Month: September 2012

15 Minute Fringe Top

Hello World,

I saved a fringe top to my Pinterest a while ago because it looked like a DIY version would be pretty simple. Here’s a link to the original shirt. It wasn’t until a fellow Pinterester commented on it, asking for a tutorial that I actually tried it out.  It was really easy to do, and if I didn’t pause to take pictures of my process, it could totally be done in less than 15 minutes.

I decided to spruce mine up with some gold beads, but you also could dip-dye the fringe, weave it, ect. Check out the tutorial below:

tutorial-7.271

1.   You will need 2 identical tops (or two different colors if you want a contrasting fringe.)  You also will need scissors, a sewing machine (or a needle with matching thread), and pony beads.

2.   Take one of your tank tops and cut it apart. I cut up both side seams and the straps- this creates a back piece and a front piece.  For this tutorial we will only need the front piece.

3.   Cut out a long bib shape from your front piece.  The ending shape of your fringe will depend on what this initial shape is.

4.  With scissors, cut your fringe vertically, making sure not to cut through the neckline.

5.  Your fringe bib is now complete.  In most cases, you would need to gently pull at each fringe to make it curl up on itself- but my shirt’s stretch was in the wrong direction. A standard tshirt should curl up very nicely when you tug on it.

6.   Pin your bib to the front of your other tank top, lining the two necklines up exactly, with both right sides facing up.

7.   Either hand sew or use your sewing machine. Use a zig zag or stretch stitch.

8.   You could be finished at this point if you wish, and just skip the bead steps.

9.   To add beads to each fringe, twist each fringe tip so it goes through the bead easier.  I bought my gold pony beads from Michael’s. Make sure you buy beads with large enough holes. (Think beads similar to summer camp)

10.  Tada! You have a new top in less than 15 minutes! Add as many rows of beads as you wish, and if you are worried about them coming off simply tie a knot below each bead to secure it.

Here is the top without the beads.  Nice and simple!

I really like the look with the beads. I might add a few more rows to bling it out a little more.

These tanks tops were pretty cheap!  Only $3.49 each at Old Navy.  If you wait for one of their Extra 50% off clearance sales, it would be a super cheap project!  You even could use old tshirts for this project.

PS Thanks Alaysia for the suggestion for a tutorial!  If anyone else has a tutorial suggestion, just let me know!  Happy Crafting!

Windowsill Garden

I started a garden outside this summer, but all the Walmart plants I bought croaked two weeks after planting them.  I’m guessing my plants either died because: they were watered during the day, the dirt is nutrient-deprived (even weeds don’t grow in it!), or the plants were packed with pesticides and not the slightest amount ‘natural.’

My indoor garden has been very successful though! I have a baby aloe plant from one of my friends, and greens onions from the supermarket that I put in a cup of water (they grow like crazy even after you cut them). I also have a tropical plant I bought back in June (it was so tiny when I first got it!), a succulent I repotted after it spawned too many children, and a basil plant also from the grocery store.

I love my little garden, it sits right in the sunshine and makes me feel like I have a little green thumb.

I love basil. It hands-down is my favorite herb.  Recipes taste so much better with fresh basil.  It is great in sauces, soups, salads, ect.

What else could you creatively put a plant in? I know I love putting plants in tea cups!

Cheesy Beef Stroganoff

Here is another recipe I found via Pinterest: link. It was pretty good and really easy to make.  (It reminds me of hamburger helper) The recipe calls for Velveta, but I instead used a mixture of shredded sharp cheddar and pepper jack (my favorite cheese!)  I also added red pepper flakes while melting the cheese- to kick it up a notch.

Try it out! My boyfriend gobbled it down.