Project Maternity: Interchangeable Blooms & Buttons Top Tutorial

Hi everybody!  How’s that for a long title? Here’s my latest and last (for a minute) Project Maternity Project.  I have a few other maternity projects on my list, but I’m tired of them for the moment.  I have some non-baby related projects to show you in the upcoming days.

This is probably my most favorite refashion EVER.  And I’ve done a few of them (that’s the understatement of the century!).

I came up with this project on a Friday around midnight.  I’ve decided that when my husband and I stay up late, my brain comes up with it’s best creations.  I have yet to show you something I made for my kitchen that was a late night discovery.

This project was inspired by my lack of options in my maternity wear.  I ended up with 3 black shirts and a gray shirt, among some others.  I wanted a flowered top, but I didn’t want to be stuck with one color scheme.  I realized that if I had buttons, and circles of knit, I could make as many color combos as I wanted.  And I have!  I also did this with a plain white shirt so I can wear it with black or brown skirts.  I can coordinate the flowers with the colors in the skirt, and it works like a charm!  When I want a simple look, I wear it without the flowers.  The buttons add some charm without being too much.  LOVE this project!

Ready to make your own?

What you’ll need:

Buttons

T-Shirt  (I used a V-neck Liz Lange for Target Maternity top, but  this can be done with any neckline and a non-maternity top too)

Thread, Needle

Knit to cut into flowers (think old t-shirts)

First, you’ll want to take your buttons and sew them to your shirt.  I did it by hand (I had just enough time to do the project and didn’t want to fiddle with my machine), but could do it by machine.  Ashley over at Make it and Love it has a great tutorial on how to do this.  I haven’t tried it, but you could if you wanted!

You can do as many or as few buttons as you want.  I got tired at 9.  I kept the buttons quite close, so the flowers would overlap quite a bit.  I also used different shades of black/white/gray buttons, and different sizes for variety.

Now comes the fun part.

(yes, I write on my scissors.  That’s so I remember which ones are fabric only. :)

Take your knit and your scissors.  I folded/arranged my knit so I had two layers stacked together.  This way I could cut out two flowers at once.

Cut out circles.  I just eyeballed it.  Knit can be trimmed and fixed as you go because it doesn’t fray, so I love just winging it.  If you want to use a pattern, just use something in your home like a jar lid to trace and cut out.

Keep cutting, using your different colors and different sizes until you get several circles.

Then take 2 circles and stack them how you’d like.  (We won’t be attaching the circles together for added versatility, so just grab a couple and go for it, you can change them as much as you want later!)

Now grab those stacked circles and fold them in half.  I figured out later that it worked best to have the smaller circle on the outside (so I should have folded it the opposite way as this picture, but it’s not rocket science so don’t stress).

Now take your scissors and make a TINY snip in the middle of your folded circles.  I tried to use the very tips of my scissors to prevent me from making to large of a cut.

Now unfold your circles, and stretch the hole to fit over your buttons.  You just created your first flower!  If you holes are too small, you can cut a bit more to get the right fit.  Some knits are more stretchy than others, and they do stretch out with use.

Repeat until all of your buttons have cute little flowers around them.  As you can see, some buttons had multiple color layers, while others only had one.  It’s up to you, have fun with it and make it yours!

Make the circles in several colors, and change them out to match your mood!

****Oh, and as far as washing, I would suggest removing the circles before washing. I like to turn my shirt inside out because my dryer has been known to eat buttons, but it’s broken so that’s probably why!****

If you do this project, I would absolutely LOVE to see a picture!  Also, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

Thanks for reading, as always

~Lynette~

Tutorial Tuesday: How to Make a Reversible Bag

Whew!  This tutorial has been in the works forever!  A reader contacted me in May requesting a tutorial, and I am just now getting it posted.  Problem is, that while I was happy to make the bag, for my own use I needed a bigger one!  In the process of enlarging the pattern, I came upon some snags.  So I’ll share both the small and large pattern pieces, with instructions for both.  So you get a little 2 in 1.  I hope it’s worth the wait!
**UPDATE:  The Pattern is ready, just leave your email in a comment (or make sure your email is attached to your profile) and I will send it to you ASAP so you can get started!**
 *I am still getting the pattern pieces ready, and hope they will be done by Friday.  So gather your supplies, and I will hustle to get the patterns done! I will let you know.  I am not sure how to upload a pattern in blogger, so just comment with your email and I will get it to you once it’s available*

This bag is perfect for an everyday purse.  The smaller version was wonderful to keep my wallet, phone, keys, a notebook, and small book in when needed.  The larger version is more roomy to keep my favorite water bottle in, bills, and other necessities that I’ve grown accustomed to by using larger purses.  The bag can be made to be reversible, which is very handy!  You can customize this bag anyway you’d like.  If you prefer zipper pockets, they are easy to add in.  If you want a pen organizer, go for it!

Want to make your own?  Let’s do it!
For the Small Version You’ll Need:
(approximate yardage-it also depends on how many pockets you add)
1/2  to 1 yard of outer fabric
1/2 to 1 yard of liner fabric
Small Pattern (Leave me a Comment and I’ll email you the pattern)
For the Large Version You’ll Need:
(approximate yardage-it also depends on how many pockets you add)
1 1/4 yards of outer fabric
1 1/4 yards of liner fabric
Large Pattern (Leave a Comment and I’ll email the pattern to you)
Fusible Interfacing (I can’t tell you exactly how much because I figured this part out as I went and pieced it after the bag was assembled!) ;)
For BOTH Versions You’ll need:
Matching Thread
Sewing Machine/Supplies
Zippers tutorial for zipper pocket here by jcarolinecreative start at step #12 (if desired)
Magnetic Snap  tutorial here by Craft Apple (if desired)
Adjustable Strap Hardware  tutorial here by You SEW Girl! (if desired)
Velcro or buttons for closures on pockets (yes…if desired!)
*Note:  I’m not picky with seam allowances, so I will not specify what I used because I can’t remember.  When I make bags, I’ve found it doesn’t matter as much as it does when I’m constructing a piece of clothing.
Well that was a complicated list.  I promise it’s not that hard!

Pin the pattern to your outer fabric.  Cut out, leaving a small amount of fabric for seam allowance.  Cut out 2 outer fabric pieces, 2 liner fabric pieces, and for those of you making the larger bag, 2 interfacing pieces.  If you want to be more accurate, you can cut against the pattern and the bag will end up a tad smaller-but I promise it will still be big enough.

While you still have a long strip of fabric available, go ahead and cut out what you want to use for your strap.  I think I ended up cutting a 2 inch strip along the width of the material.  I will not be showing details on the strap in this tutorial because it was a disaster this time around.  I usually use this method as described on the instructions for the Simple Six-Pocket Bag by Better Home and Gardens.  You can make your strap any width you want, and still follow the directions linked above.

If you want to make inside zipper pockets, cut these pockets out.  I cut mine 10 in. X 12 in.  I cut two so the bag would truly be reversible.

Cut out the cute pockets.  I did not enlarge the ‘cute pocket,’ pattern for the larger size.  I just eyeballed it, and added on extra fabric as shown above.  Do this as well if you make the larger bag.  I promise it’s not as hard as you think it is!

I cut two panels for each pocket. So if you want two pockets, cut out four pieces. This will allow us to have lined pockets.

So now you should have two outer pieces, two liner pieces, pocket pieces (rounded and zipper depending on your choices) and material for your strap.  If you are making the large bag, you should also have two interfacing pieces.  You should apply your interfacing now if you are going to.  I ended up piecing it on after I had assembled everything and realized I needed it, and it was a mess!  So just do it now, and be happy you don’t have to do what I did!
Now would be a great time to also assemble your strap!  If I leave it until the end, I find it’s hard to get it done.  If it’s ready when the bag is done, then I can just put it on quickly.  I made mine adjustable this time.  Here’s a great tutorial I used from You SEW Girl!  I made my strap about 45-50 inches long, and it worked great.  I had to piece some material to make it work, but it just added visual appeal to the bag!

Now we’ll get out pockets ready so we can assemble the bag!  Take 2 rounded pocket pieces and place them right sides together.  Sew around the edges, leaving a small section for turning.  I like to leave the straight edges unsewn for turning so they can come together easier after turning.  do this for both rounded pockets.

Iron the unsewn part down inside the pocket, so it looks like it’s sewn shut.  Then use a straight stitch across the top of the pocket to close it.  I did a decorative stitch across the top below the straight stitch which you can see in the next picture.  This is optional.

Now we’ll sew the pockets onto the bag panels.  I did one on the outer fabric, and one of the liner fabric as shown above.  I just eyeballed where to put it, but you can measure and center it if you’d like!  I stitched two lines to make it look a little more finished.
2 bag panels ready, 2 more to go!

If you want to insert zippered pockets, go for it!  I am not going to attempt to explain this, but I will say that it is super easy.  I always follow this tutorial  at J Caroline Creative starting with step 12 (as it’s a whole bag tutorial).  Just go down until your zipper pockets are installed nicely.

Now we’re going to assemble the bag!  Lay your outer pieces right side together.  I folded one panel over so you could see what I was doing, but it should look like this…

Do the same thing with your liner pieces (pictured below)


Now, take the pile of the liner panels and place them directly on top of the outer panels.  Pin.

Sew around the bag, leaving the top unsewn, and about an inch at the top of each side for turning and topstitching the bag.

Now turn the bag so the outer panels are on the outside.  I didn’t take pictures of this, and I don’t know how I would have, but I probably should have! What you’ll do, is you’ll grab one of the outer panels, and the three remaining panels, and turn it.  Then it will be the way you want.  I hope this makes sense!  If not, just try something until you have it the right way!
Then pin the liner and outer fabrics together, folding them down so the bag looks finished, as shown above and closer up below.


Then sew those folded edges down, and you’re almost done!  I always miss a piece while I’m doing this step, so I always go around twice.  It looked nicer this way as well.

(A close up of the double lines on the top of the bag.)
Now all you need to do is sew your strap on, and you’re set.  Some people like to sew it one when top stitching the bag, but I don’t because I’ve been taught to sew it on after to keep the straps on better.  I just stuck the straps inside the bag about an inch and sewed back and forth a few times. 

And now you’ve got a brand new purse, just the way you’ve always dreamed of!
Please let me know in the comments if you have questions!  This is probably the most intense tutorial I’ve written so far, so let me know.  If you make one, I would love to see it!  My email is attached to my profile, so you can find it easily.
Happy Sewing!
~Lynette~
P.S.  What is your favorite must have on a bag?  The adjustable strap, the inside zipper pockets, a key hook?

No-Sew Monday: How I Mop the Easy Way

Hi there friends!  Mondays are usually my “get the house looking the way it should” days.  I recently learned a new way to mop from my sister-in-law who is from Brazil.  They do a lot of things the easy way down there, and this is such a cinch I just had to share it with you! 

You’ll need two things to build your mop.

1.  A hand towel.  (You can also cut a bath towel in half…that would probably work better unless you can find a BIG hand towel.)

2.  A long foamy squeegee and a handle

Not sure what I’m talking about?  Neither do I!  Here’s a link for a better picture, and about what I bought at Lowe’s.  I got a nice middle length one.

About the handle:  I got a super cheap mop from the dollar store and had my husband chop it off and install it on the squeegee, but it’s not heavy enough.  It has too much bounce, so keep your eye out for a cheap solid handle!

Now you’re ready to build your mop!  Here we go!

Wet and apply your preferred mopping solution to the rag.  I use dish soap because that’s what I have.  Set the hand towel down on the ground, and diagonally lay the squeegee (foam side down) on top of the towel like so.

Then fold one of the edges of the towel over the squeegee like this.

Flip the other side of the towel like so, and you’re set!  Scrub in places that are really gummy, and swipe that mop all around your floors and you’ll be done in no time!  Just a warning, if you use a small rag like I do, the rag will slip and slide off the mop, but it’s easy to put back on.  I’m wondering if using a larger rag will help with this.  When you’re done mopping, throw that rag into the wash and you’ll have your mop handy for next time you spill peach juice all over the floor while loading the dishwasher need it. :)

Advantages to this kind of mop:

• Easy to get out if you spill while cooking.
• The floors dry SUPER quick when using this kind of mop
• You have a towel handy while mopping if you need to wipe a baseboard or a spot on the wall you don’t normally see.

I’d love to hear if you try this.  It’s pretty inexpensive, and super handy!

~Lynette~

p.s.  What are your favorite types of mops?

Tutorial Tuesday: Jeans to Capris with Cuffs

*I apologize that I didn’t get this posted earlier.  I was busy helping family yesterday and today, and didn’t get this written as quickly as I wanted.  While moving all my files when I redid my computer, somehow I lost this tutorial’s p.ictures!  I searched on my back up discs and found them this morning! Phew!*
These pants are the ones I bought for $6.00 last year.  I embellished the pockets, and I love these jeans.  However, they were the ‘short,’ length.  The length worked alright for awhile, but they were a tad shorter than I liked.  So, I chopped off parts of the legs and converted them into super comfy capris.  Do you want make your own?  (It’s pretty easy!)
What you’ll need:
Pair of pants to make into capris
Capris to measure length by (or you can just try on and mark the length desired)
Sewing supplies (machine, scissors, etc. etc. etc.)

First, lay your pants out on the ground or a flat surface.  Lay a pair of capris that you like the length of on top of the pants.  (If you don’t have capris you like, try on the pants and mark them with pins or a fold where you want the pants to be).  Don’t stress about exaggerating the length for seam allowances because this is where your cuff will start.

Cut your pants to the length desired.  I used scissors because I didn’t want to get my cutting mat out, but if you want to, that’d probably work better! :)

I folded my pants so I could make sure the lengths of each leg were the same.  Just to be sure! :)

We’re going to want to use the bottom of your pants for the cuff so you have that nice finished edge.  Cut that to 4 1/2 inches.  (If you want a bigger cuff, feel free to cut it that way!)

My pants were bootcut, so it had a bit of a flare on the bottom of the pants.  I placed the cuff over the bottom of the pants, right sides together.  I pinned where I needed to take in the cuff so it would look right. 

I sewed so the seam was right next to the existing seam that was the outside of the pants.  You can barely tell I took the cuff in.

I turned the cuff inside out, cut the excess off, and used my “overlock stitch,” on the raw edges.  I also tried it on one of the cuffs with a zig-zag, and it worked great.

(A better look at the finished raw edge.)

Now, you’re going to take the cuff, and place the wrong side of the cuff on the inside of your pants.  Pin it so you have about an inch clearance. (I pinned where the edge of the cuff was on the inside).  Then sew with a zig-zag or overlock stitch around the leg of the pants.
*A note about pinning:  When pinning, make sure you line up the outside seam of the pants and the outside seam of the cuff.  The inside seam will NOT match up if you tailored the cuff to fit your pants.  Nobody will notice it, so don’t stress.  Just make sure you line up those outside seams!*

We’ve sewn one edge to the pants, but we have one edge loose.  Turn the pants inside out so you can see what you’re doing.  Pin the loose edge, and sew with a zig-zag or overlock all the way around your pants.

This is a view of the pants inside out once the cuff is completely sewn on.

Now turn your pants right side out.  They should look like the picture above.

Fold the cuff up, and tack it down using a straight stitch on each side. 
After washing these a few times, I’m thinking that I may want to tack them higher in the cuff so they don’t fold over in the dryer. I did mine below the yellow stitching on each side, so I would suggest maybe doing it a bit higher if your machine can handle it.
Trim threads (like I clearly hadn’t done yet when taking these pictures).

And done!  You have a comfy pair of capris for summer and got rid of the pants that were too short!
~Lynette~
P.S. What kinds of tutorials would you like to see?  Are there any tutorials you’d like me to try and I can tell you how it went?  Tell me in the comments!