the quick blouse transformation!

I am sure you all have a jersey blouse in your closet that you don't wear any more and that you can't seem to throw away. I know, I feel you... I have the exact same problem! This time was a white & blue striped long sleeve blouse, that - obviously- I love and -obviously- I couldn't throw away or just wear to yoga...

The inspiration behind this top transformation was a top I saw a few months back, when we were in New York. An overpriced Anthropologie top that took my mind away, but couldn't afford buying.

(source via here)

The idea is pretty simple. All you need is your old blouse and a yard (or a bit more) of cotton lace, pins and your sewing machine. 

Just pin the lace trim at the bottom of the top (from the inside, that way it will look like you are layering a lace top under a jersey one) and sew away! 

This is how the blouse looked before... 

and this is how it looks now! 

Make your own: sun glasses case (tutorial)

Finally, my first proper tutorial is here and it's all about how to make your own fabric sun glasses case, by just tracing your old one. My old RayBan case was really old and started to fall apart. I had to make a new one and what a perfect day to do that. It may be a bit rainy today in Athens, but it's the perfect weather to sit inside the house and sew a bit.

The steps to this tutorial are really simple and it shouldn't take you more that half an hour to complete it.

This is what my old case looked like just half an hour ago.

First of all I took my old case apart. I placed it on a big (two A4 plain photocopy pages glued together) piece of paper and traced it with a black pen.

 

I chose my fabrics, a canvas one and a light weight cotton one, I used a piece of sturdy lining and a pair of open prong. All you need is less than a quarter of a meter of fabrics, a pair of scissors and your sewing machine. 

Using my pattern I traced it on my fabrics and the lining. Be careful and leave a seam allowance of 1 cm on your fabrics, but NOT on your lining.

Sew the two pieces of fabric together, leaving the bottom part open, so you can insert the lining when your done with sewing. Press with the iron so that the lining goes in the correct places (corners) and then close and sew the bottom part.

Now, fold your case just as shown above and sew all around except the bottom.

Now that you are done with sewing, place your sun glasses inside the case and close it so you can see and mark the place where the two prongs should go.

And... voila! Your case is ready!

I think my favorite pair of RayBan's are going to be so happy in their new case!

So, what do you think? Did you find it easy? Will you make one of your own?
Oh, you should also check my facebook page where you can find my collection of fabric cases for eye glasses.

The awesome bag!

This is my version of the awesome bag I found at pinterest. I just loved the pattern and couldn't wait to find a proper fabric for the outside. The tutorial is pretty simple. The only adjustment I made was that my bag is not reversible since I sew a pocket on the inside. I can't wait for spring to come and carry it wearing light cotton t-shirts, skirts and strappy sandals!

Get the tutorial here

happy march!

Happy March everyone!

So, I am back, I am done with the seminar I was attending (that's the reason I was such a bad blogger all this time) and I am filled with ideas on future projects!
To welcome this new month (one of my favorites along with April, May and a bit of June, yes spring months!) I made this fabric case for my eye glasses, which I wanted to do for a long time now. When I bought my glasses they came with an awful black, plastic case. So, what better reason to sew a new, happy and colorful one, full of daisies, my favorite flower! And voila :)

There is no pattern or tutorial. I measured my old case, and cut the fabrics 17x10 cm. You will need two different fabrics, a more sturdy one (like canvas) and a light weight cotton. Cut two pieces from each fabric, sew them together. Don't forget to add an elastic loop and a button to secure your glasses from falling out. :)

I missed you lots and I promise to be a better blogger from now on!

Plus, tomorrow I will show you my version of this awesome bag <3

If you want to find more of the projects I've done so far, visit my facebook page :)

Sing along!

A quick note to let you know I am here!
And now sing people!
It's almost spring <3

Happy New Year!

Just a quick note before 2012 leaves us for good and 2013 comes full of hopes and dreams. I would like to say a HUGE thank you to all of you. For the comments, the ideas, the support, the laughs and smiles you gave me. I thank each and every one of you for a marvelous 2012 and I wish you all the best for the new year. <3 Now, go and get all dressed up, wear your best smile, drink some champagne and welcome a promising 2013!
xxx
Zoe

Stripes 'n' Buttons wishes!

And don't forget, if you are in Athens this weekend and Christmas Eve, do come by Athens' Agora Christmas Bazaar for a chance to see Stripes 'n' Buttons goodies :)

Merry Christmas everybody!
xx
Zoe.