DIY Technique : Lace Trim

I felt that Lace Trim deserved it's own DIY, but because it can be used in so many different ways I decided to call it a DIY Technique. I have used lace trim in countless DIYs. I have used it to trim the hem of pencil skirts, the top hem of socks, the cuffs of a coat, and even as a DIY peter pan collar. So get creative and work that trim!

Here is what you will need:

- Lace trim of your choice (Get a trim with some stiffness, it will hold its shape)
-A Needle
-Thread in corresponding color
-Pins

I decided to revamp a dress that was a bit too plain for my liking. The fabric of the dress is pretty, but it feels like it was missing something.

I decided the best thing to do was to add a lace trim around the collar of the dress. 

1) Start pinning the trim along the neckline of the dress. I started from the back next to the zipper. 

2) Next, whip stitch the trim to the neck edge of the dress. You can also use a sewing machine, but hand-sewing gives better control and precision. Continue around the collar of the dress this way until you end up next to the zipper.

Done!

 

There us a definite improvement in the look of the dress. It is subtle, but effective.

Now you all know the effectiveness of LACE TRIM. It is an excellent technique to know and use especially when a garment needs a bit more flair.

DIY Lapel Pins

This is a simple tutorial with few materials, few steps, and lots of variations. Without further explanation, here is the DIY.

Here is what you need: 

- 2 brooches (either matching or not)

- 2 jump rings in color complementing the brooches

- 2 lengths of chain, both 11 inches long (I am doubling up the chain, but this is optional)

-Pliers

Step 1: Take a look at the back of your brooches and figure out where the jump rings will go. As you can see on my brooches I have some rings that are part of the structure. If these rings aren't on yours then slip the jump ring, with the chain, into the pin backs. 

Step 2: Insert the both strands of chain onto the jump ring. Now slip the jump ring onto the pin backing. You will have to be careful whenever opening or closing the pin backing. 

Step 3: Here is where the jump ring rests on the brooch. 

Done! Here is the finished product. This can also be down with clip-on earrings; this is ideal for fabric that is not substantial enough to hold brooches or if you don't want holes in your clothing. You can also glue some pin backs to a pair of buttons and achieve the same results. 

See you all next Thursday!

DIY Rolled Item Holder

So, as to where last Thursday's DIY is....well, I had familial goings-ons that were a priority and the DIY got put in the back-burner. Sorry! As for the title of this DIY, confusing right? That is because this DIY can be whatever you want it to be. The Rolled Holder can be used for your makeup brushes, your paint brushes, your pencils/pens, etc. Really whatever you want to put use it for you can. 

For this DIY you will need:

-Bamboo Mat (Used for rolling sushi; these can be found in most grocery stores).

-Ribbon 

-Lighter

-Sharpies (The items that the holder is for).

Step 1: Slip the ribbon through the first bamboo rod on the mat. 

Step 2: Take into account the width of the items you are using the holder for. I am making this holder for my sharpies and the width of one sharpie is two bamboo rods. Now slip the ribbon in through the mat. 

Step 3: Continue on slipping the ribbon throughout the mat. If you are using brushes, or items with different widths, make sure the ribbon will fit the item snugly or it will slip out. 

 

Step 4: This is what your mat should resemble.

Step 5: Now run the lighter at the edge of each ribbon to ensure that it won't fray. Make sure the ribbon is long enough on each side to enable you to roll and tie your holder. 

Step 6: Slip your items in and you have a new holder. Any extra slots can be used as you need them. 

Here is the finished product:

So there is another DIY just for all of you! This is something great to do with brushes especially! See you all next Thursday.