Sewing Tutorial #1: High Waisted Skirt with Elastic Band
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Hi! So I'll be trying my very best to write a tutorial on the skirt I wore on Easter (you can see it here!). :) Please bear with me as I'm just a beginner in sewing!
In the photo above is what I used. Assuming you have the basics (thread, sewing machine, scissors, pins, etc.), here's the most important part!
- Fabric (I used 3/4 of a yard, but it'll probably look nicer if you use a full yard . The more fabric you use, the more fuller the skirt.)
- Elastic (I pulled it around my waist until it felt snug but comfy, then added about an inch and cut! The extra inch is for when I sew the ends of the elastic together later.)
1. Lay out your fabric. Place the elastic at the top with about 1 inch from the edge. Mark the bottom of the elastic. That's going to be the very top of the skirt!
2. Measure how long you want your skirt to be from your waist down. Mine was 22 inches. Starting from where you marked and measure all the way down. Mark it. Now add 2 more inches for the bottom hem and cut!
3. Take your fabric inside out and line up the two sides of the fabric. You're going to sew the ends together so it looks like this:
Hopefully, you have just a tube of fabric! Now comes the more difficult part - the waistband. But don't worry, it's not too bad.
4. With the skirt still inside out, take the very top of the fabric and fold over an inch. Next, fold it over to the push pin that marks the top of the skirt. You want to lie down your elastic on top to make sure that it will be fit in the band, but you also want it to be snug so the elastic doesn't get all twisted when you wear it. Then use your push pins to keep it still. It should like this:
See? It's pretty tight. That elastic ain't goin' nowhere! >:)
5. Now, starting from where you made the side seam, you're going to sew the band shut at the bottom like so:
You're going to want to sew as close to the edge as you possibly can so that the elastic will still fit. It is good to check every once in a while whether the elastic will still fit through by just laying it on top of the waistband and seeing if you can still see the seam.
Once you sew around, you want to stop about 4 inches before the beginning.
6. Through this gap, thread the elastic through! I personally like to put a safety pin on the elastic and thread it through, holding tight to the end. Once you put it all the way through the skirt, overlap the elastic by about an inch and sew it securely. I did it twice because it's a rather big elastic. Also, because it's pretty thick your sewing machine may mess up a couple times... but don't be discouraged! Keep calm!
(This may look like a lot of excess elastic, but I really just pushed all the fabric away for the photo. In reality, there's wayyyy more fabric! I had to take this photo fast because the fabric kept coming back up, haha.)
7. Once your elastic is sewn, sew up the 4 inch gap the same way you sewed the rest of the waistband (snug and as close to the edge as possible). You want to do this one carefully so that you don't sew the elastic!
You're almost there...
8. Hem the bottom of the skirt by folding over one inch, then folding over again. And your hem should look like this:
9. Go try on your new skirt!!! :D
There you go! I really hope this makes sense! Please, please, please let me know if I can clarify anything for you! I will gladly do so, of course. And if you get around to using the tutorial, I would LOVE to see what you come up with! :D Take care, everyone, and happy sewing!!!
Labels: caroline, sewing projects, tutorial
"Have You Been Seeing Spiderman on the Side?"
Monday, April 25, 2011
Hello Everyone!
I hope everyone had a great holiday! Hopefully it was filled with loved ones, food, and lots of chocolates. You know, the best combination ever. =)
I can't help but feature again one of my favorite sweater cardigans. You will probably recognize it from this post. It makes any outfit warm and comfy! Plus it is such a lovely pattern and color. You must be wondering about my love affair with Spiderman. Sam, my boyfriend, dubs these light colored pattern tights my "Spiderweb Tights" and then asks if I've been seeing Spiderman on the side. He just thinks he's so funny (boyfriends..).
On this day, both Caroline and I dressed for warmth since it seemed like it was going to be gloomy, but low and behold the teasing Sun comes out right as we are walking down to take our photos. We decided to keep our outfits but we both really wanted to feature something more summer and springy. Maybe the Sun just wanted to see us more covered up? Who knows!
This is one of my favorite belts. It was my Dad's from when he was younger-about 25 years ago (He's a pretty skinny guy, which is why his belt fits my waist). The brand is Celine and I haven't heard of it before but I'd really love to see more because I love the buckle design.
Cardigan: Urban Outfitters || Dress: Charlotte Russe || Celine Belt: Dad's from 25 years ago || Sweater Tights: Charlotte Russe || Knee High Socks: Urban Outfitters || Boots: Macy's
I always feel like I have to pump you guys because the Monday after a weekend is always such a blaah day. Well if you didn't get enough chocolate or peeps yesterday, head over to the grocery store today because after-Easter candy is always 50% to 75% off. Hopefully this will make Monday a little better. =)
Have a Saaweeet Monday! =P
Sewing Project #4: Vertical Striped Skirt
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Happy Easter! (To all of those who celebrate!)
So today is Easter Sunday -- in terms of fashion, this means lots of pastels and happy colors. :) Oddly enough, today was one of the gloomiest Easter Sundays I've ever experienced. It also rained, which means that the little kids at church didn't have an Easter egg hunt because it was too wet outside. :| Also, since I didn't go back to my home church this year, I wasn't able to steal candy from my little sister. Hahah! :3
Well, I was already anticipating what happy colors to wear. Over spring break, Jomarie (you remember my cousin with awesome sewing skills, right?) taught me how to make a simple bunched skirt with just cloth and elastic.
I somehow ended up with this cloth made up of lovely vertical stripes. I couldn't resist.
(*Sidenote* Please ignore the wrinkles... I took a nap after church, haha!)
Anyway, the skirt itself is pretty comfortable (especially since it fits my waist perfectly - the joys of learning how to sew) I couldn't help but pair it with this coral top -- the colors make me happy. :D
Thanks to Daniel for taking my photos today. :)
Top:Thrifted || Cardigan:American Eagle || Skirt:Made by me || Boots: Present || Peter Pan Necklace: Anniversary present
Tadaaa! While I made the skirt, I was considering on writing up a tutorial, so I took some photos during the process. So if people are interested, please let me know and I'd love to share -- it's pretty easy! :)
Hope everyone has a great Easter Sunday (or just a great Sunday, in general)! Eat lots of chocolate bunnies and colorful peeps! :D
Labels: caroline, outfit, sewing projects
Featuring Friends and Family Friday #8: Daniel
Friday, April 22, 2011
It's Friday yet again, which means another FF&FF! :D This week we're going to be featuring someone pretty important to Caroline. :)
Daniel is Caroline's boyfriend and is friends with Erin. In fact, that's how they met! Daniel and Erin lived in the same dorm during our freshman year of college and (if you remember from our feature on Sam) Caroline and Erin were friends during orientation. So in the beginning of the school year, Erin introduced Caroline to Daniel... and yeah! :D
Enough about that, let's show you his sense of style.
Daniel's style can best be described as pretty casual and a tad bit preppy... in a good way! Oh, and he has a lot of stripes in his closet. :)
This cardigan is one of Caroline's favorite pieces of clothing that Daniel owns -- but she's biased because she bought it for him for Christmas. :P
Cardigan: Present from Caroline || Shirt: Present from cousin in Korea || Jeans: Calvin Klein || Sunglasses: Vans
Awesome Facts About Daniel:
1. He loves all kinds of music - from trance to hip hop, rock to classical, and everything in between.
2. He enjoys working with computers (making them AND playing on them).
3. He likes to play a variety of sports, especially basketball and baseball.
There you go! We hope you liked this week's feature! Have an amazing weekend, everyone! :D
Hand-Me-Downs
Thursday, April 21, 2011
One of the most awesome parts of having a best friend who loves fashion (besides being able to run a personal style blog with them) is that when they purge their closet, you get first pick! :D Erin went through her closet and did an amazing job at getting rid of stuff. I have an exceptionally hard time letting go of things, but I think it's about time I go through my closet, too. :|
Anyway, Erin let me have some of the tops she was going to get rid of! :D One of them being this one:
It's so cozy! You might recognize the skirt from this outfit. :)
Actually, it's easier to see the fabric in this photo. It's such a flowy, warm shirt... I'm in love with it, haha!
Top: Hand-Me-Down from Erin || Dress worn as skirt: Love Culture || Leggings: Random Store || Heels: H&M || Necklace: Anniversary present from the boyfriend
So yeah, it's pretty awesome having such a stylish best friend! :D Thanks Erin! ♥ Sorry for the super short blog, I'm off to a BBQ on campus for seniors... There's probably going to be a lot of people... I mean, free food for college students? Yeahhhh, hahaha! Hope everyone has a great day!
Equestrian Dreams
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Hello!
So the weather is doing a 180 and it's gloomy weather for the week again. Mother Nature is such a tease.
So it has come to that point where I kind of ran out of business attire clothes and am now just repeating the outfits I have already worn to my internship. I decided now that I will just wear whatever I want for the photoshoots and then change back into my business after. It's more fun that way!
So these pants. Whenever I wear these pants people tell me that I look like I'm going to go ride a horse. I wish! I lost the one chance I had to ride horse when I was younger because I was too scared. I shouldn't have been because the rider was going to be walking next to me and the horse the whole time. So hopefully wearing these pants will bring me one step closer to riding a horse one day!
Until then..
Jacket: Urban Outfitters || Shirt: Vendor Fair at UCI || Belt: Christmas gift from Carmel || Jeans: Lucky Brand || Scarf: Forever21
I will take looking like an equestrian! The above pose was what I did when I said equestrian to Caroline.
This must be my dreaming pose. Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful day and remember don't ever give up on your dreams. One day I will ride a horse! =)
Spring Break Project #3: Completed by Jomarie!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Yup, as my title says, my dearest cousin Jomarie was the one to do Spring Break Project #3. I had a really hard time altering a dress that I thrifted with Erin:
I was in love with this dress right when I set my eyes on it even though it was, as my sister called it, "frumpy." But I couldn't put it down (Erin can testify to that statement!). However, when I tried to alter it, I got really confused... so I took it to my younger cousin, who is amazingly talented with a sewing machine.
Sidenote: Actually, when I was a senior in high school and she was a sophomore in high school, she made my prom dress!
(Bahahah, my 17-year-old self is so awkward...)
So Jomarie is amazing. She taught me how to make my dress into a skirt and taught me how to make another skirt that I'll be wearing on Easter Sunday. :) As I was working on those other projects, I handed over the thrifted dress and let her take on the "frumpy dress".
The result?
She was able to alter the length, the waist, change the cut at the top and change the straps. Basically, she made it perfect. :)
This is my new favorite dress. I want to wear it all the time! I haven't fit a dress this perfectly since... well, since prom. :P
Dress:Thrifted and altered by Jomarie (my cousin) || Belt: Thrifted || Flats: Borrowed from Carmel
So thank you again to my cousin, Jomarie, for all of her hard work and for making this dress ten million times better than I ever could. :) I love you!
Labels: caroline, outfit, sewing projects
Fans and High-Waisted Shorts
Monday, April 18, 2011
Hello there!
So on the days that I don't need to wear business attire, I am very excited to get dressed. So excited that I can't decide on what to wear. It's almost as if my whole entire closet opens up! Although it was very ironic that I finally decided on pieces that could be used in the office (i.e. collared shirt and slack like shorts)
I think that these are my first shorts of stylish nature and my favorite pair. Before this pair of shorts, my style was very plain. I loved shopping but I wouldn't necessarily buy the things I wanted because I thought that I wouldn't look good in them.I think the purchase of these shorts made me realize how much more fun clothes could be. And that I didn't need to be a certain "cool" to buy certain clothes. It doesn't matter as long as you like it and you think it looks good. My boyfriend bought them for me as a valentines day gift...so I guess I'll have to thank my now varied taste and appreciation in fashion to him. =)
I don't have that many accessories, but I really like the ones that I do own. This ring (the big one on the right int he picture) was one of those I got to have it moments-It was too pretty not to! Fans have always been such a pretty symbol for me because they remind me of one of my favorite books "Memoirs of a Geisha" by Arthur Golden. After reading this book I became obsessed with the history and culture of geishas. Coincidentally I found the simple silver fan ring ( the ring on the left in the picture) the day after I finished reading the book and told my dad that I had to have it. I wore it everyday for like a year, and then I decided to wear different rings. Recently during the last year I found it again and I decided to wear it again. From that time on I haven't taken it off since.
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I have been obsessed with this bag since I found it my closet back at my home home. It's just the perfect size for all my things! It was my mom's when she was younger. Oh how I love shopping through her closet. =)
Button Up: H&M || Under Tank: Lucky Brand || Shorts: Buffalo Exchange || Big Fan ring: Banana Republic || Dooney and Bourke Bag: My mom's from 25 years ago
The last picture is a nice little reminder to breathe. Don't forget to breathe! Literally. Okay just kidding, you know I meant figuratively. Life's too short to be worried all the time. Revel in those sweet moments like a beautiful sunny day and time spent with family and friends. On this note I hope everyone starts off their week with a fantastic Monday! =)
Featuring Friends and Family Friday #7: Clemrose
Friday, April 15, 2011
Hello! This Friday is a super special Friday because we get to introduce you to our third best friend!
Meet Clemrose!
Erin and I met her the first week of college. Erin and Clem were neighbors in their dorm and while moving in, they both ignored each other and both assumed the other was the mean Filipina princess-type. Turns out neither of them are and are in fact the opposite. :) Caroline and Clem met through Erin. And now, four years later, we're all best friends! :D Now let's show you Clem's sense of style...
Clemrose's wardrobe consists of many bright, girly colors. Although her style has changed in the years that we've known each other (just like ours have changed), the colors that she loves haven't. She has lots of pinks, corals, red and bright blues. What we love about her outfits are that they are very casual.
We love the detail of the back of her cardigan and the bright red!
This ring (that she wears on a chain) is from her boyfriend, Joebel (J) (remember him?). This ring is very special to him, so giving it to her is pretty symbolic of his trust in her. Clem views the ring as a memory of their "honeymoon period" of when they first started dating. :)
Look at the buttons on her sleeves! They're so cute... just like her!
Cardigan:Borrowed || Camisole: ??? || Shorts&Belt:F21
1. She changes about 22 diapers every 3 hours at her work (she works with infants and toddlers!).
2. She loves scrapbooking and in our opinion she has an amazing eye for it!
3. She loves the color coral!
Yay, there you go! We're so glad to have introduced you to someone who means so much to us both. Happy Friday, everyone! :)