DIY: Fabric Braided Belt

I am constantly finding such cute vintage dresses at thrift shops that are a bit too wide and shapeless. The colors, patterns, and fabrics make it out of the question to leave them on the rack, so the natural fix is to belt them. I have a few braided jersey belts that I have purchased for much too much at American Apparel, and thought it would be an easy project to make myself. With some thrifted men's tees, a scissors and some untangling help from a friend, it was like making a gigantic friendship bracelet with Ladybird.

You need:
Tee-shirts in the colors you want your belts to be
Scissors

Directions:
1. Use a belt that fits for a guideline as to how long to make your fabric strips. The braiding process makes it a little shorter than what you start with by about 3-4 inches.
2. Cut the bottom hem from the tee and discard. Cut a strip about an inch thick at a slight angle, so that when you get to your starting point you can keep going, making a coil-like pattern of one long strip.

3. Once you have a very long strip, cut three strips the length of your original belt + extra 3-4 inches, plus room to tie in a knot or a bow (another 8-10 inches). It is easier to make it shorter if it is too long, and not possible to lengthen it if it is too short, so keep this in mind when you cut your strips.
4. Tie a knot on one end and braid tightly until you get to the other end, securing the knot as you go with a friend, a foot, or some strong tape. It will braid itself on both ends, which was the trickiest part, so make sure to untangle as you go so you don't end up with a web of knots.

5. Tie a knot on the other end and cut the loose strings evenly on each end.
6. Belt your dress and admire your natural waist!

-Twill (and Ladybird)

The Shop: Etsy!

 Hey Fab Readers, Twill and I are working on starting an etsy shop. Below are the pictures of our first ware for sale! Some handmade, up-cycled headbands made from vintage fabrics. We will have more vintage clothing and accessories soon.
-Ladybird

DIY: Reusable Gift Bags

I cringe at the thought of all the waste that goes into the gift giving holidays, from the plastic bags you get to carry your purchases home in, to the plastic or paper encasing your gift, and then the wrapping paper and bows and ribbons. I am still one for style, but lets try to do it in a more eco-friendly way! First, just say no to plastic bags, you can find so many cute options for a reusable grocery bag or shopping bag, there is really no excuse. Second, buy re-used or local gifts, not only does it cut down on the gas needed for transportation, but also will help your local mom and pop shop. Next, find fun solutions to wrapping gifts.

This year, I decided to make drawstring gift bags. They are so cute that they become part of the gift.

What you need:
Vintage bed sheets or fabric of your liking
A sewing machine
Scissors
Thrifted string or ribbon
A safety pin


First, cut out a rectangle of fabric, using the top edge of the bed sheets (this part is usually already folded over, making it perfect for threading the drawstring!)

Next, with the reverse side facing out, fold the fabric so the two cut edges touch. Sew these together.


















Then, turn the seem that you just made so it is in the middle of the now tube of fabric, lay flat and sew up the bottom, it creates a T.

Reverse the fabric and cut two small slits, one on each side of the middle seem, making sure not to go through both pieces of fabric, as you just want to cut the top layer. Then attach the safety pin to the ribbon and thread the ribbon through one hole and out the other. Cut off the extra ribbon.














You are finished!

Make them yourself or come to Mighty Swell where we will have them on sale! Have fun greening your holidays!

- Ladybird

The Happenings: Black Friday

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Black Friday is tomorrow. So in honor of the biggest shopping day, I am giving my top five favorite local shops for reused, vintage, repurposed and handmade gifts! Of course you can always make things yourself and stay warm and cozy at home!

5. Hunt & Gather - This adorable shop is full of great housewares, from decorations and pillows to tables and chairs. Every nook has something surprising.

 4. Electric Fetus- Great record shop that carries a variety of local bands. You are sure to find some amazing music. Bonus, they are having a 20% off "Black Friday" sale!

3. Crafty Planet- I often go in this shop just to look at the beautiful fabrics. For that crafty person, the gift of a sewing class is just the thing!

2. The Wild Rumpus- Local bookstore, dedicated to kids, is the perfect place to pick up that children's classic to read with a young person in your life.

1. Rewind! - One of my all time favorite Minneapolis vintage clothing shops, they are always stocked full to the brim, and I never leave without dropping a large sum of money. Their accessories are incredible, the perfect place to find a gift for that special someone. . . or to re-vamp your own wardrobe for the Holiday season.

Of course, if you can wait a few weeks check out the Mighty Swell sale! We will have tons of gifts and party clothes, a little something for everyone.




Happy crafting, shopping, and thrifting!

- Ladybird