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New Edition! “Sewing Bags: Tutorial You’ll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns” eBook

December 5, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 2 Comments

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There’s no such thing as too many purses. Whether you need a laundry bag, a gym tote, or a gorgeous evening clutch, there are bags for all occasions. Sewing a bag is always a great way to spend an afternoon, since it’s a project that you’ll use over and over again. They make for wonderful gifts, especially around the holidays! In the spirit of Christmas sewing, we at AllFreeSewing have put together a revamped, better-than-ever, new edition of our eBook, Sewing Bags: Tutorials You’ll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns.

Sewing Bags: Tutorials You'll Love

From over-the-shoulder sling bags to linen jewelry bags, this free eBook has a little taste of everything. It’s the perfect collection of bags and purses, full of variety. You’ll find tutorials for refashioned bags, vintage patterns, organizer projects, and bags for every age.

DIY Rug Clutch

Bags for the Fashionable Sewist

This bag is so stylish and pretty! The DIY Rug Clutch is a clever way to refashion an old rug. This bag is such a great addition to any outfit. Plus, it’s an easy project to sew. This tutorial will teach you how to insert a lining, button, and zipper to make a sturdy, life-proof clutch out of a discarded piece of home decor.

Bags for Dr. Mom, MD

Emergency Zippered Pouch

Everyone knows that being a Mom means that you’re also a teacher, artist, lawyer, chef, and of course, doctor. Never be without a Band Aid and some Neosporin, thanks to the adorable Emergency Zipper Pouch! This great little on-the-go bag is perfect for skinned knees and bruises. This zippered pouch is easy to sew and includes a little keychain so that you can keep it with you no matter where the emergency is.

Not Just Another Pretty Purse

Bags for the Overnighter

This project is Not Just Another Pretty Purse. This big bag is stylish and pretty, but more than that, it’s useful. The bag’s shape and size make it perfect for overnights. Whether you’re jet-setting off for a weekend vacation, attending a work conference, or just packing the kids up for a weekend at Grandma’s, this bag will hold all of the essentials.

Download your free copy of Sewing Bags: Tutorials You’ll Love & 15 Free Purse Sewing Patterns today!

What items do you always carry in your purse, no matter what?

Filed Under: Free eBooks Tagged With: bags and purses, crafts for mom, DIY bags, free sewing patterns, Refashion Projects, refashioning, sewn bag

Bigger is Better: A History of Oversized Clothing in Women’s Fashion

November 25, 2013 by AllFreeSewing Leave a Comment

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Bigger is Better: A History of Oversized Clothing in Women's FashionThere’s nothing better than a big, comfy sweater you can curl up in during winter, or a loose-fitting maxi skirt that blows around your ankles come spring. But as with everything, the too-big look didn’t come from nowhere. Through the decades the shapes and styles of oversized clothing changed as suited the times.

From head to toe, oversized clothing has had an impact on modern style. Whatever the reason, fashion always cycles back to the oversized look — be it with a bit of bling or a flowy maxi dress.

The 1920s: All that Glitters

Daisy's Simple Chandelier Earrings

Dresses like The New Woman’s Flapper Dress were designed to hang loose on a woman’s frame, but the layers and beads swung and shimmered with every movement so as to draw attention. Even jewelry burgeoned in size; pieces like Daisy’s Simple Chandelier Earrings would have stolen the show at any party. In fact, from rings to headwear, accessories were displayed as centerpieces of an outfit, not just accents.

But while flapper dresses have been relegated to the costume closet, large costume jewelry like the Anthro Knock Off Akela Necklace have made a serious comeback in current popular fashion. As new fabrics like jersey and new styles like the drop-waist dress became de rigueur in the 1920s, oversized garments and accessories quickly came into fashion. The overall style of the 1920s was a blend of relaxed, sporty daywear coupled with flashy eveningwear meant to catch—and hold—the eye.

 The 1930s: Fake It ‘Till You Make It

Faux Fur Infinity Scarf

The 1930s were a rough time, economically—particularly for Americans, who were suffering through the Great Depression. Though movies featured ever more glamorous celebrities, the day-to-day reality of the average individual was far from the bright lights of Hollywood.

To combat the sharp fall in sales, designers began creating discounted products, relying more heavily on more economical fabrics like rayon and nylon. Even still, women were often forced to improvise. In order to achieve the puffy, oversized look of the film stars, women would sew fur to the hems of their garments, like this Fleece Scarf with a Fur Pocket or this Simple Faux Fur Infinity Scarf. Adding fur to a coat, scarf, or dress created a fabric contrast that both enlarged the garment and added a luxurious feel. A two-tone, flowy jacket like this Wrap Coat would have been a hit—both for the different fabrics and for the loose design.

Chiffon Maxi Dress

The 1960s: Fun and Fancy Free

The 1960s were a time of radical change, particularly in women’s fashion.  This was the decade of  the miniskirt (and the midiskirt) and the A-line bodice. But it was also a decade that embraced the maxi dress. These flowing, fluid fabrics created the kind of easily elegant silhouettes that celebrities from Jackie-O to Joni Mitchell favored.

Dresses like this Chiffon Maxi Dress and the Effortless Caftan Dress wouldn’t have been out of place at a red carpet event. And of course no one can forget Jackie O’s notoriously overlarge sunglasses or the beehive hairstyle that was so radically popular. Loose, flowing, and big: the three keys to 1960s oversize fashion. Even the popular mod dresses of the time owed a debt to the oversized style of the 1920s flapper dress, as the cut was much the same, though mod dresses like this Cute Black and White Mini Dress emphasized a color block design, whereas flapper dresses keyed in to the movement of the dress on the body.

The 1990s and Beyond

Zoot AlorsThe ’90s were a pretty hilarious time for fashion. Baggy, too-big, and grunge came with force to the forefront. From crop-tops to hammer pants, the ’90s were all about playing with perspective by emphasizing volume. These Zoot Alors pants, for example, might have walked off the stage of a concert or a red carpet at an awards show. This Easy Oversized Dress uses the same theory, gathering in and flaring out to emphasize contours and shape.

Current trends make a mix of history’s offerings. Enormous, comfy sweaters like the Asymmetrical Tunic Sweater, the Comfy Cardigan, and the Goncho Fleur de Lis Sweater all fit with that pattern. Looser-fitting t-shirts like the Draped Color Block Tee and the Shimmery Slouch Top also blend style with comfort.

What’s your favorite piece of oversized clothing?

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: maxi dress, Mollyhall Seeley, Refashion Projects, scarf project, Vintage Sewing

4 Ways to Refashion Your Wardrobe from Fleece Fun: National Sewing Month 2013

September 23, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 42 Comments

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It’s Day Twenty-Three of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

National Sewing Month 2013

Hello fellow sewists! I’m Angel from Fleecefun.com – a blog that features free PDF sewing patterns with video tutorials!  I have several patterns and tutorials that I know you’ll love.

Trying to stay on top of trends can be difficult (and expensive!).  Here are some simple tricks and tips on how you can keep your wardrobe up to date and keep cash in your wallet.

1. Have a Good Foundation.

Having some good key pieces that are in style no matter what are a worthy investment.  You can wear them year after year and dress them up with on trend accessories.  A simple white button up top, a couple of nicely
cut but simple blouses in neutral colors, a black skirt and/or pant, blue jeans (a couple of good pairs), a good over coat.
  These core items need to be in good condition and look good on you.  If they don’t meet those criteria – they aren’t helping your wardrobe.  It’s time to upcycle them.
 

Some great patterns for core wardrobe elements that you can find on AllFreeSewing are:

  • The Unstoppable Pencil Skirt
  • The Cap Sleeve Blouse
  • The Cowl Capelet

2. T-shirts are a Girl’s Best Friend.

It seems like with every event there’s a t-shirt that goes with it!  They can stack up pretty quickly in the closet.  Fortunately because fabric doesn’t unravel there are a million fun and fast refashions you can make with t-shirts. T-shirts can become scarves, shrugs and number of other accessories with minimal sewing!Some fabulous  t-shirt refashion projects on AllFreeSewing are:

  • The T-shirt Infinity Scarf
  • The Ruffled Rim Hat
  • The Tee to Skirt Refashion
  • The Chevron Scarf

3. Think Outside the Gender Box.

Just because a shirt was once designed for a man doesn’t mean it can’t have a second life as a feminine addition to your closet.  Be willing to look at your fella’s rarely worn items to see if a fashion gem can be made.

An amazing tutorial on AllFreeSewing is:

  • The Men’s Shirt Apron

4. Know When to Call It.

Sometimes no matter what you do you can’t save a piece.  If it has too many holes, a huge stain, or the fabric doesn’t lend itself to an easy refashion, give it an honorable retirement to the rag drawer and call it a day.Be sure to check out my free PDF patterns with video tutorials on FleeceFun.com!

 

Tell us truthfully, do you think your wardrobe could use a refashion?

 

 

Filed Under: National Sewing Month Tagged With: Budget crafting, guest contribution, Guest Post, National Sewing Month 2013, refashion, Refashion Projects, sew clothes, sewn clothes, Thrifty Crafts

National Sewing Month 2013: Sewing a New Wardrobe on a Budget

September 20, 2013 by AllFreeSewing 32 Comments

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It’s Day Twenty of National Sewing Month! Too see the daily blog posts, projects of the day, and more National Sewing Month details, click here.

National Sewing Month 2013

An updated wardrobe is always on the mind, but it might not always be in the budget. New clothes and accessories can be quite pricey, and no matter how stylish they are, the cost might not be worth it. As a sewist, though, you don’t have to find yourself subject to retail sticker prices when you can simply make your own clothes. Rather than spending inordinate amounts of money on designer clothes, you can use any number of free sewing patterns to find ideas for refashioning clothes.

Check out the free tutorials below for several fashionable sewing projects. Whether you’re looking for instructions on how to refashion tops, bottoms, dresses, or clothes for kids, there’s a free sewing pattern for you. Explore all of these ideas to find the clothing refashion project that’s just right for your needs.

How to Refashion Tops15 Minute Lacy Blazer

You don’t have to set foot in the department store to find your next fabulous top. Learn how to refashion tops with these free sewing tutorials. You’ll love how much you can create, and you’ll love how low-budget all of these projects are to sew. With so many free patterns, there’s no need for you to ever sacrifice style to save money.

15 Minute Lacy Blazer

DIY Basketweave Hoodie Tutorial

Draped Color Block Tee

Easy Applique Star Tee

Easy Sequined Pocket

Sewn with Love Appliqued Tee

Trendy Sweatshirt Refashion

How to Refashion Bottoms20 Minute Shirt to Skirt

You can sew eye-catching bottoms on a budget using any of these free sewing tutorials. Low-budget, easy sewing projects are just what you need to give your wardrobe a boost on a dime. When money is no longer a factor, the only big question you really have to answer is “What will I sew first?!”

20 Minute Shirt to Skirt

Making a Skirt from a Dress

Ready for Summer Denim Refashion

Ruffled Pant Cuffs

Very Easy Overalls Refashion

 

How to Make Refashioned DressesSkirt to Dress Refashion

Walking away from fabulous dresses because they cost too much can be a heart-wrenching experience. Say goodbye to those traumatic moments by getting out your sewing machine and your favorite clothes that need a new life. Check out these sewing tutorials to learn how to refashion clothes you already have into fashionable dresses.

Skirt to Classic Halter Dress

Skirt to Dress Refashion

Upcycling Clothes for KidsClean Cut-Off Shorts for Boys

With the rate at which kids grow, keeping them clothed can get quite costly. Save some dough on your kids’ clothes by learning how to refashion garments you already have. Check out any of these free sewing tutorials for ideas on how to make refashioned clothes for your kids. With these easy projects, keeping your little ones high fashion will be a breeze.

Clean Cut-Off-Shorts for Boys

Hoodie Into Child’s Cowl Neck Pullover

Man’s Shirt to Child’s Dress Refashion

Refashion Sweater for Boys

Sweet and Simple Bow Top

Wonderful Tee Shirt Onesie

 

 

Why do you think refashioning is so popular with younger sewers?

 

 

Filed Under: National Sewing Month Tagged With: free sewing patterns, National Sewing Month 2013, Refashion Projects, refashioning, Sari Lesk, sewing crafts, sewing tutorial

Link Love: Pumped Up Kicks

April 17, 2013 by FaveCrafts Leave a Comment

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Bye, bye boots! I am officially ready to retire my winter kicks and pull my sneakers out from the back of my closet. However, nothing ruins the excitement associated with spring clothing quite like the realization that your wardrobe is, well, boring. Luckily, there are so many ways to refashion a pair of plain sneakers and create a colorful, eye-catching pair of shoes that will last all season long. Whether you’re rocking a pair of lace ups or prefer some slip-ons, there are so many simple crafts to try. This is a great way to save money – no need to hit the shoe store when you have these craft projects at your disposal!

A lightweight pair of sneakers can be a great wardrobe staple during the spring. Create your own pair of Upcycled Vans – you only need two fabric paint colors to change the look of your shoes. Not a fan of black and white? Colorful Upcycled Sneakers are loud, proud and so much fun to wear. Best of all, these sneakers will get you in the mood to work up a sweat! Toms shoes a great accessory for the season and you can easily customize them with a few inexpensive supplies. Tutorials for Over the Rainbow Shoes and Simple Shoe Makeover will help you get started and think outside the box.

Unleash your creativity and add doodles, symbols and more to a plain pair of tennis shoes. Your one-of-a-kind creation is sure to get you noticed all season long.

  1. Spring Time Sneakers from A Lion’s Nest
  2. Miu Miu Inspired Glitter Sneakers from Love Maegen
  3. Aztec Inspired Shoes from C.R.A.F.T.
  4. Mystic Shoe from The Daily Telecraft
  5. Polka Dots Sneakers from Born In Eighty Two
  6. Altered Art Shoes from Robayre
  7. Tribal Tennies from Dream a Little Bigger
  8. Floral Canvas Shoes from Henry Happened
  9. Chevron Shoes from Time for Tea Beads

Filed Under: Link Love Tagged With: Drawing, glitter, Refashion Projects, refashioning, repurpose, shoe craft, shoe crafts, upcycle craft

FaveCrafts Radio for the Fashionistas!

May 7, 2012 by FaveCrafts 1 Comment

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FaveCrafts Radio is back in full swing this month with an extra special fashion edition!

We’ve lined up some amazing DIY fashion experts to come by and talk to use about creating your own style and what trends they see coming in fashion crafts. It should be a great show, you won’t want to miss it! Especially if you’re at that point in your spring cleaning where you’re about to get rid of some old clothes. Hang on to them! This show might just inspire you to give them new life. Guests will include Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking, a second time appearance from Suede, and brand new author Jenni Radosevich from I Spy DIY! As usual, we’ll also have giveaways lined up for those lucky listeners participating in the chat room under the radio.

So  be sure to join us on April 8th at 11am EST!

FaveCrafts Radio Show

 

 Giveaways!

If listening in to these fabulous designers talking about DIY fashion isn’t enough incentive, we’ll be giving away prize to lucky listeners! All you have to do to be entered to win is go in and join the chat underneath the radio broadcast. Easy right? We’ll be giving away two Suede sewing patterns and a copy of Jenni Radosevich’s new book I SPY DIY Style!

If you’re new to FaveCrafts Radio or just skipped a month or two, no worries! All the episodes are archived and you can listen to them all whenever you have the time.

We can’t wait for tomorrow’s show and hope you’ll join in!

Filed Under: FaveCrafts Radio Tagged With: DIY trends, fashion, Refashion Projects

Crafty Things to Make with Jeans: Happy Birthday Levi Strauss!

February 26, 2012 by AllFreeSewing 5 Comments

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Confession Time. I have a serious problem when it comes to finding a good pair of jeans. They have to fit just right. They must have enough stretch to be comfortable, hit right at the ankle, not spare too much fabric around the thigh area, etc… As you can see, I take my jean hunting very seriously.

While searching for the right pair, I tend to buy some that seem great at first but don’t live up my standards after one or two wears. Then I’m left with a closet full of imperfect jeans. Luckily, I discovered some great ideas for what to make with old jeans. Jean refashioning projects are awesome because they allow you to use the denim you no longer wear to create something new and useful.

When you’re ready to take on some old jean craft projects, check out these simple ideas:

Jean Pocket Pot Holder
Bring some of that denim flair with you into the kitchen. Making potholders is simple, especially when you already have the material you need on hand.

How to Make Jean Purses
These cute little bags have been popular ever since we added them to the site. They’re quick and easy to make and require only small amounts of denim. Use your creativity to embellish to your liking.


Recycled Denim Oven Mitt

Create an oven mitt that’s useful and durable. A denim oven mitt it much more fun than a regular cotton fabric one. Grab your old jeans and make this thrifty project.


Upcycling Blue Jeans Into a Skirt

Here’s the project to turn to when you still want to wear your jeans – just not as pants. This cute denim skirt takes a pair of jeans and transforms them into a modest skirt. Add a bit of colorful fabric to make it your own.

Right now seems like the perfect time to explore the world of jean refashioning projects. It’s Levi Strauss’ birthday and we all owe this man quite a large thank you for creating comfortable pants that are acceptable for everyday attire. Not to mention, Levi’s have become a fashion staple in the closets of men and women everywhere.

To celebrate all things jean, we’ve rounded up an entire collection of jean refashioning projects. Rid your closet of all those ill-fitting jeans and turn them into something new! Check out the 11 Ideas for What to Make With Old Jeans collection.

Have you ever turned your old jeans into something new? Share with us below!

 

 

Filed Under: Sewing Tagged With: DIY, Jean Refashioning, Refashion Projects, Sewing, wearable crafts

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Full Project Tutorials

How to Throw a Fabulous Fiesta

Put on your sombreros and get out the maracas because Cinco de Mayo is this weekend!  If nothing else this holiday is a great excuse to throw a fantastic party, complete with themed food, drinks and of course crafts!  And because it falls on a Saturday this year, that’s just one more way of the […]

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Free eBooks

Printable Collection: 11 Jaw-Dropping DIY Wedding Centerpieces

WARNING: Your jaw will be on the floor after browsing this collection of 11 DIY Wedding Centerpieces That'll Drop Jaws. If your jaw stays on the … [Read More...]

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How to Make Mother’s Day Decorations

Mother's day comes around but once a year. And every year is a special time for all those mothers in the world. Show them just how much you care with … [Read More...]

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