Mar 31, 2010 | DIY
The temperature’s rising, but maybe you’ve tired of the ol’ tanktop-and-jeans ensemble. Maybe you want a go-to summer dress but still want it to be comfortable for when it gets really hot. Revamp a tanktop with the addition of an old men’s tee,** and live in soft-washed cotton comfort all summer.
**I’ve adapted this recon from the book Kakkoii Kuchuuru Rimeiku [“Cool Couture Remake”], by Hiroko Yamase [Bunka Publishing, 2009]. The book is in Japanese, and I’ve converted the sizing to Western sizing, and changed the methodology here and there. Hope you like it!
You Need:
*1 tanktop that fits you well
*1 men’s t-shirt (preferably XL)
*thread matching t-shirt
*fabric scissors
and…
*marking chalk
*pins
*measuring tape
Optional:
*velvet or satin ribbon (1″ – 1.5″ wide)
*pronged studs, sew-on jewels, hotfix nailheads, or fancy trim
How To:
Prep Time
1. Wash and dry both your tanktop and t-shirt if they haven’t been washed before. Turn the t-shirt inside out and cut off the label at the back of the neck. (not pictured) Cut off the shoulder seams all the way to the sleeve seams.
Start Sewing
2. Sew the ends of the t-shirt’s sleeves closed, just inside the sleeve cuffs. These will become pockets.
3. Fold down about 1/2″ along the slit shoulders (the raw edges) of the t-shirt, all the way around, front to back, neck ribbing to neck ribbing. Stitch down, creating a 3/8″ hem.
4. Turn the t-shirt right side out, tucking the sewn sleeves inside. Fold in half and mark the center front and center back at the neck ribbing. Do the same with the tanktop.
5. Measure 4″ straight down from the mark you made on both the front and the back of your tanktop. Make another mark at each point.
6. Place the tanktop inside the t-shirt. Line up the center front of your t-shirt on top of the mark you made on the center front of the tanktop. Pin in place.
7. Pin the neck ribbing of the t-shirt to the front of the tanktop, following the natural curve of the t-shirt’s neck. (I folded the edges of the t-shirt under about 1/2″ again, since I liked the way that looked.)
8. Repeat Step 6) and Step 7) to pin the back of the t-shirt onto the back of the tanktop.
9. Stitch the t-shirt to the tanktop, following the lines of the neck-ribbing of the t-shirt. Sew TWO lines of stitching to secure: one line at the very top of the neck-ribbing, and one line at the point where the ribbing connects to the t-shirt. Do for both front and back of your piece.
Embellish It! (Optional)
9. Use a piece of ribbon as a tie for the waist, stitching at the back to secure. (not pictured)
10. Add studs, hotfix embellishments, sew-on jewels, or fancy trim to the the tanktop neck, the t-shirt ribbing, or the hem of the garment to doll your piece up.
You’re finished!
Without the belt, hands in pockets.
Belted with a velvet ribbon.
Tip: If you feel the weight of the t-shirt distorts the tank too much, sewing the sides of the tee to the tank will help eliminate the “pulling.”
Wear with some espadrille wedges and a cool pair of shades for a chic casual look as the mercury rises.
I’d love to hear your feedback everyone!
xoxox
Carly
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Mar 22, 2010 | DIY
*Forever21 coat (similar here)
*Forever21 DIY-studded cardigan
*Target striped 3/4-length sleeve shirt (similar here)
*silver horseshoe-stamped necklace I won from Lucky Magazine
*Forever21 rhinestone two-finger ring (similar here)
*Forever21 gold chain ring (similar here)
*H&M zipper skirt
*self-made leggings
*unknown wedge-heel booties (something kinda similar here)
So I’m sure you’re all wondering why I’ve been MIA for the last couple days, and what on earth I’ve been doing. In the meantime…
Spring has finally arrived here in Portland, and the weather has been beautiful.
It’s been time to break out the ol’ lawnmower…
Run for your life!
Find leprechaun gold on St. Patrick’s Day…
Walk the dog…
I refuse to be walked. Oh, and may the Force be with you.
And watch the plum blossoms fall, like light pink snow, on the front lawn.
I, meanwhile, have been sick.
We got off the plane 2 Mondays ago, and I felt a tickle in my throat. “I’m just dehydrated,” I thought…
And guzzled tons of water Tuesday, but felt increasingly worse. “I’m just jetlagged,” I thought, and endeavored to catch up on tons of sleep, guzzled more water…
But by Thursday it was evident I had a head cold. I sprung a 101-degree fever, had a runny nose, and unbelievable body aches and pains (and it wasn’t from dragging all our luggage around!)
By Sunday last week it felt like the cold was on its way out, so Monday morning I met up with a friend I hadn’t seen in awhile, and we hung out and talked for about 3 hours, me sucking on Halls and downing honeyed green tea the whole time.
I felt an annoying tickle in my throat again, but still had sinus pressure and a runny nose from the cold that was on its way out. So I drank TONS of water, tea, and guzzled probably half a honeybear of honey.
Last Tuesday came, and I had no voice.
No voice whatsoever.
I could only speak in a raspy whisper, and in a squeak here and there. At some points I couldn’t even whisper at all – my mouth was forming the words, but it was like there was no sound passing my lips.
I haven’t had laryngitis this bad in at least 15 years, so it was a shock to say the least.
I read on the Internet (that most reliable source of information) that the best cure for laryngitis is to let the virus run its course, get plenty of rest, and not use your voice. Easier said than done when you have a 4-year-old.;-) And salt gargles, which I’ve been doing.
So, since my blogging routine is usually wait for Lil Tot to fall asleep around 8:30 PM, then sneak out of bed so as not to wake him, head for my computer, and blog for the next 4 hours, this was totally ruined by the get plenty of rest suggestion, and I’ve been sleeping 10-12 hours per day (!) since Tuesday in a desperate attempt to get my voice back.
Friday I finally got a trim, since I’m growing my hair out it’s kind of in that shapeless, can’t-do-anything-with-it stage.
It really did feel like the First Day of Spring, with the warm weather, and the sunshine. So I broke out my fave blue coat, the one for some reason complete strangers like to complement me on when I wear it.
It has a lovely, striped satin lining. To think it was only $39 on sale at F21!
(no longer available, tho you can get something at Alloy where I’ve linked above.)
So these are my showing-off-my-new-hair-and-my-newfound-finally-not-just-a-whisper-voice (more like heavy-smoker, husky-phone-sex-old-lady-voice) photos.
Useful padlock bag from Aldo that was around $40. Waaay better than a Paddington!
I also wanted to share my studded cardi that I made a little while ago. A great way to dress up a regular black boyfriend lightweight cardigan, silver studs around the edge elevate it from casual to something much, much better. (And these cardigans been all over Vivi magazine for the past couple months if you happen to have caught a glimpse of them!) Interestingly enough, I couldn’t find any for sale in the U.S. and a reasonable price. (And Forever21 hasn’t done a knockoff, something I’m a little surprised at still. Doing a quick search for a studded cardi at ShopStyle will produce a couple similar ones…but at a couple hundred dollars each. I mean, come on.)
So a quick little DIY for ya:
———————–
How To Make a Studded Cardigan
You Need:
*boyfriend cardigan (like this one from Target)
*1 (gross) packet of 7mm Square Hotfix Nailheads (silver) from i-kandi.com
*Hotfix Applicator tool
*piece of scrap cardboard
Why heatset studs instead of pronged? Because they are far, far lighter…and easier to set on a lightweight knit such as this.
Place the cardboard directly underneath the front of your sweater. (You may have to shift the sweater placement as you affix studs around the neckline.) I just placed them about 1.5″ apart along the front edges of the cardigan, and along the top edges of the pockets. (You use the large flat attachment for the applicator tool, press down lightly onto the nailhead you have already placed on your sweater, and hold for about 15 seconds. Repeat for each stud, all the way around the neckline, and on the top of the pockets.) I love the finished effect!
Pretty simple, eh? (And yes, my cardboard is from an IKEA box. I do love IKEA.;-)
————————
I didn’t realize until after I’d received my cardigan in the mail that the particular one I’d ordered had a detachable scarf with the cardigan’s pockets on it. (Don’t ask why I didn’t realize this; I’m an idiot.) I sewed the scarf down onto the cardigan and added the studs; now faced with the problem of the cardigan no longer being able to button and the back of the neck rolling absurdly because of the extra material from the scarf…surgery on this cardigan needs to be attempted soon. I just haven’t bothered with it just yet.
Here you can see the little scarf-piece I haven’t dealt with yet.
I also can’t believe I found these boots last week at the Buffalo Exchange for $15. I’ve concluded that the person who sold them to the Buffalo Exchange must have been legally insane…because you’d have to be ker-azyto willingly give up this cute little pair. I was actually looking for a pair to DIY my own lace-up Ann Demuelemeesters…and I found these instead. They are adorable, right down to the little fold-over at the top, and surprisingly comfortable. The only clue to their origin is the stamping in the footbed…which could read “F21” or “F24” depending on how you look at them. Does anyone recognize them from a Forever21?
Friday I went to bed praying that I would not sound like a 3-packs-a-day-smoker for this networking event I was aching to go to on Saturday, since I am in the market for a full-time J-O-B and refuse to work at Burger King. (apologies all who work at Burger King.)
So I am currently massively behind on everything from housework to going through my mail to answering email (only 53 new messages this morning, thank god) to posting here to formspringing. Sorry, sorry, sorry.
Will get to everything slowly as my voice finally seems to be coming back, just as slowly, unfortunately…and now Lil Tot has now caught whatever I had.
Plus…okay, another reason I’ve been reticent to take/post outfit photos…or really do anything…is that I’ve gained 7 pounds while in Hawaii.
Can you see it in my face? (I put on weight in my face first, #$%@ing genetics.)
I honestly don’t know how it happened. I thought I was being careful, but obviously too much time spent with my computer while others were frolicking on the beach, too many giving in to decadent food and dinners and full buffet breakfasts….ugh. I’m pretty annoyed with myself since I usually only swing about 3 pounds above my usual set-point throughout the given month…but this…puts me right back where I was last year, before beginning the hell that was P90X.
Funny how a slightly higher number on the scale can totally defeat your willpower to do anything, isn’t it? Nevertheless, I am glad Spring is here! (even tho my garden obviously hasn’t realized it yet LOL)
Anyway, thank you all so much for commenting during my lapse, and asking questions and giving me feedback…as well as entering my Cold Plasma Giveaway…which I’ll be announcing the winner to tomorrow!
You guys are the best.:-)
xoxoxo
Carly
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Dec 25, 2009 | DIY
I’ve stuffed the stockings, laid out piles of prezzies under the Christmas Tree, emailed 18 of my closest friends holiday greetings, realized I’ve forgotten to stock my fridge with eggnog – and now I’m DIY’ing.
Isn’t that what Christmas is all about???:-)
The lacy ruffled vest: I know, it’s a strange concept. But I’ve been seeing these since summer in Tokyo – on all the coolest girls, and plastered all over the Japanese mags – where girls are using it as a feminine layering peice to tone down the masculinity of all that black, denim, and studs.
And it’s super-easy to make!
You Need:
*lacy long-sleeved top (I found mine at Goodwill – but you can probably find one at any thrift store – or even off-the-rack, since 80’s lacy stuff is experiencing a huge revival right now)
*fabric scissors
*sewing machine
*matching thread
*needle for finer woven fabrics
How To:
1. Cut the sleeves off your top carefully so you leave the finished armhole seams on the shirt. Cut straight down the center of the shirt. (If your shirt didn’t have a V-neck before, cut the neck into a V-shape.)
2. Cut each sleeve in half vertically and spread open.
3. Place one sleeve on one side of the cut front of the top. (Orient the top of the sleeve cap at the end of the V- of the V-neck; and the sleeve itself centered on the cut CF edge. The sleeve bottom/cuff area will likely be slightly longer than your top length.) Stitch the sleeve to the top along your shirt’s cut edge. (not pictured)
4. Repeat for the other sleeve – attaching to the other side of the top’s center front vertical cut edge.
5. Cut the sleeve edges into a scalloped pattern – you can follow the pattern of your lace – or cut in a vertical zigzag – or scalloped – it’s up to you. It may take a couple tries of cutting and then trying the piece on to see how the fabric falls – and adjusting after that.
You’re done!
Wear under a denim vest (my DIY here), layer under a fur vest, throw on over a slim-fit turtleneck – pair under a leather jacket or a men’s plaid top for the ultimate Victor/Victoria.
And if you don’t want to DIY – just buy – this adorable piece for $30 from jadelouse1’s Etsy store. (above)
Happy DIY’ing if you so choose – and Merry Christmas – Happy Hanukkah – and Superb (?) Kwanzaa!
xoxox
Carly
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Dec 21, 2009 | DIY
Okay, there’s not much of a price difference there, but still…
Fa la la la la! I love the holidays!!
But one thing I don’t love is all the correspondence it entails. Email just won’t cut it at this time of year.
Sorry for the short absence from the WWW – just been overwhelmed with sending holiday packages, cards, New Year’s greetings, baking Christmas cookies, and gift-shopping.
7 packages, 27 cards, 11 packages of cookies, 9 holiday letters with photos later…I always overachieve this time of year and end up dropping off the face of the planet for about a week. Plus, spending an hour and a half standing in line at the post office yesterday (in THREE separate lines – one for parking, one for the automatic postal machine, and one for the window) can put anyone into a bit of a bah humbug mood. Or make one go postal. Yuk yuk yuk. Can anyone relate?
But I love the holidays – all the festivities of, all the traditions – seriously, the most happy times growing up.
So anyway…
I wanted to share a DIY I finished a little while ago with all of you.
Perhaps you or your SO has a fuzzy gray sweater or fleece in need of a makeover?
Who says winter sweaters have to be long-sleeved? This one is super-cute with armwarmers, gloves, or another layer underneath for when the weather outside is frightful.
Scanned from Vivi December 2009 issue. What can I say – I love this magazine maybe a bit too much!:-)
So I figured, why not make this from an oversized sweater? (after the jump)
DIY: MEN’S SWEATER TO EMBELLISHED SHORT-SLEEVE TOP
You Need:
oversized sweater (nubby knit or fleece, preferably men’s) // 9 faceted sew-on jewels
scissors // pins // needle and thread // sewing machine // sewing machine needle for knits
How To:
1. Cut off sleeves and trim neckline into a V-neck.
2. Turn under sleeve cuffs and stitch raw edges down. (not pictured)
3. To size the sweater smaller (if using a men’s sweater), try on sweater and pinch extra fabric at back of neck until V-neck lays properly on your collarbone (i.e., not too wide). Have a friend stick a pin in the excess, take off the shirt, and turn inside-out. Pin in a line down the center back, all the way to the hem.
4. Unpick the bottom hem of the shirt so you can flatten the line you pinned all the way down to the cut edge of the fabric. (Probably about 1″ or so on either side of the line you pinned.)
5. Sew CB line all the way to the cut edge. (not pictured)
6. Turn hem under once more and re-stitch hemline. (not pictured)
7. Cut off excess of CB seam. (not pictured – obviously, I got lazy here)
8. Turn under seam allowance around neckline, and stitch down. (not pictured)
9. Sew jewels around neckline.
Done!
I’m thinking about resetting the sleeves so the shoulder seam is shorter, which I think might make this less matronly and more like the original.
But maybe I’ll leave it as is!
These little jewels were in a multisize pack of 25 for about $3.99 at Jo-Ann’s. And the shirt was $6.99 at Goodwill. Super-warm!
Happy DIY’ing…and Happy Birthday to me! (It’s today!) Not quite sure the appropriate emotional response…but hopefully I’m another year wiser! (Maybe to avoid the P.O. after December 15 next year?)
xoxox
Carly
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