Eyelet Lace

This is another of the pieces I picked up in the bag sale, and was therefore only $.27. :) It's an eyelet lace skirt with lining by GAP and being 100% cotton is a perfect summer piece. But I don't wear white skirts, or even this style of skirt...they're just not my thing. But the beautiful eyelet lace is what this piece is all about.

I started out by removing the lining from the outer layer of fabric, keeping the waistband attached to the lining so that I can wear it as a slip. I simply trimmed the outer fabric as close to the elastic waist as possible.

I then laid out the eyelet skirt, found a top that I like to use as a template. I wanted to make this skirt into a light summer top!

I marked the lowest point of the scoop neck and the shoulders on the back of my 'top', folded it in half and cut out the scoop, then cut a more shallow rounded neck for the front of my 'top'.

I also marked the arm openings and cut using my pinking shears. I then basted my shoulder seams, tried it on, and pinned the sides where it needed to be taken in. After sewing up the side seams, trimming away the excess and finishing off the shoulders with french seams, I got to finishing off my arms and neck. I decided to use a leaf motif decorative stitch for the arms, and a simple straight topstitch for the neckline. I pressed all of my new hems/seams and was done!

It's just so pretty, isn't it? ;) I roughed up the prettiness a bit with some distressed denim, then threw on a bunch of thrifted/boho jewelry and my thrifted mocs. And you wanna know something really cool? It's reversible! I can wear it with the scoop in the front and it juuuuust sits high enough. But I definitely prefer it this way. It does seem to pull a bit under the arms, looking at the pics, so I'll probably open up the arms just a smidge.

I got to wear it for most of the day, but when we decided to bike to the park, I changed into something more suitable for that...leggings, t-shirt and a chambray shirt! It's been kinda chilly here in New Jersey the past couple of days (considering its late July). Or, maybe I'm just a wimp ;).

Also, I've been looking through my stash (not sure if you noticed that in the background of my photos...) and I'm coming up with a couple of scrap-busting easy projects. Stay tuned for those and many other refashions to come!

Peace,
Andrea

Patterned Shorts DIY

Today I have another post of a project where I've used a free pattern to make a really cute piece. This time it's shorts. I'd found a maternity top at the thrift store that immediately brought to mind this pattern I'd happened across and knew that I needed to snatch it up. This was one of the tops I picked up in June for $2.50, but failed to photograph.

Here's a really bad picture of the top chopped in half (sans velvet ribbon ties) and the pattern pieces. Lighting has become an issue now in my sewing area as the trees are full of leaves and the light is essentially gone :(. But I love seeing trees out my window :).

The shorts pattern can be found here at Elle Frost, a fashion blog with inspiration and diys, and if you jump over you'll see that the final product is different from my own. I'll explain why along the way ;).

The bottom border was what sold me on this top as the perfect piece to become shorts. The top had pleats in the front and the velvet ties would create definition just above a baby bump, so I used that line and the elasticized back as the point at which to cut. This leaves me with the top part to use in another refashion :). The pattern pieces (after having printed, cut out, and taped together) were laid out on the bottom piece of fabric and I used them 'loosely' as a guide when cutting out the pieces for my shorts. I didn't want to do more sewing than necessary, so I kept the side seams of the top intact and opted out of making the rounded hem and side slits that the pattern calls for. Then, all I had to sew was the front and back seam, the legs and the waistband (with elastic). Super easy! Here's how they turned out.

This is my first pair of patterned shorts and I love them! They're light and comfy for lounging around, but also for being out in the heat. I did add a little bit to the width of the pattern pieces as I knew I wanted them to fit loosely. Can't wait to make an actual copy of the original pattern with some leftovers from my stash! Hope you stop over at Elle Frost for this free pattern and more fashion inspiration :).

I think I've finally gotten my sewing bug back, so I'll be posting a few more projects this week. But summer with a little boy has us outdoors almost all day long (I'm not complaining) and very little time/energy for sewing. Hope you like and if you make your own pair, why not share it with me ;).

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 6

Today's me-made outfit features a top I just made yesterday. It is my second time making a piece of clothing from a pattern, and I chose a super simple one that I'd thrifted along with some thrifted fabric I've had for several months now.

Here's what I started out with:

The price says $8 for 5 1/2 yards, but I grabbed it on a half-off day, so I only paid $4. The pattern cost me a quarter. I chose to do option C with the V-neck and short sleeves thinking this would be a basic top that would be made unique by my choice of fabric and however I decided to style it. I cut out the size 12 pattern, ironed everything out, laid my pieces, cut my fabric and started assembling. It went smoothly, though it took a lot more time than I like ;). I ended up adding some length thinking I'd wear it as a tunic. However. I should have added more width to the bottom as it is snug on my hips...and does it look like a scrubs top to you? You know, what doctors, nurses, dentists, etc wear? I feel like it does a bit, and so I'm a little torn. I love the fabric, like the feel of the top, but can't stand my first impression! I threw it on yesterday with my brightly colored jeans to get a feel for it and this is how it looks.

I actually like it with these jeans! The floral has a bit of dusty blue on the leaves, so I think it works in that sense, but I can't shake the feeling that I look like a dentist's assistant or something. Here's how I'm wearing it today. I paired it with a thrifted woven belt, a thrifted cardigan, and thrifted 'skinnified' jeans. I'll throw on some flats when I have to head out to pick up my son ;).

I folded the bottom under to experiment with the length and see what changes may need to be made. If I keep it long, I'll need to widen the bottom, or I can simply take it up a couple of inches altogether. I'm also considering changing either the neckline or the sleeves. Maybe that will change my impression of this piece and help it become one of my favorites. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts! I have 4+ yards of this fabric left, and have been wanting to make myself a pencil skirt with it, so I may make that my next project. After another refashion or two I've already got in the works ;).

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 5

Day 5!!! And after four days of basics, I decided that today's outfit needed to push the boundaries a bit. I started off with these beautiful bright aqua jeans that I thrifted and altered (waist) several weeks back. I threw on a chambray shirt that I'd also altered slightly and took my son to school, planning to come home and actually plan my outfit a bit better :). I had pulled out this skirt turned top that I refashioned last year as one of the pieces to wear this month and when I looked at it a little more closely I realized that it would go perfectly with my jeans...along with a bright yellow thrifted belt and a thrifted ivory cardi as its a bit windy today. Bright, bold, and I feel so feminine ;).

Love how gathering it in the back with a belt gives a bustle effect! Oh, and the stand-up collar!!!

When you look at the closeup of this top, you'll see that the aqua and yellow are there, along with orange, black, green, etc. Love how I feel in this outfit, and though I initially thought this would only work for fall/winter, I'm finding the floral pattern and the weight of the lined 'skirt' make it perfect for spring weather!

Did anybody spy the pattern pieces in the background of the pics??? Cut out an 80's pattern for a top that I'll be making later today! Can't wait to see how it comes out and hope to wear it tomorrow :) Yay, for my second item made from a pattern! Now, I just have to make it...

What have you made lately? Are you wearing your you-made pieces this month?? I'd love to see pics of you all in your you-made items, so let me know if you are posting somewhere and add a link so I can follow along :).

One last reminder! The button bracelet giveaway ends today at 5 pm EST and the winner will be announced at that time! Open to US residents and all you need to do is go here and leave a comment on which of the two colors you'd prefer :) Good luck!

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 1

Who here knows what #MMMay14 stands for? Me-Made May 2014!!! It's a month-long challenge to wear your handmade items: knit, crocheted, sewn, refashioned, etc. Hop on over to 'So, Zo...' to get the low-down if you are still kinda lost ;). It's my first year participating and I'm pretty excited to not only challenge myself but to be inspired by all of the creators out there who will be wearing their me-made items!

Confession: I JUST signed up for this challenge!!! (Well, that is, I did earlier this morning when I started writing this post...before my run, thrifting, shower, breakfast, (in that order) picking up son from preschool and the temper tantrum that followed.) Talk about last minute and having to come up with a pledge on the fly...but I picked a very doable pledge and hope to document daily as an added challenge. Here is my official pledge...

'I, Andrea of Little Did You Know (littledyknow.blogspot.com), sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '14. I endeavour to wear 1 refashioned item each day, make 2 'from scratch' pieces for the month, and refashion 10 items for the duration of May 2014'

Apart from my 'official' pledge, I'm thinking I may add a weekly challenge for myself and share that here. I tend to wear some of my refashioned basics everyday (i.e. 'skinnified' jeans/pants), and others not as often, so it'll be a fun month of styling my closet full of refashions :).

To start off the month...

my reversible mini along with a thrifted gray t-shirt and thrifted moccasins. After a couple of cold, rainy, nasty days, we have warm weather and sunny skies. Nothing like a bright floral skirt and bare legs to get me feeling happy again :). Oh, and ignore my overflowing 'stash' suitcase...its an attention seeking little tart! But it may be time for some stash-busting projects. 

And what happened with the tantrum-throwing child, you may be wondering? Well, after having it out for a good long time...

he's rewarding my patience with a bit of peace and quiet ;) And I may just take a nap myself...or maybe I'll sew.

Peace,
Andrea

Reversible Mini

Finally! I made this refashion over the weekend and now I'm getting to post about it :) We had unbelievably lovely weather up until Monday, so apart from throwing this together, all of my time had been spent out doing stuff. Then, Tuesday, it rained....ALL day. Then it started turning cold and overnight, it snowed :(. The least I can say for our weather today is that it is sunny. It is also windy, cold, and I had to wear winter gear all over again, but it's sunny. Which means I have enough light to take pictures!!! Hence, the posting of this refashion...

How about getting down to it? I found these three pieces at my local thrift store not long ago and paid $9 total.

I started to get an idea of what I'd want to do with these two tops as I was trying them on at the shop, though I had also considered just taking them in so that they fit better. The pajama pants I grabbed for the use of the pale gray fabric for another project. Once I got home, I set about my work. I'm making a skirt...but not just any skirt! It'll be reversible :) I laid out my floral top inside out, laid another jersey knit skirt on top and cut out around the edges. I then sewed up the sides and zigzagged the edges before turning it right side out.

I followed the same steps for the next top as well.

This is where the pajama pants come into play. Seeing as I really only bought them planning to use the legs, I went ahead and cut off the waistband to use here. I first sewed it to the top of one skirt using a zigzag stitch to allow stretch, wrong sides together, then did the same with the other skirt on the other side of the waistband. It looks like one long tube until you fold one skirt to the outside. There! Floral on one side, and gray and white abstract print on the other!

The gray patterned waistband is showing a bit of the floral and I'm still working out how I want to address that.

Here's the floral side: nice and casual and oh so comfortable! But also really cute and versatile, as it could be easily dressed up.

Now, the gray patterned side! Again, casual and cute, but I can see this with black heels and a bit of leather on a date night ;).

The hems line up so that if I tug the outer one down a tad it stays in place without riding up and showing the under layer at all. The fabrics aren't slippery, so they catch enough to make this super easy to wear either way. I can also see playing with patterns as I style this skirt when warm weather returns. I've got the perfect navy and white striped top to wear with the floral side, and I'd love to try a bold print with the gray side. I need to go play in my closet for a bit to get some ideas :).

Here's one final look at the before and after!

Peace,
Andrea

Healthfulness: Workout Wear "Quick Fixes"

So, for the past couple of days I've focused on 'healthfulness', and in particular, working out. Thursday, I shared a bit about my struggles to stay motivated in this post. Yesterday, I posted some great thrifted workout wear finds that are perfect as they are. If I feel good in my workout wear then that's one less barrier between me and keeping at it. So, to follow that train of thought, I'm taking some great thrifted finds and making them 'feel good' to me.

These refashions really are some of the easiest to accomplish, I think. Similar to taking a pair of bootcut or flare jeans and making them skinny, I 'skinnified' these workout leggings that I found at the thrift store.

This first pair is so cute with the patterned band and the fabric is incredibly comfortable and a great thickness. I paid $4 and will be getting TONS of wear out of these.

My t-shirt just so happened to match perfectly ;) 

But, as I'll be wearing these running, I have an issue with the leg shape. I don't like extra fabric flapping around or the hems brushing together...nitpicky, I know, but that's what's so great about being able to personalize your clothing to your exact 'needs'. ;) I simply laid them out, put another pair that I already own and love the fit for on top. They'll serve as my guide on how much to take off. I ended up taking these in from the inner seams and used a tiny diagonal zigzag stitch that allows a bit of stretch but is super strong as well. Much better!

This next pair is just plain black with a drawstring at the waist and the Everlast logo at the bottom of the left hem. I paid $3 and again, will get so much wear out of these in the next few years.

I repeated the same process, but this time took them in on the outside leg seams. Now they are fitted and I was able to completely eliminate the logo on the leg. Score!

Now, I'd planned to leave it at that, but then I popped in the thrift store for hangers this morning and came across another activewear top.

It's cute and fits and was only $3, so I brought it home. However, I'm not loving the sleeves...they look fine but they feel a little weird, and if they feel weird now they'll feel weird running. So, I chopped them off cutting as close to the seams and neckband as possible, then removed the hem of the short sleeves and cut them each in two pieces.

These, I pinned to my top creating a total of three thin straps to see how I'd like it. It's good! And it takes care of the little gap that was happening after removing the sleeves.

Next step was to sew the straps on, and I did so using white thread to match and a ladder stitch. Last step was to trim off the extra bits nice and close to the stitching.

And there you have it! Short sleeves gone, and now a strappy tank top for running and other workouts :).

I love the refashions that I do on the fly that come out so well :). The only bit of advice I'd add with refashioning activewear is that if it's fitted, then you'll need to sew with stretch stitches so that the clothing moves well with you. Reinforcing seams with decorative stitching is also helpful, again, as long as it allows for stretch. Now that I'm all geared up, I'm biking to the park where I'll watch my husband and son play then go for a run before heading home for supper! Hope you're having a lovely weekend...the weather here is incredible!

Peace,
Andrea

Black Silk Tent: Refashion #3

Happy Monday! Mine started out poorly so I'm working on turning that around...and finishing up a refashion definitely helped my mood :).

Let's take a look at how I decided to use this last leg from the black silk tent pants. First off, it's going to be a top. I could have made a skirt with a gathered elastic waist, but I wanted something that I'd be sure to wear often. So, I started by unpicking the leg's inseam by about 4 inches. This will be my neckline.

Then, I trimmed up the straps a bit, and tried on my 'top', pinned in the sides and took them in creating an a-line shape. The scrap of fabric in the first shot is just to show the angle at which I stitched down each side. You'll notice that the seams are actually more towards the back, and that is to flow better with the sides which will become the armholes. I trimmed off the excess, and zigzagged the raw edges to finish.

Then, I finished off the raw edges of the straps and back by repeating the same process that I used on the other top for a baby/rolled hem. Worked like a charm :). The leg hem was still intact, no work there. I pinned the straps in the back, determining where they'd best cover my bra straps, and then sewed them in place. Next, I folded the neckline under to see if the V would work.

I finished off the neckline by folded the edges under and topstitching in place. Now, I've got an easy V-neck tank top (that looks much better tucked in the front).

But, I still had that original waistband left over. I quickly stitched the bottom of it shut again, and then buttoned it around my waist, and now the top is much less casual and definitely more figure flattering. Love it!

I'm definitely a fan of black, and the good thing is that I've got plenty of colorful skirts, shorts and pants to mix and match with these last two tops. Can't wait to be able to wear them! At least the rain has stopped and the sun is shining brightly today.

Here's a look at the before and after:

And, a quick review of the before, after, after & after!

Can't beat three pieces for $4, can you? Well, maybe you can, but I'd say I did pretty well ;). Hope you are enjoying good weather and good health...gotta get back to my spring cleaning (looks like our apartment exploded, but its all for the good as we purge and organize). Happy Refashioning!

Peace,
Andrea

Black Silk Tent: Refashion #2

Talk about the pair of pants that just keep giving! This is the second of three refashions that I've made from this pair of black silk 'pants'. Number three is in the works and will be posted another day, but let's focus on the middle child, shall we? 

So, quick refresher, I found this pair of silk pants for $4 at the thrift store and snatched them up. I then made them into a pair of pretty shorts. But what happened with all of that extra fabric after I cut out my pattern pieces for the shorts? Well, notice on the right, I've laid them out on the floor along with a tank top I'd initially planned to copy. I definitely have enough for two refashions...one from each leg! The scoop was the crotch, the notches on the sides are where I cut out the shorts crotch and the bottom is the remainder of the leg (which means its a loop of fabric). 

I decided right away that the shape lent itself to making an easy top. So, I grabbed one of the legs, pinned the 'straps' over onto the backside of the 'leg' gathering one of the straps and leaving the other wide. I wanted to get an idea of what I'd prefer.

Not bad from the front...a bit loose, but definite potential! The back made me realize immediately that I'd go with the gathered strap. What you can't see in this picture is that under my arms are huge gaping openings because I pinned the straps more towards the center back seam. I'll be adjusting that.

I gathered each strap, pinned them, then folded the top in half to make sure that each 'notch' was equal...a little overlap was fixed by a quick snip. Then, I repinned the straps, but this time I did so making the arm openings much smaller and leaving more space between them in the back.

Ok, definitely better from the front...from the side, not bad either...but the back is a little too scandalous for me ;).

So, I pinned the back to see how that would help...I'm liking how its still low, but not too revealing.

Up to this point, all I've been doing is pinning, trying it on, adjusting, pinning, trying on again, etc. Now I need to start sewing. My first step was to finish off the raw edges of the outer 'strap' and all along the new back over to the other strap. I wanted to challenge myself with learning how to do a nice baby/rolled hem without needing a special sewing machine foot for the job (cause I don't have one). So, I googled it and came across this tutorial that showed me how! There are actually many ways of doing this and various tutorials (super helpful), so I could have tried many of them and gotten similar results. This is just the first one I came across. First step was to straight stitch all along the edge of the fabric about 3/8 of an inch in. Next, you fold that over along the stitching and sew as close to the edge as you can. Trim away the excess as closely to the stitching as possible, and then fold over one more time (tiny fold) and stitch as close to the edge as you can. Here's how mine turned out sans pressing. It actually is beautiful how even my hems are and how tiny, though without pressing them its hard to tell ;).

Next, I sewed along where I'd pinned the back in (my measuring tape shows the line as you can't see the stitching). Then, I zigzagged the ends of the straps, folded them over and straight stitched across.

I finished off the raw edges of the new back seam with a zigzag stitch and the neckline with a double straight stitch (just ran it through my machine once, close to the edge, and again 3/8 from the edge) since it's edge was already finished and folded. Remember, the neckline is the previous crotch...or maybe we should forget that! Haha, oh well, I'm not worried cause it's been laundered and the crotch showed no wear at all (being as it was so low hanging in the original garment).

Next, I sewed the straps in place. I had marked where they'd be attached, and a simple straight stitch does the job.

My final step was to repeat the process for a rolled hem on the bottom of my top. That edge was much easier to finish off as it wasn't quite as curvy as the straps. And here's the final product! I love that its nice and simple in the front and a little bit sexy in the back. I want to start creating different bandeau tops to wear under this from my scraps :). Now, into the pile to be ironed! And hopefully out soon to be worn...if our weather would move past cold and now, rain. But at least its not snow!

I'm really pleased that I went with the initial shape of the piece of leg instead of cutting and trimming to get a specific shape. The process felt very organic and that's cool when the remnant determines its own outcome, so to speak. I'm excited now to see how the other leg will turn out!

Here's a final look at the before and after:

Hope you enjoyed this one!
Peace,
Andrea