This was my first time participating in the Instagram Me Made May challenge, where sewists share their daily handmade looks for all of May. Some of my handmade looks range from upcycled projects, t-shirt hacks, to made from scratch. As you can see through the various photos below, my style and sewing is all over the place. I probably would have a hard time being a “cohesive” designer. I can’t seem to stick to a direct point of view and I’m fine with that. I sew and design based on what inspires me for that day, week, or month. I’m inspired by a variety of things from change of seasons, location, fabric, to my interests at the moment.
For these #MMMAY projects I featured, I had a more “selfish sewing” approach. I focused more on enjoying the design and construction process rather than step aside every 2 minutes for photos. It also allowed for me to sew in the evening which is my favorite time to sew (kids are in bed and it’s quiet). I typically sew for blog posts during the day because I need good lighting for photos.
Below I posted my favorites and the Instagram posts about each piece.
“This may look like a basic striped boatneck top but there is a party going on in the back. Plus who doesn’t love a classic stripe anyways.”
Tutorial for my twist top , I added sleeves. Fabric from Stylish Fabric .
“My style can be all over the place and so is my sewing but I’d say I’m the most comfortable in sporty looks. Perhaps it’s that track athlete in me or that I’m a mom of 3 boys. This was an upcycled long sleeve from the husband that I’m embarrassed to say how long I held onto. I cut the bottom off and made a band hem for a modern fit. I did the same to the sleeves. I also took the side seams in a few inches. The party is all in the back though with an open cut out and center racerback.”
IG post shows before .
“Just update those ugly jeans into a rad denim jacket why don’t ya! Another unwanted item from my husband. I use to make denim vests like this in high school and sold them at my school. This time I wanted to see if it could be a cool denim jacket by adding sleeves. It’s a loose kimono fit which I like. I used some scraps of denim I had to add to the center front as well.
“My rise ‘n’ grind #mmmay18 look this am: Color blocking and zip details make this DIY track singlet one-of-a-kind.”
Blog post:
“Upcycle a t-shirt into this twisted back tunic/top.”
Tutorial featured in my IG Highlights @trashtocouture
“A vintage pattern shift dress with knotted shoulder seams . . .
When my Grandma passed away my Mom gave me her Sewing things including this vintage 60’s pattern. It was already cut out and folded neatly in the envelope. Who knows how long it has been but my mom said she was “making that dress for her when she was a teenager.” So I went ahead and finished it for the both of them using this retro floral print by Alison Glass. Would be a cute little gift for my mom don’t you think?”
“Made this boho top from a crochet tapestry I got at a garage sale years ago for .25 cents. I remember buying a few pieces from this particular garage sale. They were selling items from an elderly woman who recently passed away. Her son told me she knit all of these crochet pieces in a basket. I of course bought them all! I like to think they’re in good hands now. I finally decided on a design for it in this little boho top I can’t wait to wear. I wouldn’t dare cut into it so I made the top around the design and with a baste stitch just in case.”
“Today’s #mmmay18 look:
This fabric bin I made for is versatile for not only organizing my fabric but a great beach/pool bag too!” Tutorial
“My go-to casual look for the day. I prefer t-shirts but with a twist like this handmade jersey top with lace detailing. This ruched/wrap skirt is an upcycled make from a t-shirt. It’s so comfortable, I wore it almost everyday when I was pregnant!” Tutorial .
This updated tank into a lace off-the-shoulder with my 5 minutes tutorial ( and my French toile shorts made ages ago .
