Wrap Maxi Dress / Coverup Vacation DIY

I had leftover fabric from my Criss-Cross Top DIY and decided to make a simple wrap dress to serve as an airy maxi or as a swimsuit cover-up.  I'm planning on packing lightly so will be using a primarily black palette with little bits of color here and there.  Makes it easier to mix and match!

Difficulty: Easy-Intermediate

Time: ~2-3 hours

Pattern:  McCall M6024 A (minus the ruffles), elongated skirt to maxi length, used a rolled hem on all raw edges

Materials: ~1.5-2 yards of fabric - I used a lightweight knit from Fabrics R Us in San Jose

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Criss-cross Top Vacation DIY

We're nearing our vacation to Hawaii (have wanted to go for ages, but am not the best flyer, so hooray for CA proximity!) and I decided to make some lightweight, comfortable, and warm-weather friendly garments.  In my delusions of grandeur, I told myself I was making my own "resort collection" :P

Difficulty: Very Easy

Time: ~1 hour

Pattern:  McCall M6751 A (minus the pocket), slimmed sides slightly, used a rolled hem on all raw edges

Materials: 1 yard of fabric - I used a lightweight knit from Fabrics R Us in San Jose

Likely, I will be wearing this top with a pair of shorts or a maxi skirt:

I also have a wrap maxi dress / coverup in the works for a future post :)

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Transitioning Florals - Skirt DIY

With all the magazines focused on spring fashions, my mind automatically drifts towards florals and light colors.  I fell in love with the watercolor-esque strokes in this print and thought it would perfect for a skirt.  In the spring, I'll wear this with short sleeved tops and bare legs, but for now a sweater and tights will work :)

Floral Pleated Skirt DIY

Difficulty: Easy

Time: ~2 hours

Pattern:  2 Rectangles 24 x 32"

Materials:

• 1 yard floral fabric from Joann's
• 9" invisible zipper

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Reversible Shell w/ Removable Peplum DIY Tutorial

If I could multi-purpose every DIY, I would and feel pleased as punch about it.  :)  Today's shell is reversible - cobalt on one side and charcoal on the other.  I also put together a removable cobalt peplum  for more versatility.

Left: Peplum Look

Center: Cobalt Shell (side 1)

Right: Charcoal Shell (side 2)

Difficulty: Easy

Time: ~2-3 hours

Pattern:  Make your own from an existing sleeveless top

Materials:

• Existing sleeveless shell to pattern your top
• 1 yard of fabric for side 1 and 1 yard of fabric for side 2.  Ideally, the same fabric type.  I used 2 stretchy knits - 1 in cobalt and 1 in charcoal.
• ~3/4 yard fabric for 1 peplum

Steps:
1. Create a basic top using an existing shirt (tutorial here).  Make 2 identical basic tanks.
2. Place one tank inside the other one where the right sides of each are touching.  Notch the collar (cutting through both) by making a triangular cut (a little over 1" on each side) at one side.

2. Sew the 2 tops together similar to how you would line a top (tutorial here)
3. Optional - Create the removable peplum (tutorial here, see part 2 towards the bottom of the post).  You can close your peplum several ways:

• use a brooch
• add a hook and eye
• use a button and buttonhole

Happy sewing and have a great week!