring.

WIP Wednesday: Knit Editor's Hat

2011-10-12T09:25:00.000-07:00

This week, I'm working on what I will be calling my Editor's Hat. The Editor's Hat is not a particular style, but since I've been editing a lot of writing lately, I'm told it's best that I don an editor's hat. I'm sure whoever told me that meant it figuratively, but I decided to knit one.

I'm basing my hat loosely on a pattern from Ravelry, called "wurm." (You'll need a Ravelry account to see it, but it is freeeeeeee, and I love Ravelry because I find the most amazing knitting and crocheting patterns there.)

This is my first double-knit. And, though I'm proud I actually did the double-knitted band, I really really hated it, and will probably not do it again.

Scrap Notebook

2011-10-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

I love glue. I also love paper, journals, and notebooks. That's why this DIY scrap notebook project from Design Sponge is the perfect project. I've been wanting to make the notebook for a long time, but since I stopped journaling for awhile, I didn't see the point.

But I got the itch to glue something together. What I love most about these notebooks is that they fall flat, so it's so much easier to write. I used strapping tape instead of masking tape and printed out the map of Middle Earth to use as the front cover. Yes, I know I am a nerd.

Kylie Beanie

2011-10-10T01:49:00.000-07:00

Today, I had the sudden urge to catch up on most of my favorite TV shows. I watched the three new episodes of "The Office," and unsurprisingly missed Michael Scott. Then, after seeing an extremely hilarious clip of "Snakejuice is Poison" from "Parks and Recreation," I decided to catch up on the entire third season, which I completely missed because Netflix had a nervous breakdown and split into two companies. But that's a different story.

What do I do best while I'm watching T.V? Knitting. Which means I finished the beanie for Kyle! Woohoo, props to myself!

Here is giant Homer modeling the hat, as I have been knitting, watching TV, and pigging out for the past 6 hours, and am in no state to show my face or hair to anyone, not even the Internetz.

Pattern ish

Materials:
Carron Simply Soft in black
Set of size 7 DPNs (or circular needles)

Cast on 104 stitches, join.
*Knit 2, purl 2 in the round for approximately 42 rows or until piece measures 6 inches.
*Knit 6, purl 2 for an additional 3 inches.

Decrease:
Row 1: Knit 10, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 2: Knit 9, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 3: Knit 8, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 4: Knit 7, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 5: Knit 6, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 6: knit 5, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 7: Knit 4, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 8: Knit 3, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 9: Knit 2, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 10: Knit 1, knit 2 tog. all the way around
Row 11: Knit 2 tog. all the way around

Weave yarn through remaining stitches, fasten off.

Journaling

2011-10-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

Once in awhile, I go back to one of my many insane hobbies. I used to journal almost every day, but then technology brought forth many wonderful innovations, and the act of journaling by hand became obsolete. But I recently have found a renewed interest in writing and drawing out my thoughts on a tangible piece of paper.

On a possibly unrelated note, Target is evil, and every time I go there, I have to spend a crapload of money.

I am so in love with my new wallet.

Sorry about the crappy iPhone pictures, but I am at work and really wanted to tell someone about my new buys. [This is how sad my job is.]

WIP Wednesday: Beanie for Kylie

2011-10-05T20:49:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I've done a work-in-progress post but that's because, well, I haven't really been working on anything crafty. Lately, all I've been doing are crochet projects, which are very quick and easy. Crocheting is so instantly gratifying.

Anyway, I'm sorry for the ramble. I tend to ramble a lot lately, and since I've been drinking a lot of tea, I ramble more because tea has caffeine and caffeine makes you ramble. By the way, my favorite teas for the month of October are green, jasmine, and peppermint. Not necessarily together, but in that order.

Okay, seriously, I'm done rambling. But seriously, sweetened jasmine milk tea. Yum.

Okay, now I'm finished rambling.

This week, I am working on another hat for my friend Kyle. His name isn't really Kylie, but it rhymed more with "beanie," so, I apologize, Kyle, if you're reading this. You should have never told me that girls call you "Kylie" in high school.

Also, I just want to note that the candle is there because I have a strange obsession for candles and pleasant-smelling things (people are included in this group). It was not in the picture for artistic deliberance. It was merely on the table, and everyone should know how lazy I am at this point.

I started this on Monday and had to take it apart and start over twice because I was unsatisfied with each pattern I started. Then I wanted to try my own pattern and decided it would be way too big so I had to take it apart again.

Also, I'm one of the crazy people who knit in the round with DPNs for the entire hat. I always thought this was normal, but according to YouTubers, it's not...so...whatever, I can make hats, what can you do?

[I also get annoyed when people tell me I use chopsticks wrong. You want to tell this Asian face she uses chopsticks wrong?]

I have finally settled on a very simple 2x2 rib to 6x2 rib and finish with a spiral. I would have done a video, but seriously, it's so easy. I will probably post a pattern but...it's really simple so I don't even know if it's worth writing.

Enjoying knitting, trying to avoid carpel tunnel syndrome, and listening to the relaxing sound of my husband playing his guitar while Homer Simpson leans back like a cholo. This is the life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VY!!

2011-09-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

My sister's birthday is coming up in T minus 24 minutes. So here is a post dedicated to her. Happy birthday, Vy! Woot woot!

Before I get into a serious and mushy dedicated post in honor of her nameday (GOT!), this is a shell-stitch scarf based on Theresa Richardson's pattern. Check out her blog for more crochet insanity. Seriously, every time I browse her site, I get the scarf and hat crazies.

Okay, here goes. Happy birthday, Vy. I know that we've been through a lot these past few years. Whether it's good or bad. I moved halfway across the country and came back, and you were always there for me even from hundreds of miles away! Best sister and best friend in the world! Happy twenty seventh!. I love you so much!

Also, in writing this post, I realize we have no good pictures together. So I have chosen to steal one from your wedding.

Scallop-Hemmed Skirt

2011-09-14T14:09:00.000-07:00

It's such a beautiful day, but I'm stuck at home, so I decided to make a skirt. Scallop hems have been gaining popularity, particular in the crafty world of sewing. I thought I'd jump on the band wagon.

I really like this skirt. It's simple and pretty. I love the floral. I got it at Joann's on clearance for about $6 a yard. For shantung, that's a steal.

Here's how to make your own.

WIP Wednesday: Sailor Shorts

2011-08-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

This week I'm working on another pattern that I found on BurdaStyle: Sailor Shorts by junespoon.

So far, I have cut and taped the pattern together. I can only imagine how difficult it is to upload a self-drafted pattern, so I give junespoon props. All the lines matched, and the directions, at least thus far, seem really easy.

I've also put together a muslin for the shorts, and they fit me surprisingly well, so no adjustments will be made. I have settled on a floral-print bed sheet for the fabric, which I found at a thrift store, yesterday. The shorts have buttons on both sides of the front waistband instead of a zipper.

I love the lip pockets, but I think I will settle for normal welt pockets for my first pair. I might make the shorts again and get more creative, but for now, I am just happy that I found a good shorts pattern.

Findings

2011-08-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

Like I said, I am a hermit at heart, so I like to spend my lunches perusing the surrounding areas (on foot, because I hate to drive--I'm just full of negativity) for parks, stores, hamburgers, or great deals.

Today's trek took me to the Family Thrift Store down the street from our office building. It was part of the Salvation Army chain, so it brought back memories of my mother and her tins of buttons. (She is a professional seamstress and used to collect buttons.)

I initially came back to get this yellow and white plaid bed sheet that I saw yesterday but didn't have the guts to buy because the price tag was missing. I hate to be one of those grumpers who bring an item up to the cash register, and then argue that it's too expensive.

Turns out the entire thing, which I'm sure measures more than 3 yards, was only $1.25. Waaaah? my face read, when the cashier told me. I had to fight not to throw both hands in the air and go wa-HOOoo!

That being said, while I almost gave up on the sheets due to my anxiety over deciding if I wanted to ask someone how much it cost, I found this cute, floral number.

There was about half a yard of this in the bedding section for $2.75, and it's perfect for shorts. I've been obsessed with shorts and florals lately, even though I always hated flower prints when I was growing up. (I was a bit of a tomboy. I went skateboarding and biking with my brother, I hated dresses, and I never combed my hair.)

My invisible zipper foot finally came in the mail last week, but the box was too big for my apartment mailbox so I had to trek to the nearest post office from my house to pick it up. I thought it was a care package from one of my loving friends at first, but then, to my confusion, I opened up the box to find a weee little sewing machine foot.

Are you kidding me? You made me walk a mile to the post office because the package was too big for my mailbox, when it was this tiny little thing, all along? If it wasn't because I was so amused by the irony, I probably would be pissed, but I must admit, it is quite funny.

Excitement! Yesterday, my pink little shoulder bag arrived from China. Thanks, eBay!

And, last but not least, I also got my first subscription from BurdaStyle Magazine, full of wonderful, glorious patterns. That I still have to copy onto regular paper, FML. I have slight Buyer's Remorse from this purchase, especially after I found out about the patterns (no, I didn't know). But I guess it's still a good deal--I get 3 months for $25, when the same amount would have gotten me one magazine on eBay.

I still had some time after thrifting, so I visited my usual, lonely park bench around the corner. I've been coming here almost every day for a month, and I barely just noticed the sign that stares at me in the face.

No wonder the cops who park across the street every day always stare at me. And here I thought it was because of my wonderful good looks...

Wish List

2011-08-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

I have been very deprived of anything shopping-related lately, but Alex and I are planning to reward ourselves with a giant shopping spree in the next coming months.

I have been dying to get this teal poplin fabric from eBay, to finish my coffee date dress.

Blue and white checked shirting from fabric.com

I think I would use this stretch, print poplin (also from fabric.com) to make a cute pair of shorts.

I recently subscribed to 3 BurdaStyle Magazines, before I realized that you actually have to trace their patterns. So much work! But I guess it will be worth it in the end. It just means I have to buy tissue or carbon paper.

I'm also dying to get my hands on some BurdaStyle patterns.

A simple, short-sleeve Liz shirt.

Currently obsessed with shorts, and this yellow, wool pair is calling my name. I'm planning on making an exact replica.

I would also love a bright green ironing board. I'm so sick of sitting on the floor and getting steamed to death.

And, of course, an iron to come with it. Look how intense this Rowenta DG5030 Pressure and Steamer Iron is. I don't think I'm willing to pay $200 for this baby, though.

For the minimal amount of ironing that I do (pressing seams, interfacing, etc.) I think I would really love a portable iron, like this Petite Press from Joanns.

I can't wait to restock on my basics, and I'm hoping I won't spend all my money on elastic, which I am apt to do. I can't wait till we hit the fashion district in a few days. Weeeeeeeeee.

Updates-ish

2011-08-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

I know I've been MIA (Mixing in Apples - NigaHiga) for awhile, but that's because my needle has snapped and I'm too lazy to replace it. That and I've gotten about as much use out of my fabric stash as I can, and I seriously need to go shopping before I can embark on a new project.

So for now, I leave you with this.

A few weeks ago, I found a lonely rec center by my job. I'm a hermit at heart (read: socially awkward), so I go there during my lunch and read Game of Thrones.

My parents- and sister-in-law came to visit over the weekend. Alex and I took them to Tofu House in K-Town, L.A., where we ate delicious Korean barbecue and Soon Tofu. I was vegetarian for a year, and all I ate was tofu. So when I tell you that the Soon Tofu at this place was delicious, believe me that it was delicious.

They are the cutest trio.

I will be making a trip to L.A. Fashion District soon! Hurray! That means more posts on DIY goodies soon!

WIP Wednesday: Felt Baby Book

2011-08-17T21:04:00.000-07:00

This week, I am working on a felt baby book. It's not entirely felt, but the word "felt" implies baby softness more than "fabric" or "jacquard," so that is what it will be called.

No, I am not pregnant, I do not have a baby, or do I plan to in the near future. I just felt like making a baby book because it was so cute and because I took a peak at Sew Liberated's project.

If the stitching looks terrible, that's because it is. I put in a basting so I can actually stitch it when I'm not watching Modern Family, which has taken up 90% of my attention span.

1000!

2011-08-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

While I was trying to fall asleep (unsuccessfully) last night, I unknowingly reached my first thousandth subscriber! Weeeeeeee.

This would have made my day, but I am too incredibly sleepy to feel any emotion besides exhaustion. But yay!

Homemade French Fries

2011-08-07T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today, I made French fries from scratch! (Don't believe me? Ask the dishes! They can sing, they can dance, after all, miss, this is France!)

Lightly sprinkled with salt.

Russet potatoes, I think?

And it was delicious. Not because of my magical (nonexistent) cooking skills. But because they were fresh and homemade, and hadn't been frozen for months, or gotten from Wal-Mart.

We enjoyed them with fried chicken (yes, everything was fried, shame on us), while watching this Asian drama.

(PLEASE DON'T JUDGE ME.)

The Uglies stared at us with longing, like they were really expecting us to give them some of their food. Look at their creepy eyes, just look.

We did end up giving them some food. Weakness. The bane of my existence.

Iron-on Basketball Numbers T-shirt

2011-08-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today, I finally got around to trying on these iron-on basketball letters that I ordered from eBay awhile ago. I actually wanted to recreate BubzBeauty's scoop-neck basketball t-shirt, but when the transfers arrived in the mail, I realized that the numbers weren't as big as the ones on her shirt.

I've been wanting this shirt for FOREVER, but it is always out of stock. Which is why I just gave up and ordered my own transfers, only the joy was short lived, seeing as they are super tiny.

But anyway, I decided to use them anyway, because I did pay for them, and waited, and got excited.

The fuzziness of the numbers are deliberate. Not really. Okay, so the transfers didn't really turn out the way I wanted to. I accidentally scraped off a chunk of the zero, so I was like, screw this, and then I made the eight look equally messed up. So, in a way, it was intentional. Accidentally on purpose.

And then I did the "Bumbling Panda" part in green puffy paint. My handwriting is not that atrocious, although not exactly perfect. I like it. Let's see how long the transfers actually stay on the shirt after I wash it.

Crossbody Envelope Purse

2011-08-06T22:20:00.000-07:00

Lately, I've been so sick of my signature leather, giant bags. I usually really like big bags because I always have a ton of things to carry around--books, laptop, floss, etc. Then I realized that I'm no longer a student, and that the huge bags I have for carrying around my school supplies were no longer relevant. Since I've moved to L.A., I've found that I have to walk a lot more, because driving here sucks. It's so much easier to shop and walk when you don't have one hand worried about a giant purse on your shoulder.

So when one of my purses from Forever21 started ripping at the straps, instead of throwing it away or giving it to charity, I decided to revamp it.

Here's how the purse looked before my alterations.

I'm pretty happy with the final project. I didn't add any closures because I kind of hate closures on bags. I like to keep my purses open all the time, so I can easily reach in and grab things when I'm in a hurry. Whenever I do have a bag with a zipper or a button, I never use it, so I saw no point in adding one to this new purse. I did tuck in the flap into the front pocket. I like the way it resembles an envelope.

The last time I worked with vinyl/synthetic leather, I was so frustrated. It's pretty difficult! My machine did not like me, and I ended up breaking a needle. It wasn't too bad this time, now that I've had experience and know which areas to stay away from. My needle did bend, though, but it's been long overdue for a needle-change.

Here are the following dimensions for the pieces:

This diagram is NOT TO SCALE, so please do not enlarge it and print it out. It is not a pattern, simply a diagram so you can cut out your own pattern.

Follow the instructions in the video, and then rock your purse like a man. Or woman.

WIP Wednesday: Coffee Date Dress

2011-08-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

As I've said before, I have an aversion towards patterns. Mostly because I am scared of them and mostly because the garment always turns out wrong. But this week, I've decided to commit myself to an amazing and beautiful pattern by Elaine May Huang from Selfish Seamstress.

I found the pattern through BurdaStyle, but Selfish Seamstress has other amazing dresses, as well. It is available in multiple sizes, and the instructions look simple enough. It is testing my abilities with the invisible zipper, though.

I am still not sure if I want to line the dress either. Wait, let me rephrase. I want to line the dress, but I am afraid to line it. I am also not sure about the ruffles because I generally don't like ruffles. However, they look lovely on this dress, so I might keep the pattern as it is.

At first, I was thinking of using a beautiful teal stretch poplin fabric from Hancock Fabrics for the dress.

But seeing as it would be almost $40 to order this online (there is no Hancock Fabrics in Los Angeles), I went on eBay and found basically the same thing, and it would only cost me about $13.

I think the dress will look lovely in this color. I was thinking of doing it in black, navy blue, or red, but I still have an aversion to all things red after working at Target for so long. And I have too many black and navy blue dresses. Plus, teal is such a bright and fun color.

I have already finished putting together the muslin for the dress.

I cut out the pattern in a size 34, but the dress doesn't fit correctly, which is why I'm not modeling it. It's a bit tight in the bust but too loose in the waist, so I'll have to do some adjusting. But hey, that's what muslins are for, right?

I'm actually pretty happy with the muslin itself. I used old bed sheets (weird story about the bed sheets: I have no idea where it came from or how it got into our closet. I just assumed Alex bought it, but he said no). I skipped the ruffle since that won't have much to do with the fit, but I did add the facing and everything. If it had actually fit, I probably would wear the dress normally.

The pattern itself was very simple and the instructions were well-written and easy to follow. That coming from a person who is afraid to touch patterns. I am going to be copying the pattern onto poster paper because it is actually a great sloper for a basic dress without the ruffle. If I have time, might make this in a dozen different colors since it is such a classic dress. I'm happy with it. I can't wait to make the real version.

Kyle Sun Hat

2011-08-02T21:52:00.000-07:00

Today, I made this hat.

I found the pattern and instructions for the hat on BurdaStyle but it is also available on Lorenna Buck's blog.

Originally, I was going to make the hat for my friend, Kyle, because I don't really see myself wearing a sun hat. People already stare at me so much as it is, you know, because I'm so hot, I would feel even worse walking around in a hat. Just kidding. But really, I wouldn't ever wear it, except maybe to the beach.

Anyway, this was the only fabric I could find from my stash. I am still going through withdrawal symptoms because I'm not allowed to buy fabric for another two weeks. It's been so tough, but I will get through it. Sob.

I don't remember buying this fabric--I just know it's from Wal-Mart, so it must have been on a whim. Obviously, I didn't like it that much, or it wouldn't still be here, but thank God it is, because I was dying to make anything today.

I guess you can say this is a muslin for the real hat I would make because I'm not too fond of the fabric. Also, I didn't understand what the pattern meant when it said "1/2 inch allowance" (does that mean included or not included?) so I added half an inch seam allowance, and then it turned out slightly off. There are a few mistakes here and there. But overall, I like it. For my first non-knitted/non-crocheted, patterned summer hat, it will do.

Kyle's manly man hat will have to wait.

See the hat on BurdaStyle!

Dog Hoodie

2011-08-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

When I made this dog hoodie for my chihuahua, Pollo, everyone commented on such a great model he was in the video. I think he got more credit for modeling than I did for making the hoodie. I admit, he behaved excellently when it came to measuring. When I made him try on the hoodie, however, he was squirming all over the place.

Of course, after my viewers commented on how well Pollo behaved, they immediately asked about Lucas, the other dog in the picture, and whether or not he got a hoodie. I don't play favorites. Actually, I do. But the only reason that Pollo got to be in the video was because Lucas is as still and calm as a house fly.

Also, Pollo hates clothing, so the hoodie went to Lucas anyway. It fits them both, even though Lucas is slightly longer and bigger and fatter and meaner than my baby Pollo. (Can you tell who the favorite is, now?) Also, Lucas likes attention in all its glory, and he knows that if he's willing to don on an embarrassing sweater, people will love him all the more.

The hoodie has a zipper. It doesn't make it any easier to put on the dog. Also, the hood is useless.

Banded Wrap Sweater

2011-08-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of comfort. Although I'm also a fan of fashion, I would choose a comfortable pair of jeans and a t-shirt over a tight-fighting dress any day. I think that feeling good should always come before looking good, but that's just me. Then again, I don't really have to look at myself when I go out.

Anyway, comfort was what I was going for when I made this banded wrap sweater. I got a five-yard bolt of the fabric at Wal-Mart when I was still in Albuquerque. I've got to say, those five-yard bolts were steals! I always found the best fabrics from that section.

The sweater is really comfortable and easy to wear. I usually throw it on over a tank top. It's also the best cure for a fat day, if you know what I mean.

Floral Chiffon Top

2011-07-29T08:55:00.000-07:00

I saw a girl wearing a beautiful chiffon top at school one day and thought "I have to have that!" Only, she ran off before I could ask her where she got it. So I decided to make my own.

It is really just a t-shirt made out of chiffon, with elastic at the waist and sleeves. You'd think that would be easy enough, but after making this shirt, I have not touched at or looked at another yard of chiffon. It is so hard to work with! One day, I will return to the dark side. But for now, this shirt is the only chiffon-made garment I will be creating for awhile.

Fabric Wall Organizer

2011-07-29T08:53:00.000-07:00

One of my New Year's resolutions was to become more organized. Although that didn't turn out so well (I'm still as messy as ever), I did end up getting something out of trying. I made this fabric organizer, in the hopes that I would at least organize my sewing corner. But that didn't really happen either.

Part of it is due to the fact that we moved across the country. I'm still in the process of unpacking and trying to find space for all of my clothes, so there has hardly been time to figure out where this thing will go. But I like the organizer. It was fun and easy to make. Please watch the video.

WIP Wednesdays: Crocheted Explosm Plushie

2011-07-27T23:01:00.000-07:00

It's Work-in-Progress Wednesday! This week, I'm working on a crocheted version of an Explosm plushie.

Here are pictures of the original plushies from the Cyanide and Happiness website. Originally, I was going to use fleece and sew it, but I don't really have time to go to the fashion district yet. And I still have yarn left over from my Totoro stash.

So here is what I've been working on today. It's not finished yet. I am planning on getting pipe cleaners tomorrow for the arms and legs.

I will post the pattern for it soon, although it's so easy to make, that I probably shouldn't even bother.

Pandas Love Beach Screen-Printed T-Shirt

2011-07-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

My obsession with pandas continue with this t-shirt as proof. I saw a poster of the pandas awhile ago, and decided to use it as inspiration. I think it is so cute.

There are so many screen print tutorials out on the interwebs that I didn't feel the need to make yet another tutorial. One of the best ones I've found is by BuzBeauty.

Basically, you stretch out a cheap and sheer fabric, like organza, in an embroidery hoop, which will be used as the screen. Then you trace or draw the picture that you'd like to print onto the screen. Then, with glue or Mod Podge (see, I told you I use a lot of Mod Podge), you fill in the negative areas of the screen, so that the paint seeps through and creates an image.

I usually do one or two coats just in case, so the paint doesn't accidentally go through into the negative spaces I don't want it to go through. After the glue has dried off completely, you can place the screen against your t-shirt, and dab paint on the screen with a sponge brush. The screen will act as sort of a stencil--the paint will seep through, and you get a beautiful printed image.

If you're doing more than one color, you will have to make multiple screens and fill in various negative spaces. I was going to do that for this t-shirt, but I got lazy. So I only made one screen for the black paint and black parts of the pandas because those would have been the harder details to draw. Then I hand-painted in the rest, which was relatively easy.

Also, don't forget to put a piece of cardboard between the t-shirt layers so you don't bleed through your t-shirt.

Once the paint has dried, it's best to set the paint by ironing with wax paper in between to protect the shirt. After that, wait at least 24 hours before you wear or wash it. Voila!

5 Cool Ways to Recycle Magazines

2011-07-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

I have an obsession with magazines. I usually subscribe to about five or six magazines at a time, and the subscriptions stack up. (Don't ask me when I ever have the time to read them.) But after they're flipped through and skimmed the first time, I don't really know what to do with them. Sometimes, they sit on my bookshelf or under my coffee table for guests to peruse. I just can't bear to throw them away.

So I found a few ways to recycle them.

Coasters

In a previous post, I talked about how I rolled up strips of magazine pages to turn them into coasters.

All you need for these coasters is your magazine and some Mod Podge or glue. I used a CD as a base, but you don't have to. You can either glue a bunch of rolls together and leave the edges as they are for a contemporary look, or you can glue them onto shapes cut out of cardboard or cardstock. Also, coat them with a finisher to make them water-resistant. I used Mod Podge.

Magazine Bowl
By: A Little Hut

Magazine bowls give your coffee table a contemporary and stylish look. Again, you'll need your strips of magazines and glue or Mod Podge. Fold the strips vertically, and then start gluing them together in a circle, shaping your bowl as you go.

Trash Can
By: Lovething

I found this lovely trash can made out of magazines and thought it was so cool. I want to go home and try this as soon as possible.

To make the bottom, Lovething used the same technique that is used to make a magazine bowl, but instead of shaping upwards to make a bowl, the trashcan base should be flat. Then make little rings out of your magazine strips, and glue them together. Use your imagination. It doesn't have to look like a perfect trashcan. Seal the trash can with Mod Podge.

Magazine Table
By: Artists for Humanity

If you really want to go crazy, you can also create furniture out of your magazines. It's definitely a conversation starter. Although this was done on a more professional level, the techniques should be very similar to the other projects.

Picture Frame

Picture frames are the best ways to recycle magazine pages because you'll actually use them. A lot of places, like Urban Outfitters, sell these magazine photo frames for ridiculous prices. Why not make your own and save the environment?

You can see that there are a bunch of ways to recycle magazines. How do you recycle your magazines?

Knitted Hat with Earflaps

2011-07-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I contacted Erin Archer, a knitting extraordinaire, about a beautiful hat that she'd knitted and posted on her blog. The hat had ear flaps and a garter band. I really fell in love with the panda version of the hat, but the pattern itself was really simple, so I decided to do a video tutorial so others could see how hats with earflaps are made.

I had never really knitted eaflaps before, so I was really amazed when I actually learned how to do it.

Here is what Erin's original hat looked like:

Here is how mine turned out. This is the hat that I knitted in the video. (Excuse the grumpy face.)

I also made my own version of the panda hat, since that was the one I really fell in love with when I saw the pattern.

These hats really came in handy when I was living in Albuquerque, and the weather went crazy, dropping down to negative 38 degrees. So, yes, I know I sound like a wimp because that's not really that cold for some places, but I'm used to beautiful Los Angeles weather, where it doesn't drop down past 55.

I don't know what I would have done with out these flappers. They kept my head and ears warm. And the panda one is definitely a conversation-starter.

Sweater Dress

2011-07-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

My sweater dress video shows you how to create a very comfortable, fitted sweater dress. The fabric that I used was very cushy and soft, and so comfortable.

If you've seen enough of my projects, you've noticed that I hardly use real patterns. This may or may not be a good thing, but I like that it allows me to create my own one-of-a-kind articles of clothing. Also, I know which of my tank tops or shirts fit me best, and the clothes I've made while using those as a guide have always fit me more than ones I've made from patterns.

I used a simple tank top as a pattern to make this sweater dress, as usual. I extended the length to where I wanted it. Then I added sleeves. To finish off the edges, I made bands for the cuffs and for the bottom. I used a similar method for the neck, instead of hemming.

I am pretty satisfied with this dress. It's great during the winter with leggings and a leather jacket. I usually don it just the way I am modeling it, because it is just that simple.

Pleated Print Skirt

2011-07-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

In my pleated, print skirt video, I show you how to make this skirt:

The skirt is simple. You don't need a pattern. Just simply have a yard of fabric in your favorite print, five"-wide elastic, and basic sewing tools.

I made my waistband about ten inches wide. It is folded in half, so it is really five inches on the skirt. The skirt piece is two yard wide and as long as I want my skirt to be, which is just above the knees. Then I pleated evenly until the skirt piece matched up with the waistband. I sewed the skirt piece onto the waistband, minding the pleats.

I left a two inch opening in the waistband to fit the elastic into the band. Once that was done, I sewed the opening close. after that, I hemmed the skirt, although I do wish I had hemmed before I pleated. It would have made things a lot simpler. Just warning you.

As always, thank you for reading (or watching). Check back soon for more great projects!

Lace Tank Dress

2011-07-25T12:13:00.000-07:00

In this video, I show you how to make a simple and cute lace tank dress. Like my cap-sleeve dress, I used a basic tank top as a pattern. I basically made two dresses: one out of lining fabric and one out of lace fabric. And then I sewed the two together.

The results were pretty satisfactory.

I am pairing the dress with a black, slub-knit cardigan from Forever 21, here. Keep in mind that you can make your own slub-knit cardigan, which I show you how to do in this video.

Floral, Cap-Sleeve Dress

2011-07-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

I love simple t-shirt dresses, and this is one of my favorite dresses because I can wear it to work or on the weekends. It's cute and classic, and I can always dress it up or down.

To make this dress, I used a light, woven cotton fabric. I got the remnant on sale at Joann's for very cheap. I used a basic tank top as a pattern, and then added cap sleeves. There is an elastic at the waistband, but you can't tell in the picture because I paired it with a belt.

Please visit the video to learn how to make this dress.

Totoro Plushie

2011-07-25T12:05:00.000-07:00

I love Totoro. There is something quite magical about the movie. Totoro is a sweet, magical bear that is always there for you. It helps that he is super cute.

To make the plushie, I used felt and fleece. I used less than a quarter yard of dark gray felt, even less of the light gray felt, and scraps of black and white fleece. Most of the plushie was hand-sewn, but I used my sewing machine where I could.

Please watch this video for the full tutorial.

Lace Leggings

2011-07-25T10:38:00.000-07:00

Leggings are a staple during the winter when you want to wear your favorite dresses. What better way to deviate from the normal black leggings than to make fun lace leggings?

All you need for this project is an old pair of leggings as a pattern and stretchy lace fabric. And your basic sewing tools, of course.

Watch this video for the full tutorial.

Magazine Coasters

2011-07-25T10:32:00.000-07:00

Coasters are a perfect way to add some color to your coffee table, while also keeping things neat and clean. I personally hate coffee rings on my desk or favorite side table. I also hate throwing away magazines! Even though they can clutter up my bookcase, I can't stand to part with them. So I decided to recycle them into objects that I'd actually use.

What you'll need:

Strips of magazine pages. (About 2" wide and as long as you'd like your coasters to be. I made mine round, but you can play around with different shapes.)

Mod Podge or glue.

Scissors.

Sponge brush.

CD or strong paper.

Once you have your strips cut out, start rolling away. It's best to use a pencil in order to gauge the size of your rolls. Glue the end of your roll to keep the magazine strip in place.

I used a CD as my base to glue the rolls, but you can also cut out a strong piece of cardstock or cardboard if you don't want to waste any CDs. The ones I used were scratched up and no longer playable, so I decided to recycle them.

Glue the rolls onto the CD. Then add a coat of glue or Mod Podge to make the coaster water-resistant.

You can also watch this video tutorial for a better understanding.

Panda Pillow

2011-07-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Pillows are a nice gift for friends and they serve perfect decorative purposes. I love pandas, so I decided to make one out of spare t-shirt parts. T-shirt material is the best to recycle, especially if the t-shirt is an old, sentimental one. The fabric is always super soft, and you don't have to throw away your favorite t-shirt, even if you never wear it anymore!

If you can't bear to part with a t-shirt, using regular cotton fabric or fleece will do just as well. You'll also need black fabric and polyester stuffing.

To start off, I cut out two squares of white fabric. To make the eyes, I cut out two "potato" shapes, and then cut crescent-shaped holes for pupils. The nose is basically an upside-down heart.

Then, hand-sew or machine-stitch the eyes and nose onto one piece of white fabric. Place both white fabric pieces together, right sides facing each other. Sew the edges, leaving a two-inch space. Flip the pillow right side out through the space. Stuff with polyester stuffing. Sew the two-inch space closed. And voila!

I used regular fleece fabric in this video tutorial.

Bandage Skirt/Shirt

2011-07-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

This bandage skirt was so simple and easy to make. The best part of the skirt is its versatility. I can wear it as a sexy mini-skirt paired with a simple blouse and heels, or I can sport it as a shirt with a fitted blazer.

Making the skirt is easy. You don't really need a pattern, as long as you use your own measurements or a simple mini-skirt as a pattern.

Simply cut out a square of lining fabric that fits around your hips and as long as you want the skirt to be. Cut out strips of fabric in the desired color that you want. The length should fit around your hips as well, and the width should be as much as you'd like your stripes to be.

Lay the first strip on the lining fabric and sew the edges together. Continue sewing additional strips of fabric to the lining fabric until you have the desired length.

For a better understanding, watch the video tutorial.

I wore the skirt as a shirt with jeans and a blazer on a night out with my husband. (Harry Potter!) We visited the Grove in Los Angeles. I think the area is slightly overrated, but we had a lot of fun. The shirt was perfect for walking around, window shopping, dinner, and a movie. We had such a fun night!

Giant Playing Cards

2011-07-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

These super jumbo playing cards from Amazon are a thing to be coveted. Then again, who would actually play with them? If I bought them, I would probably only use them to hang on my wall. Which is why I decided to paint my own.

First off, get your supplies ready.

You will need:

Two white 22×18 inch posters. (Or in a size of your preference.)
Several paintbrushes.
Red or black paint.
Mod Podge or different method of finish.

It's best to have a picture of your card so you know what to base your painting on.

If you're not the next Picasso, I suggest tracing it out first. I definitely had to.

Load up your brush, and paint.

Flutter Sleeve Dress

2011-07-22T15:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite hobbies is to refashion old, thrifted items. A lot of people have an aversion to shopping for thrift items, but sometimes, you can find the best and most-valuable clothes and accessories. Your favorite pair of shoes could be waiting somewhere in a thrift store. The best part is that most of them donate a portion of their revenue to charities--or even better, most of them are non-profit, and donate all of the money to a good cause.

I found this at a local Savers store in Albuquerque. The dress was way too big and it had shoulder pads. Don't get me wrong. Shoulder pads are totally in now, but it doesn't mean that everyone can pull them off. And since I am so petite, I definitely can't handle shoulder pads.

Here's what I was able to come up with:

I took off the shoulder pads, took in the dress, and brought up the hem. Voila! Total? $5. I think that's a steal. If you would like to see how I did it, click here for the video tutorial.