DIY Ruched Fabric Headband Tutorial (Remake)

 Hello friends!

I recently found a dress at Goodwill that was in the same print as one of my FAVORITE skirt (made by H&M) and I had to buy it. I didn't know what I would do with it. Maybe wear it too?? But then I noticed the cute trend of matching your headband to your skirt and thought that would be so fun to remake my old headband into this beautiful floral! 

Using an old foam headband I never wear, this tutorial turned out sooo easy! Finished it while baby napped, even taking the time to record it AND make a video! Whattttt. :) No post for almost a year, I count this as a win! haha 

Let me know what you think!!! Also, if you're not subscribed to my YouTube Channel, I would be so happy if you would! I am enjoying the other aspect of this blog and being able to share my tutorials in video form (even though I still have a lot to learn!)

You can also watch the video here: 

Hope to make more of these soon! I have about 20 projects that I have actually recorded and hope to find the time to edit and post them!

With Love, 

Viktoria 

High-Waisted Wide Legs For Days Pants DIY Refashion

Hi hi!

I am so excited to share my first video refashion with you!! I have been wanting to try to record my refashions for a while now- mostly because photos make it SO hard to explain things sometimes- But also because I personally have loved watching other refashion videos and thought YOU might like it too! Also so you can see how easy most of my refashions really really are!!

I have been on the hunt for a nice pair of white pants that were 

a. high waisted
b. wide leg
c. good quality
d. affordable

Needless to say, that was not easy to find. I never even hoped to find one in a thrift store. So when I found this pair of lined, quality white pants at one of our thrift stores, I was so happy! I wasn't sure how the refashion would turn out but for $1.00, it was worth trying. (yes, we have a local thrift store that's crazy cheap but you have to dig to find gems)

This is a simple tutorial of how to take in a pair of pants. These were lined so *technically* you should take the lining apart and take them in both separately. I am sorry if you are here for a professional tutorial. I am all about the quick and easy version that works for me! I don't care too much about the technique as long as it looks good! I think this makes sewing more approachable and releases you from the worry of being a perfectionist! 

I still remember the first few things I started sewing - My mom had a large collection of fabric and random things in our sheds and barn. It was boxes and boxes of fabrics! My sister and I would take the stretchy ones, wrap it around our body and then sew a line straight down. It would make a tube top or a tube dress (things we were not allowed to wear haha). We also then attach other fabrics by tucking them into the dress to make trains and more "avant garde" type of looks. We had runway shows for our imaginary friends. So you could say I've been a model and fashion designer all my life 😆 And yes, I tell everyone that I had the BEST childhood. :)

I hope you enjoyed the video and it gives you inspiration (and courage!) to try something new!

As always, I love feedback! Did you like the video?? Was it easier to understand? Any requests for specific DIY's?

Thanks so much for reading 😘

With Love,

Viktoria 

Ruffled and Striped Wrap-Skirt Tutorial (& Best Way to Shop for Sunglasses!)

I am so happy we are in the stage of maxi and midi skirts. It is so feminine and girly! I have wanted to do another play on the wrap skirt but in a more flowy shape this time (See my structured mini wrap skirt here!). When I found this lucky stripe fabric at the thrift store (3.5 yards for $3.50! YAY!), I knew it'd be perfect.

Unfortunately some of my photos got deleted but do not be intimidated! It is an easy skirt to make!

Since I wanted the stripes to go down (not across) I had to sew two pieces together. It also added length to the skirt. (mine was 29 inches long but you may choose to make it longer or shorter)

Sew together your two squares that should equal around 70 inches.(Or double the measurement of wrapping the measuring tape around you in a wrap skirt way).

Fold on your sewn line and cut the side of the skirt in an curve from the top sloping smaller down. This will create the ruffled open effect in the front of your skirt.  There is no template: just make sure your curves aren't too sharp. You want it to go smoothly from the bottom to the top in an arch curve.

Sew a baste stitch on top and pull gently on one of the thread to create a gather. (Make sure one end is back-stitched and secure so you don't lose your ruffle!)

Make a waistband. (See here for picture)
Mine is 130 inches long / 6 inch thick strip, folded in half
(This will get smaller when you sew to the top of your skirt so keep this in mind not to make it too thin)
You will want it super long so you can wrap it all the around your waist and tie to the side.

Attach waistband to the top of your ruffle part (hiding the seams) by laying it down on top of the ruffles and sewing, then flipping it up and iron down to keep it in place. Place the waistband off center so that one side is longer (To wrap around behind your back)

At this point, measure the skirt around your waist, wrapping the front over, making sure the seam is in the middle of your butt and around to overlap the front piece. You will see the arches you cut- are they where you want them to be? If not, cut them a little higher/shorter before adding your ruffle.

To create the ruffle:

I used a large dinner size and a small saucer for my template to create larger ruffles. Cut 6 (double layered) circle cut outs

Pin and sew the edges together to make a looooong ruffle (right side to right side)

Hem the outside edge of your ruffle (longer part) by folding and sewing slowly down, folding as you go. This part is tricky because the fabric wants to go crooked. Just take it slow. If you have a serger, I envy you! ;)

Pin the short side of ruffle to the edge of your skirt all the way around the skirt/ edge of your fabric. 

To finish the ruffle, I went all the way up to the waistband and attached it there (As pictured below)

Iron down the ruffle and your skirt and you're done! Wrap around a simple tee or tank and wear with sandals or heels! This will be your summer go-to skirt! 

Also, I have discovered the best way to shop for sunglasses! Have you heard of Warby Parker?? They allow you to pick out any 5 pairs to try out at home for 5 days! Shipping is free for delivery and returns! This will take out the stress of finding which pair really suits your face. (honestly, this was very helpful especially for prescription glasses! I have been ordering my glasses online for a while now and it's always a bit of a guessing game/surprise when they come in. I am excited to order a pair now that I know how they will look before fully committing) 

Try them out! But beware- picking just 5 is the hardest part. SOO many cute styles!!

Thank you so much for reading and if you have any questions, Id love to answer them!!

With Love, 

Viktoria

Straw Bag Remake

Hello hello!

The basket/ratten/wicker bag trend is everywhere right now! I love it and want one in every shape!

I'm sure that is the reason that when the handles on this thrifted basket/beach bag ripped, it went from being placed into the trash pile to immediately placing it into the refashion pile. I am so pathetic. Even when I throw something away, I take it out of the trash. Haha!

The truth is, the straw handles rubbed uncomfortably into my shoulders when the bag was overfilled - which, as you mama's know, it is ALWAYS overfilled. The idea to make leather straps in place of the straw ones only came into mind when they conveniently ripped.

You do not have to wait for that moment to happen to you! You can carefully cut yours off and remake them- It's so easy! Here's what you will need:

Leather - I bought a decent piece in the "scraps" leather section of our local fabric store
Leather hole puncher -Michaels
Screw Posts (Brackets) - Hobby Lobby

Cut two strips of leather, about 3 inches thick, 30 inches long. Loop through exsisting slots or wider if you prefer. The good news- with a basket weave, you have many hole options. Make sure to leave enough room/lip on top to support your handles.

Using the leather hole maker, punch a few holes until you have the size you need for your brackets. 

Push the bottom piece through and screw on the end. 

Repeat to other 3 areas. :) Make the handles the way you would normally hold a bag, one side with one side. 

Wear to your next beach getaway. Or to a picnic. Or to your Monday grocery store shopping :)

 

 

Even helpful for carrying sticks :)

It's also great for holding peonies from your garden that you cant stop obsessing over. Please forgive me for the flood of images you will see. I. Cant. Stop. 

 (My sweet girl BTS, hand modeling for me)

What were we talking about again? Oh, right, the bag ;)

I love love the way it turned out and the leather is so soft and flexible on my shoulder.. No longer will my husband complain about me over packing it. well, not right away at least. :)

We took these pictures on Mother's Day and the day was refreshing and satisfying. I feel truly so blessed to be a mother and it's nice to soak in those reminders that it is a GIFT to bear that title. To hear the stories about how fast time really does fly. Take a moment and breathe in the present, dear readers! Rejoice in the now, in the place you are at. It won't always be like this. (Totally going country song on you)

My dress is from here! This is a similar one shoulder look. And love this striped dress too! This one is sitting pretty in my cart waiting for a sale :/

Have a wonderful week! Thank you for reading!

With Love,

Viktoria