DIY | Greek Style Top and Cute Skirt

freshlygiven-diy-maxi-skirt-dress-greece

freshlygiven-diy-maxi-skirt-dress-greece

Alright Alright good people. This is by far one of my favorite DIYs, and you can achieve it without a sewing machine.

You will need:
1. Maxi Skirt OR Large, ill-fitting skirt
2. Safety pins (not stick pins)
3. Scissors
3. Needle and Thread OR Sewing Machine OR Stitch Witchery (For hemming edges)

Step 1:
Cut the skirt to the length you’d like. Just make sure you have enough for your top. Hem the bottom to give it a more refined look. You’re done with the skirt. Whoop!
freshlygiven-diy-maxi-skirt-dress-greece

Step 2:
Using the bottom half of the original skirt, open the split (if you have one) or one of the seams. If you have neither, cut open the skirt and make sure to hem those edges.

freshlygiven-diy-maxi-skirt-dress-greece

Step 3:
Using the panel of fabric you now have, pin two edges at your shoulder blade. The rest will drape around your lovely form. Take your other safety pins and pin the top to your liking. Get creative, just cover up those boobs.

freshlygiven-diy-maxi-skirt-dress-greece

You’re done!


Original Skirt: Grandma’s closet find
Leather Bracelet : Shop Freshly Given

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Brainstorming in a Curtain

tapestry-shorts-freshlygiven-spring-summer

tapestry-shorts-freshlygiven-spring-summer

tapestry-shorts-freshlygiven-spring-summer

If you’re curious about my latest crazy idea, rest assure that I’m sane. I (and my cuzzo) just happen to find curtains appealing to wear these day. Perhaps street gawkers will think I’m trying to pull off the tribal trend with thicker fabric. Nope nope nope. I (and my cuzzo) simply found a $.63 sample of tapestry and my mind automatically thought DIY. If my Grandma’s window dressings are an indicator, these shorts will last forever.

For the rest of the day, I’m “sketching” in my curtain and perusing a few pattern-making books. The moleskin can act as my top since I neglected to shoot one in the photo.

Find the Lemon Yellow clutch and more in the Freshly Given Shop.

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DIY | Top with Peplum

freshlygiven diy peplum top

freshlygiven diy peplum top

freshlygiven diy peplum top

freshlygiven diy peplum top

Shame on me for skipping out on the DIY fun. In my defense, I’ve been stacking up ideas but they’ve simply been tucked away, warm and comfy in the right hemisphere of my brain.

Naturally, I wanted to start back up with the idea that has been most nagging. I do love a woman in a peplum, and more so their ability to flatter the waist without revealing too much. I’ve watched them grace the hips of many screen gems on Turner Classic Movies. Plus the varieties are as vast as the women who wear them.

This tutorial shouldn’t take you long. It is pretty simple if you already have a top (or tee) you want to add some love to. (This tutorial can get you started) Hand-stitching is also an option if you have the endurance of a Titan. I, on the other hand, do not and pulled out the sewing machine.

…there’s more

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The Sisters: Poly & Ester {DIY}

Haha! These crazy shorts. I know. I thought the same thing while wearing them. And yes I know the patterns don’t quite line up in the front, but I’m getting there.

The two sisters Poly and Ester helped me with this one. I cut them to size, sewed them, and threw them on for a little psychedelic shorts action. Which warranted a relative to say, ‘where are you going in that?’. Plus, I mistakable wore these to a tea party with little girls, seriously, and was asked by the responsible adult, to change.

Haha. I need to plan my days better.

I’m wearing:
Blouse: Vintage from my Grandma
Shorts: Old fabric from my Grandma
Puffer Jacket: United Colors of Benetton
Boots: Miss Sixty

(images: The uber talented Erika Smith)

…there’s more

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Flipped | Leather Gloves with a Touch of Fur {DIY + Tutorial}

Gloves will never go out of style. And who cares if they do. I purchased this pair just yesterday at a local thrift for $1.50. I really was in need since my cotton pair was not holding up to the cold. Besides, I hate cold hands.

With a few fur pieces I found at my grandmother’s, and a pair of scissors, I whipped these bad boys up and loved the results.

I sure hope you attempt this one. Even without the fur, these are versatile and super easy.
…there’s more

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2011 DIYs

This blog started out of a much needed desire for a creative outlet, and I am blessed to watch it grow exponentially in just a few months. God has definitely shown me the importance of passion and talent and how they are unique to me, and you.

You all have made this experience worthwhile, beyond words or corny cliches. So I hope a “thank you with all of my heart” will scratch the surface of how I truly feel. Words definitely get in the way in situations like this, when I want to say so much more.

Either way, I read every comment and email you send. If you’ve yet to comment, I invite you to do so. I love mail and love responding to it, so keep them coming.

I decided to do a year in review and showcase all of the DIYs from this year. I believe my sewing abilities are improving and I’m glad you have patiently read through my tutorials. Enjoy!

DIYs:

1. Clear Clutch
2. Leather Earrings
3. Flipped | Oversized Vintage Cream Blouse
4. Flipped | Grandmother Cream Blouse (V Neck)
5. Flipped | Men’s Jeans to Dress
6. Flipped | Sweater to Skirt
7. Business card-esque
8. Flipped | Grandma’s Skirt to Blouse
9. Flipped | Men’s Jeans to Vest
10. Western Tie
11. Flipped | Straw to Wool Hat
12. Flipped | Wool Pants to Shorts
13. Flipped | Velvet Dress to Holiday DIY Guide (II) – The Gift Adornment
14. Flipped | Velvet Dress to Holiday DIY Guide (II) – The Bow

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