shoe makeover I love the simple, carefree style of laceless tennis shoes, especially in the summer. They're the best shoes to slip on before running errands, shopping, being outside, or really anything. I've been drooling over these Keds for a while now... However $50 for one pair of shoes really isn't in my budget. So when I saw plain white Keds knock offs at Walmart for only $5 , I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Materials Needed: Plain White or Off White Tennis Shoes (Walmart has them for $5 and Target has them for $9)RIT or other brand Fabric Dye1.5 " wide ElasticStrong Needle and Thread (in coordinating color) Although I love the muted colors that Keds sells. First take out the laces In a large pot Boil your water. Rinse your shoes off in the sink with hot water When your water is boiling, turn it down to more of a simmer and add your dye. Let them sit, stirring them around every once in a while, for about 10 minutes or until they reach your desired shade. Here's how mine looked once dry: Shoes- $5
Fabric Envelopes I was provided product for this post, but all opinions are my own. I love quick and simple sewing projects. And I have one for you today - Fabric Envelopes! This would be a fun beginner-sewing project and a fun way to showcase cute fabric: Alright, here we go! You'll need two pieces of fabric, one for the outside and one for the lining. If you don't have an envelope die, you can hand-cut the shape as seen above. I was experimenting to see if I could cut fabric with the die. You'll need to cut one out of each fabric: Now for the sewing - - put the two pieces together, with the right sides facing each other and sew all the way around the edge, except you'll want to leave about 2 inches on one side un-sewn. Next you're going to turn the project right-side out by pulling it through the opening. Now just fold it into envelope shape and iron it down. That's it! If you're looking for a simple sewing project, this is one you can do! www.SugarBeeCrafts.com
Flip-Flop Refashion: Part 3 (Ruffled T-Strap) Are you tired of flip flips yet? Hang in there…….because I’m not. :) I keep finding new colors of $2 flip-flops, cutting them apart, and making new straps and styles with fabric scraps and doo-dads that I have at home. I just can’t get enough of these simple little jewels. If you missed out on the other ideas…..you can find them here and here. So today, I made some frilly little T-strap sandals. They would look great in any color. And they just happened to fit perfectly on my little 15 year old niece. (Such a perk to have family nearby. The breathable cotton makes these super comfy and light for the warmer weather. Great with jeans. Thanks for letting me use your feet Camille. Ready to make your own? Before you begin, check out the post here, to see how to take apart an old pair of flip flops. **Also, The fabric I used for these T-straps, was a really sturdy cotton. For this t-strap style, you’ll need 2 long strips of fabric and some circles. Now, for the ruffle. And that’s it.
Second Sewing Month Project: Upcycle Sheets into PJs - A Dose of the Delightful Okay, so it's not National Sewing Month anymore - not even close! But I'm determined to finish my original list of projects: Creating throw & lumbar pillows with piping & invisible zippersFinishing a set of pajamas I'm making out of old sheets (how Sound of Music of me!) Now I've done 2 out of 4! A few years ago, my mom was doing some spring cleaning and preparing several bags of goods for donation. I made the top using this easy Simplicity pajama pattern, and wanted to try out this free Colette Madeleine mini bloomers pattern for the bottoms. I have to admit, I was pretty daunted - I'd never done anything like making my own elastic casings or even making a buttonhole! I do, actually, have two arms! A couple of notes on some adjustments I made: I thought having the ties in the front of the legs was a bit too baby-doll for my taste, so I moved them to the sides of each leg.
Mod Podge Shoes My husband jokes every time I get the bottle of Mod Podge out that I’m going to Mod Podge fabric to our computer keys or Mod Podge our kids clothing to their bodies. Hey, don’t tempt me. I know, I may go a little overboard with this stuff…….but I just had to try it on some shoes. Originally, I saw the idea on a site my sister showed me. And using some of my favorite fabric. How fun would these be if you matched them to a cute skirt you’ve made? Anyway, this is my first time applying fabric to shoes with Mod Podge and I am in no way claiming that this will last on here forever. Edited To Add: Emilee left a comment and mentioned outdoor Mod Podge… Sure enough, I found some online here. Do you want to try it out yourself? Grab a pair of your old flats or buy a nice inexpensive/clearance pair to try it out on. (I cut the bows off.) Just lay a piece of fabric over the shoe, big enough to cover the entire thing. Trim around the edges, just so there’s not tons hanging over the edge.
Girl's Layered Skirt Many of you commented that Lucy’s seersucker skirt last week would be great for Easter. So I got busy. And here it is. A tutorial for girls (and moms?) of all ages: It’s bouncy and girly and ruffly. Or sitting pretty and dainty, sort of. Asking Lucy to model for me is a grab bag of expressions. But enough rambling. Let’s get started. There are so many ways to make a skirt (check out the Tutorials section for more ideas). This one is a layered/ruffled/tiered skirt. FABRICS TO USE I absolutely love seersucker cotton (detailed info on that here). AMOUNT OF FABRIC This will vary on the size of skirt you’re making, but for a 4-5 year old (shown here), 1 yard of fabric is great. SIZINGThe skirt is made of tiers. For the skirt LENGTH* Decide how long you want your skirt to be….a couple inches above the knee? If you find that the skirt is too full – use smaller ratios on the numbers aboveIf you want the ruffles to be more full – increase the ratios above (make the ruffles 2.5 times as long, etc)
Flip-Flop Refashion: Part 1 (Braided Straps) Summer is great. And warm. And full of outdoor activities and trips to the pool and random walks around the neighborhood. I love it. And my shoe of choice for these warmer months?? So, I saw a tutorial for this flip-flop makeover (great work Mother Huddle), floating around the web…….and the wheels started turning. I decided to just string all of the ideas together and create a whole series. First up? A quick and easy flip flop…….made with some braided knit fabric scraps, using the 5 strand braiding technique, shown here. These soft braided straps streeeeeetch the perfect amount, right around the back of my heel……..keeping the flip-flop snug and in place. I added little loops of fabric to the sides, to keep the braided straps in place. These little sandals are so light, they’re soft and stretchy, and my favorite part……..they’re inexpensive. ($2.50 to be exact) These flip-flops make me think of the beach……and make me miss GA. I guess I better find a sandy spot at the lake. And that’s it. Enjoy.
Cat Toy Critters Tutorial 1. Start out by sewing bird belly to one side of bird half and continue up and around over head until you reach the tail. 2. Continue on with the tail in position until the end, knot, then finish the other side of tail. 3. Now go back and finish sewing the other side of the bird belly. Wow you can see the bird taking shape! 4.