AFRICAN PRINT SWEATSHIRT DIY

Happy 2015 everyone!  I hope you had a wonderful holiday season.  The hubster and I spent Christmas hiking in Joshua Tree, then headed to an Indian restaurant for dinner.  Extremely untraditional, but we had so much fun.  In keeping with that playful spirit, I wanted to add something bright and cheerful to my winter wardrobe.  Browsing through Pinterest, the photo below caught my eye.  I loved how colorful these African print sweatshirts were and simply had to have one. I already owned a plain grey sweatshirt and still had a stash of African print fabrics I collected in South Africa.  Making it was a cinch!

Supplies:

Sweatshirt

African wax print fabric

Matching thread

Tissue /tracing paper

Tailors chalk

Scissors

Pins

Sewing machine

Method:

1]  Lay your sweatshirt on a flat surface and trace the seam line of the front panel. Make sure to stretch the waistband, until the fabric lays flat, when tracing the sides and bottom.

2]  Add ½” seam allowance to the template and cut.

3]  Cut the print fabric according to the template.

4]  Fold the raw edge of the African print ½” towards the wrong side of the fabric and iron flat.  It helps to notch the neckline in a few places when molding the curve.

5]  Pin the African print fabric along the seam line of the sweatshirt and sew.

And that’s it!  A super easy sweatshirt DIY to kick-off the New Year. 

Looking to do some more sewing?  Stay tuned.  I will release my doll sewing patterns soon.  The first one I’ve been working on is the “Queen of Pop” herself, Madonna.  With her big hair bow, large cross necklace and tulle skirt she’s rocking that 80’s “Like a virgin” look.  You can find more images over at my Etsy store.  My patterns will have to be tested before going online, so if there are any fellow bloggers who would like to be involved, please send me an email.  I’d love to hear from you.

Happy sewing, Nicole.

INTRODUCING THE FELTED FOX SHOP

A few weeks ago I opened my Etsy store, the Felted Fox shop, which features items handmade by me using upcycled and recycled materials.  As I love crafting for kids, I decided that my store would focus primarily on handmade toys and nursery accessories.

So what’s in the shop?  First up, a series of totally retro dolls, including ones of such iconic figures as the Lionel Richie and David Bowie.  I also have pillows featuring some of my favorite animals: lions, tigers and bears.  Finally, I have teepee pillows and wooden nursery accessories, including a “3 blind mice” coat rack.  

All of these products are handmade by me, specifically designed to make you and your little one smile.  With so much waste in our world, I wanted to ensure that my products are ecologically sound.  I’ve therefore opted to use felt made from recycled materials and cast off wood from my community woodshop.  Although the Felted Fox shop is still very small, I have endless ideas for new things I’d love to make.  I can’t wait to show you more, and I hope you will join me on this adventure.

To celebrate the launch of the store and the beginning of the festive season, I am offering 15% off all store merchandise.  Simply add the code “FESTIVE15” at check out to receive your discount.  This offer ends on Dec. 1 so hurry!  You may just find something you can’t resist.