From Holey Tights to Knee Socks {Tutorial}

How many pairs of tights have you thrown out because your daughter (or you) snagged a big hole in them? With three girls in this house, plus myself, we've had way too many to count. Today as I was looking through my youngest girl's drawer searching for tights, I found a pair of white cable knit tights in pefect condition, except for the big hole under the left knee. Then, I found a few pairs that are too small for her now, and it hit me that these would make great knee socks! They're thick and still look nice so, why not? Here's how I did it:

I laid the pair of tights on the table and tried to even the legs up so they could be cut the same length.
Next, I just took the scissors and cut right underneath the hole. You can use the cut side as a guide for the other leg or just eyeball it.
Now just fold cut edge down 1/4 - 1/2 inch and fold over again the same length. Iron the fold so it will stay put.
Finally, sew around the bottom edge of the folded end. *Remember not to pull fabric through while it's being sewn or you will stretch out the knit and the socks will fall down. Just let the machine pull the fabric through on it's own.* Cut off hanging threads. You're done.
New knee socks in about 5 minutes!

{Pardon the sucker stick in the mouth.}

 

I'm linking up with a few of these parties!

Recycled Sundress

Yesterday I was getting ready for a long, hot day at the zoo and realized I had nothing cool to wear. Since it is only March and the temps have been unseasonably warm, my wardrobe wasn't prepared for that. So, I started looking through my closet and saw a knit sundress that I had worn last year. Somewhere between then and now, it had shrunk and was a little too short for me to be comfortable wearing. BUT I noticed it had a built-in waistband. I decided on the spot that I could cut the top off of the dress and make myself a nice, cool skirt out of it and I did. It took me all of 2 minutes to cut that top off and the skirt is the perfect length! Now I'm digging through my closet trying to decide the fate of each and every piece I have in there! Nothing is exempt. So, stay tuned for more recycled pieces coming soon! What's in YOUR closet that needs a makeover??

I'm linking to some of these parties!

How to Make a Doll Skirt {tutorial}

My older girls are really into their American Girl and Our Generation dolls right now and one thing they love to do is change their doll's clothes. I'm not really into paying a fortune for doll clothes, so when I was wondering what to do with some old t-shirts, I realized they'd be great for doll skirts. Using the bottom half of the t-shirt is ideal for making little doll skirts. I had cut the top half off of a gray t-shirt the other day while making a dress so I used the leftover t-shirt for my fabric today. It was a size 6 shirt.

This stretchy knit fabric and elastic waist are perfect for these dolls! Easy for children to put on and take off of their dolls all by themselves! And a great way to recycle old t-shirts.