DIY : InStyle.com What's Right Now

Sewing Machine Sales Are on the Rise: Do You DIY?

Jul 10, 2012 @ 1:05 pm

Sewing machines are flying off store shelves! Sales in the United States are expected to top three million this year, up from 1.5 million a year more than a decade ago, The New York Times reports. Hit fashion shows like Project Runway are partially to blame for the craze, while social sharing sites like Pinterest have become go-to spots for trading patterns. Tell us, do you DIY?

Plus! Three celebrity-inspired DIY projects to try.

CELEB DIY PROJECTS

MORE:
• Find Out Your Sewing Machine’s History
• Create a Fringe Necklace
• Add an Exposed Zipper to Your Dress

— Caitlin Petreycik

The Media Circuit (TM); Courtesy Photo (2)

3 DIY Fashion Projects to Try This Weekend

Apr 27, 2012 @ 5:00 pm

Got a few minutes to spare this weekend? Try DIY-ing your own celebrity-inspired look! Fashion-crafts expert (and former InStyle staffer) Jenni Radosevich exclusively showed us how to (1) transform your basic denim shirt like Kate Bosworth, (2) freshen up a skirt with statement buttons like Emma Stone, and (3) dot your flats like Ali Larter, shown. Get step-by-step directions for these three projects by clicking through the gallery now.

For more fun, stylish DIY ideas, check out Jenni’s blog I Spy DIY at ispydiy.com, and her new book I Spy DIY Style ($22 at amazon.com).

— Nikki Ogunnaike

See the Photos

Time Inc. Digital Studio; Mark Cuthbert/UK Press/ABACAUSA

Halloween 2011: How to Make Princess Beatrice’s Hat

Oct 21, 2011 @ 3:30 pm

Need a fun D-I-Y idea for Halloween? Try Princess Beatrice’s royal fascinator! Here’s how to make it in three easy steps:

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:
2 metal headbands, wired pink ribbon, glue gun (all available at M&J Trimming, 212-204-9595).

HOW TO:
1. Stack two metal headbands, with bottom ends of one on curve of the other, and glue them together.

2. Wrap wired ribbon around top headband until completely covered; glue down both ends.

3. Create two bows (leave ends hanging) and secure both to top of headband by wrapping a piece of ribbon around knots three times and gluing end down.

COMPLETE YOUR LOOK:
Rim your eyes in black, don a pastel day suit, and slip on this haute couture headgear!

For more inspiring hat ideas, click through the hottest hats at the Royal Wedding.

Hot Hats at Royal Wedding!

MORE HALLOWEEN:
• The Easiest Costume Ever
• What Celebrities Wore Last Year!
• Movie & TV Halloween Costume Ideas
• Katy Perry’s Costume Secrets
• Stars at the Pumpkin Patch

— Jenni Radosevich, InStyle designer and part-time blogger for ISpy-DIY.com

Steve Granitz/Wireimage; Time Inc. Digital Studio

Try These Celebrity-Inspired DIY Projects!

Aug 23, 2011 @ 6:00 pm

You don’t have to be a Project Runway contestant to tweak your wardrobe. With just a few key tools, you can update almost every item in your closet creatively—no sewing required! With instructions created by InStyle staffer Jenni Radosevich (who doubles as a part-time blogger on ispy-diy.com), try these quick-and-easy projects inspired by the wardrobes of your favorite celebrities. Click through the gallery for the full DIY rundown now.

See the Photos

Courtesy of Singer

Find Out Your Sewing Machine’s History!

Aug 21, 2011 @ 12:00 pm

The Singer sewing machine turned 160 years old this month! To celebrate their history, the company is helping you delve into yours—visit MySingerStory.com and search by serial number to find out about your vintage (a.k.a. hand-me-down) machine, get a commemorative certificate, and share your sewing memories. You never know, you may find out something great.

MORE DIY PROJECTS:
• Create a Fringe Necklace
• Add an Exposed Zipper to Your Dress

— Kelci Shipley

Oscars-Inspired DIY: Natalie Portman’s Tassel Earrings

Feb 28, 2011 @ 3:35 pm

Getty; Time Inc. Digital Studio

Loved Natalie Portman’s tassel earrings at the Oscars? The Tiffany & Co.-designed pair featured rubellite tourmaline and rose-cut diamonds, but you can get the same look by making it yourself in three easy steps:

What You Need:
2 Purple tassels (find them at mjtrim.com)
2 Rhinestone Beads (find them at jewelry-diy.com)
2 Earring Hooks (find them at jewelry-diy.com)

How-To:
1. String rhinestone bead on to tassel loop.
2. Using a pliers attached earring hook to end loop of tassel.
3. Repeat for second earring.

— Jenni Radosevich, InStyle designer and part-time blogger for ISpy-DIY.com

Time Inc. Digital Studio

DIY: Create a Fringe Necklace!

Feb 4, 2011 @ 2:42 pm

InStyle designer (and part-time blogger) Jenni Radosevich figured out an easy way to make a statement necklace by yourself. In this month’s February issue (page 58), she shows you how to create a fringe necklace in three easy moves. Click through the gallery for step-by-step instructions.

See the Photos

Time Inc. Digital Studio

DIY: Add an Exposed Zipper to Your Dress!

Dec 29, 2010 @ 10:30 am

InStyle designer (and part-time blogger) Jenni Radosevich knows an easy way to give your casual dress a little edge. In this month’s January issue (page 38), she shows you how to add an exposed zipper to your dress in two easy steps.

What You’ll Need:
Sweater dress, zipper trim, and waterproof glue.

How-To:
1. Measure down the center of the dress’s back to determine length of zipper trim required. Allow for two inches of trim above neck and below hemline.
2. Pin trim to dress to ensure zipper is straight. Working in 2-inch increments, remove pins, apply glue to dress, and attach trim. Hold in place for five seconds to secure. Fold loose ends into dress and attach with glue. Let dry for 24 hours. (Hand-wash only!)

MORE:
• Add Hardware to a Military Top
• Add Chain Details to a Cardigan and Flats!