One Hour Craft

Tshirt Surgery: How to Make a Dress from a Tshirt and a Singlet

The Finished Product
This is a really quick and easy project. Em and I had a spare afternoon and finished two dresses in under and hour and a half. The only fiddly part of this project was adjusting the position of the tshirt on the singlet so that it sat well. I’d love to see this project using a colourful rocker tshirt or tie-dyed shirt and a wildly coloured singlet under. Let us know what you come up with and we’ll put them up here ok.

Materials
1 singlet top to fit
1 Extra large tshirt
Sewing machine (we used double needles because it makes a great finish on knit items), thread, scissors.

Step 1
Cut the tshirt down both seams from the neckline to the sleeves.
Step 2
Fold these under and pin them. Hem the edges. We sewed around in a u-shape using double needles (not necessary though).

Step 3
Try on the singlet. Put the tshirt on over the top. Pin the front neckline of the tshirt to the front of the singlet. We pinned it about 12cm/5″ from top. Spend some time adjusting it so that it sits right and looks flattering on you. Pin the back neckline of tshirt onto the back of the singlet in the same way.

Step 4
Try the ‘dress’ on with a belt and make sure that it still falls well. Adjust the pins until you are happy with it. Make sure that the sleeves turned inside out are at the same place as pockets should be.
Step 5
Take off the dress and sew the top neckline of the tshirt onto the singlet where you have pinned it.
Step 6
Sew the back neckline of the tshirt onto the singlet where you have pinned it.
Step 7
Turn the tshirt inside out the sew the sleeve holes together to make pockets (pretty clevery huh?)

That’s it! How could it be easier to make a cute little dress? If you are making it for winter buy a long-sleeved tee instead of the singlet and do the same thing. Pair this with a cinched belt, tights, boots and a gorgeous coat. Lovely!

Enjoy!
Mia
xxx
PS Our advent calendar should be completed by tomorrow! All going well. And pompoms and still coming!

Shredded Tshirt Tutorial (Tshirt Surgery)

I had a spare few hours in front of the tv last night and a new camera to play with. I am in love with my new Canon EOS 500D. It was impossible not to fall in love with! So I whipped up a quick shredded tshirt and tutorial to go with it. Shredding is so easy and reminded me so much of high school, sitting on the bus shredding my new tan stockings – the more shredded your stockings were, the better back then. Well, I still love the shredded effect.

I am obsessed with torturing textiles, i.e doing things with them to make them different. One day soon I will post more textiles treatments (or maybe save them for a lovely little book). I just love taking fabric and playing with it. There is so much you can do to it, paint it, dye it, crush it, fold it, pleat it, shred it. If only I could spend all my time just playing….

All you need to shred is a knit tee. I suppose you could shred a skirt (if you have a slip to wear under it) or a jumper, but I like the look of a tee. Next, I am going to try shredding an oversized white tee. For shredding it’s best to use a new tee so that the stitches aren’t compacted together from washing.

Step 1
Take your stitch ripper and undo the bottom hem of the tee so that it is a raw edge.

Step 2
You will notice some loose threads running parallel along the edge of tee. Pull one of these threads. Keep pulling for as long as you would like the shredded panel to be. Then start separating the stitches of the tee between your thumbs and fingers, pulling the stitches wider. This is a bit fiddly. It is easiest to shred inch-long sections of the tee. Work from the bottom to the top of the tee, separating the stitches. You can make all different sized holes. My fingers got a little bit sore doing this. Work your way one inch at a time, pulling apart the stitches until you have a panel as wide as you want. Oh yeah, before I began I make two marks with tailor’s chalk on the bottom of the shirt to mark the size of the panel I wanted.

Ta Da! Here is the finished product. It took me about two hours in front of the TV to shred this. As you are doing it, it is easy to make holes. It just seems to add to the whole torn effect that I love!
I hope you have fun shredding!
Let me know…
Mia
xxx

Free Thong/G-String Pattern & Tutorial

Hi ya crafty chicas,
I am re-posting a pdf pattern and a tutorial that Emma and I made and have been selling, to make a very sassy little thong.

This is for everyone to enjoy!

Have fun!
Mia
xxxx

To begin sewing,   download this PDF pattern (contains two pages) and print it out.  Now, To check that you have printed the pattern at the correct size please measure the following – where it says ‘bottom’ on both the front and the lining pieces this should measure 3cm and on the back piece from letters C to D should measure 9.4cm.  If these 3 measurements are correct you can make a start!  If not you may need a photocopier.

Materials

• Sewing Machine with stretch needle

• 1.3 metres (52 inches) of 10mm (0.4”) wide underwear elastic

• 30cm (12 inches) swimsuit lining (100% polyester). When buying this material make sure that 4cm (1 ½”) stretches to 10cm (4”) on a flat surface. Any less and the panties will not stretch enough to cover your booty, any more and they will sag.

• 30cm (12 inches) t-shirt material with very little stretch. Scraps are ideal for this.

• Cotton thread (same colour as elastic)

• Optional: Trim (lace, braid…), button, 15cm (6”) ribbon for a bow, needle for hand sewing

Instructions

Note: 15mm (5/8 inch) seam allowance has been included in this pattern.

1. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out 1 front in t-shirt material, 1 lining in t-shirt material, 2 backs in the lining fabric, 2×30cm (12 inches) lengths of elastic (for legs) and 1x 70cm length of elastic (for waist).
2. Pin and sew trim onto thong front (shown on pattern).
3. Pin thong lining onto back of thong front (wrong sides facing). Use a zigzag stitch to sew the sides together, leaving the top and bottom open.
4. Pin and sew the two short lengths of elastic onto the front legs of the thong using an elastic stitch (looks like a broken zigzag stitch).
5. Place two thong backs on top of each other with letters matching (right sides facing). Sew from A to B using an elastic stitch. Sew from F to E using an elastic stitch.
6. Keeping right sides together, slide fabric and reposition it so points B and E are on top of each other (seams will be positioned on top of each other). Stitch along top edge (longest edge) of fabric with an elastic stitch joining the 2 layers together (C & D will be together at the ends). Now you have sewn the back thong piece, turn it in inside out.
7. Pin & sew front and back thong pieces together at sides and bottom (right sides together) using a straight stitch. Ease fabric to ensure it matches up perfectly. Cut away excess fabric, fold all fabric towards back and use a zigzag stitch to flatten/neaten seam.
8. Now your thong is sewn together, turn it right side out.
9. Sew the long piece of elastic together into a loop.  Pin & sew elastic onto top edge of thong using an elastic stitch.  Ease as needed.

How did yours turn out? Please let us know

Tutorial: How to Make the Easiest and Cutest Scarf!

(NOTE:  This scarf requires absolutely no knitting or crocheting or knotting so stay around and read more…)

(Mia modelling the tube scarf)

I walked into my local craft store a few weeks ago and saw these divine scarves behind the counter.  They looked like a cross between a feather boa and a scarf, totally cute.  I asked the lady how they were made and she was kind enough to give me a demo on how to make them. Now I am passing on the love….

I am hooked!  These are the cutest scarves and they could not be easier to make. My nine-year old made half of this one easily.

Materials
I used four balls of polyester (this will depend on how long you want to make the scarf)
1.2m of 5/8″ white elastic
30cm/ 1ft length of plastic tubing
Two medium wooden beads
Hot glue
Scissors

Tie a knot in one end of the piece of elastic. Apply a dab of hot glue onto the knot and push it onto the bead.

Use two balls of yarn together – this gives a fuller look to the scarf. Tie the two ends of the yarn onto the elastic with a knot, just under the bead.
Thread the elastic through the plastic tube, with the bead at one end.
Begin wrapping the yarn (two together) around the plastic tubing.  (I started by wrapping the yarn this tightly but found it much better to wrap it quite loosely going down the whole tube).
When you have wrapped the yarn around the plastic tube about ten time push it off the tube and onto the elastic.

To keep the other end of elastic from getting in the way, secure it with a peg as shown in the photo above, letting out more as you need it.

Continue to wrap the yarns around the plastic tubing and then gently push them onto the elastic. You will quickly start to see this yummy, feather boa scarf!

Finish the scarf when you get to the elastic gets to the end of the plastic tubing (you will have 30cm of elastic left when you cut it). Knot the yarn around the elastic. Tie a knot in the elastic (as in the first step), place a dab of glue onto the knot and push a bead onto it to secure it.

Finito!

(Look what I made!)

The next one I will make will be double as long so that I can wrap it around my neck a few times. Millie’s getting this one – lucky girl. And the last thing I have to say — what a strange thing to be making in 40 degree heat!! And that photo shoot with the turtle neck! Hot!
Enjoy!

Tutorial: How to Make Fizzing Lavender Bath Bombs

I started concocting perfumes and potions as a five year old. My twin sister and I would lock ourselves away in the bathroom and mix anything (usually mum’s expensive perfumes) we could find. Most of the concoctions would cause me to have an immediate allergic reaction, so would end in tears. But, this did not deter me.

I still love making lotions and potions. These bath bombs are the fizziest bombs I have ever made. They explode and keep fizzing for ages, then make the whole bath smell divine. The oil leaves your skin soft and smelling like lavender.

These bath bombs make great presents and are easy enough for beginners and children to make.

Ingredients
1 cup tartaric acid
1 cup bicarbonate soda
½ cup powdered starch
1 dessertspoon lavender oil
2 tablespoons dried lavender.
1 teaspoon pink food colouring
7 dessertspoons avocado oil
2 dessertspoons dried lavender.

Mix tartaric acid, bicarbonate soda and starch in a bowl.

Add the lavender and food colouring to the mixture.

Add a dessertspoon of lavender oil. Slowly add the avocado oil (be careful not to add too much).
Mix the ingredients together until you can form the mixture into balls, adding a touch more avocado oil, if needed.

Take a small handful of mixture and place it on a desert spoon. Mould it on the spoon and place it on a tray. Repeat this until you have used all the mixture.

Leave the bath bombs in a dry, warm place to set for between a few days to 1 week (drying time will depend on air temperature and humidity).
Add a few to a bath or package and give them away as a present.

I hope you enjoy making these as much as we did!!
Mia
xxx

Hermes Paper Kelly Bag Template

I love the little paper Kelly handbags from Hermes!  Visit their site to download these for free.  We have a birthday in a few months and I am definitely going to make these for the lolly bags.  So cute.   Nice to see that even the fashion houses understand the power of giving something away for free.  One of the many things I love about the Internet – the freebie. 

And, hello everyone.  Yes.  We are officially back in action.  With lots of lovely treats and projects coming your way.  We will be getting the monthly craft challenge back on track and plenty more.  There will be a site relaunch in July.  So happy to have the free time to re-connect with you all.  Thanks for the well wishes while we were so busy! 

Miaxx 

How to Make a Heart Garland for Valentine’s Day! Very Pretty!!

Well, I decided to also make a tutorial for V-Day that is just not as racey. This is a lovely tutorial, quick, cheap, can involve the children if you wish, easy, pretty, fun. What more could you want?
A lot of people have been asking me lately where I get my ideas from for the site? Well, the question is where don’t I get them from? Friends who are artists, my own ideas based on crafts I have made, a lot of things are adaptations of objects and decor seen in magazine. The copious amount of time I spend in thrift stores hunting through old craft books also fills my mind with ideas. Also, nature. Whenever I am outdoors I seem to have a lot more ideas come to me than when I am at home in front of this computer screen (I nearly wrote ’scream’ just then, maybe a Freudian slip or maybe just time for a new computer). Hope this is helpful. This particular garland I saw in a paper shop some time ago and it must have been running around in my head because I just worked out how to make it.
Anyway, on with this sweet and lovely tutorial….

Ingredients

• About four or five sheets of paper. Or just use whatever scraps of paper you have if you are anything like me and you keep every little bit of paper that you are given because you just hate waste.
• 2 love heart cut-outs
• Cardboard
• Baking Paper (has to have at least one side that is not waxy and slippery).
• Pink or Red Thread (or whatever colour you choose)
• Little bits of ribbon, lace, rickrack
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine (although you could also sew these by hand if you can be bothered)

Step 1


I Googled the words ‘heart shape’. I then found a heart shape I liked and printed it. Since I wanted two sizes, I put the image into photoshop and changed the size. Of course, it is easy to find heart images. You can trace old cards, draw and make your own etc. When you have drawn and cut out the two different sized heart shapes, cut them out and glue them to cardboard. Then cut the cardboard to make two templates, one little and one larger. I made the original templates myself.Then, take the sheets of paper, turn them over and ask your children to trace around the hearts and then cut them out. While Milly did this, I started to do the sewing.I used twenty hearts for one galrland, but you can make it as long as you like. Use one hundred if you want.

(cut-out hearts ready to be sewn)
Step 2

Take the baking paper and break it in half length-wise (unless your hearts are really large). You will only need half the width.Set up your sewing machine and then place a larger heart about two inches from the top of the paper. Start to sew at the top of the paper and sew through the middle of the first heart.Continue to sew on the paper for two inches then place a smaller heart on the paper and sew through the middle of it.When I used a piece of plain paper, I cut a small piece of lace or ribbon, folded it, placed it in the middle of the heart and sewed over it (look at the purple ribbon in the photo below).
Step 3


When you have sewn four or five hearts onto the baking paper you will reach the end of the paper. When you are near the bottom of the paper, tuck another sheet under the first and continue to sew. Don’t forget to leave a space of about two inches between the hearts.
Continue making the chain until you have used all the hearts.

(A photo of the hearts all sewn onto the baking paper)
Step 4

Take the paper and gently tear it away from the hearts. Take your time doing this.And Ta -Da! Then you are left with a lovely heart garland. Isn’t that so cool that they remain sewn together? I thought that was quite clever really, well, actually I thought I was quite clever, to be honest.

Hang your garland wherever you like. I hung it on our bookshelf. If your child is keen you could even teach her how to sew them together. Milly was as happy as Larry doing this because she was busy cutting out hearts until the end.

How To Make Stunning Canvas Photos – These Rock!

I love these photos with their vibrant colours, grainy effects and rocking photoshop possibilities. Writing this tutorial was special for me. I put it together with my twin sister, Emma Mill (Binns). Hmm Hmm, I would just like to mention here that I am the eldest by seven minutes (does anybody care?). Emma made a gorgeous canvas photo for my daughter for her birthday and I have been wanting to learn how.

Here is a canvas made by Emma Mill, a photo in a series of her husband surfing. I love this.

Now. join the Binns Twins (cute eh?) to make your first canvas photo…

You will need:

1 canvas (cheap as to buy from any craft store – $4 we paid) 8 inch x 10 inch

At least 50cm white 100% cotton material

1 photo printed out onto photo transfer paper (we used Canon photo transfers)

1 pair scissors

1 iron

1 staple gun (my new favourite weapon of choice, imagine if we carried staple guns instead of a pepper spray, that’d show ‘em)

Step 1

Take the canvas and cut out material to fit it leaving a 3 inch border around the edge.

Step 2

Upload a photo to your computer, resize to fit the canvas or you could leave a little border like we did here.

Print out the photo in black and white or colour.

Iron the print onto the cotton fabric.

When you have ironed it wave it around for minute or two before ripping the back off to make sure it has dried.

Step 3

After a few minutes, peal off the transfer and marvel at the wonders of the computer age!

Step 4

Position the transfer on top of the canvas and make sure that it is correctly centred.

Step 5

Carefully turn the canvas over, holding the cotton transfer in place.

Pull it taut and staple two staples on either side of the frame.

Then staple two more staples at the top and the bottom of the frame.

Step 6

Now I am not going to mess with you, this is not Martha and we can just be human ok – this part is a little fiddly and chances are the back won’t look all that great on your first effort.  Don’t worry, people only see the front anyway.

Fold the corners in, like folding a present.

Then staple them down to the frame.  Make sure that you are pulling the fabric taut and watch for buckling.

Do this to all four corners.

Step 7

Cut away the extra fabric on the back.  Time to tidy it up a little.

Step 8

Staple the edges down into the middle of the frame.  This is also a little tricky so just take your time.  Don’t be scared it only really rates about a two on the tricky scale.

Ta – Da!  Your finished canvas from the back.

Turn it over – and here’s a gorgeous photo of my little nephew, Charile.

Looks wonderful on the mantle piece!

HOT TIP:

You can upload your image to Photoshop and do some way out things to it.  It can end up looking like some very cool Popart or a retro pattern.  Try all the different filters.  I intend to make some really funky ones in the near future.

We hope you enjoy making these,

Emma and Mia

How to Teach a Child to Sew: Lesson 2

If you haven’t seen our first lesson, click here read it. Please use this one first as it is an important building block.

In this lesson I will show you how to teach your child to sew around the edge of a material and how to sew around corners (how to pivot). In the third lesson, you will be able to teach your child to sew a very easy bag . Once again, Milly (my little 7 year old princess) and I had a great time.

Ta Da! Lesson Number Two is finished. To give her more practice at sewing around edges, take the same piece of felt, a ruler and a felt-tipped pen. Draw a box a little smaller than the previous line of stitching. Do this for as many times as she wants to.

I guarantee she will be very impressed with herself. Tell her that in the next lesson you will be making a bag together! Whet her appetite for more sewing.

Please Remember….

• Don’t take your eyes from her for a minute. I didn’t take a photo of step 6 because I couldn’t take my eyes from her sewing.
• Remind her that as soon as you say ’stop’ she must take her foot off the pedal.
• Keep encouraging her and telling her what a great job she is doing!
• Have fun, enjoy this special time and know she will remember this for a long time to come!

Enjoy!

Mia

onehourcraft.com has arrived. YIPPEE!

We are so excited. We are now onehourcraft.com. Please visit and tell your friends to visit.

We will have loads of new treats and features for you in 2007. So visit as often as you can and tell your friends to visit.

I will have all the files from this site moved in the next few days and we will be updating with heaps more tutorials.

And we will be announcing our one hour craft January Challenge in the next few days!

Mia