DIY Raw Hem Jeans

We all know that the ankle length jean is the perfect cut for transitioning from summer to fall! It also frames flats & boots without all that cuffing nonsense. This tutorial also might be helpful if you have jeans that are several inches too long for you! 

 Here are the jeans before the transformation! I bought them at H&M years ago. They've always been so long on me and I despise having to roll them up so much.
It's important to try on your jeans and see how much you want to shorten them.

I decided to cut them by a few inches, and I used a rotary cutter and ruler to make sure it was all even and straight. 

This next step is optional, but I chose to sew along the raw ends, about a half inch from the edge.

Then, start fraying the edges with whichever method you want! Use a fork, the edge of a pair of scissors, sandpaper, or whatever you like! Pull the weft threads (horizontal) with your fingers, a seam ripper, or even with tweezers.

Toss them into in the washer/dryer and let them fray even more! The stitching we made will prevent them from fraying too much.

Here's how they turned out!
There's also another no-sew option!---you can cut off your jeans and just leave them to fray, old-fashioned style!

I bought these pair of light wash Levi's for cheap at Nordstrom Rack, but the inseam was too long for my taste!

I decided to cut them higher in the front, creating a sharkbite-like effect! The result looks really cool, especially since this pair was already distressed.

There you have it! I love how these turned out, so dig into your jeans drawer and find some pairs that could use a trim!


Happy cropping,

--Courtney

Sewing a Tank Top From Scratch

I've had this lovely crepe-like fabric I bought from a garage sale years ago and I finally had the time and the right idea to make something out of it! I chose to make a pretty tank top that I could wear to work and school for the summer. My decision was influenced by the fact that I had less than a yard and I even had to use some scraps for the straps!

I didn't take any pictures of myself wearing the top, except this one my boyfriend took this blurry one of me at a museum the day I finished it...

Let's get started, shall we?

Sewing a garment from scratch is easiest if you own a similar garment made of a similar fabric. Whenever I try to create a paper pattern based on measurements, I fail! So this is a good option for beginners.

I had an idea in my head of what I wanted this top to look like and a reference photo as well. To be honest, I just did a lot of guessing on this project. With the fabric doubled, I cut out 2 front and back pieces. (Leave plenty of room for seam allowance!)

I actually made use of the dressform I bought in 5th grade by draping my top pieces onto it.

Looking good!


Utilizing the VERY last scraps of my fabric, I cut out 4 pieces (2 sets of 2) for my neckline facing. The goal is to trace the top outline of your shirt onto another piece of fabric; it doesn't really matter how the bottom of the shape looks. 2-3 inches in length is sufficient. Iron on a lightweight interfacing  to the wrong side now if you please!

I pinned the interfacing pieces on right sides together before moving along with the top!

This is what it should look like! Iron the facing and the seam allowance away from your top & press.

Trim any extra seam allowance to prevent bulk. 

Now for the straps!

I actually did not have enough fabric for the straps so I used some scrap black fabric of a similar textile! I wanted thin-almost-spaghetti straps, so I cut a strip about 1.5" wide & 15" long. My final strap length ended up around 12".

Fold your strap in half lengthwise, with right sides together. Sew along the edge & backstitch! Turn tube right side out, here I used the safety pin method.

Gorgeous!

With your top & interfacing with right sides facing together, place your straps in between the layers like a sandwich! Pin them into place. Sew across, using the outermost edge of the top as your guide. Make sure the straps lay flat and don't slip out of place.

After completing sewing the straps to one side, make sure they line up & look nice!

Turn your facing and seam allowance away once again and press. This time, sew through the seam allowance (NOT the shirt front) and the facing. This will make sure it lies flat while you wear your garment. It will be difficult if your top has a v-neck like mine, go slowly!

Try your top on for size and figure out how long your straps need to be! This is important because you will sew the other sides of your straps to the back piece next.

Lay it out on the ground to make it easier! 

Making sure the straps aren't twisted, feed them through the back piece & its own facing and sew shut! Repeat the pressing and topstitching. The process is exactly the same as the front, or whichever side you completed first!

Probably the most difficult part!
Now, you make choose to hem your shirt, add a trim such as pom-poms or fringe, or leave a raw edge like I did! (Not a good idea for cotton fabrics or lightweight sheer fabrics).

Here it is! My finished product. A top I sewed that I will actually wear!

Happy making,

--Courtney

DIY Shorts Made from Recycled Fabric

Hey everyone! I am always looking for free sewing patterns for clothes that I would actually wear, and recently I found Peppermint Mag via Pinterest! They just happen to be a magazine specializing in "style, sustainability, and substance!" I originally was attracted to their site because of the free patterns (ngl!). BUT, they also have some really amazing articles that you should check out! (Can you tell I want them to sponsor me?!)

Anyway! My spring break project that I wanted to tackle was to bring this shorts design to life! They are drawstring shorts to wear to the beach/during the summertime!

This is how they came out!!

My design!

I am terrible at making patterns from scratch, so I was overjoyed to come across the "Get Shorty" pattern from Issue 27! Click on this link to see their free printable pattern page! It comes with a free pattern download and super clear instructions for assembly!

http://peppermintmag.com/other/sewing-schools/ 

I bought this awesome striped linen fabric from a garage sale, and I was also able to salvage some dark blue chambray-like fabric for the accents! (Since I ran out of space for the pockets!) You could easily make these shorts without the pockets; which I was tempted to! However, the pockets were actually very simple, and it makes the shorts look much more professional. 

I did make some minor adjustments to the pattern, so I wanted to document my process! I also just wanted to brag about how my shorts turned out!!

My design sketch!

Placing the pattern on the fabric... on the opposite way of the grain! I really wanted the stripes to be vertical. So I did some research, and you can work against the grain as long as your fabric does not have a nap or stretch!! I ended up not using the hem bands from the pattern, and they are not necessary! I also didn't have enough room for the waistband so I doubled over the fabric and cut it in two parts and then sewed it together.

Adding some darts in the front and and back because I'm dumb and cut the waistband too small.

Pockets!! I was afraid to attempt the pockets, but I'm so glad I did!! I chose a different fabric for my pockets, mainly because I didn't have enough striped fabric! Even though the pocket fabric is a thicker textile, it still worked out really well!

Here are the shorts fully assembled! I made a few more adjustments as you will see.

I measured and cut off the hem to straighten it out. I ended up not using the hem bands either! I picked about an inch of stitching from the edge of the shorts to make a side slit. Then, I used a basting (long) stitch to temporarily hold it in place.

I then zig-zagged the hem to prevent fraying (which didn't really work!)

I ripped open the basting stitch, and sewed a topstitch on either side of the slit. I made a small hem on the shorts. For added security, I sewed a tight zig zag stitch (to imitate a bartack) on top of the slits.

Ta da!!! My finished product! I ended up turning over the paper bag waist and making another elastic casing. I totally messed up the stitching in the ditch part, so my paper bag waist was a little too.. baggy.

My beautiful pockets & slits!

So glad I purchased some rope cording for the tie!

That's all for now! Happy sewing!
--Courtney

A Beginner's Guide to Junkyard Picking!

Hey guys! 

Courtney here with my very first post! Today we'll be talking about shopping at junkyards---commonly known as "pick-a-part" or salvage yards. 

My boyfriend Ryan bought another old car, so we decided to take a trip to a junkyard to see what we could find! I had never been to a junkyard before, so all of my expectations were based on that one scene from High School Musical 3. 

It was a very cool experience, (despite it being 85 degrees out!) so I wanted to share what I learned!

As a first time junkyard junkie??? I don't know the proper terminology here---I had a few questions to start off that you may have as well!

~

What is a junkyard and why would you go there in the first place? 

A junkyard is a lot where old cars go to die. Just kidding! But kind of, as you can see in the following photos, older cars or cars with substantial damage are scrapped for parts that are in usable condition. Junkyards serve as a cheap alternative for car parts as opposed to ordering online or from the car dealer.

Where do I find a junkyard?

Ask around, or just Google "junkyards near me." We went to LKQ Pick-a-Part in Monrovia, CA. Browse the junkyard's website if they have one, or call in for more details on what they offer!

Should you prepare before your visit to the junkyard? 

It's not necessary! But you can check the junkyard's website to get an idea of what types of cars they have! Make sure to bring a large bag and any tools you may need. (We brought a flat head & Phillips screwdriver, but we could have used a wrench for certain tasks as well!) Some individuals showed up with an entire tool kit. That's pretty hardcore, but a smart idea.

Okay, so how do you know what the hell to look for??

First off, you have to know a bit about your make and/or model of car. (Unlike me!!) Junkyards are often "organized" by the country in which the car make originates (i.e. European vs. Japanese cars). Next, have a running list of what you need! At this visit, we were looking for the button that opens the glove compartment, an accessory for the gear shift, AC vents, etc. I don't know all the technical names, so bear with me here! You can call or find online which cars the junkyard has to determine if they have the parts you need. Look in every single car that matches your requirements. Check the ground too!

How do I pay for these items? Are they free?

Unfortunately, most junkyards will have you pay for your items on top of a small entrance fee. From what I understand, there are set prices based on the type of part. We walked out only paying $12 for a handful of small items. 

(I took home a spool of thread I found and a Volkswagen insignia badge. Why? I don't know, I just shoved them in my pocket!)

Additionally, here are some tips and things to keep in mind on your next trip to the junk yard!

1. Don't expect to find everything you're looking for! It's called a salvage yard for a reason---take what you can! 
2. Have a physical or mental list of what you want to find on your visit!
3. Come prepared! Bring a bag or cart to carry your items sand tools and have a vague idea of the yard's inventory.
4. Be patient! Certain items can take a long time to retrieve! Ask for help if you need it.
5. Bring a buddy (me) because I will ask you what you're doing constantly and bombard you with pictures and pretend to help. But actually, bring a friend to keep you company because junkyards feel really lonely and kind of apocalyptic. Also, you may just need an extra hand!

You can find Ryan's vintage shops (he loves vintage sportswear!!) here and his Instagram here!

That's it! Good luck and happy hunting :)