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Easy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim| Preciously Paired

Easy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim

posted in diy, sewing, sewing for women, tutorial, women's fashion by Hanna on

5 MORE WEEKS! As excited as I am for this baby to come, and to gain back some comfort, I’ve been enjoying the quiet moments. With the hubby at school for most of the day and it just being me and Addie at home, life is rather simple and peaceful (most days anyway). We’re not your hustle and bustle kind of family. We really enjoy being at home and our down-time together. Really I’m just trying to soak it all in before our lives get thrown into the chaotic whirlwind of having  a new baby. You guys I’m not going to lie, I honestly feel completely unprepared and a bit anxious about life with a new baby and a toddler all while my husband is in graduate school. For those of you who know me I may seem completely at ease, but inside I’m freaking out a little bit. However, with all that being said, there is just something so miraculous and wonderful about holding your baby for the first time and watching them grow that makes it all so worth it… even on the very worst days.

But back to the present, this increasingly warm weather and growing belly of mine has made getting dressed some days a challenge (that is the days I actually get dressed). At this stage in pregnancy, comfort also plays a huge role in what I wear. And my new favorite thing besides yoga pants and maxi dresses, are kimonos. They are the perfect layering piece for those warm summer days and oh so comfortable! Not only are they comfortable, but they are extremely easy to make… seriously, like 3 steps easy!

Easy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim| Preciously PairedEasy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim| Preciously PairedEasy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim| Preciously Paired

My original inspiration for this lace trim kimono came from a lace trim kimono from Novae Clothing. And, as with a lot of clothing I see, my first thought was, “Hey, I could make that!”. So, here is what you’ll need:

Materials:

  • 1 3/4 – 2 yards of chiffon, silk, or any type of lightweight fabric (I got mine from Joann’s)
  • 3 yards of lace trim
  • coordinating thread
  • measuring tape
  • sewing machine

Easy 3-Step Kimono Tutorial with Lace Trim| Preciously Paired

 

1.   Fold your fabric in half hot dog style with right sides together.  Before you cut out the kimono you’ll need to get a few quick measurements.

  • Sleeve length: hold arms straight out and measure from one end of sleeve to the other (my measurement was 38″)
  • Width of armhole: my measurement was 14″ in diameter
  • Length of sleeve from body of kimono: I measured about 5-6″ from the end of each sleeve
  • Length of kimono: measure from top of shoulder to desired length (I simply used the entire length of the fabric and didn’t cut any off of the bottom)

Once you have your measurements it is time to make some cuts. First cut out the shape of the sleeves, then cut the front opening. When cutting the front opening, make sure you are only cutting your top piece of fabric. DO NOT CUT ALONG THE FOLDED EDGE.

2.   Pin side seams together and sew from the end of sleeve to the bottom hem on each side. I used my serger here to prevent fraying, but if you don’t have a serger you can zigzag stitch the edges or use some Fray Check.

3.   Now, hem around all openings including the armholes, bottom hem, and front opening. I used a simple rolled hem by folding the edges over twice. At this point you can leave it as is or add some lace trim to the bottom of the kimono and sleeves. Simply measure around the bottom of sleeves and the bottom of the kimono to know how long to cut your lace, then pin the lace around the openings and sew on using a straight stitch.

I hope everyone enjoys the holiday weekend! Happy sewing!

Please feel free to email or post a comment with any questions.

 

XOXO,

Sara

Easy T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial | Preciously Paired

Easy T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial

posted in diy, fall, sewing, sewing for women, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on

31 weeks! I can officially count down the number of weeks before this baby is due on two hands! I feel extremely blessed that me and baby are both healthy, but man has the discomfort set in!  With my body expanding and with the weather getting warmer and warmer, I figured I needed to add a few more comfort pieces to my wardrobe (that aren’t classified as pajamas) to get me through the rest of this pregnancy. First on my list: a light-weight, flowy maxi dress. It might as well be classified as pajamas because it is so comfortable– I could live in this dress! This dress is especially great because it is extremely easy to make, and will work perfectly when I’m not pregnant as well! Full tutorial below:

Easy T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial | Preciously PairedEasy T-Shirt Maxi Dress Tutorial | Preciously Paired

Supplies:

  • 2.5 yards of stretchy knit material (I purchased mine from Girl Charlee Fabrics)
  • coordinating thread
  • double needle for your sewing machine

Easy Tshirt Maxi Dress

 

1.  Cut your fabric.  I used a maxi dress that I already had as my pattern, but you can use a t-shirt as well and simply extend the length. You’ll need a DRESS FRONT, DRESS BACK, and two SLEEVES, be sure to cut on the folded edge as illustrated above. I like to use a neckband to finish off the neckline, but you are welcome to use your preferred neckline method. Neckbands work best when using a serger, but a stretch stitch on a regular sewing machine would work too. To cut a NECKBAND, measure the circumference of the neckline and cut a 1 1/2″ strip that is about 3 inches smaller.

2.  With front sides together, sewing the shoulder seams together. I used my serger to do this, but a straight stitch on your sewing machine will work great too.

3.  Open your dress, with the right sides up, and match the top point of the sleeve with the shoulder seam. With right sides together, pin the edge of the sleeve to the arm hole then sewing together. Repeat for the second sleeve.

4.  Fold right sides together and match up the sides of your dress. Sew from the bottom edge of the sleeve to the bottom edge of the dress.

5.  Hem the sleeves and bottom of the dress to your desired length using a double needle which allows for some stretch. You could also use a stretch stitch here.

6.  To add the neckband, first sew the ends of the neckband together with right sides facing one another to create a circle. Next fold the band in half, so that the right side is facing out. Pin the neckband to the outside of the neckline, stretching the neckband to fit. Remember that your neckband is suppose to be smaller that your actual neckline. This will allow the neckband to lay flat once you’ve sewn it on. Serge the neckband to the opening, pulling the neckband flat as you go. Fold the serged edge of the neckband to the inside of the dress and iron flat. For a more detailed tutorial with step-by-step pictures click over to our DIY Slouchy Tee tutorial.

It is really so easy and comfortable, I plan on making a few more to get me through the rest of this pregnancy and post-pregnancy too.

Happy sewing!!

 

XOXO,

Sara

 

Easy Fur vest refashion | by Preciously Paired

Easy Fur Vest Refashion

posted in baby, diy, fall, kids, money saving tips, sewing, thrifted by Sara on

 

Easy Fur vest refashion | by Preciously Paired
Easy Fur vest refashion | by Preciously PairedEasy Fur vest refashion | by Preciously PairedEasy Fur vest refashion | by Preciously PairedEasy Fur vest refashion | by Preciously Paired

Maybe you’ve noticed, I’m kind of obsessed with fur vests. I’ve been searching high and low for a cute fur vest for Addie, but any thing I saw was $20 or more. Quite honestly I think $20 is a fairly decent price for a trendy article of clothing, but being on a strict budget it was definitely out of the question. Even to make one from scratch seemed to be rather spendy. Luckily Goodwill pulled through for me again, and I was able  to find this sweater for only $4! It was a complete steal as it was in great condition and fully lined with fur. Really all I did was detached the fur inside from the sweater and add some lining to the wrong side of the fur. I used a silky smooth lining from an old skirt I had tucked away in my fabric stash…talk about thrifty! Now I just have to find one for me!

And can I just say how extremely difficult it is to photograph a 2 year old! I still have no idea how to work my DSLR camera and chasing around my daughter, baiting her to simply look at me, I probably looked like a crazy woman! It makes me chuckle just thinking about the onlookers passing by witnessing  the whole fiasco. Next time I’ll gladly pay someone to do this kind of dirty work! Nonetheless, Hanna was able to work her magic to make my novice photography skill look it’s best.

Polka Dot Midi Skirt Refashion

Mint + Polka Dot Pleated Skirt Refashion

posted in diy, fall, sewing, sewing for women, thrifted, women's fashion by Sara on

With all the sewing I did leading up  to opening our shop and with the orders I have done since, I haven’t had any time to sew for myself. As much as I love sewing lovely things for others to enjoy, I also truly enjoy making lovely things to keep for myself.

Having recently quit my day job we seem to be getting by just fine, but our budget is tight… which is tough for a girl who likes loves clothes.  I’ve been fighting every impulse in my body not to go out and buy some of the latest fall trends! But a tight budget does not hold me back from adding new pieces to my wardrobe. My solution: sew them myself.

Polka Dot Midi Skirt Refashion

This pretty little pleated skirt I refashioned from a dress I found at Goodwill for just $9! As I got halfway through ripping the dress apart I realized I forgot to take a “before” picture, but trust me when I say it was hideous. It was straight out of the 80’s with giant shoulder pads, lace trim, puff sleeves, and a very unflattering silhouette. Really, the only good thing about it was the fabric.

Polka Dot Pleated Skirt RefashionThe dress had a very full skirt so that is the part I used. After separating the skirt from the bodice I pinned pleats in the fabric. Now if you want to get specific with this part you can but I just eyeballed the pleats to fit my waist. I then attached the skirt to my waistband, added the zipper, and then hemmed the bottom. One tip I will give about making a great skirt: use interfacing in the waistband! I’ve made plenty of skirts now to know you do not want to go without it, especially if you carry a little bit of weight in you mid-section like I do. Adding interfacing to the backside of you waistband with give it a cleaner look and sturdier feel. No wrinkling and bending.

Polka Dot Midi Skirt Refashion

Polka Dot Midi Skirt Refashion

Polka Dot Midi Skirt Refashion

Polka Dot Midi Skirt Refashion

I simply adore how it turned out! Don’t you?

In other news, since quitting my day job I’ve absolutely loved being home full-time with my 2 year old, but WOW has it been an adjustment! I forgot how completely tiring and (I’ll be honest) a little lonely it can be. I’ve come to really realize how important good friendships are; and being relatively new to my area, close friends are still quite few. My husband is quite honestly my best friend, but would I be wrong in saying that sometimes a girl just needs another girl? No! We women and mothers thrive on the support and friendship of other women. When I was first married I might not have agreed, but now I find it absolutely vital. However, sometimes it is hard for me to reach  out to other women for help because it seems like a sign of weakness; or maybe they might actually find out that I’m not super woman like they appear to be. Sometimes I feel I may be rejected. Sometimes it just feels easier to stay at home and tell myself I can do it without them.

Am I the only one with these fears when it comes to making new friends?

Unfortunately this has been my attitude this week. There is something about being close to “that-time-of-the-month” that makes me a depressive recluse. Time to bust out of my shell and make some friends, ones that go beyond acquaintances. Any advice or tips?

Linked to: http://www.shoppingmycloset.com/switch-style-wednesday-13/, http://stylelixir.com/2014/09/face-serums-review.html; http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com/2014/09/link-it-or-lump-it-party-56.html; http://dcinstyle.com/stripes-denim-linkup/; http://elizabethjoandesigns.com/2014/09/designs-time-28/; http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/tell-tuesday-42/

Gingham and Color Blocking

posted in sewing, sewing for women, shop, tutorial, women's fashion by Sara on

I have a confession to make… I’ve missed you guys! My mind has been everywhere  but the blog the last couple of weeks and it feels nice to be sitting down again to share with you some of the greatest and latest news. For those of you who have been following along, you may remember me saying that I quit my day job last month to pursue my dream of dressmaking. For the past couple of months I’ve spent hours sewing and agonizing over making my first design something that could be loved by all– complete with pockets, an exposed zipper, and four different color options.

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I first came up with the idea to make the Color Block Party Skirt several years ago when I decided to take up sewing again. I found a gathered skirt tutorial for beginners that I wanted to try, but I couldn’t choose between two different colors of fabric so I decided to use both. I’ve since made many upgrades to the original color block skirt to create a classic, quality product. It has become one of my favorite skirts to wear, as the sturdy waistband accentuates the smallest part of me and hides all my problem areas. It is comfortable, breathable, and I now wonder how I  ever went without pockets in a skirt before– they’re genius and absolutely necessary!

With only two more weeks before the grand opening of our shop, I’m both excited and anxious. I put my heart and soul into each and every skirt I make and will never get enough of seeing the excitement of customers’ faces when they try one on. None of this would be possible without the help and support from my loving husband, family and friends. So mark your calendars, because on August 11th you will finally have the chance to own your very own, custom made, Color Block Party Skirt! 

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Also, some of you may have noticed that we’ve recently partnered up with several other bloggers as hosts for the “Your Designs This Time” linky party, which we will co-host every Monday on the blog from now on. We’ve already met some wonderful people and seen so many inspiring ideas! If you didn’t get a chance to see this week’s linky party I recommend hopping on over to join in the fun!

 

Linked to: http://www.mabeyshemadeit.com/tell-tuesday-34/, http://stylelixir.com/2014/07/style-sessions-fashion-link-up-the-sequin-polka-dot-dress.html, http://dcinstyle.com/printed-shorts-monday-bloom-linkup/, http://www.walkinginmemphisinhighheels.com/2014/08/trend-spin-linkup-full-skirts.html

Sew Inspired: Sewing Room Update

posted in decor, diy, home, inspiration, money saving tips, sewing, thrifted by Sara on
As you may have gathered from my previous posts, I’ve been doing a lot of sewing lately. In fact, almost all of my spare time in the last couple of weeks has been spent in my sewing room. And it is my philosophy that when you spend a lot of time in a certain space it should be one that inspires and one that you love. 
 I will admit that my sewing room never looks quite this clean and organized when I’m actually working on a sewing project, but it is a space that I enjoy being in. While it is nothing grand, I believe a home is what you make it. Sure, I’d love a big sewing room filled with lots of light, a big cutting table, and lots of shelving to store my fabric and crafts; but the truth of the matter is this is what I have the means for right now and that’s ok… I still love it! I’m sure many of you are in the same boat where you’re still in school or just starting out and I’m here to tell you that you don’t need a lot of money or space to make something beautiful and functional. 
The only items that I actually purchased for this space were the “S-E-W” letters, the pegboard hooks, the watercolor floral photo, and the table (a past purchase from craigslist for $10); everything else I already had. The pegboard, the wooden letters, and the photo frame I brighten up with some paint I had left over from other projects. I’ve been going a little crazy with my silver metallic spray paint. The diy aluminum/silver metal look has started to become a theme throughout my house (see more of my projects: DIY Silver Lamps | Faux Stainless Steal Dressers).

As for the gorgeous skirt, it’s a little sneak peak of what you’re going to see in our shop that is opening up this summer! 
Linked to:

Anthropologie Inspired Tote + Tutorial

posted in crafts, diy, inspiration, sewing, tutorial by Sara on
If you caught our Friday Find’s: Summer Essentials post last week you may remember seeing this adorable beachy tote bag from Anthropologie. And as most of you know, when I see something I love but don’t have the money for… I make it. It was literally a fourth of the price to make and I was able to whip in up in less than an hour (for less experienced sewers, this project can easily be done in two hours max)!
To make this yourself, all you need is:
–  1 yard of upholstery fabric
 –  1 yard of a lightweight cotton fabric
–  3-4 yards of webbing for the straps
–  coordinating thread
–  a sewing machine
Happy sewing!
~ SARA
 
Linked to: