Southern Scraps

 Have you refashioned some sunnies yet?  Check out 9 ways to do so HERE. You're going to need a case to protect them when you throw them in your bag. It may as well be a cute one. Here are seven tutorials for making glasses cases. Glasses case tutorial   by Sew Fantastic gingham with bows by see kate sew From a potholder - Two shades of pink Scalloped sunglass case by Positively Splendid by Positively Splendid Sunnies case tutorial

Where did the year go? I say this every year. Nonetheless, I think it's been a pretty productive year. So what did I craft? Here are my top 10 posts, according to Blogger's views stats, in the order of most viewed.   Dollar tree skeleton wreath   Men's dress skirt to skirt  

I finally got brave and tried my hand at making a skirt from a men's shirt. Hubby put some shirts out for a yard sale last year and they didn't sell. I held back a couple of them from the Goodwill pile. Here's what I started with: Here's the end result:

I love accessories! They can make or break an outfit sometimes, and a key accessory is the belt. Here are five ways to make one: Elastic flower belt from Sugar Bee Ruffle belt by Amy Cornwell Rose belt by Emily Sparks Grosgrain belt from Ruffles and Stuff or make a flower attachment for a ready made belt No sew by Less than Perfect Life What do you think? Are you ready to make a belt? If you pin these, please pin directly from the source, not here. That's the proper thing to do.

I was doing some online window shopping this weekend, which made me think that I could save a lot of money if I'd improve my sewing skills. Skirts and sheath dresses in particular could be made for so much less than what you pay retail for them. Here are five skirt tutorials I've saved and intend to try one day. via Crafterhours Growing Home Elastic waist skirt (JCrew inspired) Polka Dot Cottage Ruffle skirt Craftaholics Anonymous JCaroline Creative Have a great week!

If I ever get back to the sewing machine, I've got to do this. I already have a pack of totes purchased for this project. from Susie Harris Ucreate My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

A couple of weeks ago I shared some tops refashioned from men's shirts. This week I'm focusing on some skirts refashioned from men's shirts. Here are some I want to try: by BlueBabes Create

I'm pleased to introduce to you today a fabulous seamstress and blogger, Etcetorize . She also sells her handmade clothing and accessories in an online etsy shop, Etcetorize . Here are a few things about Tamara, the artist behind the shop and blog .

I featured ruffled, ribbon, and appliqued dish towels on Monday for my Must Do Monday . Today I'm showing you my very first attempt at my own embellished dish towel.

This is a cute project that can be done with your fabric scraps. I'm itching to try this and make towels for every holiday to brighten up my kitchen.

I tried out this tutorial for making a dress from a tank top. Instead of a tank, I used a tshirt with cap sleeves from Old Navy (clearance, less than $4 if  I remember correctly-I started this last year. Please tell me I'm not the only one with partially finished projects this old). I used material from my grandmother's old stash- FREE! Here is my dress:

Hello, and Happy Monday! I'm starting a new feature where I share projects, techniques, and recipes that I've saved from other bloggers to try out in the future. Sort of a crafting "bucket list" if you will. Come back on Thursdays to see "Tried it out Thursday" where I'll post something I've actually tried out from these features and tutorials or other projects I found elsewhere to try. Since it's feeling like summer here already, I'm starting with an easy summer dress I'd like to make. Reality Check Girl Magazine I'm lovin this version with pockets, but I'm probably too lazy to make that my first try. By academic chic Here's another with a different waistband: Ruffles and Roses What's on your "must do" list? Or do you have a project that you think I'd like to try? Shoot me an email or leave me comment with a link! I've got a button for those I've featured: ...

I did not buy a new outfit for Easter this year. Instead, I made most of it. I took my first try at a skirt. I started to do this last summer, but the skirt pattern I have is too small - I bought it in high school and well, let's just say that 20 years later I am not the same size. I didn't quite have the courage to try it without a pattern, but last week I managed to summons the courage to make myself a pattern and  skirt using THIS tutorial. I  was happy with the way it turned out until I took a good look at the photos. I'm not sure I like the way it hangs, but I still love the pattern in the fabric. The colors are perfect for spring. And it was comfortable so I will wear it again. I'm not crazy about an elastic waistband so I made myself a belt to go with it. I also made a bracelet. More details on the belt and bracelet later... I'll be linking up to the parties on the side this week including Get Your Craft On

I had to take a trip today for a doctor's appointment. No fun- I don't like doctors, even for checkups. But once I got that out of the way, I did have the opportunity to shop some stores we don't have in my town, one of them being JOANN's. They are having a great sale on fabric and related items. Notions are 50% off and remants are 50% off. I scored a couple of remnants. AND, McCalls patterns for 99 cent . Yes, 99 cent - patterns that are up to 18.95 for 99 cents!!! I picked up several. There's still a couple days left, so if you are near a Joann's, RUN! (A.C. Moore also has styrofoams balls and eggs for 50% off. Stocked up on a few of those there too. ) Here are a few of the patterns I picked up: M6084 M5977 M5901 Has anyone used any of these patterns before? Have any tips? I'll let you know what I make and how it works out. (Someday, be patient.) I know that some of the things I bought patterns for, like the yo yo projects and some scarves, I ...

Here is a tshirt I embellished and gave to my sis-in-law for Christmas. It is fairly easy and does not involve great sewing skills- just needle and thread. I cut three sizes of circles, stacked them, pinched the middle and sewed the middle to make the flower. I then sewed each one to the shirt with needle and thread. These aren't the best photos, but the best I could do since this isn't my size. Thanks for looking. I'll be linking to some of the parties on the side.

Okay, everyone else is doing it! I decided it would be a good idea to look back and see what I accomplished or created last year before we get too far into this year. Here are my favorite ten projects. Details can be found in the links to each post. Fry box Rainy Day card Embellished tshirt Flip flop wreath Fourth of July dress Rosette bib necklace Ann Taylor inspired bow cuff  Fall wreath Spooky potted trees Christmas centerpiece Thanks for looking and Happy New Year. I'll be linking up my list to some of the parties on the side!

Last week I set out to make myself a dress- the first since I took a sewing class in high school. I've had this piece of striped fabric from my Grandmother's stash for years. I just couldn't decide what to make out of it. Then during my surfing one day I came across this dress . It inspired me to use this fabric for a similar dress. The complete directions aren't there so I did a litte more surfing. THIS video helped out a lot. Here is my dress: Here is how I made it (sorry- no photos of the process). Cut two rectangles of fabric- To determine size- take widest measurement (widest point of hips for me) and add 7 inches, divide in half. Each piece needs to be this wide. For me this is a little too wide- you could probably get away with adding five inches. My dress is rather "tent like" in the body and I wouldn't dare wear it without a belt. To determine length- MS says measure from top of shoulder to desired length and add five inches. I just held the mat...