Wednesday 30 April 2014

Upcycle tie skirt

I have collected so many ties now, so I took all the ones that are more used and also the odd colour ones. I have originally wanted to make a dress, but you need to make it in a tailoring principle. That is too rigid as opposed to just sewing everything at random for a more 'natural' look. Also, I did not unpick the ties, I used them as is. I do not recommend that you unpick the ties - they are cut on the bias and have sometimes upto 2/3 seams in them which can stretch and distort your final product.

I measured the length, 90cm, placed them in a pleasing manner at absolute random intervals (the funny thing is...the greens ended up together, the blues together and the the reds together....!) first pin and sew each tie by measuring it again when you pin it, sew up to your measurement, continue until the skirt fits. 

Fit your skirt to make sure that it it is a comfortable - it is not easy to adjust after the waistband have been sewn on. How tight or loose you want it is your choice, but remember, the ties do stretch as they are made on the bias. Sew a zip between 2 ties.

To add a waistband, I stitched 1cm from the top of the skirt. I made another 1cm straight stitch above this, as you want to secure the loose ends of the ties that you will be cutting. It can unravel beyond all expectations, so rather be safe than sorry! 

Then, I cut between these 2 lines. I already had another tie for the waistband but it your choice how you would like to finish it off. You can also use material in a conventional way, but, I liked the idea of another tie. I stitched again 1cm from the edge. Place the tie so that it has equal sides on both side ends for a 'tie over'. Sew neatly thru all the thicknesses into place. I used a satin bias binding to finish off the raw edges of the skirt.

Enjoy wearing your unique skirt!



Monday 28 April 2014

Upcycle denim wallet

Somehow, it seems that one's wallet is never big enough....in my case, not for the amount of money that I need to carry (I wish) but for the slips and slops that goes with the territory of having credit cards and loyalty cards.

So I have decided to make something more suitable for what I need. I have 100% cotton fabric and you can not use it everywhere. It is hand dyed and that gives it a lovely colour.

Herewith my very first attempt - I am very pleased with it even if there is mistakes. It has 8 card slots and 3 pockets as well as a zip pocket for change.

Watch out for more as it was fun to make...







Friday 11 April 2014

Upcycle tie messenger bag

Navy/red ...
Green/brown 
Brown/burgundy 

Upcycle tape measure brooches

This is my idea from the tape measure that come in the box of Home school equipment for Jono Jnr. I so badly wanted to keep it as a lasting momento of our special time together. 

I have made a number of them now and still have to see anything like this on the internet. My own inspiration/creation!
Green ...
Pink ....

Yellow......

More yellow....
LOGO....!

Handspun mohair neck scarf

I bought this wool about a year ago from a shop in Bathurst. It is hand spun/organically dyed mohair wool. It is absolutely wonderful to wear as a 'cuff' around your neck in winter. 

It fits in that triangle made by a shirt, or a coat or even over a polo neck/t-shirt.

Peach ...
Gray ....
Beige....

The red hen shop ...?


Or this one..?




This one..?

Handmade by mriasani logo

Logo 2...! Yeah..!







Logo...1

Wednesday 9 April 2014

Shortbread with cranberries

I got this recipe from a magazine. I made it yesterday before we when to lunch. By it is so different from any of the shortbread recipes I have made. I had to put it back into the oven after the required baking time as I was sure it was not baked properly. But....after the extra time, it taste really yummy.