Toile fabric Lavender Sachets by Doug Caldwell

Handmade Lavender Sachets

by Evin // September 19, 2023 // No Comments

Winter is coming and I love tucking my summer apparel away with a scented lavender sachet. These are also lovely for putting with stored yarn. In addition to its lovely scent, Lavender wards off moths! If there were a knitting... Continue reading →

6 Reasons I Love Second-hand Clothes

by Evin // September 5, 2023 // No Comments

Last September, over on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, I shared daily videos of me sporting second-hand clothing in outfits. I am not doing it this year, but those posts are still up to enjoy and be inspired. 6 Reasons I... Continue reading →

How to Tie-Dye Cotton Shirts

by Evin // May 30, 2023 // No Comments

Though we often think of summer camp and cotton tee-shirts when we remember tie-dyeing, it can be done at home (outside) and with other kinds of cotton fabrics and clothing. For our tie-dye afternoon, we used polo shirts, tees, and... Continue reading →

Choose Upcycled Bedding for Your Next Sewing Project

by Evin // April 20, 2023 // 4 Comments

I recently started sewing from patterns for the first time. Until now, I just made clothes based on measurements and tried them on along the way. It is especially easy for me to do that with alterations. Since most of... Continue reading →

Rainbow Chevron Applique Kids Tee | EvinOK

Chevron Rainbow Appliqué Kids Tee

by Evin // July 21, 2022 // 2 Comments

Into each day a little rainbow shall shine through the clouds to brighten things up. And if the weather doesn’t cooperate, I’ll sew something! This chevron rainbow appliqué kids tee project is being shared today because this weekend marks the... Continue reading →

Handmade Felt Heart Christmas Tree Ornament | EvinOK

Handmade Felt Heart with Blanket Stitching

by Evin // December 14, 2021 // No Comments

I love a bit of sparkle for any holiday, especially at Christmas and Valentine’s Day, but I have two small children and that’s much like having curious cats because knocking things on the floor to see how they bounce is... Continue reading →

Using a patch to mend a sweater while adding character and personality | EvinOK

Using a Patch to Mend a Fine-knit Top While Adding Personality

by Evin // May 4, 2021 // No Comments

In 2006, I bought a lovely classic cream fine knit top to wear as a separate for work. It went with everything and was so soft. When I moved to Ireland from the Silicon Valley, it came with me. Fast... Continue reading →

When a Little Floral Print Goes a Long Way: Altering a Dress to be a Top

by Evin // April 20, 2021 // 2 Comments

Last year, I ordered a fun floral dress from H&M in anticipation of summer holidays we would never end up taking. But the dress got worn at home plenty of times and each time my husband laughed. Finally, he explained... Continue reading →

child wearing handmade tie-dye tee and reading a book with a floppy sunhat on.

Summer Activity: Tie-dye!

by Evin // June 23, 2020 // No Comments

I’m always looking for ways to upcycle old clothes, and tie-dye is the perfect way to bring a new, colourful lease of life to an unworn T-shirt. It’s a fun activity to do with kids too, so it’s a great... Continue reading →

Four handmade face masks hanging side-by-side.

Buy or Sew a Face Mask

by Evin // June 4, 2020 // 1 Comment

I have been sewing cotton face masks for my family’s personal use from fabric and supplies I had already, so I thought it was about time I shared the resources I’ve been using with you as well as some tips... Continue reading →

Sewing a Fleece Jacket for a Puppy

by Evin // September 19, 2019 // No Comments

When a friend was fostering a puppy, she turned to me for ideas on how to convert baby clothes to a puppy coat to help keep the little one warmer in Ireland’s brisk Autumn weather (who are we kidding, it’s... Continue reading →

Cotton project bag for knitting | EvinOK

Sewing a Project Bag from a Canvas Bread Basket

by Evin // September 12, 2019 // No Comments

When I’m knitting at home, I don’t have a yarn bowl but wanted something that would hold my supplies and knitting without breaking when it’s inevitably knocked on the floor by my kids. That’s when I decided to adapt a... Continue reading →

Don’t Fear Hemming a Dress

by Evin // September 5, 2019 // No Comments

I’m afraid of plenty of things from zombie clowns from outer space to mean girl bullies, but one thing I do not fear is making a mistake or doing something wrong. Mistakes, for the most part, can be fixed and... Continue reading →

Updating a Conference Backpack with a Monogram | EvinOK

Personalizing a Thrift Shop Conference Swag Bag

by Evin // August 15, 2019 // No Comments

I have been looking for a basic backpack to use for when I need to carry a bit extra for myself and the kids, but don’t want my purse to feel like I borrowed it from Hermione Granger. I usually... Continue reading →

Turning a too-small dress into a custom skirt | EvinOK

Altering a Too-Small Dress to be a Just-Right Skirt

by Evin // August 8, 2019 // No Comments

A few years ago, I found a dress at a local charity shop (thrift store) and I fell in love with the fabric. When I shop, I look for fabrics first, including fibre content, then fit and size. I can... Continue reading →

Sewing a Wristlet for Knitting On-the-go

by Evin // August 1, 2019 // 1 Comment

I love the idea of knitting on the go with a purpose-built bag that is gentle on my wrist, so I started researching designs and features I prefer. I happened upon this helpful tutorial on Nadel & Gabel (I think... Continue reading →

Reinventing an Eyelet Top

by Evin // July 25, 2019 // No Comments

I love the current eyelet trend and add ruffles?! I found a darling white eyelet top at Penney’s that is 100% cotton and it was when we had those few hot days after Easter, but before I had gotten out... Continue reading →

Personalized Laundry Bags from Pillowcases

by Evin // July 18, 2019 // No Comments

For traveling with my kids this summer, I wanted to make sure they didn’t forget all the household responsibilities they are used to at home. For this reason, I created a personalised laundry bag for each boy to have on... Continue reading →

Easy Cut-off Shorts from Old Chinos

by Evin // June 6, 2019 // No Comments

I have this favourite pair of Banana Republic chinos. I’ve had them for ages (over 13 years). But I just had not been wearing them lately. There was a tiny hole at the knee and they always looked a bit... Continue reading →

Lengthening a Polka Dot Dress

by Evin // April 30, 2019 // No Comments

I really fell hard for this dress from Gap, but felt like the length was just a smudge too short for my taste. But there was no way I could match the fabric, so I started looking for something that... Continue reading →