Reinvent It, don't buy It: DIY fashions

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Fashion items are becoming more and more expensive each day, and despite a market for affordable items, some days it's hard to find that first dollar to put towards purchasing that style essential.

Perhaps you are creative and have an eye for fashion and want to transform a certain item into a look that suits your personality, style and taste.

Why not DIY (do it yourself)? Do your own celebrity/fashion-inspired look! Flair gives you some insights into the DIY trends.

Unlike previous iterations of DIY, that rely heavily on sewing and knitting skills, modern-day DIY projects can usually be done with glue and scissors and other household items, rather than needle and thread.

These projects aren't aimed at housewives with ample time and skills to devote, but rather for the creative gem who might have two hours on a Saturday afternoon to alter an outfit to hit the town that same night.

The ability to quickly and cheaply make something to go along with a pre-existing outfit, without having to run to the store, is part of the appeal.

Local stylist and fashionista Natalia Oh! gives basic lessons on how to:

(1) Transform your basic T-shirt to resemble an costly Armani Exchange tee

(2) Freshen up a summer dress transforming it into a trendy high-low design

(3) Re-inventing those old denims into something spectacular resembling a high end design as shown by Khloe Kardashian.

T-shirt

Supplies: All purchased at Ping's Fabrics

• T-shirt
• Animal print fabric (fake fur used here for added texture)
• Cross template
• Fabric glue
• Needle and thread (I used black here)

Instructions

✔ Make template out of paper using a ruler to ensure that the width of the cross is the same all around.

✔ Trace template on the back of the fabric, then cut out.

✔ Pin in position to T-shirt, then glue using fabric glue. Let dry for about 30 minutes.

✔ Finish off with an embroidery stitch all around the cross to finish any fraying and to make it permanent. (Optional)

High-low dress

Supplies

• Maxi dress
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle and thread

Instructions

✔ Try on dress and pin to desired length for shortened front.

✔ Cut out fabric at bust line, to achieve desired front length.

✔ Sew bust together making sure that centre front is the shortest.

Tips

✔ A printed fabric shows less flaws, if any, avoid stripes for this look.

✔ A lighter fabric is harder to work with but shows less flaws after.

✔ If possible, take it to a seamstress to alter for you! Support local businesses and build Jamaica!

Vest

Supplies

• Blazer
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Confidence

Instructions

✔ Cut the sleeves off where they join the shoulder.

✔ Hand sew the edges under.

Tip

This can be done with jeans jackets that fit too snugly. With one less step, instead of sewing the edges under, use a needle to fray the edges for a distressed look.

Chambray star faded jeans as seen on Khloe Kardashian

Supplies

• Dark blue skinny jeans
• Dish sponge
• Sharpie marker
• Scissors
• Old Towels and plastic bags
• Latex gloves
• Bleach
• Water
• Small container
• Large tub
• Rocks
• Patience ... and more patience

Instructions

✔ Draw a five-point star on a dry kitchen sponge.

✔ Use scissors to cut out star, making sure points are as sharp as possible.

✔ Use old towels to wrap plastic bags to stuff the jeans. I used one towel and cut it down the middle then wrapped the bags with the towel in each leg. This will prevent bleeding through the garment.


Note: Put on gloves before bleaching process


✔ In an open area, lay newspapers or an old mat on the floor and lay stuffed jeans on them.

✔ Dip the star in 100 per cent bleach concentration and begin stamping the jeans. Press gently and make sure not to squeeze the sponge too much as that will give run marks. Make sure to start at the back of the jeans to practise the technique.

✔ After the back is completed, turn over and do the front. Make sure to do a haphazard pattern.

✔ Let sit for about two hours, checking every 30 minutes until you can 'see stars'.

Chambray process

Next, in a ventilated area, fill a large tub with 6-8 gallons of water then add 1/2 gallon bleach. This ratio varies depending on bleach strength and how long you want to let it sit. I used Ajax bleach.

✔ Remove old towels and plastic bags from jeans, then replace with rocks inside the legs and pockets to weigh down the jeans - this is critical because if not, the denim will float and there will be uneven bleaching.

✔ Let sit in solution for a couple of hours, checking every 40 minutes to turn the jeans and to check for desired colour.

✔ When desired colour is achieved, remove rocks and wash a couple times to remove any bleach solution or smell.

✔ Style how you please and enjoy!


Denim lace shorts

• Supplies
• Denim shorts
• Lace trim
• Lace fabric
• Iron-on fusible tape
• Needle and thread
• Pins
• Scissors
• Iron

Instructions

✔ Measure and cut lace trim to go around the leg of the shorts.

✔ Pin into place, making sure that trim is hanging equally all the way around.

✔ Cut iron-on fusible tape and place between jeans and trim.

✔ Iron with medium heat and fuse the jeans to the lace trim.

✔ Cut lace fabric to cover back pocket and inside of front pocket.

✔ Hand sew on.


Optional: Sew lace trim on to shorts instead of fusible tape for a more secure hold.

Tip: This is a great way to lengthen short shorts.

Visit www.natalia-oh.blogspot.com. grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com.