Do-it-yourself fashions will keep you stylin' this spring

by Marcella Ortega

Daily Lobo

Don't underestimate the power of a needle and thread.

I wanted to make a couple outfits for spring break, so I went over to Hancock Fabrics at 3157 San Mateo Blvd. N.E. to find some material for my first project.

I was looking through a European Vogue magazine and was fascinated by a page full of blush-colored shirts and dresses. Since I misplaced the chords to my sewing machine, I figured a 1920s flapper dress would be simple to put together because of its straight lines.

So, I got to Hancock and looked through the piles of material. I wanted the material to be washable, so I looked in the polyester section. After debating for about 10 minutes whether to get the blush or lavender-colored polyester, I went with three yards of the blush fabric for $2.99 per yard.

Then, I looked through about 50 colors of ribbon to make the low waistband. I finally found a woven mint and gold ribbon at $1.99 per yard. I bought two yards so I would have extra ribbon to make a headband.

When I made the dress, I started by folding the polyester material in half vertically and cut a hole to put my head through. I sewed straight lines down each side beneath my arms and attached the ribbon to distinguish the low waistband. I gathered the material beneath the waist with single strings in front and back. I sewed the collar into a V-neck, and the dress was done. With the leftover ribbon, I made a headband to match.

With $13, I made the exact flapper dress I wanted.

My second project was to make a sunsuit. I have always seen them in old movies, but I have never seen them in a store.

I was looking for bright teal

fabric. I went to Jo-Ann Fabrics & Crafts at 3300 San Mateo

Blvd. N.E.

I found a bold teal acetate fabric on sale for $4.99 a yard. I bought three yards, as well as three yards of black lace for $1.99 per yard.

I used a pair of shorts as a pattern to trace four pieces of material. I sewed the pieces into shorts and attached black lace to the bottom.

I made the top with buttons beneath the arm on one side that attached to the other side with lace. I sewed a lace band around the top. Then, I sewed the shirt and shorts together.

I had created a custom-made sunsuit for $19.

I'm not sure what I'll do over the break, but I'll be stylin'.