Scalloped edge DIY shorts

Hi everyone, how are you? Summer is packing it's bags and heading out. My garden is ready to be turned down for another year. The leaves on trees are just showing signs of changing color of foliage. But before we leave summer behind, the last shorts DIY!
I had shorts I just found were too long in length. I decided it was time to make them fancy! You will need some fabric markers or chalk, an object with a round edge (such as a glass or cup), scissors and bias tape for the edge.

First, decide where on the shorts you want the scalloped edge. You may want it higher then the hem of the shorts or right on the hem - it's up to you. Next take your round edge item (I used a glass) and place it by the hem. Trace with the fabric marker/chalk to draw a half circle. Repeat this step around the leg opening.

Cut the traced scalloped edge. You can use bias tape which comes folded for you - or, I used colored lingerie elastic. You will then pin around the edge and you may: sew it by machine Or sew by hand. I did mine by hand since the elastic is a tad silky (and slipper) on the sewing machine.

sewing edge by hand

It's that simple to complete! It's a fun way to make your clothing unique and personalize. It's also resourceful and you don't need to purchase new styles. 

I hope to be involved in some craft fairs this holiday season. So I will mention where and when as that time approaches. Otherwise I have some new patterns I might be sewing and offering to customize in my Etsy shop. Until then, welcome autumn weather! Pumpkin spice everything! 

Spring time, finally!

I don't know about you lot, but I was getting tired of winter. I love all seasons, I'm thankful Kentucky (where we reside) has all four! But snow, sleet, cold temps? I had enough of that by yesterday *thank you Nature!*. We seem to be readying ourselves for the April showers, which I personally welcome. I have some great multi-season muck lucks (rain boots, willies). They have a removable liner and these super cute owl print on them!

So yes, the crafty stuff! I've been playing with a few things between teaching my JoAnn classes. First, some super simple hair ties and headband.

Green: store bough, Pink dot: made, Red headband: made

I first bought the green one you see above. It's full, soft and attached to a simple hair elastic. I loved it so much but the store didn't have any others. So at the craft store I found the pink polka dot flower piece. It was sold in the scrap book section. But it was easy to apply to a hair tie with a little glue, felt backing piece - that's it! The headband piece; I purchase elastic (mine is gold tone) and just added some large beads, the felt red flower (again, scrap booking supply) and glued it all on with felt backing. 

The store bought one is just sewed on, I think mine is more secure

Natural light shows the true colors!

And of course, I can't go long without sewing something. I swear, I need rehab or something (ha!) I decided on a top from the awesome 'One piece wearables' pattern book. I've raved about it many times, I bought mine online. It comes with full patterns for most of the books projects. And if it doesn't require a pattern (like the top below) it gives very easy to follow instructions on measurements.

I used a soft cotton fabric, bias tape neck

I made this in a few days because I didn't want to rush it. I ended up altering the sides a bit and gave it a boat neck. I used matching bias tape just at the neck opening, the rest was a rolled hem of about 1/4" on the sleeves and 1/2" at the bottom. 

Close up of neck detail

My neck opening was creeping up and bothering me. So to fix this, I just added some pleating! 

Ihope everyone is enjoying a change in weather and seasons. I have some new JoAnn classes to teach come April. I'll be teaching the adult 101 class plus - I'm being brave here (since I don't have kids, I tend to not teach them), but I'll be doing a kids 102 class. No sewing machines this time round *thank goodness!* just hand sewing of a cool Earth-themed fleece pillow. Happy crafting everyone!