GET SPIFFY

Here's my first DIY tutorial for Garage Magazine. 

October 2013, my fifth month on the magazine and I was so excited for this project since it's my first time working with a team. Back when I was doing DIY projects for a newspaper, it was all me doing the photography, the text, and even having to model the product! It was a high when I saw it on print.

Anyway, open the image on a new tab for a bigger reference! Enjoy your paint service!  

IN THE POCKET. (DIY Pocket Tees)

I’ve been seeing these pattern pocket tees around the internet, and lately, I’ve been spotting these beauties hanging on mall racks too, so I decided to put up with the challenge and do DIY pattern pocket tees with you. Let’s get started! 

                               

 Things you’ll need:

1.       Plain Shirt

2.       Printed Fabric

3.       Paper & Marker/Pencil

4.       Scissors

5.       Iron

6.       Fabric Glue 

7.       Ruler

8.       Thread, Needle and Pins

Any plain shirt would do, but I suggest you use a white shirt for it goes with almost any color of printed fabric you’ll use. When it comes to the fabric, I would propose something that is easy to sew, especially when you’re not going to use a sewing machine.

PROCEDURE: 

1.       Using your pencil and ruler, make a pattern on a paper that measures 6” lengthwise, 5.5” crosswise and the vertical line on the middle measures 7’’ while the two diagonal lines that meet on the tip of the vertical line measures 3.5” each. Cut the pattern off the paper so you can use it as a template of your patch pocket, then trace your template on the printed fabric then cut through the lines you draw.

Note: Make sure your measurements are accurate, you don’t want your pockets to have irregular sides.

2.       Using your marker, you can mark one inch on every side so it would be easier for you to identify where to fold. Next, start on the top folding it inwards. Plug your iron and press it on the crease so it is folded properly.

3.       After ironing a fold, flip it open and put fabric glue in between, close the fold and iron it again so it is well placed. Repeat on every side starting from the right and the left side, then end on the two diagonal folds one at a time. 

4.       Rest your shirt on a flat surface and cautiously pin your pocket patch to the shirt. The placement of your pocket depends on where you want it to be, but be sure to try it out first before sewing so you’re sure it’s on your preferred position. Just to give you an idea, on my round neck shirt, it approximately measures 3” from the collar and 2” from the armpit seam.

5.       Final step, attach your pocket through carefully sewing by hand using your thread and needle or by a sewing machine. Sew the three sides of the patch leaving the top side to act as a pocket. Remove the pins and you’re done! You’ve just made a pattern pocket tee! 

Christmas time is imminent and sure you’ll be spending more money than usual for presents. DIYs can make you save more so you can splurge on some other stuff, plus the fact that there’s no one wearing something the same as yours for you made your own piece. I hope you find this guide useful and I hope you had a great time playing with patch pockets like I did. Remember, why buy when you can DIY?

The published article on Philippine Daily Inquirer looks like this.

See the online layout through this link.

DENIM RESCUE.

I had to jump up and down just to realize I wasn't still sleeping and not dreaming. Nothing feels better than waking up seeing your work published. I had to sip coffee while I read it just to feel it's realness, and to make the idea sink in. This is my article, published on Philippine Daily Inquirer's Lifestyle 2BU section today, July 13, 2012. I know, I feel like I'm bragging again but,you know, I'm just happy and really thankful. 

Denim Rescue: Revive your old, boring, outdated jeans. 

Frayed shorts are cool, but instead of buying a pair, why not turn your old jeans into perfect form-fitting shorts?
All you have to do is rummage through your closet—or even that of your parents—and look for pairs of outdated jeans.

• Things you’ll need:

1. Scissors
2. Pair of old jeans

• Important note: Think first about how you want your new but free über-trendy trashed denims to look like.
• One of the easiest ways to overhaul a pair of jeans is to cut them up. To get the look you want, using scissors, cut the jeans right where you are comfortable in terms of length. For girls, it can be two inches right below the booty level, so they’re short but not “Playboy playmate”-sexy. Boys can try an inch or two above the knee. You can also (carefully) pull using your scissors on some of the frayed edges to achieve your desired look. Toss your jeans in the washing machine with a bit of bleach for a more aged feel and frayed edges.

• If you want a more rugged look, you should shred it like you mean it! Grab your scissors and decide where you want some tatters to hang. Estimate how long you want the strings of fabric to be seen, then start shredding. Scrape the fabric horizontally with your scissors until you see the white strings. It would look more natural if you place the tattered spots below the pockets and the pocket opening itself.

• Folding is another option. If frayed edges are too tense for your taste, you can just cut off your jeans right below the kneecap and fold to your preferred length.

• Remember, tossing your jeans in the washing machine will enhance the frays and tatters of your jeans.

• Bear in mind that you don’t always need to splurge on clothing to have a good sense of style. It’s also hip to mix and match pieces that are vintage, used, new, customized, etc. Ask your parents or even your grandparents if you can raid their closet; who knows what interesting pieces you may find. Be practical, creative and resourceful.

See the full article here.

   How to fray the denim.                                                       Old denim pants.

Your new but free über-trendy trashed denim.