DIY Drinks in a Dash with Spike Your Juice!

One of the pleasures of being a grown woman is having the freedom to enjoy an adult beverage at my leisure. I can celebrate with a toast, socialize over a cocktail, or just relax with a glass. As a teen, of course, the most I ever got to drink was a bottle stolen from a friend’s parents’ liquor cabinet. I no longer have to sneak a shot or spike the punch, because now, aside from proudly showing my ID to purchase a bottle, I can make my own alcohol at home. What I’m talking about is different than simply adding some Goose to your cran, or even mixing a martini. I’m actually turning juice into alcohol with the Spike Your Juice kit. If you have some juice and some patience, Spike Your Juice can turn that juice into a bubbly alcoholic beverage that you’ll be proud to say that you made yourself.

This idea of transforming juice into alcohol is not a new one, because it is a naturally occurring process that anyone can do it. But with Spike Your Juice, it takes the fermentation process and makes it almost effortless to create your own concoction. No need to measure anything, because it’s all there in the kit ready for you. My favorite part is that you use 100% juice, so not only are you enjoying a sparkling champagne-like drink, you’re also getting a dose of vitamins! Alcoholic beverages can be on the unhealthy side, especially if your favorite drink uses soda as an ingredient. For the folks that are vowing to be soda-free this summer, that includes alcohol! On top of that, there are no artificial flavors, chemicals, or colors, just simply yeast, organic evaporated cane juice, and an emulsifier.

When I had the chance of trying out Spike Your Juice, I hopped on it. I received the package in the mail and was almost shocked because the kit was just a small box. I was expecting some fancy equipment and unknown ingredients, but no, the DIY kit consisted of 6 packets, drink labels, instructions, an airlock, and a rubber stopper. I was so “juiced” to try this out!

The box claims to make a spiked juice in 3 easy steps, and it’s completely true!

Step 1: Pick your juice.
One packet will spike one 64 oz. bottle of juice, and you get 6 packets in the kit. That’s a whole lot of spirits, enough to make 3 gallons! The instructions suggest using grape, cranberry, or pomegranate, but really any juice will work as long as it’s 100%. Why would you buy any other juice anyways?! Because I wanted to make a seasonal blend, I chose to use an organic blueberry juice. Like cranberries, blueberries are high in antioxidants, so it was exciting for me to make a beverage that was good for my body and my spirits.

Step 2:   Spike your juice.
You can literally spike your juice in less than one minute. Just pour the packet into the juice. That’s it. You don’t even have to stir it. The kit even comes with labels with spaces for the type of juice and the spike date, as well as a notice that the juice contains alcohol. You wouldn’t want any little ones mistaking this for just juice. Slapping the label on the bottle was so empowering; I was making my own alcohol!

Step 3:   Seal with airlock.
The kit comes with an airlock that you fill with water and a rubber stopper to seal the bottle. This step was the most technical, but it’s still so easy. I’ve seen people use balloons for this stage in DIY fermentation, but this airlock and stopper are much more official. After this stage, then all of the magic happens. Each day, the natural sugar content in the juice decreases, and the alcohol content rises…up to 14% vol.

I left my bottle on the counter and checked on it every now and then. From the start, I could already see movement in the bottle. Each time I checked, there was more and more going on in there. It was exciting to see all that action because I knew that all that bubbling would make some tasty bubbly. The directions state to wait 48 hours to start sampling, and if you want a stronger and dryer taste with and increased alcohol content, then leave it a little longer. I started spiking on a Wednesday so I could have a nice Friday night, but once I found out about a friend’s potluck party on Saturday, I decided to leave it a little longer. How fresh is it that I was bringing freshly made alcohol?!

Cheers!

For my first taste, I was admittedly nervous to try it. Would it be too strong? Would it taste bad? Did I mess up? No, no, and no, because this spiked juice made me say YES all around! The juice itself had a lighter flavor that was infused with a champagne-like flavor and feel. Imagine a mimosa, only with blueberry juice. Yes, it’s fancy like that. The alcohol flavor was not overly strong and I think it married well with the juice.

I brought my first bottle to the potluck and proudly told folks that I made the blueberry alcohol myself. Wow, were they impressed! Only if they knew how simple it was… It was a nice refreshment on a warm summer’s day. We finished the bottle, and I probably had more glasses than anyone else (for testing’s sake). I didn’t have a buzz going on, but I didn’t need it because I was high off of making my own alcohol!

I have 5 more packets left and I’m not quite sure what my next flavor will be. I might make a blend of juices to make it even more customized, and I’ll definitely let the bottle ferment for at least one more day. I want a little buzz! I’m sure that all of my friends will hear the buzz about my spiked juices, so I’ll definitely have a few gifts already knocked off of my list.

Get your own Spike Your Juice kit for only $9.99 on the Spike Your Juice website.  This sure beats spending $10 a drink at the bar!

There are so many times where I find myself beginning a project, then half-way through I think to check online to see if someone else is working on the same thing. Sure enough there is, and more often than not that person has a simple way to do it. When I’ve never done a certain project before, I tend towards a more complex process before I figure out what steps I can cut out yet still achieve the result I desire. Others however seem to be blessed with the ability to see the simple way through and through. From recycled fashion to interior decoration, this list of sites are a definite go-to for your d.i.y. needs.

• loveMeagan //  fashion & style
• OutsaPop Trashion //fashion & style
• Design*Sponge // home & product design
• ReadyMade // home, product design, fashion & misc
• BleachBlack // fashion & style
• PS I Made This // fashion & style
• Instructables // everything!!
• Behind The Seams // fashion & style
• Anywho.dk // fashion & style

What can you make with a glue gun, scraps, a serger, and random doll heads?

Everyday, I pass by my sewing machines that sit so sadly in the corner, frowning at me for the months of neglect. Poor things, I used to spend late nights with my serger, crafting up a new dress to wear the next day. I moved into my current living situation way back in November, and I still haven’t set up my sewing space, so my machines have been living in the dining room. So sad, but true. I blame my lack of creative juice on my lack of creative space, which is further blamed on my lack of creative time. I get stuck in the rut of daily life, doing things that need to be done just to get by, like washing dishes, vaccuuming, and shopping, of course. Because of life’s constraints, time, work, or whatever it may be, we sometimes forget to spark the creativity within ourselves. But sometimes, all it takes is a little inspiration from others to boost our own motivation to get creative, and just recently, I had my creative juices rejuvinated. I trekked to the mecca of creative spirits: the Maker Faire.

When I try to explain the Maker Faire to people, I tell them that it’s like a science fair gone mad. Pretty much anything you can imagine, and everything you can’t imagine, is showcased for you to be amazed at. The faire is put on by Make Magazine every year, and lucky for me, one of the locations is in the Bay Area. The faire calls for “makers” to come and show off what they’ve been creating in the lab, and the variety of projects is unlike anything you’d find at your elementary school science fair. I’ve been volunteering for the event for 5 years now, and each year, there is always something new and exciting. Whenever I get a chance to step away from the sewing madness that I’m involved in, I am completely and utterly so overwhelmed with all of the crazy sights and sounds. Faire-goers can test out products, learn new skills, or work on a project. Yes, a major part of this event is to turn everyone into makers! To me, a geek girl at heart, Maker Faire is like Disneyland, but to the nth degree.

Seriously, you can walk around and wonder, “What was he thinking to make that?” or “How in the world did she put that together?” From the practical, to the crazy, to the artistic, to the top of the tech, there is so much to see. In order to give you an idea of what was going through my mind as I walked around, here is a jumbled running list of what I saw:

Mobile cupcake cars, Cyclecide: bike-pedaled rodeo and carnival games, life-size Mouse Trap board game complete with bath tub, fire-breathing sculptures, lock-picking workshops (my daughter is now an expert!), a giant swing set, Steampunk City, remote-controlled LED shark, R2D2, a Wii-like graffiti wall, cutesy craft booths, giant Tesla coils, a human-powered music stage, clothing swap with sewing machines, real deal Battleship, and live silk-screening (thank you very much).

So much creativity!

And that’s only a small fraction of what’s featured there. You can even run into random crafters and geniuses and learn a thing or two from them while waiting in line for some paella. You will be amazed at how much brain power can be contained in one place at one time. If that isn’t enough, crazy costumes and get-ups will give you a fashion fix. Don’t have anything cool to wear? Why not make it there at the fair? Seriously, with so much to do, it only makes sense to make something to bring home.

This type of event caters to anyone that has a sense of wonder. So many different scenes are represented at Maker Faire, from the computer geeks to eco-friendly fashionistas to even the hyphy boys on their scraper bikes. You just can’t hate on the cool things you can see. Sadly, some people lose their sense of wonder once they hit puberty and become too cool for anything. I love working with children because their sense of creativity and wonder is always on. They can take have the craziest idea in their mind and draft a plan to make it happen. The makers at Maker Faire must all still be a kid-at-heart, because their wonder never grows old.

Geek gals, if you, too, would like to make the trek to Maker Faire, you don’t have to wait until next year. There are faires coming up in Austin, Detroit, and New York. Prepare to be amazed.

Now that I’ve had my dose of inspiration and motivation, I can’t wait to see what my hands will make. But first, I have this sink full of dishes to conquer…

Image layout by Trina.

For the DIY challenged in us all...

I have a intense DIY deficiency.

I’m not entirely sure how to say this for fear that my license to love fashion will be promptly revoked and someone or something will swoop down from the heavens and snatch my Marc Jacobs duffel from my arms leaving me feeling naked and cold. Alright, I’ll come out and say it: I’m no good at doing anything fashion related it by myself. Sure, I’ve tried several times to create my own cut off shorts, and destroy my own denim. I’ve tried making handbags out of paper bags, studding my tops, and even had a disastrous run in with food coloring after trying to tie dye a tshirt, that left my hands green for several days. I’ve tried it all, and I’ve failed. I am DIY challenged.

My friends and I have tried to figure out what my problem is, but can’t seem to pin point an exact issue. My hand eye coordination seems to be working fine, I’ve gotten over my fear of fabric glue (don’t ask), and I’m not afraid to break a nail if it’ll get me the perfect placement of a stud or rhinestone. I should be DIY efficient, but alas, I am not. I believe the issue lies with the project itself. Sometimes bloggers and websites alike make a project seem so much easier through my computer screen. Gathering materials? Check. Prepping said materials? Check. Putting all that crap together to make magic? Epic fail. I haven’t found one DIY project that says it’s as easy as riding a bike, that actually turns out that way. Well, that is until I found P.S. I Made This…

Began by Erica Domesek, a fashionista  itching for designer goods to fit her budget, PS I Made This has taken this DIY challenged soul and turned her into a goddess. I’m pretty much addicted to this website, because it makes it’s DIY projects as easy as they look. So far I’ve paint splattered a pair of brogues a la Alexander McQueen, safety pinned the crap out of a tank top, and made a necklace out of rollers, all without breaking out in hives. It’s the perfect place to find that DIY Queen that’s hiding out in all of us. If I can do it, you can too!

Supplies needed:

• Scraps of fabric; large pieces for bib, strips for necklace
• Heat-n-Bond Ultra-Hold iron-on adhesive (Or similar double-sided iron-on adhesive)
• Scissors
• Pencil
• Paper
• Optional: Beads, ribbon, studs, other embellishments

Supplies

When selecting fabric for the bib, it would be best to use a heavy weight material like denim, thick canvas, or something of that sort.

Proceed to the steps!

Step 1: Draw out the bib shape on paper and cut it out. This will serve as a template when cutting out the heat-bond adhesive. While looking in a mirror, place the paper template on your chest along your neckline to see if you like the shape of the bib.

Step 2: When you have the shape you want, place template on the sheet of adhesive, trace the shape and cut it out.

For my design I cut out a large bib shape and a smaller bib shape.

2. Trace template and cut adhesive

Step 3: Hole punch the adhesive where you will thread through your fabric strips for the necklace.

Step 4: If you’re using the brand of adhesive I listed you’ll notice a smooth side and a bumpy side. Place the adhesive bumpy side down onto the back of your bib fabric. If your fabric looks the same on both sides, don’t worry about which is back and front, any side will do.

4. Place adhesive on back of bib fabric

Step 5: Follow the steps on the pack of Heat-n-Bond for adhering it to fabric. Let the fabric cool then cut away excess fabric, including where you’ve put a hole punch.

6. Heat-n-bond instructions

Step 7: Peel away the backing of the adhesive for your bib.

Step 8: If you’re using layers like me, apply this step to the largest bib piece first. Place bib adhesive side down on the back side of another piece of fabric and repeat step 5. This creates a backing for the bib.

Step 9. Skip this step if you’re not using layers.  For the small bib piece, place it adhesive side down on the front of your large bib and iron until completely adhered together.

Step 10: Take the strips of fabric you’ll use for the necklace and stretch them to roll the edges. Make sure they’re cut to the desired length (or longer if you’re not sure). Guide them through the holes of the bib.

10. String through fabric strips for necklace

Step 11. To drape the strips at different depths, on one side, tie a knot around the bib edge, pull down to the depth you like, and secure a knot around the bib edge of the other side. Trim away extra fabric.

11. Knot and cut

Step 12: Pile it on! If you have beads, studs, or extra strips of fabric, feel free to embellish your bib. Remember, it’s purpose is to make a statement!

This blog post from Outsapop.com provides different ways to create fabric rosettes, which can be attached to your necklace.

12. Add on to your bib

Step 13. WEAR IT!

She's crafty : bib-style statement necklace

Photos/layout by RLNC

Ears To The Street: Blossom Is In Full Bloom. 1. Jeffery Campbell Acme Floral Ropers 2. Tights by Celeste Stein 3. Dress By Motel 4. Straw Hat from San Diego Hat Co. 5. Handmade Corsage by Stella Pesci 6. Handmade Crocheted Cardigan by Stitches By Julie

Not only are floral prints blooming but the look of every one’s fav 90’s t.v. personalities, Blossom and her side kick Six are BOOM’N! This Spring is no exception to the 90’s trend that has made it’s way back in recent years. To keep it cool, comfy and a little lady-like think floral print baby-doll dresses (check UK’s Motel), delicate hand crocheted cardigan like this one from Stitches By Julie and straw hats (the chic way to protect from the sun…but don’t forget your SPF!). Buy a blank hat like the one shown from San Diego Hat Co. and DIY it with your own floral brooch or corsage like this hand-crafted beauty from Etsy shop owner, Stella Pesci, or make your own. Now be careful about wearing all your floral prints together (it can be done but that’s an art in itself and a different post entirely) but you can add this important Spring trend with Jeffery Campbell’s Acme floral print roper boot from Nasty Gal or pick and choose your own floral pattern and hosiery style (I suggest thigh high) from Celeste Stein. Everything’s coming up roses and tulips and daisies and, and, and…What floral accent will you add this season?

If you’ve ever watched PS. I Love You you might remember that scene where Hilary Swank’s character gets the epiphany of her life when a fancy door hinge falls onto her shoe, recreating the shoe’s look completely.

For this She’s Crafty, I’ve decided to do a shoe revamp of my own and share it with you all! The beauty of this d.i.y. project, like many others, is that you don’t have to do the steps exactly as I do or use the exact materials to yield the same result (unless you want to). The materials listed below might be all you need to know in order to do a shoe re-do of your own.

Supplies Needed:

• A pair of pumps (preferably an old pair from the depths of your closet.. or a thrift store)
• Spray paint
• Masking tape
• Plastic bag
• Trim of your choosing (mine is black beaded braid with short faux fur)
• Scissors
• Pen
• Hot glue gun optional:
• Hair dryer (if you’re too impatient to let the paint sit and dry)
• measuring tape or ruler, if you’re a perfectionist about your paint/trim placement

Supplies

Before you start making permanent changes to your shoes, first visualize what you want the result to be. I chose the resourceful route and decided to make do with materials I already had, but you might decide to go out and buy something specific for your diy shoe make-over. Whatever the case, be creative!

Let’s proceed to the steps!

Step 1: Take a shoe and mask off the inside by cutting up a plastic bag and securing it to the inner edges of your shoe with masking tape.

1. Mask off the insole with masking tape and plastic bag. 2. Optional: measure and mark your design.

Step 2: This step is optional but if you’re looking to get the same look on both shoes so that they mirror each other, this step is recommended. Using a ruler of measuring tape, measure where you want to place your trim or create guides for where to paint, then mark with a pen.

2. Mark your shoe with a pen to create guides

Step 3: Once again using the masking tape and a new plastic bag, mask off the areas you don’t want to paint.

3: Use Masking tape and plastic bag to protect areas you don't want to spray

Step 4: Follow the directions printed on the back of your can of spray paint for the best results. Most require that you use several light coats, with enough time between coats so the paint can dry. You can speed up the process by using a hair drying on a low setting.

4. Begin spray painting (follow directions on can). Allow drying time or speed it up with a hair dryer.

Step 5:  After the paint is dry to the touch, carefully remove the masking tape and plastic bag. If some paint peels off with the tape or you somehow smudge a bit off, just spray a spot of paint on a paper plate, dip a small sponge or q-tip in, and lightly dab it onto the shoe.

5. When paint is dry to the touch, carefully remove tape and plastic.

I decided to go with a partail-colored look because I couldn’t bring myself to cover the turquoise completely. Being a simple gal I was tempted to leave the shoe as it was above, but decided to give my trim a chance, which brings us to the next step.

Step 6: Take your trim and cut it to the size you need (that ruler/measuring tape would come in handy for this). With your glue gun hot and ready to use, dab a little glue in one section, place trim, and hold it. When you feel the glue is dry and hardened, continue gluing your trim onto the shoe little by little.

Take note! If you’re gluing near paint, be careful not to get hot glue on it. If you do, wait for the glue to dry before gently peeling or rubbing it off.

7. Dab on hot glue to shoe to adhere the trim. Be careful not to get glue on the paint. Glue on trim a section at a time, not at once!

Step 8: Repeat steps 1 through 7 with the other shoe and voila, you’ve got a pair of updated pumps.

The finished shoes

Now time to wear 'em out!

Photos/Layout by: RLNC

For Earth Week, Host a Clothing Swap!

I’m proud to say that about half of my wardrobe came from a clothing swap.  I’ve been pretty lucky to come up on some good finds digging through the piles of things that other people don’t want.   Right now, I’m just lounging in my living room on my laptop, rockin’ some free-99 yoga pants and a green t-shirt that I copped from a swap.  Yes, it’s green in color, and green in concept, which makes me feel good wearing it.  Instead of shopping all the time and wasting my green, I’ve kept clothing out of the landfills, and the depths of my friend’s closets, and gave them a new life.  Plus, I have the chance to get rid of what I don’t want, and be amazed at who ends up taking it home.  It’s a blast to see when a stranger completely digs your favorite jeans that no longer fit.

How do you get in on the action?  Take a proactive approach and throw your own swap!   Don’t wait for one to come around, because it’s the perfect time for everyone to do some spring cleaning.  It’s out with the old, and in with the new, or new-to-you, at least!

I’ve thrown clothing exchanges twice a year for 5 years now, and attended handfuls of other swaps, so I’ve seen different approaches to this concept.  I really encourage others to give up the new-new approach to fashion and try out a swap for a change.  Here are some tips that I can share about hosting your own clothing swap:

1.  Clean out your crap.

This is the first step to swapping.  You can’t promote a swap without first practicing what you preach.  Do a good deep cleaning.  Completely empty out your closet, your dresser, your nightstand, everything!  Then try it all on, looking for what you don’t need or want any longer.

Personally, I have a hard time with this step.  Not the emptying everything out part, because that’s so easy to do…it’s getting rid of something that requires major thinking about on my end.  Some things have so many memories attached, or even, I have hopes of wearing it to that one special occasion.  I’ve watched Hoarders, I’m not horrible, I don’t have dead cats laying on top of my teeny-bopper clothes, but when I can’t even find anything in my overstuffed dresser, then that can get annoying.  But, like I mentioned earlier, you gotta do what you say to do.

You really gotta get tough and all psychological with yourself.  If you need someone else there to regulate, then ask a friend to go through the process with you, just listen to what they say!  When you try something on, think of the last time you wore it.  Has it been over 1 year?  If so, chuck it!  No need to hold on to something, hoping for that perfect day to wear it, or even worse, waiting until you’ll fit back into it.  Holding onto clothes just keeps your closets packed, leaving no room for the new things that you’ll find at the swap.  This includes your purses, shoes, and accessories too. Don’t keep those scrunchies from middle school!

I recently cleaned out my shoe closet and although I didn’t reduce my collection significantly, at least I made more room….for more things, of course.  I tried every pair on and reorganized everything.  Now, I have shoes to bring to a swap, and taking my shoes off when I get home is as organized as Mr. Rogers, only a tad bit more fashionable.

Once you have all your swappables, make sure they are clean, reusable, and ready for their next home.  Swapping is all about karma, you’re doing good for the Earth and the environment, and even the community, so the clothes will in turn do good for you and your style.  You wouldn’t want to pick up a pair of awesome jeans then find out that the crotch has some questionable stains on it.  Ewwww.

2.  What kind of swap do you want?

There are swaps-a-plenty out there, and you just have to figure out what kind you’ll want to host.  You can opt for an intimate ladies-only swap boutique event in your living room, or a co-ed BBQ swap bash in your backyard.  If you’re all for the community, you can throw a swap open to the public.  Swap-o-Rama-Rama has been doing this for years, and if you team up with them, then you’ll have major support and publicity.

You can even hold an item-specific swap.  Perhaps you’re only into dresses, or shoes, or housewares, or even books.  For the party animals, turn it into a celebration by hosting a Halloween in July costume swap, or a slumber party swap!  The swappin’ just don’t stop.

3.  Location, location, location.

You have to find the perfect spot for your swap, and it all depends on the kind you’re throwing.  Opening up your home to friends and fam will work for more intimate parties, but you’ll need more of a prime location for public community events.  Try local art galleries, warehouse studios, or community centers.  If you want a party vibe, book a night club during daytime hours.
When meeting with possible venue locations, mention that this is a community event to see if you can get a discount on rental fees.  You probably will have to charge at the door to offset the costs, but with all the free clothes coming your way, that will offset the hassle.  More people means more clothes!

4.  Secure a donation organization.

No matter how many people come, or how nice their clothes are, there will always be leftovers.  Find a place ahead of time where you can drop off the extra clothing as donation.  Some places are choosy with what they get, so if you know in advance, then you won’t be stuck with bags full of more stuff that you don’t want.  Plus, people want to know where their old stuff is going.  Search for women’s shelters, foster homes, disaster relief organizations, or homeless shelters in your area to see if they’ll want what you can bring.

5.  Promote like crazy!

Evites could be perfect for the close peoples on your list, especially if you’re having it at your house.  Send reminders and encourage everyone to do their digging so you’ll have plenty at the swap.

For community events, make a flyer and drop them off at vintage shops, thrift stores, and art galleries.  Go to the local colleges and pass out flyers to folks, telling them that they can get a whole new wardrobe for next to nothing!  You can’t forget about the powers of technology, so blast it all over Twitter, Facebook, you get the picture.  Send e-flyers to bloggers who have their eye on fashion and green living, and kindly ask them to post it up for the world to see.  Some sites are dedicated just to the swap life, like the Boston-based swap team, The Swapaholics, who compile a monthly “Swap Sheet” that informs you of what’s happening in the swap world.

6.  Organization is key.

You might like the whole finding a needle in a haystack game, but that’s not everyone’s cup of tea.  If someone is looking for shoes, they’ll want to find the matching mate.  Think if two people find the most perfect pair of shoes, but they each have only one shoe!  Who will the shoe go home with?  Try to put some order in the chaos, like designating places for certain items, like pants, dresses, tops, and shoes.  Use signs to let everyone know what each pile is, that way, you won’t find a grip of men’s clothing mixed in with the ladies.  If you can, find extra hangers and clothing racks and use those to place the “hot” items.

7.  Provide a dressing area.

Some folks will just take it all off and try on whatever right then and there, while others prefer to do it behind closed doors.  Set up full length mirrors in various places, but provide a private dressing area as well.  It’s important that people get to try things on because you don’t want them going home with things that won’t work for them, when it could have worked well for someone else.

8.  Be a host with the most.

Swaps can be an all-day event.  As people come at different times, that means more clothes are popping in.  People will want to stay to see what else can be found in the piles.  Provide light refreshments for them, so they’ll want to stick around and get the most out of their swap time.

9.  Start a swap crew.

You’ll need dedicated swaparonis to help you with various tasks, like promotions, organizing, and even donating.  Make sure that these people will also contribute to it as well.  I’ve had people before invite me to host a clothing swap at their “green” event, but they did not bring anything to exchange.  Remember, practice what you preach.  You want to work with people that have the same passion as you: cleaning out your closet, getting free clothes, and helping the earth…all while having fun!  Ask your friends for help, or as swappers come through the door, take down their email so you can add them to your crew!  Then, when the next swap comes around, you’ll have more people to work with.  The more, the merrier.  And the more people, the more clothes!

10.  Do it again!

Seasons change, and so do your fashion needs.  Take what you learn and throw another swap at another time.  That’s a great way to gear up for the changes in weather without having to go out to the store.  Why shop, when you can swap?

If you’re in the Bay Area, come check out how I do my thing at Swap! Not Shop!, a clothing exchange  in Oakland.  I’m literally counting the days until this happens, because my wardrobe needs some refreshment.  Maybe I’ll end up with a pair of your pants!

To read some more swap stories, check out the Swap! Not Shop! website or follow Swap! Not Shop! on Twitter.

Graphics by Trina. 

While Spring is upon us and the weather is starting to get a little warmer, we also just had a couple of big snowstorms here in NYC. Ya can’t trust mother nature, she can be a real bitch sometimes. My craftmatic friend Sarah, who helped me make my ruffled suspenders hit me with the instructionado to make felted mittens that are easy to create out of laundry mistakes, or an old sweater salvaged from the thrift store. You can give it a try this weekend, or bookmark this page and save it for next winter!

Supplies Needed

• An old sweater (wool or cashmere)
• Scissors
• Pins
• Pattern
• Sewing Machine
• Buttons or other accessories (optional)

Regular sized sweater, and felted sweater, these were about the same size before I felted the red one.

First, felt your sweater: You’ll need a sweater that’s mostly made of wool or cashmere, not an acrylic fiber. Machine wash and rinse it in hot water, then put it in the dryer for a while. You should end up with a very shrunken sweater with the fibers of the knit all bound together from the heat. Maybe you’ve shrunk a sweater before– this is a great project to salvage any laundry accidents you may have. Felting is sometimes complicated, a great tutorial on felting sweaters can be found here:

http://www.craftstylish.com/item/2259/how-to-felt-sweaters

laying out the pattern

Download these .pdf patterns to create your own felted mittens.

Next, cut out your mitten parts. If you cut carefully, you can get about 2 pairs of mittens from one felted sweater. If your sweater has a pattern or a texture like a cable, make sure to lay out the top palm, bottom palm, and back of the mitten so the pattern in the sweater lines up. I wanted my mittens to be really long and ladylike, so I pinned my bottom palm and mitten back on the sweater about an inch higher than the bottom of the sweater.

pinning the top palm to the bottom palm

Then, start sewing. Pin the top palm to the bottom palm, with right sides together, noting the mark in the pattern on the side of the bottom thumb. (I just used a pin with a colored top to indicate this spot where I’d end the seam.)

sewing the top palm to the bottom palm, stopping at the mark on the side of the thumb

Sew across the palm and around the thumb stitching at ¾ inch seam allowance, stopping at the mark you made on the side of the thumb.

trimming the seam allowance

Trim seams to about ¼ inch seam allowance.

pinning the mitten back to the palm

Now, pin the back of the mitten to the palm (with right sides together, again)

sewing the mitten back to the palm, with seams starting on each side of the thumb

and then sew the palm to the back of the mitten, starting a seam on either side or the thumb. This might leave you with a small gap where the two thumb pieces meet the back of the mitten, I just hand sewed a few stitches in this little gap after I trimmed the seams around the back of the mitten and palm to ¼ inch.

turn them inside out and you've got mittens!

Now, turn them right side out and you’ve got mittens that are tiny sweaters for your hands! The pairs I gave as gifts I sewed two buttons each (some matching, some not) along the bottom cuffs of each mitten.