diy: update your cardigan

I was going through my closet the other day desperately searching for some much needed fall sweaters, when I stumbled across this cardigan crumpled up in some dark, neglected corner. At first glance, I tossed it aside and kept rummaging through, but after a second look I decided with a little TLC it could be something beautiful. And I apologize for the terrible photo quality. I decided to do this at midnight and the lighting in my room isn't the most glamorous.

The great thing about this project is that you probably won't have to buy anything because you will probably already have these items lying around your house, maybe except for the Liquid Stitch (but this is optional! Needle and thread is probably your best bet, but this was so much easier for me). You can actually use any fabric you like, I just didn't want to run out to the store, so I just made do with what I had.

1. First cut off the buttons. These buttons were the worst offenders. They made the sweater look gaudy and cheap. Immediately upon cutting them off, the cardigan looked a million times better.
2. Measure the thickness of the cuff on the pocket and then double that number. Then add a half inch for hemming purposes and there is the length of the rectangle. Then just measure the width of the pocket and add another half inch for the width of the rectangle. I promise it sounds a lot more complicated than it actually is.
3. Glue or sew the edges in so there aren't any frayed edges, or you can leave them be if you want a more distressed look. But my cardigan was a little prim so I decided to go with a cleaner look. Fold the rectangle in half and glue to the front and back of the pocket.
4. Next put some glue around the edges of the cardigan trim, and place your fabric on top. I didn't photograph this step but using the same methodology as cutting fabric for the pockets repeat for the cardigan trim. Continue gluing the back until you have completely covered the cardigan.
   *Note: This will cover up the button holes, you will have to cut out holes if you want to keep them. I like cardigans without buttons so I decided to leave it as is.
5. Make sure to leave some excess fabric at the bottom so you can fold it over and cover up any white parts.
6. Put some glue on the front and just fold the fabric and press down. Let it dry overnight and it's ready to wear. 

I really think this cardigan looks so much more classy. But I'm not sure if I'm completely finished with this cardigan though! I might add some black to the sleeves or add bows to the pockets. I think gold or crystal buttons might be cute too. I hope this inspired you to look at your clothes in a new light and bring new life to your wardrobe.

diy: anthropologie bedding

After graduating college I decided my room needed a bit of a makeover and I figured bedding would make the biggest impact in my room, and thus this ruffled duvet is born! I didn't post any instructions since there are so many other Anthropologie cirrus diys out there, although I did make a couple of modifications.

• I tried the basting method but I found it pretty difficult to do, especially on such a long piece of fabric. The thread was difficult to pull and would sometimes break.
• An easier method was measuring a piece of elastic to the same length as the width of the comforter and then stretching it across and when you sew ruffles automatically appear!
• I also made 6 panels instead of 8 since I have a twin-sized bed and I felt 8 might look a little overwhelming.

When I was browsing the Anthropologie website I saw this really gorgeous mint colored one that I wanted to recreate but when shopping around I couldn't find green sheets that I loved, and after a previous terrible dying experience (I tried to dye a dress black but it turned out a grayish-purply color) I decided to settle on a lilac, lavender color. I do love the color, but it is a little young looking, as in it makes my room look a little like a girl's room. Nonetheless I still really love it, but now I know why purple isn't on their website.

I hope these tips were helpful for you and good luck on making your ruffled duvet cover!

scalloped lace shorts

I was cleaning out my closet and was about to donate a pair of old jeans when I realized that I could repurpose it into something I would actually wear and thus this DIY was born! These shorts have both a lace print and scalloped edging which I think makes it pretty unique. Here's how I did it...

You will need:

• a pair of jeans
• lace
• newspaper (for protecting your work space)
• spray paint in your choice of color- I chose black because my denim is a bit on the darker side but I think white would look amazing on lighter shades, or you could do something fun like neon or metallic! 
• some rocks (for holding the lace in place)
• pencil 
• scissors
• round object (not pictured)

Step 1

Lay out newspapers so you don't get spray paint everywhere, and place your jeans (buttoned and zipped) on top. Working outside is probably best, or somewhere ventilated because inhaling pounds of spray paint fumes is not very fun.

**Another note: definitely try and make the jeans as flat as possible. Iron them if necessary, especially if they are an older pair. I did not do this and where there were a lot of folds the design did not come out very cleanly.

Step 2

Pull the lace pretty taut across your jeans and secure in place with some rocks. I'm just making shorts so I didn't cover the whole pair but if you're not making shorts cover the jeans completely. 

Step 3

Spray paint away! Get a nice even coat and then wait a couple of minutes for it to dry.

Step 4

Remove the rocks and lace, and you should have a nice lace pattern.

Step 5

Flip over and repeat steps 1-4 on the back

Step 6

If you want scalloped shorts proceed with these steps but if you just wanted to make jeans you're finished! I laid a pair of shorts that are the perfect length for me on top as a reference for cutting my new shorts.

Step 7

Using a round object (I used the lid of a spice jar) trace scallops across the leg.

Step 8

Once you have finished tracing, carefully cut through both layers of denim.

And your'e done! I'm really pleased with the way they turned out although I do wish I ironed the jeans before spray painting. I think it's a fun twist on the typical lace or scalloped short. I'll do a post soon on how I style these. Enjoy!