Tutorial Tuesday

Well, I'm away from my computer for the week, and it just seemed fitting to rerun one of my most popular tutorials for you on this Linky Party day as I sip cafe au lait in some sidewalk cafe. So, if you haven't seen my Sex in the City Shoe Tutorial you'll need to hop on over there now.




Okay, with no further ado, I'm going to leave you to entertain each other on this Tutorial Tuesday with your own links. I'm not picky about what you're teaching us today - a recipe, a craft, a hairstyle, what-ev's. It's all good. But don't let my tutorial hungry readers down, they need some 'tutes people!



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We Went Out Last Night...

Okay, I have only a few minutes, but I HAD to share my evening last night...

The Big Guy took me into the city for dinner and to see Les Miserables (my all time favorite show) last night. I thought and thought about what to wear and ended up wearing a tan and black wrap front dress with a satin ribbon around my waist. It had a kind of toile pattern and with the the bow tied in the front, it looked French-ish to me.

I had on my black wedge heels when, suddenly, I realized that my Sex In The City Shoes with the ribbons would look perfect with the outfit! It was my first appearance in public with them. I accessorized with my satin evening bag with satin roses on it and my black chandelier earrings and I was off!

In the short amount of time I was in public, not sitting at a dinner table or in the theater, 6 different women approached me to talk about my shoes! About 10 others pointed and whispered or made passing comments (usually quoting Carrie Bradshaw). Each time I raised my foot and said, "I made them!" and explained how to do it. After awhile, The Big Guy said "Is someone else talking to you about your shoes?!"

So, I call our first outing in public together a success. Boy, do I love a cute pair of shoes.

"Hello lover..."

Tutorial Tuesday - Shoe Make-over

LoveMaegan posted a plea to help her create her own version of this Christian Louboutin shoe last month (this shoe IS hot).

So, I posted this idea:


Little did I know that I would lay awake nights, dreaming of creating this shoe! Come on, girl, let's Re-do your shoes:

Supplies:

Shoes with an ankle and toe strap (you could even do this with a flat sandal, don't be afraid)
Ribbon
Coordinating Needle and Thread/Sewing machine
Scissors
Pins
Matches

I pulled out an old pair of shoes from my closet (these were a TJ Maxx special about 4 years ago). Really, any shoe with an ankle strap would work.



I decided to work with a wide, black grosgrain ribbon. I already have plans to use suede, satin, linen, or even tulle (like Maegan did) for additional options with color and texture.

Begin by measuring, on your own foot, the length of the ribbon you will use a base (apologizing in advance for the bunion):



Fold the ends of the ribbon over the straps and pin in place, then sew (you don't need a machine for this).


I used a contrasting thread to show the stitches:


See how your ankle strap slides right through? At the bottom I stitched it in place, but if I'd had any Velcro I would have sewn that to the bottom to make it removable.


Now, begin cutting the ribbons for your loops. I used 5 ribbons, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 4 1/2, and 5 inches in length (cut two of everything of course). It is really important to burn the edges of each raw end of ribbon to avoid fraying.


Now stitch each length into a loop. (You might be able to glue this)


Here is your collection of loops:


Now begin to attach each loop, overlapping, onto the base ribbon. Begin at the bottom:


The four ribbons should be sewn onto the base like this:


Now, leave your smallest loop round and tack it, from the inside bottom, onto the base ribbon, like this:


Tada! You really could match any dress with one basic strappy sandal. Imagine if these straps were a nude color...the possibilities!!!


These would dress up a simple black dress or spice up some jeans.


Carrie Bradshaw would approve: