DIY: I Came, I Sew, I Conquered

Growing up I always had a penchant for DIY tasks - especially when it came to clothes. I would rearrange, re-tailor, renew old clothes lying around all the time - (take off sleeves, add studs, patches etc) usually all by hand. Eventually I lost that hobby once I began university and then a full-time job, but I'm pleased to announce my old-school hobby is back in full swing and I can't wait to share my first project with you!

As I was doing a closet clean-out, I discovered a shirt that I had (for some reason) held on to for probably 10 years. I hadn't worn it in 3 but I still had it, and then I suddenly had an idea to change it up a bit. Here is a step by step visual diary of the process to help you do your own DIY! I'm sure you have plenty of items of clothing that could use a 'lift'!

STEP 1:  Select a shirt/top that you think could use an update; I selected this top which is a standard $20 top, synthetic, shiny fabric- so I wasn't afraid to cut it up

 

STEP 2: Take off the sleeves, I did this by hand with a pair of eyebrow scissors and a needle (good lighting is a must)

STEP 3: Remove buttons (I bought MUCH cooler replacements) -again the mini scissors came in handy

STEP 4: Get new ribbon and buttons. The ribbon is 1 yard of black velvet , to be used as borders for the sleeves. And the buttons come in a dozen (total cost of materials < $10)
 

STEP 5: This is the hardest part, the velvet border took a while to sew on. ALL BY HAND! If you can work a sewing machine, I'm sure it would take all of 10 minutes.

But here is my final product (Its not perfect by any means, but I love it!)

The entire process took me a few hours in total, and cost about $10 in materials. And now I have a new "custom" shirt in my summer rotation. Keep an eye out for it in future outfit posts :)

I've been bitten by the DIY bug and already have new projects in the works - its quite fun and easy, I'd love to hear about your DIY projects!


             
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