Re-fashioned Episode 03

Our latest episode of Re-Fashioned is now available! You can download the complete tutorial here. This FREE sewing tutorial will show you how to turn a fashion top into a tunic! Leave us a comment letting us know how this inspired you! Enjoy!

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Re-fashioned Color Blocking Tutorial -- Episode 02

Hey everyone!

It's time for episode 2 in our new series of Re-fashioned! Hope you enjoy this as I’m going to show you how to use color blocking to lengthen a garment. You can use this technique on a blouse, skirt, or even a dress! Hey, be creative its fun! This project is really Pinterest inspired…color blocking is very popular right now so let’s take advantage of it and use it to re-fashion! Ready? Here it is...

I have a short pencil/straight skirt that I thought could use more length so I had a goal of making it 4 inches longer. 

Here is basically what I used to do this project:

Rotary cutter and mat, scissors, thread, ruler/straight edge, thread, scrap fabric for skirt (I needed something around ½ yard), and my skirt of course. 

First, I cut off the hem of the skirt just simply straight across. 

Then, I needed to determine the measurements of the fabric block to attach. The width of the bottom edge of my skirt was 19 ½ inches. Since, I wanted to add 4 inches before I cut off the hem, I needed to now find my new length that I wanted. So, after cutting the hem I now wanted the skirt 5 ½ inches longer. To make the mathematics of this the easiest =) I thought that I could graph ½ inch seam allowance in the best. I can do math but let’s say that algebra was my better subject. Ha! Not real sure why though, guess letters make more sense than numbers. Maybe I stare at the numbers too long. LOL Anyways, my new piece measurement came to 8 ½" by 20 ½".

Time to cut! ...(for some reason this step makes me nervous every time I try a new idea)… 

I cut it just on one short edge as opposed to making it two pieces, since I didn’t need a whole lot of material. Then, I sewed the one short end ½ inch from the edge. Pressed the seam open then I finished all the raw edges on my serger. You can also do a finish with a zigzag stitch as well. 

This picture only shows the overlock stitch on the short edge but you will need to do this on all the sides as well as the bottom edge of the skirt or whatever garment you’re adding to.

Now it’s time to attach the two together and make that "color blocking look"! Yes, I feel like this skirt is going to look completely different! Hooray to be almost done! This technique is so super easy and f-a-s-t! (gotta love that last word!)

With right sides together I pinned the block piece to skirt carefully aligning finished edges and making sure that the amount of added material matched up to the skirt piece. I don’t want any puckers when sewing them together. Now taken to the sewing machine and stitched ½” from the edge and off we go! 

Just about to finish but first you’ll want to press the seam open that you’ve just made. Topstitch if you want then, hem. I have 2 inches to hem but that’s what I wanted. Press your hem to make it easier when you take it to your machine. Pin the pressing in place, topstitch. 

Then, WAH LA! You are done!

Mine turned out terrific and I liked the results. Hope that this episode has inspired you! Share your results below and tell us if you have any questions or creative ideas using this technique. 

God bless you all and have a lovely week!

With inspiration,

Maggie Elizabeth

New Pattern!

New pattern is now available! Little helper Apron Pattern includes 3 child sizes and is available in printed format and PDF! 

It's for boys too! Alternate view is shown below. Adorable, practical and sweet perfectly describes this Little Helper Apron pattern. Three sizes included to fit most children. Make it for a young girl or boy with the different variations included. 

Girls' version includes cute ruffles and a heart applique and boys' version includes pockets and a neck tie applique. In just a few short steps you can have an adorable apron for your little helper! Head on over to our website to shop this pattern as well as our other great designs! Would also make a great gift! Shop today!

Re-fashioned Dress Tutorial 01

September is National Sewing Month and to celebrate I've got a modesty inspiration for some of you! This post marks the beginning of a new series called, Re-fashioned. Make sure to watch the accompanied video episode below, too!

So, I was browsing the clearance rack at Kohl's when I spotted this dress. I instantly fell in love with the fabric design and the light airy feel of the material. Well, there was just one dilemna, it was 2 sizes too large. I begin to think of how many projects I could do with the fabric alone. It was 80% off which brought it to $8.00 and I also used a 15% of coupon--have I ever mentioned to you that I love to find a smashing deal?

Well, I bought it anyway and brought it home. I stared at it for a few days and then I said, Aha! I've got just the idea and I want to share it with you! Hope you enjoy! 

Okay here-goes. . .

I tried the dress on over a thin, plain shirt and I really liked the style but I wanted the dress to be attached to the shirt as if it was all one piece. 

I used an inexpensive tee that I didn't mind experimenting with since it was my new idea and my first draft. =)

If you have already made a few of these and like the results, I recommend using a stronger type of knit shirt for durability. 

You will need a piece of cardboard that is about the width of your top and a few safety pins. 

Using safety pins instead of regular straight pins would be better in this project. You might want to try on the dress before you begin stitching to confirm the placement you desired.

Insert cardboard into t-shirt while the t-shirt is inside the dress. 

Begin pinning the layers together all the way around the top edge of the dress, then flip over and do other side. 

Once, you have everything pinned securely, try on the dress. 

Everything as planned? If not, this is the time to make changes. Begin stitching the shirt to dress.

And, wahla! You're done! This is a very quick project that can be done with even more ideas added.

How did your's turn out? I sure liked mine and hope that it can inspire you too!

Watch the video below for a real-time visual.

Happy Sewing!

Send us your ideas, feedback, or project pics. We'd like to know how this inspired you!
You can comment below or email
sew [at] maggieelizabethdesigns.com

God bless you!

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Now Available!

Recycled Jean SKIRT Tutorial -- now available in PDF!

You can now just pay and print to receive your instructional booklet! Oh, how easy it is to create a stylish new denim skirt from your old favorite pair of jeans!

It is available for purchase on our website or at Craftsy. This tutorial is very easy to understand with well written instructions and full colored illustrations.

Finished results from a pair of Wrangler's.