DIY: Swants/Swegging (fast easy way)

 Have you heard of swants? Well you soon will! They are pants made from old sweaters (just what it sounds like). I saw a tutorial on them, a few months ago. My first reaction was 'those are hilarious!' my second 'I want them!'. Soooooo, I didn't really follow the tutorial, I just did it my own way, with my serger. Mine turn out more like really thick leggings, or should I say SWEGGINGS! Eh? Ya see what I did there? Anyway, if you want to see how, just keep on scrolling.

   

Here is a link to the original tutorial. http://westknits.com/index.php/2013/11/swants-tutorial/

 I'm starting with this XL cotton sweater, that I bought at the thrift store for like $3. I make a strait cut following the line of the arm...

 ...and one going up to the shoulder.

 Next, I pin and sew up the side, on both arms.

 These will be the legs of our sweggings.

 Okay, so his is the fabric we have left.

 With this material, I am going to, essentially ,make shorts. To do so I use a par of pants/leggings to get the basic shape I need and cut out two slightly different shapes.

 One will have more of a curve (for your bottom), and one will have less.

 Pin and sew the curve for both pieces.

 They should look like this.

 Open them up, and pin the sides together...

 ...as well as the crotch area.

 Then sew where you pinned. You may want to try them on at this point. If they seem to slip down a little, try adding elastic to the waist.

 Now its time to sew on the legs. 

 Turn the pant legs right-side-out, and slide it into the leg of the shorts. Pin it all the way around...

 ..and sew.

 It should look like this. Do the same to the other side.

 And turn the whole thing right-side-out.

 There you have it SWANTS/SWEGGINGS! They are super comfortable and warm, which is great with how cold it's been this winter. You could wear leggings under theses for even more warmth! Let me know in a comment what you think of swants. Would you where them? 

I hope you've enjoyed this post! Have a great day!-Zoe

DIY: Leather Elbow Patches

 Have you ever wanted one of those cool elbow patch sweaters, but couldn't justify actually buying one? Well have I got the DIY for you! It's cheap and there is no sewing machine required. Let's get started!

 First your going to need some faux leather. I got mine at Walmart for $5 a yard. It's very easy to sew, and I highly recommend it.

 Time to make a pattern. I just folded some notebook paper into fourths, and cut an oval like shape. You could do a heart, or some other shape as well. Just keep adjusting the size until you get it right.

  

 Next, try on your sweater and put a pin at your elbow.

 Use your pattern to cut out two pieces of leather. Pin on the elbow marks.

 Now it's time to sew them down. I selected this cool forest green thread.

 Just thread your needle and get sewing. I chose to do a messy stitch (to give it a more rustic look), but you could do it as neat as you want.

 Then repeat on the other arm. 

And your done! Isn't that sweet? I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial, and have a great day! -Zoe

OOTD: Emerald Winter

Coat: Thrifted, $3.00
Top: Goodwill, $3.75
Skirt: secondhand
Cardigan: Vanity via secondhand
Tights: Walmart clearance, $2.00
Boots: Charlotte Russe, $26.00

So.........it was like 0 degrees when I took these pictures (not kidding). I'm sorry if I look a little cyborg-ish in the last pic, with the sun beam through the eye. And, yes, those are cats in the background of the shoe photo, I just can't get away from them. I tried something new with my hair! Kind of a low, 20s-ish, side bun, of sorts. I thought it looked kind of dope. Well, you can be expecting lots of skirt/boot/cardigan combos to come, because that is what I wear all winter. That's all I have to say. Have great day! -Zoe

DIY: Tattoo Tights

                                   So you know those cool tattoo tights, well you can make those pretty easily with stuff you probably have in your home.   

                    

    First, get your image. I chose the Spiderman symbol, because I'm slightly obsessed.

 Print that image out. (Or you could just draw something)

 Find a spherical object, that is a similar size, or slightly larger. I found a 2 liter bottle works well.

 Tape the image on the bottle.

 Get your tights...

 ...lay them out, and make a small light mark where you want the image to start.

 I made the mark 8" up the back of the leg, then lined it up with the end of the spiders abdomen.

 Then I filled it in.

 And just slipped it off.

There you go! You can fake a leg tattoo! JK. But it dose look pretty cool right? Anyway I hope you like it. Have a great day! -Zoe

OOTD: Sunset Sailing

Dress: Thrifted gift
Leggings: Garage sale, $1
Sweater Vest: American Eagle via Goodwill, $3.75
Boots: Justfab.com, $20