Archive for the ‘DIY’ Category
Wednesday, December 12th, 2012
STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:
Plumes just make everything glamourous — don’t you think?! From Flappers to the present day, we have been using feathers for ages to dress up everything from hats to handbags to skirts. Want an easy way to update the simplest dress? Try this twist on a Statement Necklace that is sure to be a conversation piece.
WHAT YOU NEED:
1. Hot Glue Gun & Sticks
2. Feather Trim (Note: the exact length of trim needed is directly related to desired length to drape your shoulders.)
3. 4 Different Types of Chain at varying lengths (1 main chain for collar, and 3 other chains that will be cut and used twice each).
4. Needle and Thread
5. 3 Gold Rings
6. Clasp
7. If desired, add 2 gold brooches for accents (I added old earrings that were my grandmothers)
THE PROCESS:
1. First cut feather trim at main gold chain to equal desired length (mine is 18 inches).
2. Hot glue this main chain to the satin ribbon on feather trim.
3. Turn feather with gold chain now attached over, and stitch your clasp to one side (doesn’t matter which, you decide which side you want clasp on).
4. Cut first chain to create Chain 1 (31 inches) and Chain 4 (17 inches); Cut second chain to create Chain 2 (25 inches) and Chain 5 (13 inches); and then cut third and thinnest weight chain to create Chain 3 (20 inches) and Chain 6 (7.5 inches)
5. Add chains IN ORDER from 1 to 6 to gold rings on both ends.
6. Sew and hot glue one ring (with chains attached) to whichever side you did not attach clasp.
7. Open clasp and close necklace with this free ring that has chains now attached. One more step and you’re almost done.
8. Hot glue earrings, 2 brooch, or whatever accents you’d like to add to the base of the feathers for a polished look.
Voila!
Now tell me, what’s your favorite way to rock feathers?
Brandhyze Stanley is the chief voice of Frugal-nomics.com; a platform designed to share with women how to live and look fabulous on a dime. A DIY girl at heart—Brandhyze has been featured on The View, The Early Show, The Today Show, MTVStyle, Essence Magazine, and TJMaxx.com. A Wilhelmina Model for nearly a decade, with a Business Degree from Loyola University Chicago, Brandhyze is a Fashion & Style Writer and Video Contributor for Newsday Westchester, and provides DIY content to the popular How-To Site, eHow. Brandhyze is a huge thrifter and a lover of all good deals, follow her on Twitter @MyFrugalnomics and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Frugalnomics.
Tags: DIY, feathers, jewelry, necklace
Posted in DIY | 5 Comments »
Monday, December 10th, 2012
 Holiday Swatch. Well of course we have to deck Swatch out in holiday finery! If you visit Mood NYC during the holidays you’ll see Swatch wearing this ruff we made for him out of green silk faille and red fringe trim, available at our stores. Doesn’t he look elegant yet holiday festive?!
Here’s how to make an easy ruff collar for your pet:
- Measure your pet’s neck circumference. Swatch has a 17-inch neck, in case you were wondering.
- To determine the length of fabric you need to cut, multiply the neck circumference by the factor of how densely you want the collar to ruffle around your pet’s neck and how thick your fabric is. For example, the silk faille I used is stiff and somewhat thick, so I multiplied 17″ by 2, for 34″. If the fabric were lighter in weight, I’d probably multiply the circumference by 2.5 or 2.75 for denser ruffles.
- The width of the ruff is personal preference. Swatch’s is 2 inches wide. Take your width amount, double it, and add another inch.
- Cut your strip out of your fashion fabric. I cut a piece that was 5″ wide by 35″. (I added an inch to the length for seam allowances.)
- Fold right sides together and stitch a 1/2″ seam along the cut edge (lengthwise).
- Turn right side-out; press. Press under one of the short ends, about 1/2″, forming a neat edge.
- Sew a casing to insert the elastic to keep it around your pet’s neck. I recommend using elastic that’s 1/4″ or 1/2″ wide. Stitch the casing from the unpressed end all the way to approximately 1 inch from the pressed end. This will give you an unstitched opening to insert the other end into, forming a nice, neat circle of fabric (step 10).
- Cut a piece of elastic the same size as your pet’s neck circumference; insert into casing.
- Overlap elastics ends and stitch.
- Take the unfinished edge of the ruff and insert it into the finished edge by about 1/2-inch to a 1 inch; pin in place. Try on your pet for fit.
- Stitch casing opening closed. Next, stitch the area where one end is inserted into the other by machine and through all layers. Or you can slip-stitch it by hand for a neater finish.
- Stitch a pretty trim along the outer edge and you’re done!
If you make a holiday ruff for your pet out of Mood fabrics, post a photo on our Facebook page!
Tags: collar, faille, pets
Posted in DIY, The Daily Swatch | 2 Comments »
Tuesday, November 27th, 2012
Ok, this is the year you are actually going to follow through on your pledge to sew a few holiday presents for friends and family members. Your sewing machine is out and ready, and you probably have some fabric in your stash you can use (if not, we know a great fabric store). Now here are some ideas for quick, easy and painless holiday sewing:
Circle scarf: Your best friend, your grandma, your secret Santa at work—everyone appreciates a stylish scarf. This “twisted circle” from Rag & Bone (available at Saks) can be cut and sewn in under an hour. We like soft, fuzzy sweater knits best for this type of scarf (many available at Mood NYC).
Silk scarf: Another super easy scarf that can be made in under an hour. If you stitch two long strips together and turn it inside-out, you can avoid rolling and hand-stitching the edges. The pretty scarf above is by Lilly Pulitzer (available at Saks). This silk chiffon from Mood would make a perfect scarf.
Kimono robe: Kimono robes are incredibly simple to sew, but look so sophisticated and would make a much appreciated gift. (Don’t you just love this Carine Gilson silk robe on sale now at Net-a-Porter?) Etsy usually has a large number of kimono patterns for sale. Think about a silk charmeuse print for someone who likes a little glamour in her life, or opt for an organic cotton knit for the recipient who prefers a more cuddly touch. Several of us here at Mood are making kimono robes for holiday gifts this year.
Retro apron: For your sister who loves to entertain, whip up a cheery apron out of a bright cotton sateen print. Vogue Pattern 8643 is just one of a handful of vintage-inspired apron patterns out there.
Elegant poncho: For your mom, how about a wool crepe poncho inspired by this Eileen Fisher poncho available at Neiman Marcus? It’s basically two squares stitched together. Again, find a pattern on Etsy if you’re the type who likes guidelines.
Other quick-sew ideas include an iPad case, a packable shopper tote or a pillow. Do you have plans to sew holiday gifts this year? If so, whatcha making?!
Tags: gift ideas
Posted in DIY, Gift Ideas | 2 Comments »
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012
 Jersey fabric from Mood NYC. Maxi dresses and skirts are everywhere this summer. If you own a measuring tape you can whip up this strapless maxi dress in an evening—no pattern necessary. Just follow these simple steps:
Supplies:
- Fabric: Jersey knits (shown in the photos here), lightweight cottons, and lightweight silks work best. Just make sure your fabric isn’t too sheer, or else you’ll have to line it.
- Elastic: Width of elastic is your preference, but keep it under one inch for best results. I like 3/4″ wide myself. Get enough to go around the top of your bustline and just under your bustline if you’re doing an empire waist, or around your waist.
- Thread and bias tape (or anything that can serve as a casing for the elastic, like ribbon or strip of fabric)
Steps:
• Measure yourself around at your widest part, be it your hips, bust or waist. You want your dress to have some ease and movement at all points. Let’s use 36″ as an example.
• Think about how much volume you want your dress to have. By volume, I mean do you want loose or tight gathers around the bust area? Slender column or peasant dress? Just remember to allow ample movement when you’re walking, so don’t go too slender of a column.
• Multiply your number by anywhere from 1.75 to 2.5 to get the total circumference of your dress with gathers. For example, 36″ x 1.75 = 63″. Now divide that number in half to determine how wide to cut each panel. In this example we are using here, cut two panels that are 32″ each (round up in the case of fractions).
• Now determine how long you need to cut each panel. Measure from the top of the bustline to the floor, then add 2 inches for the top and three inches for the hem. That sounds like a lot but better to have more fabric than less. For example, if your top-of-bustline to floor measurement is 50″, your panel cut length is 55″ (50″ + 2″ + 3″ = 55″). Each panel in our example will be 32″ wide by 55″ long.
• Cut your two panels on the lengthwise grain, paying attention to your fabric’s design if it has one. For example, with this maxi dress I made the fabric’s ethnic design reads in columns. So I made sure to center the front and back panels along these columns.
• Stitch front and back panels together, right sides together. Try on: See how it fits around your widest part. If you like the fit, go ahead and finish your seams.
 Top casing (fold over) and empire waist casing (bias tape) • Top casing: How much you turn down and press the top edge will depend on the width of your elastic. For example, if your elastic is 3/4″ wide, turn down one inch and press; turn this down again another inch and press.
• Stitch close to the turned edge to form a casing, leaving a two-inch opening. Insert the elastic (cut a piece of elastic the length of which fits snugly around the top of your bustline) into the casing and pin the ends of the elastic together with a safety pin. Try on for fit; then overlap the ends of the elastic and securely stitch them together. Stitch the opening of the casing closed.
• Add a casing, empire waist or at the waistline. (Both are treated exactly the same.) Try on the dress again now that the top casing with elastic is in place. Mark with chalk or pins where you want to place the empire or waist casing. Take off dress and use a basting stitch to mark where the casing will be stitched. Place bias tape (wide enough for your elastic) atop or along the basting stitches and stitch close to the edges of the bias tape, leaving an opening to insert the elastic. Insert the elastic (cut a piece of elastic the length of which fits snugly under your lower bustline for an empire waist or around your waist) into the casing and pin the ends of the elastic together with a safety pin. Try on for fit; then overlap the ends of the elastic and securely stitch them together. Stitch the opening of the casing closed.
• Hem: Maxi hems take a lot of abuse, so sew a hem that isn’t likely to come undone the moment you accidentally step on your dress or skirt. For the jersey maxi I made here I just sewed a simple narrow hem. If you like a wider hem, press the hem edge under 1/4″ , then turn up again anywhere from 1.5″ to 3″ and press, depending on how much hem you have available. Machine stitch in place for durability.
• Try on finished dress and admire!
It may seem like a lot of steps but this dress goes together fast—it’s basically a modification of that elastic-waist skirt you made when you were first learning to sew. Have you made a maxi dress for the summer? Did you use a pattern or wing it like I did here? Do tell….
Tags: maxi dress, tutorial
Posted in DIY, Dresses, Tutorials | 13 Comments »
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Creating my new DIY tumblr page has to be one of the best things I’ve done in a while. Since, I’m on it practically everyday, it is a daily reminder of all the DIYs I want to complete. Like this one.
This is the SIWY Jony jean and it screams DIY…and when something screams DIY to me, I move into action!
Cotton jeans
Latex Gloves
RIT black liquid dye (1 bottle from Mood Fabrics)
Water
Stick
Salt (1 cup)
Mild liquid detergent
Bucket
Clips
1. Weight jeans. 1 pound of denim calls for 1 bottle of RIT dye. (Darker dyes (black, brown, purple) call for one bottle of RIY dye while lighter dyes call for half)
2. Wash jeans to remove dirt.
3. Put on gloves.
4. Pour 3 gallons of hot water into the bucket. If the water from your pipe isn’t hot enough, boil water.
5. Pour dye into bucket and mix the solution well with your stick.
6. Place jeans into the dye bath to a point a little below where you want the dye to stop.
7. Clip the top of the jeans to the bucket.
8. Stir constantly for 5 minutes and add 1 cup of salt.
9. Constantly stir the jeans in the solution for 30 min to 1 hour. The jeans should only stay in the solution as long as the liquid is still hot.
10. When you remove clothes from dye bath, rinse in warm, then cool water until water runs clear.
11. Wash item in warm water with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly in cool water.
12. Let jeans air dry.
I’ve heard some horror stories with dying projects but this was my first time doing it and mine came out perfectly! Let me know if you guys try this. I can’t wait to experiment with other colors…oh the possibilities!
Candy Fraser is the fashion blogger of taylor & DEMOLISH. It is a fashion style and DIY blog that breaks the lines behind tailored fashion and destroyed fashion. For more information on taylor & Demolish, follow Candy on Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Bloglovin!! You may also contact her at tayloranddemolish@gmail.com
“DIY Ombre Jeans” was originally posted as “DIY Dye Blue Jeans Black” on taylor & DEMOLISH here: http://www.tayloranddemolish.com/2011/11/diy-dye-blue-jeans-black.html
If you would like to submit an article for review to be posted as a Guest Blogger please click HERE.
Tags: denim, DIY, rit dye
Posted in DIY, Guest Blogger | 2 Comments »
Thursday, September 15th, 2011
This has quickly become my favorite DIY project. I made it and planned my whole outfit around it the next day. Yes, that means that I broke out the fur in August. And yes, some find this seasonally offensive.
My Boss: “You shouldn’t wear fur!!!!”
Me: “Don’t worry, it’s faux.”
My Boss: “I don’t care if it’s real or faux. I care that it’s still summertime.”
This fuzzy friend might hibernate in my closet until the temperature drops, but its a great piece to make to start prepping your wardrobe for the cooler seasons. Furry bags, real and faux, are all over the place in conservative and whimsical hues. Take an outing to your nearest fabric store and see what they offer- the longer the fur the better for this DIY.
Faux Fur, Leather Trim, Scissors & Cutting Supplies, Needles and Thread can all be found at MoodFabrics.com.
Arianna Berk, DIY Fashion and Style Blogger, Founder of RunwayDIY.com
www.runwaydiy.com
twitter: @runwaydiy
facebook: www.facebook.com/RunwayDIY
DIY Fuzzy Tote was originally posted on http://runwaydiy.com/2011/08/26/diy-fuzzy-tote.
If you would like to submit an article for review to be posted as a Guest Blogger please click HERE.
Tags: DIY, faux fur, Guest Blogger, tote bag
Posted in DIY, Guest Blogger | Comments Off
Friday, September 9th, 2011
After spotting this DIY inspiration on OutsaPop, I decided to DIY it myself!
Supplies: Scissors, 3 colors of embroidery thread (mine are from Mood Fabrics only available in store), 5-6 Spikes, awl, tape.
Cut 7 feet of your main color. Cut 2 6ft pieces of another color. Cut 4 6ft pieces of your last color. Holding all the threads together, fold them in half and tie a loop, like above. You should have 14 pieces of thread now. Tape the loop to the table you will be working on.
The pattern I used is from friendship-bracelets.net. They have tons of pretty rad patterns.
 image via friendship-bracelets.net  image via friendship-bracelets.net Things I came across when working on this pattern that will make it easier for you:
- First tip, it seems hard at first, but I SWEAR by the 4th row, it will be very easy.
- You must MUST must tie the thread twice as depicted in the second picture.
- Your main color (I used purple, the instructions used red) ALWAYS ties over another thread. You will never come across a loop where you are tying another color over the main color.
- In row 1, 3, 5, 7, etc, you are using all of the threads to make loops.
- In row 2, 4, 6, 8, etc, you are using all of the threads to make loops EXCEPT the first and last thread.
- In row 1, 3, 5, 7, etc, the middle loop you will be making will use two threads that are the same color.
I DO promise that it gets easy as you continue doing it. This is the third friendship I’ve made in my entire life, so trust me. If you remember the tips I mentioned above, it will be pretty simple.
Tie two very tight knots at the end of the bracelet.
Using an awl (or a pen or pencil), push a whole in the center of each/every other diamond to spread the thread wide enough to push the screw of the spike through.
Cut the remaining thread off the bracelet, leaving less than inch after the final knot.
Loosen the last screw. Push the loop at the top of your bracelet over and under the spike and then tighten the spike. This will keep the bracelet in place.
This is by far one of my favorite DIYs (1) because you can totally make it your own, (2) because I thought it was nearly impossible to do when I first started the pattern, but it got so easy towards the end, and (3) because I’ve seen these sold in Soho for $50 each…craziness…mine cost $3.00.
Candy Fraser is the fashion blogger of taylor & DEMOLISH. It is a fashion style and DIY blog that breaks the lines behind tailored fashion and destroyed fashion. For more information on taylor & Demolish, follow Candy on Twitter, Facebook, Google, and Bloglovin!! You may also contact her at tayloranddemolish@gmail.com
“DIY Spiked Friendship Bracelet’ was originally posted on taylor & DEMOLISH here: http://www.tayloranddemolish.com/2011/09/diy-spiked-friendship-bracelet.html
If you would like to submit an article for review to be posted as a Guest Blogger please click HERE.
Tags: awl, DIY, embroidery thread, scissors, Spikes, tape
Posted in DIY, Guest Blogger | Comments Off
Thursday, June 30th, 2011
 Taylor and Demolish: DIY High Slit Skirt
Tags: DIY, Jersey Solid
Posted in DIY | Comments Off
Tuesday, October 27th, 2009
The use of feathers has been used to add drama, style and glamour to what would otherwise be a normal or boring ensemble. In Project Runway season 6, Carol Hannah won the Bob Mackie/Christina Aguilera challenge. Her use of feathers helped to transform an ordinary black sequin dress into a cutting edge design that won the judges votes.
 
As we all know, the use of feathers is not something new. Most of us have seen it on the runway for the past few seasons from designers such as Roberto Cavalli or are beginning to see them in mass retailers such as H&M and TopShop. However, most of the feather skirts and dresses that take over the runway come with a hefty price and the one’s that are a reasonable price just end up looking like cheap knock-off’s. The best option is to do it yourself. Working with feathers is easy and by creating a do it yourself piece you can customize it any way you like to make it your own.
To make a feather skirt is simple. The materials you will need are a pattern for a tulip skirt, 1-2 yards of a wool or polyester, 5-6 yards of feather attached to bias tape, approximately 1 yard of 2” wide elastic.
 
First start with a basic tulip shape skirt in a wool or polyester for structure. Save the waist band until last since you will need to cover the bias on the feathers.
Once you have the body of the skirt constructed begin to attach the feathers to the skirt, 1 row at a time, starting from the bottom. You should leave 1.5”-2” between each row.
Once you are finished attaching the feathers, sew the elastic band to the top of the skirt covering the bias of the feathers. It is an easy and affordable way to add a touch of glam into your wardrobe.
Tags: DIY, elastic, feather, feathers, polyester, Project Runway, Trends, tulip skirt, wool
Posted in DIY | 4 Comments »
Wednesday, October 21st, 2009
Halloween is upon us once again! It is the time to escape reality and transcend into anything or anyone we want to be, even if it is just for the night. With Halloween costume super stores selling your fantasy by the package, your vision is not always what you had imaged it to be and most likely you will run into a look alike more than once in one night.
The only way to live out your fantasy every inch as perfect as you imagined it to be is to ultimately do it yourself. And though you may run into a few people that may resemble you that night, they all seem like knock-offs compared to your one of a kind.
Popular costumes this year range from storybook imaginary best friends to the one and only King of Pop. Whatever your fantasy is, Mood Fabrics has just what you need to make all your Halloween dreams come true.
First comes from the popular movie Where the Wild Things Are. The popular and lovable character of Carol is sure to be a favorite for all ages alike this Halloween. With a little bit of faux fur and a great mask, you are ready to go!!! The great added bonus for this costume is the fact that you will stay warm all night long.
The next, which is always popular and always fun, is Pocahontas. The best example of this DIY is demonstrated by Swatch, the Mood Fabrics mascot. His version isn’t exactly practical for humans but we can however use his great sense of style to create a look that is practical and stylish. Just use a little bit of ultra suede along with a cool trim such as feather or fringe to create an easy yet stylish Pocahontas costume!!!
And last but not least, this Halloween many will pay tribute to the one and only King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Michael had many great outfits to choose from. The most memorable would be his embellished bandleader jackets, pants with white socks, and the staple white glove. Get creative with this costume. Spruce up any blazer with a little metallic fringe, sequin, and some fancy buttons to create your own one of a kind Michael Jackson look.
Whatever look you go for this Halloween season remember to be CREATIVE and have FUN because that is what this Holiday is all about!!!
Tags: buttons, DIY, faux fur, feather, fringe, halloween, sequin, Swatch, ultra suede
Posted in DIY, Seasonal, Trends | 1 Comment »
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