I received a question earlier about the ring I was wearing in one of my photos that is used to make jewelry. I answered it and hit “post to Blogger” on formspring.me…but nothing happened, and my answer and the question were deleted. So here it is again…
The ring is on my left index finger – it is called a Jump Ring Tool. It is used for prising open and closing jumprings when making jewelry. You can buy it from most craft/jewelry supply stores, or online at sites such as Firemountaingems.com here, for about $3. Up until I bought it I was opening and closing jumprings by pushing them with my nail, or if they were heavy-gauge jumprings, using two sets of pliers. Not anymore! I can’t believe all that struggling – this little tool is such a timesaver, and I honestly can’t believe I managed without it up til now. (I sometimes forget to take it off, tho!)
Hope that answers your question!
xoxox
Carly
However, what I would add to this is first of all try to find a fabric with a similar amount of stretch and sheen as the leggings you are copying. Different fabrics have different amounts of stretch, which can make or break the fit in something as tight as leggings. Secondly, though the Threadbanger tutorial says to draw a scooped front – actually *trace* the front of the leggings you are copying; don’t draw it freehand. Add about 1 3/8″ above the scooped front and back of the leggings to accommodate a 1/2″ waist elastic; after tracing and cutting out, sew the side seams together and fold the waistband under in order to create a casing (in which you will thread your elastic through). Thirdly, you need to make a front AND a back for your leggings – do not just trace the front as in the tutorial. (The width of the front and the back of your body is NOT equal – your front, side seam to side seam is actually about 1/2″ to 1″ wider than your back.) If your leggings pattern does not reflect this, the side seams can be too far front, resulting in a bad fit. You don’t have to trace onto a piece of paper if you don’t want to; you can just pin your leggings on top of a folded piece of fabric, and trace the shape directly on the fabric.
The leggings I was wearing were a first sample where I was working on the pattern; I found that the fabric was too different from my original pair..it had more stretch, which is why the leggings are baggy around my knees. Usually something tight fitting like leggings will be cut at least 1/2″ smaller in circumference than your legs so that the fabric hugs you.
Edit 4/4: Reader Carolyn noted in the Comments that BurdaStyle also offers a $2 leggings pattern for those who don’t have their own leggings to copy. Thanks Carolyn!
I hope this helps and you’ll be able to make a pair of your own! Let me know if you have trouble!:-)
xoxox
Carly
Hi! I`m Nadia can you make dresses for people with a thicker midsection and skinny legs?? I have a very difficult time trying to find dresses that`ll flatter my mid section and give me volume on my lower half. Thanks!!
I received a very similar question on the Threadbanger blog. I’m not sure if you are the same person or not, but in any case, here is my answer for converting the Summer Tank Dress to something that will flatter your shape:
If you are skilled with a sewing machine, I’d recommend maybe adding a piece of elastic at the waist of this dress to bring it in, and then converting the skirt part to elasticized shorts (little bubble-shorts, if you will). Straight shorts I would worry would emphasize the difference in proportion between your legs and your midsection; by echoing the “blouson” style of the top created by the elasticized waist I think it would help even you out. Another silhouette you might try (not with this project, tho) is a corseted or very structured, tight-fitting midsection with a tulip skirt or full skirt that stands away from your body. (No gathering at the waist so we’re not adding bulk to your midsection!) This could be a very cute, fashion-forward look – think strapless, structured pieces, tube tops, corset-style, vertical seaming for your top half and voluminous shapes for your bottom. (Peplums are really popular lately and they might also be something to try!)
Hope that helps!
xoxo
Carly
Thanks for your question!
xoxox
Carly
Carly J. Cais I am a DIY’er, designer, sewist, maker, and marketer. Chic Creative Life is where I share what I do, and help others bring their unique style into their own lives.
