DIY - Restyle, Pocketing Denim

Denim metal frame change purse | Pinterest

It never ceases to amaze me how popular denim is. Whether you are talking about jeans, jackets, recycling or upcycling, you can never read enough about this cultural style. This post is all about making wonderful change purses out of scraps of denim you may have or a pair of well-worn pants. These small projects will definitely be appreciated as gifts and because they're small are a good way to practise sewing skills. Whether you prefer a flex top, traditional metal frame or zipper, these are easy and quick to do. Scraps can easily be turned into patchwork pieces and pockets become whole purses or part of a purse. These are all charming so have fun making one or one of many. Read further for helpful step by step tutorials and videos on different styles of pocket purses. Be sure to also read further down for past posts featuring more creative ideas, tutorials and helpful videos on creating some very stylish bags and restyling a denim shirt.

The brief trend video below shows how denim style keeps on evolving

Denim trends AW 17-18...some are somewhat familiar but the indigo corduroy is especially interesting, especially if some of the effects mimic the different styles of effects in jeans

Posted by Diary of a Creative Fanatic on Saturday, February 27, 2016

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Needlecrafts - Crochet, Bead Jewelry

Inspirational image | Pinterest

Pretty beads were always a weakness. Whether I was roaming the flea markets and vintage stores or shopping in one of the city's bead stores, an unusual color or bead never escaped my eye. Needless to say, the beads accumulated along with the broken necklaces that had wonderful vintage beads. Crocheted bead necklaces made with semi-precious stones are beautiful but can be quite expensive. Using unexpected pieces such as hardware washers or wooden rings mixed in with donut gems can result in an unconventional yet very special piece. Try crocheting with different components such as the fringe necklace. Crochet was worked around the tape the fringe is attached to. The example shown is two worked lengths of fringe, each worked in a different color, then stitched together. Beaded safety pins can be threaded and dangle between beads. Try spraying the safety pins in black or bronze for a different effect. Actual pebbles or shards can be covered and used as pendants. The possibilities are endless. Below are a few examples of necklaces, ones I've made and wear quite often loving the rustic, unpretentious quality. Each vary in style from a simple crocheted chain of matte beads to elongating a lovely choker piece made some time ago. My preference in each case was the same washed black cotton yarn, a dark base highlighting the colored stones and beads. In addition to the yarn, the only stitches used are chain and single crochet.

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DIY- Restyle | Leather Jackets to Bags

Polka dot tote | free tutorial available here

Suede tote with pockets | free tutorial available here
Crossbody bag with front pleat | free tutorial available here

Shoulder bag with snap detail | free tutorial available here
Fringed bag | free tutorial available here

Thrifting is definitely something I really love to do. Throughout the years I've uncovered many cherished items from vintage buttons to overcoats. Yes, you can say that you save money but for me it's the thrill of finding raw treasure, a gem to be made over or in quite a few cases left as is. A while ago, I collected all kinds of beautiful sari stoles in hopes of making sheer kimonos for the summer. Many have lovely embroidery, some are jewelled and sheer and others are soft lightweight wools. What a delight to find these for next to nothing. Going up and down the racks, my eye is also drawn to outerwear. There always seems to be an abundance of leather jackets in bad 80's styles, but in many cases the leather or suede can be of high quality and in great colours. Distressed leather is also something that is very special used in the right way. Any of the featured bag tutorials will result in a very stylish and useful handbag. Read further on how to take apart a jacket easily and tips on sewing with leather. For those with a creative bent, there is a tutorial on painting to make your project a one of a kind piece. Be sure to also read the past post further down for more creative ideas, tutorials and helpful videos on creating some very stylish leather cuffs.

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Needlecrafts - Knit, Ruffled Edges

All inspirational images | Pinterest

Great news! It would appear that spring is around the corner according to the groundhogs, but it's also fun to look ahead and see what are some of the knitwear details trending for next fall. Romance is in the air with all the ruffles being shown not only on the usual edges of hems and sleeves but also in more unusual ways. Whether it's a tiny ruffle finishing off a boat neck or used as a dividing line for color blocking, these are the details you think about incorporating into any new project. These details update patterns you may already have in your library. Just by adding these finishing touches, your garment takes on a fresh and modern appeal. Think about all edges - hem, shoulders, neckline and sleeves. Note the rows of ruffles on the sleeves of the featured vintage pattern. Give your designs some edge next time you are going through your patterns! Be sure to see all the different types of edgings, tutorials and helpful videos.

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