tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8708407349069327542024-03-07T19:11:42.275-08:00Dark DIYWe bring you tutorials for dark crafts from around the web.Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-81003219691667149902011-12-08T20:45:00.000-08:002011-12-08T20:45:02.268-08:00Striped Lace Look Nail ArtThese nails would look great with a red or blue base as well. You can always use a liner paintbrush for the fine detailing!<br /><br />Video by: Meliney<br />YouTube Channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/meliney" target="_blank">Meliney</a><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/W_aFn524wOA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-49084745251910346112011-11-28T21:22:00.000-08:002011-11-28T21:22:00.380-08:00Homemade Clip-in ExtensionsSome of us can't dye our hair fun colors, or just don't want to make a commitment like that. I'd love to have blue streaks in my hair, but only sometimes. I plan to use this tutorial to create clip in highlights!<br /><br />Video by: Windada<br />YouTube Channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/windada" target="_blank">Windada</a><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/IghgeQDG4Qs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-12062223452002006302011-11-18T19:44:00.000-08:002011-11-18T19:44:00.123-08:00Newsprint NailsThis finger nail tutorial results in a subtle, shabby look that's sure to be a conversation piece. <br /><br />Video by: Cutepolish<br />YouTube Channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cutepolish" target="_blank">Cutepolish</a><br /><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2kcdt4_5Ncc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-66117463660865594922011-11-15T14:39:00.000-08:002011-11-15T14:39:00.602-08:00Spiked HeelsThese spiked heels are sexy, and affordable to make. An easy project to complete in no time at all. The studs used in this video were purchased from <a href="www.studsandspikes.com" target="_blank">StudsandSpikes.com</a> and the adhesive she's using is Loctite Super Glue.<br /><br />Video by: BeeisforBeauty<br />YouTube Channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/beeisforbeeauty" target="_blank">BeeisforBeauty</a><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/0Sp-9jLKB60" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-13761829743041766162011-11-12T19:52:00.000-08:002011-11-12T19:52:00.226-08:00Book-page Rose WreathThis is a great way to recycle old paperback books. <br /><br />Video by: Marzipan<br />YouTube Channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/MadeByMarzipan" target="_blank">MadeByMarzipan</a><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8u3cpr8WcmM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-67872959895080943812011-11-08T10:35:00.000-08:002011-11-08T10:45:06.777-08:00Ribbon GartersThese garters would be so easy to customize! <br /><br />Video by: Corinne<br />YouTube Channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/craftzine" target="_blank">Craftzine</a><br /><br /><iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9_JRJi1Y9Wc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-74082369663637629192008-02-13T14:42:00.001-08:002011-11-06T00:56:40.182-07:00EGL Hair FallsThese handmade hairfalls are just amazing. They take easy to find inexpensive costume wigs and turn them into a cascade of lovely multicolored ringlets.<br /><br />Tutorial Written by: CatLadySarah<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0102.jpg" width="400" /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0101.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />Ingredients:<br />1 waist-length Wal-Mart Halloween wig<br />some loose jumbo braid Kanekalon (like this)<br />foam hair rollers (medium size)<br />pot of boiling water<br />old t-shirt<br />french-style barrette clips (4)<br />hot glue<br />needle & thread<br /><br />First, I skinned the wig by seam-ripping the tracks of hair away from the base:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0103.jpg" width="400" /><br />Then, I cut the hair into inch-wide strips, and wrapped them around foam rollers. For the loose Kanekalon, I just wrapped about an inch-thick strip of hair around rollers. I don't have a freakin' clue what happened to my picture of this, but if you've ever put your hair up for spiral curls, you can imagine the idea. Just start by getting the end damp and sticking it down on the curler, then wrapping around and around while keeping the hair relatively flat and even.<br /><br />After this, I dropped the rollers into boiling water for about thirty seconds, and scooped them out with a slotted spoon. After letting them drain and cool off in a colander, I laid them all out on a towel to dry thoroughly.<br /><br />Once unrolled, they looked like this:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0104.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />They weren't terribly even, but that didn't matter much in the end.<br /><br />Next, I cut out round-ish pieces of t-shirt fabric, about five inches in diameter. To these, I sewed rows of curls, running a row of small, straight stitches through the middles:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0105.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />When that was done, I hemmed the borders of the shirt material, pulling the excess fabric in so that you wouldn't see it under the curls.<br /><br />Next, I glued clips to the back, one for the top and one for the bottom:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0106.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />This way, the wearer puts her (his?) hair up in two buns on the top-sides of the head, and the fabric part of the falls acts as a bun-cover, with a clip securing the fall to the scalp above and below.<br /><br />Back:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/catladysarah0107.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br />(Yeah, I needed to clean up my undershave in that picture...)<br /><br />Ta-da! Floofy custom dolly hair for less than ten bucks. Using all Kanekalon, it would have been even cheaper than that. I had a wig around, though, so it was more cost-effective and efficient this way.Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-73047836822737727972008-02-12T13:31:00.001-08:002011-11-06T01:20:04.454-07:00Pretty PetticoatThis light and feminine petticoat would make the perfect afternoon sewing project.<br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Thumbelina_. <br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Imogen0103new.jpg" width=400><br /><a name='more'></a><br />I've always loved petticoats but have strayed away from sewing my own because I heard that tulle is a nightmare to wrestle into your machine. BUT THESE WERE LIES!! I found it extremely easy to sew tulle, especially because I picked a very soft kind. In fact, I found it far easier to gather and sew tulle than many other fabrics! <br /><br />Anyway, here's my finished petticoat:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Imogen0101new.jpg" width=400><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/imogen0102.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Feeling inspired to make one? Here's the basics...<br /><br />1. First, create yourself a basic a-line skirt with a separate waistband attached. You will fill the waistband with elastic but don't put the elastic in yet!! I only had one metre of fabric, so I had to make this very ugly skirt with godets, but it doesn't matter too much since you won't really see it.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/imogen0104.jpg" width=400><br /><br />2. Now cut a layer of tulle that is slightly longer than your skirt and hand-sew the top edge together. I used a 3-metre length of tulle, which is probably the minimum. Once you've hand-sewed all the way across, pull the thread so the tulle starts to gather. It will take some time to evenly gather the tulle. Once you have gathered it, pin it along the top of your skirt, ready to sew.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/imogen0105.jpg" width=400><br /><br />3. Once your tulle is pinned (trust me, this takes longer than you may think!) sew it onto your skirt. Make sure to fold over the top edge so it's nice and neat. ^_^<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/imogen0106.jpg" width=400><br /><br />4. If you need to, hem the bottom of the tulle (I used the actual edge of the tulle to eliminate this.) Now thread your elastic through the waistband and your done! If you like, sew a long strip of fabric and fashion it into a bow. I just use a safety-pin to attach it so it's not permanent.<br /><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/imogen0107.jpg" width=400><br /><br />5. For a more traditional look (and added poofiness), you could add another half layer of tulle to your petticoat. I was going to do this, as well as add lace around the bottom, but I decided against it in the end. I think the simplicity is cute and it means I can also wear it on its own.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/imogen0108.jpg" width=400>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-43313230455857510542008-01-23T10:42:00.000-08:002011-11-06T01:28:50.501-07:00Super Thrifty Garter BeltI've always wanted a sexy garter belt. I'm one of those people who sees something, and nine times out of ten thinks "Hey, I could make that!" I can honestly say that, until I came across this tutorial, I never thought about making a garter belt of my own. I love how creative you guys can be!<br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Ixtli<br />The author provides this tutorial for personal use. Please do not use it to create goods for sale.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0101.jpg" width=400><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><b>The Tutorial<br /><br />Materials needed:</b><br /><br />4 bra adjusters<br />4 garter belt tabs<br />Elastic<br />Stretch lace<br />about 1/4 - 1/2 yard of fabric<br /><br />Depending on the elasticity of the fabric is how big your pattern is going to be. Measure your waist (or lower waist, depending on where you want it to sit) and hips, adjust this measurements to the elasticity by taking out a few inches of your final measurements. Because this garter belt holds its place only with the elasticity of fabric and waist elastic. A good idea is to take the same measurements from a pair of undies that fit just right.<br />If your garter belt turns out a bit smaller (as this one did) you can just add an extra piece of fabric or lace to the front or back.<br /><br />Your basic design is going to be 2 triangles, where they meet will be the front and back. <br />1.- Tape two sheet of paper and trace out your triangle. I made mine 14 inches (I think it could've gone longer). The sides one is 10.5 inches and 8.5 inches.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0102.jpg" width=400><br /><br />These are the supplies you'll need, the waist I used the transparent elastic and with the hanging tabs I used the black elastic.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0103.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Once you have your triangle traced out, pin it onto your fabric (doubled). Feel free to use plenty of pins, as these thin fabrics tend to slip around alot.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0104.jpg" width=400><br /><br />When you cut make sure and leave seam allowance on top and top corners where the triangles are to be joined.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0105.jpg" width=400><br /><br />This is what you'll end up with:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0106.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Now you'll need to get your elastic lace. I upcycled from a pair of underwear that was too small. Anyways, I cut it and made two strip out of each panel.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0107.jpg" width=400><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0108.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Fabric and lace laid out:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0109.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Stitch the lace over the fabric with a zigzag stitch or if you have a serger, well, lucky you :) Anyways, I used the zig zag stitch to allow room to stretch, I also reinforced the stitches by running it twice through.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0110.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Don't sew over the lace-over-lace ends just yet.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0111.jpg" width=400><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0112.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Position the fabric so it sews straight down the middle of the lace:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0113.jpg" width=400><br /><br />When I got to the end, I just turned it around and sewed through to reinforce it:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0114.jpg" width=400><br /><br />You are left with these overlapping pieces, now you can cut them off and end up with a finished pointy piece.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0115.jpg" width=400><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0116.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Now we can add the elastic to the waist. I did this each panel individually. Don't ask me why, it just seemed easier. I folded the fabric over the elastic and with one hand held the fabric while also stretching (so it sewed it stretched)<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0117.jpg" width=400><br /><br />I made sure not to cut the elastic and just used as I needed to sew, THEN, cut it off, don't want to end up with too small a piece of elastic.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0118.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Ok, after both panels have the elastic sewn and trims cut off, you can go ahead and join both triangle panels:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0119.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Ok, now its starting to look like a garter belt Where the panels meet are the front and back of your garter belt.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0120.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Now is the time to try it on. If it is too loose, you can take in a bit, if its too small you can add an extra piece of fabric or lace.<br />I didn't pay attention to the elasticity of the fabric and was working with it vertically, so I pretty much ended up with a non stretch fabric. I added a rather large piece of doubled stretch lace to make up for it. IT still looks ok, but not exactly how I wanted it. I added the extra lace to the back.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0121.jpg" width=400><br /><br />Once you have the garter belt size all set, its time to add the elastic with tabs for the stockings. Put the garter belt on, and kinda get an idea of where you want to position the elastic, remember one goes on front and one on back. I purchased the garter belt tabs and bra strap adjusters at JoAnn's (sewing notions sections) I used the bra strap adjusters to give me more freedom to adjust as needed, I am sure you can just upcycle them from an old bra. The only tabs I found are white and metal (so generic) but they are removable, so I can always replace them once I find some nicer ones.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0122.jpg" width=400><br /><br />My machine wouldn't sew the elastic, it kept tangleling it up, I didn't feel like tinkering with it so I sewed them by hand. I sewed the elastic on two spots, where the fabric and lace are sewn together and also at the edge of the lace. This gives it more stability and it won't pull at just one spot.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0123.jpg" width=400><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0124.jpg" width=400><br /><br />My work table was my washer machine<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/accessories/ixtli0125.jpg" width=400>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-50587023104941285182008-01-09T19:21:00.000-08:002011-11-06T15:40:51.462-08:00Guitar-shaped BagTake the guitar model of your choice and turn it into an awesome over the shoulder bag with this easy to follow tutorial.<br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Mewyam<br />Visit the author's website here: <a href="http://boredandcrafty.wordpress.com" target="_blank">Bored and Crafty</a><br />The author provides this tutorial for personal use. Please do not use it to create goods for sale.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0115.jpg"><br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />The PSP case:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0101.jpg" width=400><br /><br />That would be a Fender Stratocaster . screws are handsewn with gold threads. knobs are buttons. there are so many things that i would change about this bag. i will make a gibson Les Paul for me and it will be better.<br /><br /><b>Tutorial</b><br /><br />1. Print a guitar image onto an A4 paper. Trace your image; 2 for the body, 2 for lining, 2 for your scratchplate.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0102.jpg"><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0103.jpg"><br /><br />2. Out of silver-y fabric, cut and sew rectangle and tear-shaped pieces. The rectangle would be your whammy bar while the tear-shaped piece would serve as your input jack.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0104.jpg" width=400><br /><br />3. Take your scratchplate pieces, right sides together, and sew all the way around. Leave a 2-inch gap for turning inside out.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0105.jpg"><br /><br />4. After this, clip all the way around so that the curves would be better-defined. Turn inside out and sew on top of the front body of your bag. Use the image you printed for the position of the scratchplate.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0106.jpg" width=400><br /><br />5. Now sew the whammy bar and the input jack. Take three strips of bias tape (or any fabric that matches the color of your scratchplate). Their length should be the same as your whammy bar. These strips would be your single-coil pickups. Position them according to the image and sew. Mark the parts of the scratchplate where the screws are. Embroider these with silver thread. Handsew circles on the strips you just added. Remember,these circles should be aligned.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0107.jpg"><br /><br />6. Mark the volume and tone controls. Sew on buttons for these.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0108.jpg" width=400><br /><br />7. Now position your front and back pieces, right sides together. Sew from the highest points of the curved tops on both sides. Do the same to the lining, leaving a gap at the bottom. (If you want, you can add a pocket or two before doing this.)<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0109.jpg" width=400><br /><br />8. Turn the outer body inside out and place it inside the lining. Sew the opening of your bag.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0110.jpg" width=400><br /><br />9. Pull out your outer body through the gap at the bottom of the lining.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0111.jpg"><br /><br />10. Your bag is starting to take shape. :) Topstitch the top part.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0112.jpg"><br /><br />11. Attach one end of the strap with the rectangular ring for the adjuster. Sew the other end. Do not forget to sew the gap in your lining shut.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0113.jpg" width=400><br /><br />12. And you're done!<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/bags/mewyam0114.jpg">Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-91323386272370722492008-01-07T22:31:00.000-08:002011-11-06T15:45:55.831-08:00Steampunk Yarn FallsThese colorful dreadfalls were created from chunky yarn. This is a text tutorial, but is very easy to follow.<br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Encaitare<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/fakehair/Encaitare0101.jpg" width=400><br /><a name='more'></a><br />Here's how it was done!<br /><br />Materials needed:<br />- two skeins of chunky yarn (I used Lion Brand Bolero yarn because of the color, and interesting variations in thickness<br />- some rough lace<br />- a spool of craft wire<br />- scissors<br />- wire cutters (if you want to be nice to your scissors)<br /><br />First, cut two pieces of lace. I made mine about a foot long each, but I have very thin hair. Those with thicker hair may want to use more... and if you take too much, you can always trim it when you're done!<br /><br />Now, decide how long you want the falls to be. Mine come down to about mid-back. Then cut a piece of yarn twice that length. Drape the yarn over the lace, so each end of the yarn hangs down to be about the same length. Pinch the yarn together just below the lace, and wrap a piece of wire around that place so the yarn is now held in place. Also, wrap a piece of wire near each end of the yarn so it won't unravel.<br /><br />When you wear your falls, you'll need to put your hair up into two tight buns almost right on the top of your head. Do this now and wrap the ribbon around a bun to see how wide you'll have to make the piece so it will cover your natural hair. Then continue adding pieces of yarn as described above. If you want to make them look a little more ragged like I did, vary the length a little bit.<br /><br />When you've used enough yarn to make the falls the right width, it's time to accessorize (if you want to). I decided to wrap more wire around some of the thin parts in the yarn. You could also add beads, wires, seashells, virtually anything depending on the look you want!<br /><br />Now it's time to put them on! Make sure your hair is up in two secure, tight buns. Tilt your head to the opposite side of the bun you'll be using first (i.e. if you're putting in the right fall first, tilt your head to the left. Position the fall so the ends of the ribbon face away from your part, and tie them around the base of the bun. Then flip the yarn over the top of the bun, and voila! You have a brand new hairstyle! Repeat for the other side. <br /><br />Some tips: <br />- Try taking one or more pieces from the base of each fall, and wrapping it around the base of the opposite fall. This will help cover your scalp and also secure the falls, and relieve tension from the weight. <br />- If the color of the falls is very different from your natural hair color like me, use a scarf or thick headband to cover your hairline. Goggles also help here too. ^_^Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-77693340821244082402008-01-07T16:14:00.000-08:002011-11-06T15:49:44.690-08:00Sexy Pleated SkirtThis pleated skirt has a flirty surprise - the pleats draw your eyes with peek-a-boo fabric panels.<br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Plastic Venus<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Plastic_Venus0201.jpg"><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Plastic_Venus0202.jpg" width=400><br /><a href="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Plastic_Venus0202.jpg">Click to view larger image</a>Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-74826443872880268772008-01-07T15:45:00.000-08:002011-11-06T16:10:23.793-08:00Necktie Corset BeltThis corset belt is a great ecclectic accent with a gypsy feel. <br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Laura K <br />Visit the author's website here: <a href="http://www.rickrackruby.blogspot.com/">RickrackRuby</a><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0113.jpg"><br /><a name='more'></a><br />First, collect your ties - you'll need about 8 - 10 of the wide ones from the 70's. Also pictured are packages of "Wright's Double Fold Bias Tape Extra Wide" and ""Wright's Bias Tape Double Fold" - either width will work, this tute will feature the extra wide tape. You'll also need the Dritz Large Eyelet kit, and about 2.5 yards of 5/8-inch wide black velvet ribbon. Of course you can substitute whatever you like for these items - be creative!<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0101.jpg"><br /><br /> Cut off the bottom 7 inches of the tie (You can make a hat from these!) Then cut the NEXT four inches from the remaining piece of tie. This is the section that works for the belt. They should be between 3 and 4 inches wide at the widest point and tapered. <br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0102.jpg"><br /><br />My sewing machine has a triple zigzag stitch. It's one of the decorative stitches. If your machine doesn't have this, you can use a regular wide zigzag with a heavier thread.<br /><br />Okay - Basically sew the sections together with the wide zigzag. Just feed the sections through side by side - no pins, no "right side together." Keep the wider edges at the bottom - you'll get a curved shape - like a smile - after all 8 or 10 sections are sewn together. Keep checking for fit to determine how many sections to add.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0103.jpg"><br /><br />Here is a close-up of the back:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0104.jpg"><br /><br />Now remove any tags, labels or loops from the back of the ties and zigzag over the seam in the center back of each section.<br /><br />When it is long enough, round off the corners at the ends of the belt. I do this by tracing a junk cd with chalk around each of the four corners and trimming. <br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0105.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0106.jpg"><br /><br />Now, serge or staystitch about 1/8-inch around the entire edge of the belt.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0107.jpg"><br /><br />Here is a close-up:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0108.jpg"><br /><br /> Then pin the folded bias tape all the way around. The tape wraps around the edge of the belt so that the front and back are both outlined with the black bias. I use regular long pins on the straight sides of the belt and then small short pins on the curved ends. This is the most difficult part of the project. Just be patient and pin carefully. Remember the shorter side of the bias tape goes on the front side of the belt and the longer edge of tape wraps around to the back of the belt.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0109.jpg"><br /><br />Stitch to secure the bias tape with the same wide zigzag stitch all the way around removing pins as you go.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0110.jpg"><br /><br />Install three grommets on each end of the belt according to the package intructions.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0111.jpg"><br /><br />Now lace up with ribbon.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0112.jpg"><br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/belts/rickrackruby0113.jpg">Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-43570183974768893872008-01-07T14:51:00.000-08:002011-11-06T16:15:33.384-08:00Sexy Underbust CorsetCreate a custom fitted, boned corset with this great tutorial. <br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Roethke<br />Visit the author's website here: <a href="http://www.horsefleshproductions.com/">Horseflesh Productions</a><br />The author provides this tutorial for personal use. Please do not use it to create goods for sale.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0101.jpg" width=400><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0102.jpg"><br /><br />Want to make one too? Well, here's how it's done:<br /><br />Take your measurements. Do this naked, and don't lie to yourself because that's just dumb.<br />Make a little sketch so you'll remember, or write it down.<br /><br />Measure: True Waist,<br /> Just above hips<br /> Just below ribcage<br /> From below belly button to xiphoid process<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0103.jpg"><br /><br />Decide how much cinching you want to have done. 4"? 3"? Also, corsets don't go all the way around. There should be a little space between the pieces in the back, like this:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0104.jpg"><br /><br />(or potentially more space than that)<br /><br />For the pattern: Divide largest measurement (probably ribcage) by half, and minus 2 or 3 inches. Draw a rectangle with that width, and the height being the measurement from below navel to xiphoid process. <br /><br />Section the rectangle into four sections, with the end section being slightly wider. At the center between top and bottom, draw a horizontal line. Along this line, squeeze the pieces into hourglass shapes by 0.5" on either side. Keep the furthermost edges straight (on my sketch, I initially didn't do that on one edge, so don't you do that).<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0105.jpg" width=400><br /><a href="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0105.jpg">Click for larger image</a><br /><br />Number each pattern piece so you can keep track of its position and side. <br /><br />Now, pin the pieces to your fabric. Cut them out, then flip them over and cut out the reverse. You'll end up with four of each pattern piece, two for each side of the corset. Number the pieces as you cut them out with a pencil or some other washable marker.<br /><br />If you're doing the corset all in one color of fabric, you can save time with the end pieces and cut them out like this, with the fabric folded at the end:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0106.jpg"><br /><br />Don't forget to leave spave for the seam. I always have 0.5" around the edge of each piece. <br /><br />Now, pin the fabric together, and sew it.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0107.jpg"><br /><br />(pin and sew the orange lines together)<br /><br />Do if for the other side too.<br /><br />Sew the bottom edge.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0108.jpg"><br /><br />Now, flip it inside out (so the seams will now be on the inside).<br /><br />Get a big plastic jug, like a juice jug or detergent. It will need to be about as tall as the navel-xiphoid measurement. Cut it into strips, about 0.75" wide. For the ends, you'll need wider pieces, about the width of those areas. <br /><br />Here's a visual illustration of the sizes you'll need for the boning:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0109.jpg"><br /><br />Place the plastic into the corset piece, pinning it into place. Use two strips of plastic for each section, to keep it stiffer. If you use white or transparent fabric like I did, make sure the print or label on the boning only faces one side.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0110.jpg"><br /><br />Here's a pic of the boning pinned into place before sewing:<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/corset/roethke0111.jpg"><br /><br />Sew the boning into place. For the raw bottom edge, use ribbon or finishing tape to close it. I used some pink lace, as it would match the ribbon I eventually used to lace it.<br /><br />For grommets, measure along corresponding edges. Don't place them any farther apart than about an inch, or it will make the corset buckle. I'm lucky enough to make tools for grommeting, but if you don't, you can use eyelets instead.<br /><br />Remember when you lace the back to use two pieces of lace, not one. They should tie in the middle. This way, it's easier to cinch it up.Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-870840734906932754.post-61493762253462039942008-01-06T23:40:00.001-08:002011-11-06T15:34:50.049-08:00Amy Lee inspired Layered SkirtThis tutorial takes different textured fabrics and brings them together in an asymmetrical, tattered skirt reminiscent of those worn by singer Amy Lee. <br /><br />Tutorial Written by: Plastic_Venus.<br /><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Plastic_Venus0101.jpg" width=450><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Plastic_Venus0102.jpg" width=450><br /><br />The tutorial:<br /><img src="http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii15/darkdiy/skirts/Plastic_Venus0103.jpg"><br /><br />The text reads:<br />"The Amy-Lee skirt I made with puffy tulle is just masses of material. To start, it is a skirt pattern with four pieces in this shape. You can use a pattern, or just make your own"<br />"The second step is to cut out 4 of these for each layer. I have 2 layers of black and two of them with white tule on mine. Sew the skirts together leaving space in each layer for a zip."<br />"Third step is to add any other pieces to your layers like ribbon edges or as I did with my tulle off cuts I added them to a lower layer so to stick out and give a bit of a messy look. I also pinched parts of the top layer and pulled them up and sewed them down to reveal a bit of the lower layers. Finally, put all your layers together and sew round the waist."<br />"Lastly, to tidy the waistline, cutting a strip of material 15cm wide and the length of your waist with seam allowances. Sew it over like a capping to cover your work and add the zip sewing through all layers. This skirt uses a lot of personal taste in length and personal design. The trick is getting all the layers together at the waist and making sure the first skirt you make fits in the waist or you will make 4 to 6 layers all the wrong sizeand have to take them all in. Having stiff tulle I also made a slip skirt because that fabric rubs, that is just an A-line skirt so avaoid creeping up or being seen under the skirt."Valoriehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06198127157025221309noreply@blogger.com0