PROJECT #5: GOLD METALLIC BOW TIE CHEMISE

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

I used the sheer jersey chemise from american apparel to make this cute top but you can use any tank top you like that has skinny shoulder straps. Just make your own version. I think this the simplest project yet! No cutting or even sewing experience required!

Here's how you do it!

Material:
1.) Tank top with skinny straps
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) scissors
5.) measuring tape
6.) sewing machine (not required)
7.) metallic trim same width as your tank straps.

Duration: 30min to 1 hour
Sewing Level: Easy

1. Take the measuring tape and measure the full length of front / back neck and shoulder straps continuously. Then figure out how long you want the bow tie length to be as well. Roughly you will need about 1 1/2 yards.

2. For this project, I bought a 1/4" (same width as the shoulder straps) braided metallic trim at the fabric store.

3. Pin the trim around the neck and shoulder straps. The ends will be the front tie. The trim should be one continuous piece.

4. The end of the ties can simple be tied in a knot so it does not fray.

You have just made your plain tank top into a fancy going out top, wear with jeans or even lingerie you can wear to bed! Very versatile! Enjoy!

PROJECT #4: THE JEWEL REVERSIBLE NECK T

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

I used the sheer jersey 2 sided T shirt from american apparel to make this "Jewel" top but you can use any T shirt you like. Just make your own version. This T shirt has a reversible neck. One side is high and the other side is low. If you want to cut lower for a deeper front neck drop or to show your sexy back, just cut lower. If you like the T shirt as is, you don't even need scissors for this project!

Here's how you do it!

Material:
1.) Short sleeve T shirt
2.) thread
3.) pins
4.) needle
5.) scissors
6.) measuring tape
7.) sewing machine (not required)
8.) 1/2" sequin & metallic trim.

Duration: 30 min to 1 hour.
Sewing Level:  Easy

1. Measure around the full neck line & armhole/sleeve opening to figure out how much trim you will need to buy. Roughly you will need about 1 yard or more.

2. For this project, I bought a 1/2" sequin embellished trim at the fabric store.

3. Pin the trim around the neck and armhole/sleeve opening then hand or machine sew.

4. When you get to the end, fold the trim under and sew down so the trim does not fray.

How easy was that!!!

PROJECT #3: SILK SCARF IN 3 OPTIONS

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

This is so easy! Why buy a scarf when you can just cut the fabric to the size you want and make it yourself. If you have a printed fabric that you love and would like to wear it around, just cut it and wear it to make your outfits pop! Here's how!

Material:
1. Soft Fabric for nicer drape (see below for dimension). I chose silk/cotton.
2. Iron
3. Sewing machine
4. Trim (optional, see below)

Duration:  1- 1 /2 hour
Level: Easy

Here are 3 versions you can choose from to give you an idea.

Option1: Baby hem finish
Cut fabric width =26" x length =70".
1. Fold and Press 1/8" all around the raw edges.
2,3. Fold 1/8" again so the raw edge is covered and stitch close as possible to the fold edge as possible.

Option 2: Pom Pom trim
Cut fabric width =26" x length =70".
1. Find a trim that you like and finish ends as #1 above.
2. Sew 2 opposite ends or all around the edges of the fabric. It's up to you.

Option 3: Bias binding
Cut fabric width =6 1/2" x length =54". Cut the corners to be rounded for easier sewing.
1. Bias binding are sold in any fabric stores. Get 1 package of 1/4" bias binding and sandwich the fabric in between the folded binding.
2. Carefully stitch the binding all around the scarf.

I recommend a soft woven fabric such as silk charmeuse, habotai or chiffon for better drape. You can also make the scarf with a fine cut and sew knit fabric which will be even easier, since you don't have to finish the raw edges. Most lightweight knits do not fray when cut.

Pick from the 3 options shown here or make your own fabulous version. Good Luck!

PROJECT #2: THE FLUTTER SLEEVE TOP

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.

Take a plain long sleeve T shirt and alter it to have fluffy full sleeves with a deep sexy plunging neckline. This project is also very simple to make! Try it for yourself and see!

 

Here are step by step instruction on how to make your new stylin top!

Material: 

1.) 1 long sleeve T

2.) thread

3.) pins

4.) needle

5.) scissors

6.) sewing machine (not required)

Duration: 1 1/2 to 2 hours

Sewing Level: Easy

1. Lay the Tshirt flat on a surface. Cut out the sleeves around  the armhole seams. Make sure to mark the front and back of sleeve. This is very important!

2,3. Draw the neck line you desire and cut it out. make sure to make neck centered.

4.  Lay both sleeve flat as in the picture. Measure the full length of the sleeve from top (longest point at top) to bottom. Mark 3 points evenly at edge. See A,B,C in picture. Please note to mark the under arm sleeve in A to measure 2". Cut the 3 sections across as in picture. Discard Section D. You will not need it.

5. Cut A as in picture straight from top to bottom. Keep the2" underarm seam in tact as in picture. 

6. Cut B and C panels straight down the seam and open up the panels. Then pin the flat cut pieces to each side of A, as in the picture.  

7. Connect and sew the B and C edges together by overlapping them. 

You will need to measure the full circumference of the armhole. As in the picture, fold 4 tucks evenly and pin to keep from opening. The 4 tucks are only make in between the B and C panels. Panel A has no folds. Hand sew the folds down about 1/4" away from edge.

8. Pin the folds down as in picture.

9,10. Pin your new sleeves into the armhole. Make sure you are pinning the front and back of sleeves into the armhole correctly.  Make sure the seam allowance is in the inside of the shirt. The sleeves should have been marked front and back as instructed in point #1. After pinning the sleeve and armhole to fit, Sew them together. You can sew them by hand (as I did) or use sewing machine. Be careful not to stretch out the armhole.

Good job! You have now completed your new Flutter Sleeve Top! Have fun showing off your new creation to your friends!

  

PROJECT #1: THE FLORAL TOP

© 2011 Runway Sewing. All Rights Reserved.
Take a plain T shirt and make it into a sexy and fun top in just a couple of hours. 

I took an american apparel long sleeve T shirt and made it into an off the shoulder pretty top. 

Here are step by step instructions on how to make your floral top. Good Luck!

Material: 

1.) 1 long sleeve T   

2.) 1/4" elastic 1 1/4 yard or 45" long 

3.) safety pin 

4.) thread 

5.) pins 

6.) needle 

7.) scissors 

8.) sewing machine (not required)

Duration: 1 1/2 to 2 hour
Sewing Level: Easy

 

1. Cut across diagonally from underarm seam to neck seam as in picture then cut out the sleeve all around the armhole seam.

2,3. Lay the sleeve flat and cut into 3/4" to 1 1/4" strips.

4. You will have a little bit of fabric scraps left over which you can throw out.

5. Set your machine to a very loose tension or you can stitch by hand. Stitch a straight line from one end to the other on the middle of the strips.

6. Pull the thread from one end to shirr the strips into ruffles.




































7. Turn the shirt inside out and fold the top edge and end of sleeve opening inward to 3/8" fold then pin down the fold .

8. Stitch the fold all around the neck and sleeve opening 1/8" away from edge of fold as you take out the pins. Leave a 1/2" opening to insert elastic later.

9. Place the ruffle strips in circular direction or whatever direction and shape you want then pin down to
the T shirt.

10. After you finished pinning the strips to the flower shape you want, hand sew the strips down to the T shirt. Take out all the pins.

11. Place elastic around your body from underarm to neck and cut length as needed. Make sure elastic length is not too loose. Do the same around your wrist. Safefy pin at edge of elastic and run it through the inside casing at top neck opening and sleeve opening. stitch the elastic ends together then stitch the casing opening shut.

That's it! Your done! Enjoy your pretty Floral T shirt!