Tag Archives: DIY

Room update & curtain DIY

March 21, 2019

See how I transformed our master bedroom with some fabric and some supplies from the plumbing section!

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You can so make a shirt: pattern roundup

February 8, 2019

Trying something new can make us feel fearful or hesitant, but sewing your own shirt is actually quite straightforward. I’ve rounded up some great patterns to try, and I’m showing you my latest shirt. Check it out!

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Dawnya MohsFebruary 10, 2019 - 1:43 am
Hi! I literally just finished my first button up shirt today, the McCalls 7575. I love the options you just posted, esp the recital shirt!! Wow! You mentioned getting your printing done at Office Depot. Are they able to handle all sizes? Like what would go to a plotter? Is the cost difference there compared to a pattern plotter printer?ReplyCancel
- MeredithFebruary 12, 2019 - 2:31 pm
  Hi there, Dawnya! I always get my large printing done there. Most patterns are 36″ wide by whatever length. Generally the cost is between $8-10 for a pattern sheet, which I think is totally worth the time it saves me from tracing or taping. I wrote a big, long post about why I have converted to PDF’s, and while I found it to be hot button topic, for me, its a great option. :) You can read that post along with some other info about PDFs HEREReplyCancel
BarbFebruary 11, 2019 - 9:39 am
I second the vote for the Leisl classic shirt. I have made about 5 of them and it is a great pattern. A couple of the ones I made were sleeveless. The men’s Everyday Shirt is also a winner. I’ve made two of these for my husband and he LOVES them.ReplyCancel
- MeredithFebruary 12, 2019 - 2:33 pm
  Aren’t her patterns fantastic? That’s how I’ve learned pretty much everything I know about sewing clothes! She is so thorough, and doesn’t leave out any details. I have the men’s shirt and I wanted to make it about two years ago, and yet it sits in my room. I should get on that! Thank you for the reminder. :)ReplyCancel
EmilyFebruary 12, 2019 - 5:47 pm
I’ve tried all four patterns, and they’re all good. The one I’ve made most is the Archer – although I make it a few sizes smaller since it’s such a generous fit. My favorite is the Granville, though. I like that it is fitted, with the three separate pieces for the back panel. I do have to modify it, though, as I’m not that curvy – I add to the waist and bring the hips in, and then the fit is perfect! And I had no difficulty with the pdf, I wonder if they fixed the problem you ran into??
Another good one is the Cheyenne from Hey June – lots of options and great instructions. ReplyCancel

A Holiday Roundup

December 5, 2018

Check out my roundup of FREE holiday tutorials with perfect gifts for the hostess, to great projects to deck the halls!

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Add pockets to your 30 Minute Skirt

July 9, 2018

Add pockets to your 30 Minute Skirt using this super EASY step by step tutorial with photos. Hands down the best first garment to make with a full professional finish.

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Sewing with Kids: Layla’s big cross stitch pillow

June 4, 2018

Want to sew with your kids, but aren’t sure where to start? Try making this easy, big cross stitch pillow!

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Jo-Anne FlinkJune 4, 2018 - 9:42 am
Beautiful job, ladies! I can’t believe how mature Layla is becoming is such a short time. I really pleased that things are going so well and that you and Layla have this together time. Jo-AnneReplyCancel
- MeredithJune 5, 2018 - 11:39 pm
  Thank you, Jo-Anne. Its a sweet time for us to spend together for sure. The boys are go, go, go all the time, so its great to slow down and share something special between just the two of us!ReplyCancel
Lauren BJune 4, 2018 - 11:14 am
Layla, your pillow turned out amazing! So talented- just like your mom! Lillian and I can’t wait to see you on Facebook today. She loved your pillow and wants to give it a try too!ReplyCancel
- MeredithJune 5, 2018 - 11:40 pm
  Layla was just thrilled to bits to have you in her virtual audience! She said she wants to go back to Selby! Thank you for the encouragement. :)ReplyCancel
IvyJune 4, 2018 - 11:25 am
I love it! Layla did an amazing job! I would like to make a cross-stich pillow, too! Thanks for the inspiration, Layla!ReplyCancel
- MeredithJune 5, 2018 - 11:41 pm
  Thank you, Ivy! You should definitely make a pillow! Its a relaxing and fun way to make a piece with a lot of character and impact. I asked her to make one for me next!ReplyCancel
Hwei-Yi LeeJune 5, 2018 - 12:11 am
Wow, impressive! I love how articulate Layla is about the project too :)ReplyCancel
- MeredithJune 5, 2018 - 11:42 pm
  She is quite the little talker! I expected her to articulate well on paper, but I was genuinely blown away by her video debut on Facebook. I could really get some advice from her on how to stay composed.ReplyCancel
TeriJune 6, 2018 - 12:58 pm
I love this post! That pillow is gorgeous and such an accomplishment for Layla. So far my sons aren’t interested in sewing/stitching so I’m hoping my daughter will be when she gets a little older!ReplyCancel
Charlotte NewlandJune 10, 2018 - 6:49 am
Bless her – that is just lovely!ReplyCancel
- MeredithJune 11, 2018 - 11:19 am
  Thank you, Charlotte! She loves working with her hands. ReplyCancel

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About

Welcome to Olivia Jane Handcrafted! I'm Meredith and this is my creative journal. Here you'll find loads of inspiration for a handmade wardrobe, home decor, bags, and quilts. I even have plenty of projects and tutorials to get you started or help you along the way.