DIY Mini Fabric Panel Shorts

If you do a little trend research for summer 2012's huge "IT" things, you will find pictures of embellished shorts every which way you look! Pic after pic after pic of amazingly adorable denim alterations! Not being one to rush out to snatch a few pairs off popular web-sites, in turn spending a small fortune on "designer" duds........my solution....DIY baby!!!

Its so simple!!! Let me just say, I am not,by any means, a skilled seamstress (I'll leave that title to my amazing Mother) If i can stitch a few threads........ANYBODY can! Trust!!!

For this DIY project I set my sights on the adorableness of baby shorts!!! This can be made on any size you wish tho!

What you will need..........

*Shorts (any size, any color)

*Fabric

*Pins

*Needle & Thread

*Scissors

*Semi-skilled sewing skills (i got by with slightly-skilled ha ha)

Step 1.........Choose what leg you want to cover and cut out a piece of fabric with the area of fabric you want showing (i made sure birds were lined up nicely) cut to about 1/4 - 1/2 bigger around then the area you will sew (which will be the seam line around the jean leg)

Step 2.......cut a slit in the fabric to tuck in and around the belt loop

Step 3.....get out your pins and pin the fabric all along the hem line. Use your fingers to feel where to place pins.

Step 4....simply sew all around the hem line of the leg. for these shorts I chose to cover the front pocket and add studs along the pocket seam on the outside of the added fabric. If you choose to cut out the pocket, snip 2 snips following the curve and tuck extra fabric into pocket and sew along the pocket seam. (sorry, I accidentally deleted that picture) When you get to the belt loop, sew the fabric under the belt loop and then all around it.

Step 5......once you get done sewing fabric to leg......you are almost finished YAY!!!.....use your scissors to cut off any extra fabric, being careful not to cut your stitches. Yeaaa NOT a good move ha ha!! (did it)

Bonus step..........cut out bird/whatever and sew onto opposite back pocket. Have fun add buttons, lace, patches, ect! Make it your own!!

Step 6........Put them on......snap some pics........and show off your mad seamstress skills!!!! :)

Remember.......PERFECTION IS WAY OVER-RATED ;)

Much Love & More to Come,
                                        Jenny

An American Shorts Revolution (DIY American Flag Shorts)

AMERICAN FLAG SHORTS

Shorts so cool ~ You'll be proud to be an American :)

How to upcycle a pair of old, stuffed-in-the-back-of-your-drawer, haven't-been-worn-in-years, cut off shorts into an amazing patriototical pair that are sure to set of fireworks wherever you go!!

Its way easier then you think........(I mean I did it and I'm not even sure my stick figure men look like, well men)
Seriously, if you completed Kindergarten........YOU TOO CAN DO THIS!!

Sooooooo whatcha gonna need.................

*Pair of denim cut off shorts (or two - I made some for my mini)

*Star Stencil (whatever size you wish)

*Painters tape

*2 Foam brushes

*Red & White fabric paint (you can also do this on white shorts using blue stars and painting red stripes)

*Plate with foil (easy clean-up) to dab paint onto brushes

*Diet Coke & M&M's pictured are optional!!  ha ha ha

Step 1..... Start by ironing the front of the shorts so you  have a smooth flat surface to work on.

Step 2.....Decide if you would like horizontal or vertical stripes (so hard to decide!!) and begin taping your lines. You will start with the white stripes (easier to cover mistakes with the red later - not that you're going to make any mistakes  ;) I wanted my lines pretty think so I laid one piece down and then another overlapping that in the middle. Leave the same distance (i eyeballed mine) between each stripe. Starting with your white paint and using your brush paint the un-taped lines, using a dabbing motion until covered. I started my stripes right under the pocket seam and carefully dabbed paint up and around belt loop. Don't remove tape and allow to dry.

Step 3.........While the white lines are drying and being very careful not to touch them, move to the opposite shorts leg to begin painting stars. There doesn't have to be a rhyme or reason as to where you place stars. Perfection is WAY over-rated!! Simply lay your stencil (i discovered it MUCH easier to cut star out before hand) and hold as flat as you can with your fingers while you dab white paint on with the other hand. Paint as many or as few stars as you wish. Let dry.

Step 4.........Once the white stripes are completely dry, carefully remove tape. Using fresh tape, tape off the white painted stripes, being sure cover completely. Using the same technique, paint your red stripes. Once again don't remove tape and allow to dry.

Step 5......Keep shorts laying flat and allow to dry completely.........remove tape.........and

Boom!!! Done!!!

If this doesn't have you singing "America The Beautiful"...........I don't know what will :)

Happy painting :)

Much Love & More to Come,
                                          Jenny.