I love to create wearable pieces that are sophisticated, yet spunky. And, as I’m sure y’all are starting to see, I just can’t function without a healthy dose of color. 😉 Looking at my calla lily wreath hanging in my kitchen a couple of weeks back, it dawned on me those flowers would really pop as a wearable accessory. Thus, the idea for this project was born!
I have to say that I am currently nursing an addiction to the $3 tanks at Walmart. I mean, three little dollars for something that can be dressed up as I’ve done here, or down for an outing to the park or the pool? I am sold! I opted to create a brooch to liven up a plain white tank here (I wanted to keep my options open for layering the tank under cardigans and things later on), although it would be perfectly fine to hand stitch your flowers directly to your top if your prefer. Washing on delicate and then allowing it to air dry, I think the piece would launder just fine.
Let me share with you how this beauty came together!
You’ll need:
Polysatin in two contrasting colors (The remnant basket at my Hobby Lobby is always brimming with cuts of this. It might be worth looking the next time you stop in.)
Various cotton fabric scraps
Coordinating thread
Heavyweight fusible interfacing
Safety pin
Disappearing ink pen
Small scrap piece of felt, preferably in a neutral shade
Hot glue gun and sticks
Magnetic pin back
Standard sewing supplies: shears, tape measure, pins, etc.
- I tend to prefer the magnetic alternatives to traditional pin backs because they typically stay put better and don’t wreak as much havoc on the garment to which they’re affixed, but if you are unable to find them, the old stand-by’s will work just fine.
- When applying the interfacing to your satin, be very careful, as the satin will scorch if it gets excessively hot.
- Use these flowers to adorn a bag or pillow if you aren’t in the market right now for a top. I bet two small brooches like these would be fabulous clipped on to a pair of strappy sandals!Â
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
greenbean says
omg!…these are freaking fantabulous!…well…that’s it…looks like i have to learn how to sew!…i just gotta have some of these!…
Stephanie says
i love this!! SO Much!
I need to get brave enough to embellish some plain ol shirts I have laying around!!!!
Laura PARING DOWN says
Amy, that’s absolutely adorable.
You did a great tutorial (and look great as a model,too)!
I love your butterfly pins. Where did you get them?
Happy Monday,
Laura
Michele {The Scrap Shoppe} says
A stunning brooch, Amy! I absolutely love it. Your colors are great for summer. You’re really going to start a trend with these calla lilies!
The Girl Creative says
So cute! You did a great job on that – very original. 🙂
Kelli @ RTSM says
Very cute! I love the contrasting fabrics. And I can so sympathize with you about taking a good picture of yourself. I made a cute headband the other day, but I can’t post about it because I can not get a decent picture of myself wearing it:)
Blessed Mommy of 2 says
Super Cute! Good job on the shirt and modeling =)
Meet Virginia says
This is beyond too cute! I love it!!
~Morgan
Meet Virginia!
Meet Virginia!!
Meet Virginia!!!
Brandy @ Gluesticks says
That is fabulous! And you are Gorgeous Amy!!
Becky@whatslifewithoutwhimsy says
I REALLY need to get over my fear of the sewing machine because those are AWESOME!!!!!! I’m glad you posted on DIY show off and I’m glad i found your blog!
casserole says
I love your fabric calla lillies!! They’re GORGEOUS!
I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-calla-lily-embellished-tank/2010/07/12/
–Anne
Ott, A. says
How fun and flirty. If I had any coordination at all for sewing or stitching I would totally make this do. But I have two left hands (LOL!) when it comes to needles and threads. Great post though.
Sam says
What a great way to dress up a cheap tank top! I love it! SO fancy looking now!
Sam
Mom.Undecided.
http://momundecided.blogspot.com
(Come check out my first product review!)
Brenda says
I’m wondering if you give in-home lessons for sewing? Every time I go to the store, I stop and look at machines and then keep going. I have NO clue what I am doing with them and figure it will just collect dust.
When I see fun things like this, it makes me rethink it.
Ashlee @ I'm Topsy Turvy says
OH MY WORD! Amazing, just Gorgeous! I LOVE calla lilies, my FAVORITE flower! I put this right in my TO MAKE folder. I can’t wait, these are just amazing. I just started a link party and I would LOVE it if you’d consider adding your crafts to it! I’m having flower headband giveaway as part of our first party too! http://imtopsyturvy.com/index.php/2010/07/topsy-turvy-tuesdays-1/
Infarrantly Creative says
I love that I am stumbling this post. You had me at cala lily. I was already in love with your wreath.
Becky@whatslifewithoutwhimsy says
I posted a link to this post in my blog, you inspired my project and I HAD to share your post!
http://lifewithoutwhimsy.blogspot.com/2010/07/no-sew-cala-lily-vase.html
Alison says
Wow, what a fun take on your cala lillies!! Your fresh ideas are so inspiring!
emmylou says
Thanks for sharing! I have a Lily & am going to have to try this. I’ll be sure & link back when I do. Thanks! : )
hipchic~cynde says
stunning….absolutely stunning!
Staci J says
That really does dress it up a ton! So chic and cute!!
Visiting from justsewsassy.com
Valerie @ Frugal Family Fun Blog says
Very CUTE!! 🙂
Jessabells says
Wow, I really like it! Where do you find the magnets?
Holly says
CUTE! I love your calla lilies. They are fabulous on that tank!
[email protected] says
Wow, that’s gorgeous! I love calla lilies- especially the colored ones. Thanks so much for this, I’ll be linking.
Sabr says
So pretty! Can’t wait to make one!
Jacqueline says
Wow, so custom. You really did a nice job. I know what you mean about the photos. I tried and they were really odd. Yours turned out beautifully.
Julie says
I love this and I’m featuring it today for Feature Flower Fridays @ Singing Three Little Birds! Have a great day!
Suzanne says
Beautiful lilies and a fabulous tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing the wonderful idea!
Seeker says
Beeyoutiful!
Maggie Reno says
Those lilies are so cute. Great job on the tutorial, I know how much work that can be. I love magnetic clasps too!
- Brittany says
Amy,
Ah ha! Found your calla lily tutorial! Can’t wait to make some myself. I really enjoyed meeting you at Blissdom and only regret I didn’t get to talk to you longer.
BTW, you are a stunningly beautiful woman, in personality and looks. But, I’m sure you have been told that before.
Hope you have a safe trip home.
Brittany
http://www.prettyhandygirl.com
Tru@TRU TALES FEATS says
I love Calla Lilies! This is neat. A lot of work, but you did fantastic.
dollystar says
fantástica essa técnica…resultado final surpreendente
Dolly