How to Shorten Jeans and Keep the Original Hem

If you're on the shorter side like me, you may find that a lot of jeans are too long for you. Or if you're in between inseam sizes, you have to choose between jeans that are a bit too long or a bit too short. Either way, you're faced with jeans that are the wrong length or the expense of taking them to the tailor.

In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to shorten your jeans and keep the original hem to give it a professional finish. Traditional hemming calls for cutting off the excess fabric and re-hemming the bottom. In jeans, that causes the hem to lose the signature distressed and worn in look of most denim hems. It then becomes quite obvious that the jeans were altered. I'm going to show you how to keep the hem so that the jeans look as close to the original as possible. Even the underside of the jeans will have a clean finish, so if you still wanted to wear your jeans cuffed (for fashion rather than necessity), you could still do that.

Sew a Set of Zippered Travel Bags

I'm excited to announce that I published my third Skillshare class last night, Sew a Set of Zippered Travel Bags. This tutorial shows how to sew 3 open wide zippered bags that make a perfect travel set. The different sizes are great for storing everything you might need, and after your trip the bags easily nest inside one another for storage.

If you're not a Skillshare member, considering signing up! It's an online learning community that currently has over 2 million members. It covers many topics too, not just crafts. Premium memberships are $96/year, however, if you sign up with my referral link, you can try it for free for your first month. My goal for the year is to teach 2 new classes each month so that I will have over 2 dozen classes by the end of 2017!

If you're not interested in taking online classes, you can still make this set of travel bags if you already have some sewing knowledge. I've posted the chart below showing the cutting measurements for the fabrics, as well as a materials list and very basic step-by-step instructions.

Handmade Christmas Gifts

Now that the holidays are over, I can share what projects I handmade for Christmas gifts. Some of them were not so sneaky, as they were the toiletry bags I made for my online class and the Tiburon Gloves pattern I released on Ravelry last month. Others you'll get to see for the first time here.

Men's Apron Sewing Tutorial

Need a gift for a guy in your life? Aprons are great for aspiring chefs (or just the at-home gourmet), BBQ aficionados, or as a utility apron for someone who works with their hands. This is an easy and fairly quick sewing tutorial that just requires a yard of fabric. The faux leather closures add a touch of ruggedness that any guy would appreciate.

How to Sew a Toiletry Bag with French Seams

I'm excited to announce I published my very first online class on Skillshare, Sew a Toiletry Bag with French Seams. It's a beginner-friendly sewing class where you can have support from myself and fellow students along the way. The toiletry bag you will learn to sew is similar to my Boxy Toiletry Bag from my Fat Quarter Series, but it is simplier and quicker to sew. So if you like that bag, but were hesitant to tackle it or just want a quicker-to-sew version, this project would be perfect for you.

Placemats, Napkins, and Table Runner Sewing Tutorial

With the holidays fast approaching, it's the perfect time to give your tablescape an update. I recently sewed new placemats, napkins, and a table runner because I felt like a change.

All of these projects are fairly simple and quick to sew up. The trickiest part is learning the mitered corner technique for the napkins (but it's worth it for them to hold up for a long time). The placemats are reversible to either show a solid color or the accent. The table runner is also reversible, cleverly matching my new placemats on one side and my old placemats on the other side. Plus, I like the warm neutral side to set out during the day. It *may* be because it matches the pillows I made here. Since I live in a condo, the dining area and living room are the same room.

I made my placemats a fairly standard size. My napkins, however, are simply the maximum size the piece of remnant fabric allowed (minus a bit more from a sewing error!). The table runner is just the size of fabric samples I had, which I thought was a nice size for my table.

Easy Zippered Pillow Cover Sewing Tutorial

I have a pretty easy tutorial for you today. I know I've had several posts about making pillows before, but they're one of my favorite easy projects. It's a great way to update the look of your home when you want a change. This particular pillow cover tutorial is super easy and quick and probably the most basic zippered cover you can make. Even if you haven't sew a zipper on before (it's not as scary as it seems!) you will still be able to make these. It's a fast and beginner-friendly project with just 10 easy steps. You could sew up several of these in under in hour.

The only things you will need for this pillow cover tutorial are some fabric, a zipper, and a pillow form. If you don't have a pillow form, you can easily make your own using this tutorial. Another great source of pillow forms is a store like TJ Maxx or Marshalls. Be sure to check the clearance section you might find some "ugly" or damaged pillows for cheaper. Then you can simply remove the cover and sew your own with fabric of your choice. The pillow forms I used for this tutorial are feather and from IKEA (another cheap source!). I had them in storage for a long time and the pillow covers were worn and badly piling so I decided to re-cover them.

Dress to Skirt: Clothing Upcycle

Last week in my Yoga Pants to Leggings post, I wrote about how I was going through my closet and wanted to tackle some refashion projects. I must admit I started this particular project over six months ago. I got the idea for it and proceeded to take apart the zipper and detach the bodice from the skirt. And then...that was it. I shamefully left in pieces in my "to-sew" pile for months. I would like to say that it was just because I couldn't figure out exactly how I wanted to approach it the refashion. However, it was probably a bit of laziness and forgetfulness too.

After tackling the easy project last week, I felt motivated to finally do this project. Now let me begin by saying I really love this dress and I've had it for several years. It was easy to wear and went with everything. And it had pockets! But truth be told, it never fit that well and was a bit uncomfortable. The bodice was too tight on my ribcage and too loose on my bust (a perpetual problem with ready-to-wear garments for me). It hadn't left my closet in a while, but I couldn't bring myself to get rid of it. So I decided to try and refashion it and turn it into something comfortable that I would actually wear. I technically started this project in the fall envisioning it as a cute fall skirt that I could wear with tights and boots. Well, this will speak to the versatility of this fabric, because now it will become a cute spring and summer skirt that I can wear with booties or sandals.

Now let's get to how I did this. This is a fairly simple project. It will work for most fit and flare dresses that have an attached gathered skirt. The front of the refashioned skirt has a flat waistband and a gathered skirt for a polished look, and the back has an elastic waistband to make it easy and comfortable to wear. The elastic waistband also makes the skirt more versatile because I can either wear it on my waist or pull it down and wear it on my hips. So let's get started...

Yoga Pants to Leggings: Clothing Upcycle

It's that time of year again. It's springtime and warmer weather means more time outside, blooming flowers... and spring cleaning. I love how a home feels after a thorough cleaning. However, I'm not such a big fan of the actual cleaning part. As a way to put off doing some actual cleaning, I decided to go through my closet. It's been a bit warmer outside now so it was time to put away my winter clothing and accessories and take out my summer clothes. I wanted to take this opportunity to figure out what I'm still actually wearing. If there was a piece I haven't worn in awhile I like to ask myself these questions:

Does it fit well? If it doesn't, can I alter it to make it fit better?

Does it need repairs?

If it needs to be altered or repaired, it goes into my to-sew pile. Which, shamefully, hasn't been touched in much too long. If it still fits and it is in good condition, that usually means I just don't like it anymore. In that case I'll put it in a pile of clothes to be donated. If it can't be repaired or is in bad shape, then I'll try to salvage it. I remove and save any buttons or working zippers (you can never have too many!) and use the fabric as sewing scraps or cut it up for cleaning rags.

At this point, my pile of things to sew or repair has built up quite a bit. To get things started, I decided to begin with one of the easier projects. I've had these yoga pants for several years and the quality is great. However, they are just so flared. I definitely prefer a bootcut to my pants, or bet yet, leggings! Working out in flared pants just tends to get in the way. I prefer leggings when exercising, so I decided to see if I could turn this pair of yoga pants into leggings. I don't wear these anymore anyway, so it'd be like getting a new pair of leggings for free! It was so easy and successful I wanted to kick myself for not doing it sooner.

You could do this upcycle with any pair of flared stretch pants you have lying around. This would be a great project for pants that are too short since leggings have a shorter inseam anyway.

Ready to see how I did it? Let's get started!

Photos from a DIY Wedding + A New Dress

A couple weeks ago I attended a wedding for my boyfriend's sister and her fiancé. The bride was doing a lot of the preparation for the wedding by herself and with the help of her family and friends. I know that can add a lot of extra pre-wedding stress, but the result was beautiful.

I was around helping to set things up that morning so I was able to take a lot of pictures. The bride's mother spent the better part of the past year growing succulents that were used for decor, favors, boutonnieres and the bouquets. She has quite the green thumb, right? I have trouble just keeping my succulents alive!

Enjoy the pictures!

10 for Tuesday: Wallet Sewing Tutorials

Your wallet is something you use on a daily basis, and I have to admit that mine isn't in the best shape anymore. I really need to upgrade to something better, and I figured I really should just sew my own! So today I've gathered up 10 free sewing tutorials for wallets, coin purses, and card organizers you can proudly whip out from your purse. Enjoy!

Striped Denim Clutch: sewing tutorial

It seems ages since I've posted a sewing tutorial! But that's why I'm so excited to share this one with you today. This was completely a stash project for me too. The denim scraps I commandeered from my mom's stash. I think they were some shorts one of my siblings had in the 90s. I loved the print though, and wanted to turn it into a clutch. I used some white denim that I had in my fabric stash to make the hand strap. I love the hand strap because it makes it easier to hold onto the clutch itself. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out too.

The tutorial is pretty simple too. You can raid your own stash for fabric, look in remnant bins at the fabric store, or go to a thrift shop to find some cool patterned denim. You could even use fabric paint on plain denim if you're feeling extra creative.

10 for Tuesday: DIY Accessories for Fall

It may still be hot outside, but I just can't help already being excited for fall. I love all the cute and cozy fall accessories that come out once the weather cools down. Why not get your wardrobe ready for fall by making some of these great DIYs? There's something for every skill level. Enjoy!

10 for Tuesday: Sewing Tutorials for an Organized Home

Is your house a bit...unorganized? I think everyone could use some more organization in their lives. Today I've found for you 10 free sewing tutorials to help keep your home/things/life a tad more orderly. Enjoy!

10 for Tuesday: Printable Sewing Tools

I love when things are free, but these free printables also can save you money on expensive rulers and sewing tools. While the real thing is usually best, tight budgets mean you can't afford to go buy and new ruler or tool for every project. I've found 10 awesome printable sewing tools, from rulers to french curves, bia tapes makers, hem guides, and even some practice sewing sheets. Get your printer and cardstock ready!

10 for Tuesday: More DIY Swimsuit Coverups

One of my most popular lists of free tutorials this time of year is for D.I.Y. Swimsuit Coverups. Because of the popularity, I decided to dig up 10 more free swimsuit coverups for you to make for the beach or pool. And be sure to check out my own Easy Beach Coverup Sewing Tutorial!

"Easy" Teal Top

I purchased this pattern (McCall's 6519, it's now out-of-print) a couple years ago. I think I thought it was such a great deal because it looked like a great wardrobe builder. I mean, you get a top, jacket, pants, skirt, and a dress for the price of one pattern. However, upon closer inspection I realized the every piece is pretty shapeless, with the exception of the wrap on the dress and skirt. What's the point in sewing your own clothes if they don't fit well? I'm sure these would be a great starting out patterns for someone who is good at altering and fitting their patterns, but not for the beginner.

I decided to give this pattern a go though for the top (View B). Loose fitting tops are popular right now and can still be flattering in a fabric that drapes well. I also like the gently curved hem on it. I used a fabric I snagged from my sister's stash, who had taken it from our mom's stash (don't you love a fabric with history?). It's a rayon challis, which was one of the recommended fabrics for this top.

Red Polka Dot Toiletry Bag

It's the one-year anniversary of my polka dot toiletry bag! Not that that is necessarily worth celebrating, but it is one of the cutest project (in my opinion) that I've ever sewn. It is hard to go wrong though with polka dots and a classic color scheme like navy, red, and white.

This also come just a couple days after a good friend of mine requested that I sew for her a toiletry bag for an upcoming trip. I couldn't resist more polka dots. It says a lot about my love of polka dots that this fabric was already in my stash.

10 for Tuesday: Free Dress Sewing Tutorials

Ready to do some summer sewing? I just love dresses for summertime. They're easy to throw on and comfortable in hot weather. Plus, it's an instant outfit! Just throw one on and you're ready to go. I have 10 free dress patterns and tutorials for you today so you can create your own summer wardrobe.

10 for Tuesday: Free Skirt Sewing Tutorials

As summer is approaching, it's the perfect time to sew up some warm weather clothes! I have 10 free sewing tutorials for skirts that are perfect for spring and summer. They vary in skill levels, but most are pretty simple. Enjoy!

Also be sure to check out 60+ Spring and Summer Projects for more warm weather sewing tutorials.