Faux Leather Madewell Inspired Tote

Here are the results of Sewbon's leather tote DIY. I opted to use a leather-like vinyl instead of leather which makes this tote even more affordable! This bag comes together really easily, and it is the perfect size! Having the DIY version of the beautiful Madewell Transport Tote makes buying the original very appealing because I see how lovely the style is.

If you didn't already gather up supplies to make this bag, you definitely should! Who doesn't need another purse?

Charlie

A DIY to Try: Sewbon's Leather Tote

This weekend I will be giving this leather tote tutorial by Erin at Sewbon a whirl! If it interests you, you should give it a try too... I will share my results next week! Do you have any crafty plans for this weekend?

Charlie

Simple Fabric Gift Bag DIY

This bag is super easy to make and it gives your gift an extra little boost. Plus, this bag can be reused for lots of different things. You could even make one just to carry your groceries!

What you need:
Utility fabric - bag fabric
Thread
Scissors
Ruler
Sewing machine

1. Fold the strap piece in half, wrong sides together, and sew. Do this for both.
2. Fold down one inch and sew on both pieces.
3. Attach handles on the wrong side on the fabric.
4. Pin fabric right sides together and sew around.
5. Sew to square corners (I did 4").Then cut off the excess.
6. Turn inside right and you're done!

You can change the size to fit the size of your gift. I just so happened to be making something for a bigger gift! If you have any questions, please let me know... and if you make one I'd love to share it here, send me pictures!

Charlie

A Simple Trick

Spring is so close and that means having an excuse to make new decorations... and I love decorating with throw pillows. Placemat pillows are super easy to make, and you can be done in about 10 minutes. It is as simple as cutting along a seam, stuffing and sewing it shut. (If you want more detail, a simple search on pinterest will lead you to a lot of tutorials). If you still aren't sold on giving it a try, consider that you truly can't beat the cost of 4 pillows for $7.00. This is a pretty great trick, right? Now go buy all the cute placemats! I found mine at TJ Maxx.

Charlie

Felt Valentine's Envelope DIY

Hopefully you have some extra felt left over from make your mini bunting because you know you're going to make these felt envelopes! You will need felt in the colors of your choice, scissors, a ruler, sewing machine/needle and thread, buttons and a glue gun.

1. Cut a (4.5"x12") rectangle from your felt.

2. Fold it, leaving (2.5") for the flap and cut a decorative edge on your flap. 

3. Sew a blanket stitch up both sides.

4. Make a button hold on the flap, and sew on button.

5. Decorate the front/back as you like using your glue gun. You can use the mini buntings pattern. 

6. You're done!! Write a little note, and send it off and make someone's day!

Tips:

• If you don't have a sewing machine, you can easily sew a blanket stitch by hand (if you're not sure what it is, make Youtube your friend!). You can make a button hole by hand by cutting a slit with scissors and sewing around it. 
• To get the scalloped edge, I used a We R Memory Keepers Magnetic Twist Trimmer. (I am not paid for that name drop, just wanted to share my trick). The other edging was traced and cut with scissors. 

 If you make one, I would love to see it!

Charlie

More Snow Means More Scarves

The silver lining to getting more snow is that it gives me an excuse to feed my circle scarf obsession. Some people prepare for the snow by going to the grocery store, but I go to the fabric store, and this time I bought lots of soft, cozy material.  I love making circle scarves... they're so easy to make and you only need a yard of fabric. I posted a few of my favorite tutorials here. 

All the fabric you see above I acquired on sale or with a coupon for super cheap. The black and white polka dot scarf turns into a striped pattern and is super soft. The warmest has to be the flannel scarf, and it is bulky enough that it will cover your ears. All the flannel in my stash might end up in scarf form before winter is over. The others are awesome and cuddly jersey knit that you can easily wear all day.

If you have some extra yardage in your sewing stash, I highly recommend making one. I promise you won't regret it! They might even be worth a quick trip to the fabric store.

What is your favorite way to stay warm in the winter?

Charlie

Fall Garland and Bouquet

I am still in decorations mode for Thanksgiving, though I think these two things will bring my crazy fall crafting to a close. I made a yard of each garland below for the new shelves in the living room... I am excited to have another little area to decorate! (I used the same patterns as I did to make the wreath).

If you have been a reader of this blog, you already know that I don't allow real flowers in the house (1. I have bad allergies 2. They remind me of death). So, I do my best to make fun felt flowers to place around the house. This is my first year making them for fall. I was inspired by mums as I cut the felt and I think I captured the likeness...maybe.. oh well, they're fun either way!

If the sun decides to play nice, I will share some pics of everything in its place.

Are you getting excited for Thanksgiving?
Charlie

Easy Fabric Coasters

I am moving right along with making all the fall decorations. Since Thanksgiving will be at our house this year I am trying to make the things I have put off in years past like these fun fabric coasters. I just love these little owls!

They're super easy to make and come together quickly. I used this tutorial as a guide and it couldn't be more simple. These would be perfect for Christmas too if you have already started decorating, or an easy handmade gift idea. Next up, garland making!

Charlie

Nexus 7 Cover DIY

Thomas asked me to make a sleeve/cover for his Nexus tablet. Since it is so hard to make crafty things for men, I was really excited to give it a try. He loves it and I thought maybe the guy in your life would love one too!

What you need:
Wool felt
Boat vinyl
Headliner (very thin foam)
Sewing machine
Leather sewing machine needle
Basic sewing supplies

Cut your felt (11x6.5) and your vinyl (11x4). You will cut your headliner later, after you have those pieces sewn together to insure proper fit.

1. Place your felt and vinyl right sides together and sew along the dotted line (bottom).

2. Lay flat and straighten the seam. Now, cut your headliner to fi, leaving 1/4-1/2 inch around. This will depend on your machine. If it is good with bulk, do the 1/4 inch. If you have to really fight, go with a 1/2 inch. Pin it in place once you have it centered.

3. Turn right side up, headliner facing down and sew along the dotted line. This will keep your seam flat while also securing the headliner in place.

4. Fold the top of the felt toward the wrong side as pictured and sew.

5. Now fold everything in half, right sides together, and sew around. Be sure to go back and forth once at the beginning to secure the seam. It will be stressed the most during use.

6. Clip your corner on a slight angle and turn inside right. You're finished!

Notes: 
-You can adjust the measurements and make this to fit any tablet or reader (I made one for my Kindle pictured above).
-If you don't get a snug enough fit the first time, flip it inside out and sew a little deeper until you get the perfect fit for your tablet.
-Buy your vinyl in the remnant section, it is really cheap and you don't need much.
-These measurements fit both versions of the Nexus.

If you make one, e-mail me a picture... I would love to feature what you created!

Charlie

90's Polka Dot Dress Restyle

It has been far too long since I've shared a restyle. To be honest, I took a mini-break from thrifting because I was really getting bored of it. Don't worry, I am slowly getting my thrifting spirit back. On another note, don't stare at the pattern on the dress too long... you will go cross eyed. Photographing tiny polka dots might be the worst thing ever!

I shared this long 90's dress a while back. When I first grabbed it, I thought it would be the perfect maxi type dress, but upon further investigation (after the thrill of thrifting wore off) I realized it wasn't the right fit or material. Boo... on the form it went so I could come up with ideas. 

I knew I needed to take it in, so I started there and took it in until the waist. Then, I moved on to the length. The slit up the side just wasn't for me, so I hemmed it to the knee. I used my rolled hem foot and it made this task a breeze. When I put the dress back on the form, it had the best shape, but it was missing something. I used the material I cut from the length, and made a removable collar using this pattern. 

Now, it has a classic feel. Take the collar off and it instantly becomes a timeless dress that can be worn with anything. I am thinking I could even wear it over a collared shirt... I love pieces that can be layered. Have you thrifted any pieces that don't fit the idea you had for it? What did you make them into?

Charlie

Pinned it: DIY Camera Strap Cover

I go back and forth on using a camera strap as I find it often just gets in the way. Now that I have a new(heavier) camera though, I am re-thinking my stance. I looked around to buy one, but they often look cheaply made or really ugly. I ended up making a cover for the stock strap using this tutorial I found on Pinterest. The only change I made was to the length so that I fit my strap better and it came together quickly and easily!

I love actually making the things I pin! Let's see if I can keep it up, does anyone else struggle with this?

Charlie

Fox Zipper Pouch

Everyone loves foxes, right? How could you not love this fabric then... foxes and owls in a fall theme. I bought this fabric not even being sure what to do with it. Then, I realized I needed to make a journaling pouch! I always wish I had my journaling stuff with me when I stumble upon quaint little places or even randomly visit coffee shops.

This pouch fits perfectly in my purse and keeps everything in one place so that I don't have pens and glue sticks flying out when I am paying for things (ok, well to be honest the pen thing will still happen cause I love pens)! I modified the fold over clutch DIY to accommodate different measurements. It measures 7.5x11(finished) and fits all the things.

Do you ever journal in public?
Charlie

Circle Scarf DIY Round Up

Scarves are just wonderful things. When I put a scarf on it makes me feel like I made an effort, even though my hair is tied up in a knot and I made no attempt at makeup. Needless to say, I wear them almost non-stop once the cooler weather hits. Some people make fun of me for not taking them off when I take off my coat and I don't care, I love them. In my opinion, scarves aren't only to be worn with coats and people who think that way are silly!

If you're looking to make something like the one on the right, check out this tutorial. This is a huge and amazingly comfy jersey scarf that could be a shawl in a pinch. To make the one in the middle I used the same method as the one before, but now that I found this tutorial I am going to redo it. Don't you love the print (Joann)? It is the softest jersey!

The sailboat scarf was made using the same principle as the first one, but seeing as it is very sheer/silky fabric I didn't want the raw frayed edges (it was already getting everywhere). I decided to get better acquainted with my rolled hem foot and it wasn't too scary. I hemmed the longest sides (using a rolled hem) and then sewed the short sides together... super easy!

I also attempted this lace scarf, but it turned out just awful. It was definitely me and not the tutorial so I may attempt it again later.

You can find my scarf DIYs of the past here, here and here. I was going to write this post as a DIY and not a round up, but I noticed so many talented ladies had already made them and figured I should share the love!

Charlie

Pinned it: DIY Leggings

I came across the most amazing leggings fabric while poking through Jo-Ann. I bought it thinking I would never make leggings, but that it would make a beautiful scarf. When I got home, I couldn't stop thinking about how comfy the leggings would be even though I've never made them and would most likely mess up and waste this beautiful fabric (don't you love internal doubt dialogue?). Then, I threw caution to the wind (if I messed up I would only be out $7) and got to work. 

I used this tutorial to draft the pattern, and this one to guide me through sewing them together. Things came together really easily. The waistband stitching gave me some trouble, but I think I figured out what I did wrong. I also need to buy a yard and half next time. I had just enough fabric to be the perfect length, but I couldn't hem the bottom (I just finished it off with a zigzag stitch).

They're super comfy and the fabric is nice and thick. You won't be able to see the pattern on my underwear through these... you know what I'm talking about! I might jump on the legging bandwagon now because thanks to these, I just want to make all the leggings! Any tips for cute ways to wear them in public?

Charlie

Floral and Vinyl Fold Over Clutch DIY

Remember all those clutches/pouches I made last week? Here are the instructions to make the large one! You can easily adjust the measurements to make different sizes. Hope you enjoy!

What I used:

Floral tapestry fabric

Quilters cotton

Zipper (I used what I had: 12'')

Fleece interfacing

Boat Vinyl

Leather sewing needle

Zipper Foot

Sewing machine 

Basic sewing supplies

1. Cut two square pieces of tapestry fabric (10.5x10.5) and two pieces of interfacing to match. 

2. Cut a vinyl square (10.5) and cut it in half, leaving you with two pieces (5.25).

3. Cut two rectangles from your quilters cotton (10.5x15.5). 

4. Place your tapestry fabric and vinyl right sides together (interfacing in place on the wrong side) and sew together at the bottom.

5. Make sure everything is facing the right way (you're looking at the pretty side of the fabric and the vinyl). Now, force the seam you made in step 4 to lay flat and sew across. 

6. Fold your lining fabric over (right to right side) and fold your tapestry fabric over (wrong to wrong) about a quarter inch. 

7. Place the fabric wrong sides together and make them even on the zipper. Make sure that both fabrics on the same side of your zipper. Once your fabric is even, pin and sew. Do the same for the other side.

8. Open the zipper about half way. Fold everything over so the tapestry fabric is on the inside and you are looking at your lining. Sew all the way around. You can finish the edges with a zig-zag stitch or a serger if you like.

9. Turn everything inside right and you are done!

If you have any questions let me know, and if you make one I would love to see it!

Charlie

Sewn: Floral and Vinyl

I came across this floral tapestry fabric (I call it granny fabric) in the clearance bin and I just wanted to make bags out of it... so I did! I made a new pouch for my Kindle, a large fold over clutch, a medium cross body purse and a mini fold over pouch. Making these has helped me become more comfortable with my zipper foot, interfacing and topstitching.

It was fun to play around and not worry about how it would turn out. Now that I am so comfortable with my zipper foot, I just want to make pouches for everything! I also want to be better about making time for 'just for fun' projects.

What have you been creating just for the fun of it lately?
Charlie

Crafted: Wedding Pieces

I had the honor of making a few things for a friend's wedding. She wanted to incorporate the extra lace from her dress and lots of pearls.

Hand beading isn't easy, but it looks much cleaner than glue. Plus, something about it is relaxing to me. I love how it turned out and they looked absolutely stunning on her!

~Charlie

Button Front Skirt Restyle

I love button front skirts, but for some reason, the ones I find while thrifting are always too big for me. Luckily, they're pretty easy to take in.  I am super excited that I got to keep the belt buckles on this one.  I love the character it gives to the skirt! Ignore the fact that it won't button on the form... that means it fits me perfectly!

How I did it:
1. Put the skirt on inside out and figure out how much you want to take it in on each side. This amount should be equal to keep everything centered.
2. Once you know how much you're taking it in, lay the skirt flat (inside out still) and put a pin at the top, marking that measurement on each side.

3. Go along the side of the skirt, measuring out two inches from the seam all the way down (as pictured above). You will want to keep the shape of the skirt as much as possible.
4. This step is optional: With a pencil or fabric pen, take a yard stick and and connect the pins. I do this to help me see the angle and to make sure it works on both sides. It also helps me keep the seam straight.
5. Sew both sides of your skirt and try it on.
6. When you know the skirt fits, you can trim the excess with pinking sheers or serge it.
7. Hem the skirt to your desired length, and you're done! Just remember to always hem last because taking it in will make it sit differently when you have it on, even if it is just a little bit.

I hope this will inspire you to give things that don't fit a chance at the thrift store! 

~Charlie

DIY For Him: Vinyl Wallet

Father's Day is coming and I thought I would share this simple wallet DIY. All you need is some vinyl (I got mine in the remnants bin at JoAnn), a leather needle for your sewing machine and some basic craft supplies.

1. Draft a pattern by drawing a rectangle that is 3 by 4 inches. Use a spool of thread or another small circular object to round the corners.

2. Cut two pieces.

3. Using a leather needle on your machine, sew all the way around.

4. You're done! See, super easy!

Have fun with it. Mix colors or create a different top edge.

The first time I made one of these it was to fill a need for Thomas... he hates thick wallets. You may think, what about money clips? To him, they always stretch out. So, I used scrap vinyl left over from covering chairs, a leather needle, and wax thread. It is not the prettiest thing, but he has used it ever since... almost over a year!

If something doesn't make sense, feel free to ask. I'd love to see if you make one... leave a link!
~Charlie

Strapless Dress Restyle

I have had this dress for a few years and have never worn it. I bought it from Forever 21 while on vacation and didn't try it on. Ooops... live and learn! As you can see, it is just the worst fitting thing, even on the form. An even better reason to never wear it is that the zipper always got stuck while attempting to zip it up. Awesome!

How I did it:

1. Zip the dress all the way down so you can still use the zipper.
2. Seam rip all the way around, including the lining. You will need to cut that zipper at the same point that you rip the seam. (I didn't keep my lining, but you may want to).
3. Fold at the ribbon, pin and sew all the way around. Done!

Since I didn't keep my lining, I knew I would have to wear a slip. I decided to pair it with a vintage slip and let the lace hang out the bottom.

What do you think? What do you have in your closet that you could restyle?
~Charlie