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Sewing

28th June 2010

Fact: My sewing machine is from the Czech Republic so I had to teach myself from scratch using the Czech manual book. Who knows if I’m doing anything right…

What you’ll need:
Two identical cardigans in different colours, seam ripper, sewing machine, fabric marking chalk or pencil, dressmaking pins, thread, ruler.

Fold the first cardigan backwards into half.

Measure an inch away from the fold for seam allowance and mark along the entire length of cardigan.

Do the same with other cardigan.

Cut along marked line

Using a seam ripper, remove tags that might get in the way of sewing. Pin the two cardigans good sides (outer sides) facing, along the entire length of the cardigan.

Sew a zigzag stitch, and leave seam allowance fabric uncut in case of fray. If you have an overlock machine or a serger, you’re one lucky bugger.
Victim cardigans – Uniqlo, Striped dress as top – Topshop, Pants – Gmarket, Necklace – NastyGal, Nail Polish – Castle Dew ‘Tint Mint matte’ (Korean)

Best thing about sale season is that DIY victims are also discounted – how else could one justify cutting up two perfectly fine cardigans from Uniqlo that originally cost £19.99 each? Also had no idea if the fabric would up and unravel into a yarnball when cut so it was a bit of a gamble, but if that be the case I guess I could’ve just shipped off the yarnballs to BP for them to shove ’em down their broken oilpipes. Bunch of geniuses, those oil mongers.

This piece from Karla Spetic’s AW10 collection was the primary inspiration, although everything seems to come in two-colour nowadays – leggings, tights, shoes… Anyway, it’s a quick & easy DIY – you could even hand-stitch instead of using a machine but then again it might be Christmas by the time you look up.

15th January 2010

You’ll need:
Coloured tights, an array of pearlesque beads in different sizes, Cream/white coloured string, Thin needle (must be able to go through a bead), Household bleach, Sponge, Unused Toothbrush, Rubber gloves, Bathtub or sink, an open window!

Lay flat in tub, wet the tights and then wring out the water. Using rubber gloves, sponge, or toothbrush start sprinkling bleach onto the tights, being careful you don’t sprinkle on your own clothes or body!

Use the toothbrush to make smaller spray dots

Leave the tights for approx. 2hours, checking frequently to check up on progress.

Once successfully bleached to a level you’re satisfied with, throw into washing machine (with other laundry while you’re at it!) and give it a quick spin + tumble.

When dry, put the tights on (I’d suggest wearing another paif of socks under and over the tights to prevent it from getting dirty. Using needle and thread, sew into tights, pull out a length necessary for that section and do a double knot.

Start threading in beads of different sizes, alternating directions while sewing them in. Tip: try not to thread too many beads at one go, they may get quite heavy and snap off.

Start threading in beads of different sizes, alternating directions while sewing them in.

Tip: try not to thread too many beads at one go, they may get quite heavy and snap off. Be creative about the beads, add a bit of coloured beads here and there if you wish, and try organic shapes or even geometric… Repeat for other leg. (Or don’t – I didn’t.) Personally I ended up loving the dyed tights effect so I’m planning a similar fate to all my other coloured opaque tights, they shall suffer an acid shower and reincarnate as a superior sartorial species.

26th March 2009

Inspired by the Doo.Ri A/W’09 tights

What you’ll need:
Patterend lace tights (or leggings), very thin needle, thread, scissors, and a set of beads varying from sizes to colours to shapes. I chose two neutral colours (white and cream/gold), one complimentary (blue), one pot of sequin for the sparkle and a satin pearl pot for texture.

Wearing the tights will be the easiest way to apply the beads. Find a patch on the lace where the texture is heavier (on the pattern – the weave is stronger there and should hold the beads better), and slide needle through where you want to start. (Please excuse my chipped nails)

Pull the thread out to the necessary length needed for that section (usually 25-30cm) and make a firm double knot. Thread beads in and sew into the tights. Usually 4-5 beads per time is good for more control with the shape.

Keep varying between beads and sequins and other decorations – once an area is done, finish with a double knot. Snap off thread to start on new section.
Repeat. When doing the other leg, see how they balance out overall on both legs.

Tights H&M | Shoes Chloé

I went for a more royalty-inspired embellishment than the exact copy of Doo.Ri. It turned out to be quite sparkly in real life, so I didn’t have to do as much!
Advice on choice of tights & caring

  • For this kind of beading (vines and chunks) better pick densely-woven tights like mine.
    If you want to do it Doo.Ri style, pick bigger sequins, beads and crystals on sparsely woven tights like bigger laces.
  • If you do choose to do it on lace tights, then wear socks over the feet to prevent them from getting dirty.
  • Handwash for cleaning. Avoid beaded areas.
  • You could even try lace leggings if you don’t feel like such delicate care.
  • Be gentle while putting it on!

Good luck!