Milly Inspired Chain Cardigan DIY Tutorial

Left: Milly Chain Cardigan, $367,  Right: DIY Version, materials = $18

Here's another fun and easy DIY project on my favorite type of clothing - the cardigan.  I really loved the chain detailing seen on Milly cardi and set off to makeover one of my plain black cardis.

Tutorial and more pics after the jump...

Ruffle Neck Sleeveless Top DIY

This is an oldie but goodie :)  I made this early on in my sewing "career" and it's one of my favorites.  I love the dramatic collar and how it makes a bad-hair-ponytail-day special.  I'm thinking of recreating this in a steel gray color.  Any interest in a tutorial for this?

More pics after the jump...

Petaled Shoulder Sleeveless Top DIY Tutorial

Ahh, the petaled shoulder top - this is one of my favorites and it's easy to boot!  The very first step to this tutorial is to create a basic tank (1st part of this post - directions here).  I used a navy polyester from Joann's that was labeled as "Baby Silk" and indeed it does feel very silky.  It has more of a matte finish so it doesn't look 1970s polyester which is also a plus.

Another retroactive tutorial after the jump...

Draped & Gathered Cardigan and Ruffled Button Down DIY

 This won't be a formal tutorial since these are just follow-the-pattern creations (modified Butterick 5498 and Butterick B5284) but I wanted to show you all what I worked on this weekend :)

This draped / gathered cardi used a lightweight knit and was created by widening the front flaps by 4" (left flap that's swept over) and 2" (right flap).  Then I just manipulated the left flap a little bit for frayed edges and scrunched it for some pleating.  The buttons are decorative rather than functional and the closure is a simple hook and eye.  Total project cost: $6.

Here's another picture to show the shoulder detail:

The second project was inspired by all the J. Crew and LOFT ruffled button downs that I've seen all over the place lately.  This is a shirting fabric from Joann's.  Total project cost = $9.

                     

Woohoo - I've been featured on Cut Out and Keep :)

Just wanted to share a quickie  - I saw this today and was just tickled that I was a featured project!

Basic Tank and Bow Ruffle Top Tutorial DIY

Top: Bow Ruffle Top DIY, $3 materials

Necklace:  Pearl Cluster DIY, $5 materials

Pants: LOFT Gray Cropped Pants, $15 (final sale find!)

I'm going to try another retroactive tutorial with illustrations so please bear with me :)  Today's tutorial will focus on how to make a basic tank and then embellish it with a bow ruffle as pictured above.

Instructions after the jump...

Chan Luu Inspired Wrap Bracelet DIY Tutorial

Chan Luu bracelets, typically around $295

My version using this tutorial (sorry the original link no longer works, but click here for my version of the tutorial with video), total materials = $16

I saw this tutorial and just HAD to give it a shot.  My first try was an utter failure but once I got the hang of it, it got easier. One tip is to secure the leather laces to something so they're not flopping around when you're doing the weaving. I used a piece of cardboard and 2 binder clips to keep them stable and it was smooth sailing from there.


That said, I don't think I'm hip enough to actually rock the look...

Cardi Clips DIY a la Emma from GLEE

Cardi clips!

Short blurb today (just got back from a wedding) - I was looking for the clothes from GLEE and came across this tutorial to create your own Emma-esque cardi clips and it was super easy too!  I just needed clip-on earrings, chain, 2 jump rings and some jewelry pliers!

Here are Emma's:

So cute! :)