I would
like to take a moment and highlight a few other hobbies I have besides tearing
apart clothes. A few years ago my grandmother gave me a container of embroidery
thread that she had not used for a very long time.
I began
creating bracelets and necklaces of all kinds. While looking on Pinterest for new
ideas, I came across the idea to wrap headphones in embroidery thread as a
tangle-free solution.
I
instantly loved the idea and began looking for more examples. I found pins that
linked to Etsy pages. They were selling them for $28-32.
A
light bulb went off in my head. I thought if I could make these and sell these
in my free time, I could use the money to pay off the principle on my student
loans while still in collage.
For a
little over a year now I have been wrapping headphones for friends here and
there. Through the help of scholarship money I have been able to purchase bulk
headphones and embroidery thread.
Once I
have enough inventory I will be creating my own Etsy page selling “Twisted
Tunes.” Be sure to come back and check out my page.
I have had some request on where I like to garage sale around the Topeka area. I don't particularly have a favorite neighborhood, but there are a few I tend to drive around the most. The map below outlines each neighborhood: Greater Auburndale, Hummer Sports Park, Gage Boulevard, McAlister Parkway, Westboro, West Topeka, and Central Topeka.
I like these neighborhoods because the people in them know how to price their unwanted crap - becuase they understand that's what it is. I've been to some "wealthier" neighborhoods and have decided that they price their items too high. Don't get me wrong, they set out nice items, but I don't want to pay $5 for a child's used sippy cup. The folks in the neighborhoods outlined above tend to be willing to haggle on the price a little more. I always walk away feeling like I got a great deal! What are your favorite neighborhoods to garage sale in?
There are so many ways in which you can reduce, reuse and recycle your closet. One of my favorite ways it to host a clothing swap. What's a clothing swap? It's a chance to clear out your closet of items you no longer wear or want and trade them for new items donated by fellow swapper. For more details I have included a podcast with ideas on hosting and tips for a successful party.
Here's another headband that looks difficult but really isn't. I have looked for several different tutorials on how to make a nautical knot headband and always got confused by how to actually get the knot right. In just under 30 minutes, you can make this headband and be ready to head out the door! Below I have created easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for you to create your own. Let me know what you think!
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This one can be a bit tricky, so let me know if you have any questions. Photo credit: Brista Robinson
Warmer weather is here and summer will soon follow! Here is a super cute t-shirt bag that you wont have to worry about putting a wet beach towel in. I used an adult male size medium shirt to make this one. It has enough room for at least two towels and all of my other pool amenities.
Now, this bag does take a little extra patients to construct, but it is still super easy to make. Below are step by step, easy to follow instructions so that you can make your own.
Let me know what you think or if you have any questions!
I was looking back the other day and realized that I hadn't made any real clothes yet. Here's a DIY top that is easy as 1-2-3! I love this one because it is so easy to do, plus it works for just about any shirt. This is the perfect project for garage sale finds. I love looking for guys shirts with fun patterns! Let me know what you think!!
Not everything your recycle has to be clothes. There are tons of
items in your closet that you could put to good use.
Take this candle
stick for instance. It makes a great holder for my straightener and curling
iron!
I haven't used it in years because I hate picking off was after
the candle melts. I love the way it looks though, so I haven't gotten rid of
it.
After doing some spring cleaningthis weekend
I decided
to bring it back out and just use candles that were in jars.
My boyfriend gets credit for re-purposing
it as a holder for my straightener and curling iron though.
If he didn’t have to use the bathroom while I was doing my hair I
would never have thought of using the candle stick instead.
I have a small bathroom and a pedestal
sink with no counter space to speak of so I just put my straightener or
whatever on the toilet, but not anymore.
Showing my cat some love today. His favorite game to play is fetch and I haven't been able to find his favorite toy lately. He's pretty picky and he won't bring any other toys I throw back, except for his shoe.
If your wondering...it's a doll shoe from a set my mom bought for my son. I don't know why, but my cat claimed it as his. Since I can't find his favorite shoe, or its pair, I decided to make him a new one. Unfortunately it didn't work, but maybe your fur baby will like it.
... Let me know what you think! Photo credit: Brista Robinson
St.
Patrick’s Day is almost here! I was going to make a 5-strand braided headband,
but decided that for extra luck I would make a 7-strand double braid headband.
I even found the perfect shirt to use!
This
project might take you a little more time and patients. Below are step-by-step, easy to follow instructions.
...
If you need extra help, here is a video that may
help.
Let me know what you think or if you having any questions. Good Luck!
With so many shirts and garage sales popping up I decided to make some Eco-friendly bags to take along with me. They take less than an hour to make and are super easy since they require no sewing. In five steps you can be on your way to the book store or beach.
It’s almost SPRING BREAK!! I may not be going on some tropical get away, but I can feel
like it in one of these DIY Fringe Halter Tops. Just in time for the break here
are easy instructions to make your own before you leave for vacation. In only
about an hour or two you too can have one.
You will
need a tank top with a built in bra. To get the best look you will want to have
one that has a tag you can remove because you will turn it inside out. I tried
this several different ways and realized that if you turn the built in bra
inside out the seam will be on the inside for the final product making it look
nice and clean.
Spring is
coming up! This means more rain, and for curly hair people like me, more frizz.
While I was looking up ways to tame my locks I came across an article on BuzzFeed that suggested using an old t-shirt instead of a towel. Rather than rubbing
your hair, gently squeeze and pat dry, never twisting.
I decided to try it and loved it. I noticed a difference immediately. I didn't however like using a shirt with the sleeves and a graphic that tugged on my hair. So, I decided to cut one up to make it more efficient and towel like. My hair isn't that long so I also chose to use an old beat up tank top.
I’m
so excited! The weather is beautiful and garage sale season is almost here. You don't just have to stick to recycling your own closet. Reach out to friends or hunt through items at garage sales. Last weekend I got a whole bunch of t-shirts from some friends that will last for
days. Come back and see what I make next. I have to use all of this up before
I can get more from garage sales.
There's plenty of clothes here to keep me busy over Spring Break!
I welcome spring and all its crazy weather!
It definitely beats the snow. To get ready for the nicer weather
to come wanted to make some new scarves to wear that didn't have to serve
a purpose.
I split a purple tie dye t-shirt between this half braided scarf and athree-braid
scarf. This scarf took a little less time than the other at about 30
minutes all together. I used medium sized shirts, but any size will do. The
larger and wider your shirt, the longer your scarf will be.
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Let me know what you think or if you have any questions. If you choose to use two or three different colors play around with the color combination before you commit to braiding. Photo Credit: Brista Robinson
As spring approaches I thought it would be fun to make a few scarfs that don't necessarily need to serve a purpose. If you haven't guessed my favorite color is purple and I happened found this awesome purple tie dye at a thrift store. I knew it would be perfect for some spring scarves. The scarf is easy to make and only takes about 45 minutes to create. The shirts I used were size medium, but any size would work. The larger and wider your shirt, the longer your scarf will be. For this project I only used three strands of the tie dye shirt. The rest I used in a half-braid t-shirt scarf.
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Let me know what you think or if you have any questions. If you choose to use two or three different colors play around with the color combination before you commit to braiding. Photo Credit: Brista Robinson
Before I start getting too crafty this semester I thought it would be time saving to make up some homemade t-shirt yarn to set aside for future DIY t-shirt projects. By chance I had the back of a t-shirt left over from a previous project (see T-Shirt Canvas) and was wondering what I could do with it. To make t-shirt yarn a shirt with a little more give or stretch left to it will work best. The amount of time invested in this DIY project from start to finish was about 20-30 minutes. For a full shirt I would image it taking closer to 45-60 minutes, depending on how big it is.
Supplies Needed
T-Shirt
Scissors
Getting Started
Start by removing the hems of the shirt at the top and the bottom. Since you probably don't just have the back of a shirt, go ahead and take off the sleeves at the seem and separate the front from the back along the seem, if there is one.
Measure, and outline if needed, 1 1/2 inch lines in a zig zag pattern. Start the first line at the edge and stop 1-1 1/2 from the edge of the other side. Mark it with a horizontal dash. The second line should start 1-1 1/2 inches from the edge and continue all the way to the other side.
Remember to measure twice and cut once. On one side, cut the lines that start at the edge and stop at the horizontal dashes.
Turn the shirt around and repeat the process on the other side. When you are finished you will have one long fabric strip.
Next, start stretching the fabric strip in small sections at a time. The ends will begin to curl in. Be sure not to stretch or pull too hard. When you are finished you have homemade t-shirt yarn! Wrap it up and set it aside for your next project.
As always, let me know if you have any questions and happy crafting!
Since it was Valentine's Day yesterday my son, Jazz, and I thought we would make something special for out cat, Yuuki. We thought everyone else in the house got one, so why not him. He's a pretty frisky kitty and Jazz thought a cat tent would be absolutely perfect!
From start to finish it took almost an hour to make. We probably would have finished quicker without additional help from Yuuki. Jazz, on the other hand did an excellent job helping take pictures. He didn't actually want to be in any of them because he's missing both front teeth at the moment.
Start by twisting the tops of the hangers and remove the hooks. Straighten out the hangers, you made need to use pliers. I found that newer hangers worked better; you can find them at Walmart for $2.
Begin to shape the frame by bending your hangers in a curved U shape.
Tape the edges of your board and any creases or bends for extra support. Poke holes in all four corners at least 1/2 inch from the edges. I used the discarded hook to make mine.
Cross your hangers in an X and place the ends in the holes of your board. Secure the middle with tape.
Turn your frame on its side and bend the ends of the hangers flat against the bottom of the board. Secure them with lots of tape.
Now it's time to create the tent!
Pull your shirt over the frame and position the neck hole over the front.
Turn the tent over. Pull the back of the tent fabric taut and pin with safety pins. Fold in the sides and pin to the bottom. You may need to do this several times.
Turn it over!
Thanks for visiting and I hope your cat loves their tent
just as much as Yuuki does.
If you're any thing like me and your boyfriend is difficult to shop for, this is the perfect last minute gift. What's more perfect than a handmade gift he can't accidentally buy for himself. From start to finish, this DIY project only took 30 to 45 minutes. I was able to make this in the morning before leaving for class, along with get myself and my seven-year-old son ready for the day.
Below you will find step by step instructions.
Supplies Needed
Cool T-Shirt
Canvas
Stapler
Scissors
When choosing a canvas make sure that it will fit the design and the size of the t-shirt you choose. Smaller shirts and designs will work best on an 8 X 8 inch or 10 X 10 inch canvas. Larger shirts and designs will fit best on a 12 X 12 inch canvas. I chose to use a one inch canvas for more depth, but those tend to be a little more expensive. Either will work fine. You could even recycle an old canvas from a thrift store. Getting Started
Grab a cool t-shirt out of your boyfriends closet that he doesn't wear or fit into anymore. Begin by cutting off the sleeves along the seem. Next, cut the shoulders along the seem and remove the rest of the back by cutting off the sides.
Flip your t-shirt over.
Place your shirt over the canvas and align the design where you would like it.
Holding them together, flip over the canvas and t-shirt. Fold your shirt over the canvas and remove some of the fabric from the bottom.
Stretch the top of your shirt over the canvas and secure it with staples.
Then, stretch the bottom of your shirt over the canvas and secure it with staples. Be sure to stretch your shirt very tightly over the canvas.
Next, fold the corners as if you would a present. Be sure to fold them neatly so that they are not seen from the other side.
Secure the corners with staples, leaving the fabric in the middle.
Stretch the remaining fabric on both sides over the canvas and staple.
Turn over your canvas and you have now transformed your boyfriends old t-shirt in to a beautiful and meaning full piece of art! This is project is great for any occasion, and children too! Go ahead and give it a try and let me know what you think. Photos by: Brista Robinson
For my first post I decided to tackle something that I thought might seem a little difficult. Weaving is actually very easy, you just need to be patient. You can make a rug, or a cushion, as I have chosen to make - only because I didn't have enough t-shirts at the time in the color pattern I wanted. There is even NO sewing required so this project is even great for kids!
The amount of time invested in this project from start to finish was about five hours. If you are new to weaving it may take you a bit longer. A rug will most likely take six to seven hours total to finish. I chose to complete my cushion all at once, but you can always set yours aside and work on it day by day.
Supplies Needed
T-Shirt
Hula Hoop
Scissors
Getting Started
First begin by cutting the hemmed bottoms off of all your t-shirts, set them aside.
*You will want at least 10-14 shirts to create a rug and 7-9 shirts for a cushion.
Grab one of your shirts and cut it into 8 strips.
Take those strips and stretch them around your hula hoop in pairs. The hoop is now your loom.
Cut the rest of your remaining t-shirts into one inch horizontal strips. To make a long fabric strip, cut one end of the loop, set them aside.
*I found it easier, and faster, to arrange them in a line of piles in a desired color pattern. I also kept back half, if not more, of one color for the outer rim.
Now it's time to start weaving!
If you are new to weaving, here is a video that might help with the technique.
Start by wrapping one fabric strip through the weft strips on the hula hoop. Alternate going over and under, over and under, over and under...I sound like Dori, "just keep swimming."
As you continue to alternate colors, tuck the ends of your fabric strips into the back side your weave. Don't worry about how messy it looks, the end result is amazing!
When your weave reaches approximately 8 inches, separate the weft strip pairs along the hula hoop. You will now have 16 individual weft strips. Continue to weave though them alternating over and under.
The next step is to separate your weft strip again and weave the fabric strips between the loops. Use up the rest of your design pattern colors and move on to the colors you have chosen for the rim. For a rug wait until you have reached about 6 inches from the edge of the hula hoop and about 10-12 inches for a cushion.
You're almost finished!
Cut the weft strips off the hula hoop when you have reached your desired length across. Tie them in double knots to secure the weave. Tuck the remaining ends of the weft strips into the back side.
Turn over your master piece and you are finished!
Let me know what you think. I would love to see how yours
have turned out! Once garage sale season starts I load up on shirts and create
a larger version.
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