DIY Ombre Pocket Skirt

I found this tutorial in Singapore’s weekly Urban newspaper late last week. It had an entire section on DIY fashion. I was so excited I waited outside for the newspaper to be delivered. The tutorial was written by Singaporean fashion label Villiand+Lovers. The skirt is super simple and well explained. Since I didn’t have any polka dotted fabric at hand when I found the tutorial I decided to go with what I a meter of plain white fabric and 2 types of blue dye.

I retyped up the instructions because it isn’t so clear in the picture:

Stuff you need:

1 meter of white cotton fabric

2 colors of dye

Elastic

Sewing machine

1.     Measure your waist size and take 8cm to 10cm off it as the measurement for the width of the skirt. Measure your desired length. Then add 8 cm to 10cm to this.

2.     Trace four pocket patterns (below) measuring 19cm by 16 cm, on the remaining cloth.

3.     Pin one pocket pattern to each side of both pieces of cloth. Each pattern should be placed 13cm from the top of the fabric. The outside of the pockets should face each other must face each other. Using a sewing machine, sew the length of the skirt fabrics at 0.5cm from the edge.

4.     Lay the two skirt fabrics on top of each other, with the pockets flapping out. The outsides of the fabric should face each other. Sew along the edges of one side of the fabrics, 1 cm away from the hem before sewing it.

5.     By now, your skirt should form a rectangle. Spread your skirt out on an ironing board. Fold the bottom hem of the skirt and iron it. Use pins to hold down the hem before sewing it.

6.     The size of the waistband should be 1.5cm more than the actual width of the elastic band. Fold the top of the skirt to form the waistband using this measurement and iron. Sew the waistband.

7.     Repeat step 4 to close up the other side of the skirt fabric. Do not sew the waistband, as you need to allow room for the elastic to go in.

8.     Secure a safety pin to one end of the elastic and pull it through the waistband loop. Remove the pin after it has gone through and sew the ends of the elastic together. Flip the skirt over and it is ready.

And here is a dip dye tutorial by Rit dye.

Have fun DIYing!

Photo Diary: Bali - Part 1

Bali is absolutely brilliant. It will always remain as one of my favorite holiday destinations. Not only is it skirted by some of the world's most beautiful beaches but also has some amazing scenery up on its hills. Rich in food and culture, Bali will never cease to amaze me. The island also has some fabulous shopping locations. Apart from the expected Billabongs and Rip Curls there are some pockets around the location with amazing pieces by both local and foreign designers. I wish I could have explored Bali more, but I spent most of my time underwater with a wetsuit and a tank on my back. I went scuba diving. Most of the photos I took are on my underwater film camera and are being processed at the moment so I will share that with you guys later. Enjoy!

Inspiration: Rope

These are a couple of very inspirational photos that will get your DIY creative juices flowing. Although rope is most commonly used for necklaces these photos show other ways you can use rope in. Enjoy!

Before and After: High-Waisted Piped Shorts

Here's an idea for another pair of shorts to add to your summer wardrobe. Pipe them. Not only do they look cool but also have a sort of nautical vibe, perfect for the current season. 

I began with a pair of off-white capri's that I picked up at the thrift store for $2. After some bleaching, snipping and sewing I welcomed my new pair of shorts with open arms.

The inspiration for these shorts took place amidst last weeks episode of Jane By Design. I loved her shorts but decided to change the colors up a bit.

Jane By Design

Hope everyone is having a great summer. Enjoy!