Friday, June 17, 2016

Vintage Lace Table Runner



Layers of vintage lace make this one-of-a kind runner perfect on your dining or console table. It goes with any decor and looks fabulous layered over other runners or tablecloths!

I recently bought a bag of vintage lace pieces on a boutique deal. I have since discovered that Amazon carries the same thing for a great price and free shipping. You can get an assortment of cream or white lace, or if you like to mix it up, some of both!

   

This is also a super way for crafters to use up old lace scraps that, if you are like me, you never throw away!


To make your own Vintage Lace Table Runner, you will need: 
    
  • Sewing pins
  • Sewing machine

Instructions: 

1. Determine how wide you want your table runner, and add an inch. Cut your lace pieces to this length using the ruler and mat to make straight cuts. I wanted a 12 inch runner, so I made my lace 13 inches. 

2. Pin lace layers together in about 2 foot sections, overlapping just enough to sew (about 1/4 inch).  Use plenty of pins! Lace can be slippery!

3. Once you have three 2-foot sections, pin those sections together and sew.  If you find (as I did) that the lace stretched or slipped some and your edges aren't as clean as you want, don't worry! This is why you added that inch at the beginning!

4. Iron the runner if needed, then use the ruler and mat to carefully square up the entire runner. Take your time so you get it right! 

And you are done! I hope you love your new runner as much as I love mine! 






Friday, June 3, 2016

Cut-Up Workout T-Shirt Tutorial



Do you have old, boxy t-shirts you'd wear to exercise in if they only had a more flattering fit?  This easy, no-sew tutorial will teach you how to alter (and ventilate! ;-)) your t-shirts into two different styles of cute workout tops--perfect for lifting, climbing, dancing, riding, squatting, jumping, punching, kicking, running or walking!

I teach an exercise class a couple of mornings each week, and several gals who attend asked me about these shirts.  I told them to bring shirts and scissors to class one day, and we did a live tutorial right there in the gym after class!  Two of my favorite things combined into one class!! I was on Cloud 9!

Now, on to your tutorial:

All you need for either of these styles is a cotton jersey knit t-shirt and sharp fabric scissors. 

Style 1: Back Diamond Weave T-Shirt
1. Lay shirt out flat.
2. Cut through top and bottom layers of shirt along bottom of front neckline. 
3. Cut one sleeve off; then turn the piece you cut off to use as a guide for cutting off the second sleeve.
4. Turn shirt on its side, lining up shoulder seams and flattening. 
5. Beginning at the top of the back side, cut 1 inch wide strips all the way down the back. Start with pretty deep strips--4-5 inches from the fold (they will double when you unfold). Then gradually get smaller as you work your way down. My last cut is usually only about 1 inch deep. 
6. Turn shirt so the back is on top. Stretch out cuts so the fabric rolls in on itself. 
7. Take top strip and make a loop. 
8. Take next strip and pull it up through the top loop.
9. Make a loop with the strip you just pulled through. 

10. Continue looping and pulling the strip below through all the way down the shirt. 
11. Leave the last strip loose. 
12. Take the second to last strip (that is pulled through the one above it) and make sure it is turned in a loop.
13. Cut the bottom strip in half. 
14. Pull one side of the bottom strip up through the bottom of the last loop.
15. Pull the other side of the bottom strip down through the top of the last loop. 
16. Tie a double knot with the two sides of the bottom strip. 
17. Finished back!
18. Finished front!

Style 2: Side Weave T-Shirt
1. Lay t-shirt out flat. 
2. Cut through top and bottom layers of shirt along bottom of front neckline. 
3. Cut one sleeve off; then turn the piece you cut off to use as a guide for cutting off the second sleeve.
4. Beginning 1 inch below the sleeve opening, cut 1 inch wide slits into the sides of the shirt. I begin with about 2 inch slits, gradually get bigger toward the middle of the shirt, then taper back to smaller slits at the end. My last cut is only about 1 inch across.
5. Turn shirt on its side, lining up shoulder seams.
6. Stretch the strips so the fabric curls in on itself.
7. Pick up the top strip (this should be the bottom part of the sleeve), and turn a single loop in it.
8. Pull the next strip up through the loop.
9. Turn a loop in the strip you just pulled through and continue pulling and turning all the way down the shirt. 

10. When you get to the bottom, leave the last strip alone.
11. Cut the bottom strip in half. 
12. Take the second to last strip (that is pulled through the one above it) and make sure it is turned in a loop.
13. Pull one side of the bottom strip up through the bottom of the last loop.
14. Pull the other side of the bottom strip down through the top of the last loop. 
15. Tie a double knot with the two sides of the bottom strip.
16. One side: DONE!
17. Repeat on other side.
18. Cute workout top!