shannon: August 2010 Archives

I love using fabric scraps- for anything I can. Luckily for me, fabric necklaces are very popular right now! I've seen bib style necklaces in magazines- with felt backing, swirls of fabric and beading scrolling around your neck. I prefer to go for something a little less bold- but still make a statement.

Lightweight fabric is best to use- lightweight lining or chiffon is best. You can choose a print or solid, or both; just remember both sides of the fabric will show.  All you need to do is cut a 17'' X 6 ¼'' rectangle- finish the edges with a roll hem, or use pinking shears for a raw look without having to worry about unraveling! I used a decorative hem stitch on my serger, with a different color thread. Once the edges are to your liking, fold one side over, not quite meeting the edge.  By hand, or by machine, baste stitch across the center of your folded fabric- then gather to create the ruffles. Thread a necklace chain through the generous loop you've created and you're done!

You can secure the edges of your fabric ruffle to the chain, or not, depending if you want to switch out your chains. Heavier weight chains are best to use because they help weigh-down  the lightweight ruffle.

This ruffle fabric necklace is an elegant way to add color to any outfit, with a fun, flirty twist. In my upcoming wedding, I plan on presenting these DIY gifts to my bridesmaids to wear with their black cocktail length bridesmaid dresses. I love the idea of adding pops of color! I'm still debating whether or not to give them all the same color or mix and match. Much of my wedding is DIY- with loads and loads of precious fabric scraps. So keep that stash going, and I'll show you more creative ways to put those scraps to good use!

Thanks to our new Crafts section, we now carry Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-Medium Gloss. It's a fantastic product that does so many different things! For fabric art and crafts, it serves as a wonderful glue or glaze. It's very similar to Mod Podge, but with a much better smell. Just apply it with a brush- it dries clear and relatively quickly. Depending on how much you apply, I've noticed it takes a good ½ hour to 45 minutes to dry. The gloss is my favorite (instead of the matte finish) because it provides a nice, subtle sheen.

I've used it to make fabric flowers, gluing thin fabric together, with a wire in between, to make moveable petals (more on fabric flowers to come!). Pressing down allows the medium to seep through the fibers- glossing the fabric petals as well as sealing them together. This medium is also great for decoupage! Once you are finished arranging and gluing your pieces- Use the medium to coat your project and seal it. It's a breeze to clean up too, and it won't mess up a paintbrush.

This wonder product is one of my new favorites at Fabric.com. I've only used it for fabric, floral and decoupage crafts, but you can also use it for image transfers and serves as a paint extender (to be used with Claudine Hellmuth Studio Paints). Check out the Multi-Medium Matte gel as well!

If you're like me, you have lots of clothes you don't wear and lots of fabric scraps you just can't part with. After all, you might wear that top eventually and those scraps might come in handy! Well now is that time... Get your old boring tank tops or t-shirts and give them a makeover! Nothing crazy, just a little cute pocket makes all the difference.

This fancy little pocket, which I call a "Cowl Pocket", has been made with some rayon jersey left-overs. Lightweight jersey works best for the cowl pocket because it has excellent draping qualities. For an unexpected twist, put the pocket in an unconventional place! Have some old jewelry? Throw that in there too! I used an old broken necklace and hand stitched the ends of the chains to the edges of the pocket. If you do this, be sure the chain is lightweight enough so it doesn't pull the fabric. Also sew it onto where you have top stitched the edges- the multiple layers of fabric well help support the chain as well.

Here I've used some scrap Anna Maria Horner voile fabric for this "Mini Pocket". Because tanks get smaller where the straps form, a smaller pocket is best. Lightweight woven prints work great for pockets! This one is super easy to sew: just iron and top-stitch!

Pockets are all the rage right now and can make such a difference to the most boring of tank top, or any garment! Instead of buying the latest trends, recycle your old wardrobe, and your beloved fabric scraps.