Altering an Undergarment

If you are a woman and wear tank tops in the summer, you likely have the problem of bra straps that show. I've seen a number of ideas for adding snaps and things to the tank top to hide the straps, but I decided that was too much work to alter all the tank tops. Instead, I altered one of my bras to create criss crossed straps and will wear it with tank tops.

It was very easy to criss-cross the straps and only required sewing two tiny seams.

After you take apart the seams, cross the straps, making sure not to twist them in any way. Note how to thread the loose end back through the tiny buckle on the bra (you might have to use an intact bra for reference):

Then you'll just sew it in place and backstitch a few times at the beginning and end of the seam!

Easy, frugal, and a time-saver over adding ribbon and snaps to all your tank tops!

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Pillow Shams

I made some mini pillow shams for my son's room. He still sleeps in a crib, but I know since he's nearing two years old, he'll be into a big boy bed soon. I intend to get a plain navy comforter for his bed so it matches the fabric I've been using to accent his room. I've already reupholstered the rocking chair and painted a bookshelf for his room. I used the extra fabric from the rocking chair to make two pillow shams for his bed.

I used ties on the ends. The ties are made of t-shirt strips. I cut the strips 2" wide, sewed a tube, and then turned the tube. I knotted the ends.

Guest Post from Sweet Basil

Hi everyone!! I'm Carrian from Sweet Basil. I post about recipes I've found to be delicious or that I've created myself. I also work over at Simply the Sweet Life. A new magazine that is as beautiful as it is wonderful and I'm so excited to be posting on Monkey See Monkey Do! It's such a great site (Hello! Did you see the rocking chair re-upholstery? Awesomeness!) Jennifer was so kind to let me do a guest post and I hope it helps at least one of you out.

I think that one of the best ways to save money is to do smart grocery shopping. This could obviously be a huge post about couponing, shopping sales, staying on a budget etc, but we can talk about that another time. One of the best ways that I've found is to plan out my meals. Every week I post a meal plan on Monday so that you can have all week to get to the grocery store and buy your ingredients. Then at the end of the week (or beginning of the next week if you want to say it correctly) you use the meal plan.

I am a big believer in buying foods and then trying to use the ingredients and leftovers in other meals that week so you don't waste anything. Planning it out means less trips to restaurants, to the store and less over buying which in the end means more money in your pocket.

Here's just one example.

You buy a big ol' juicy roast. Bake it up on Sunday, eat yourselves silly, and have tons of leftovers.

Spice Encrusted Pork Recipe

Then on Monday or Tuesday you turn that delicious pork into Tostadas!!!

Pork Tostadas recipe

And then, if you are anything like my family you will probably have leftover tortillas, black beans etc. You could turn those into something that weekend like,

Simple Turkey Tacos

Red Enchiladas

This time things did end up a little on the Mexican side, but it doesn't have to be. Remember pizza one night could mean using the sauce and mozzarella for lasagna the next or a rotisserie chicken turned soup or chicken salad the next night!

Thanks for having me, Jennifer!! I hope you'll all stop by Sweet Basil and say HELLO!

Toddler Shorts Repurposed from Men's Shorts

I love to make things for my little boy. I wanted to make him some plaid shorts for the summer with a slight patriotic theme (since it is Memorial Day!)

Here's a preview:

I decided to buy a pair of used shorts from the thrift store. They had a missing button. I should've asked for a discount, but didn't. I paid $5. A little steep? Maybe.

Anyway, I used the pattern for flat front pants from MADE. (And I didn't do a whole tutorial, just a few highlight pictures from the process. So visit Dana's site if you want the whole scoop!)

I cut these so I could use the existing bottom hem for the new shorts' bottom hem:

Keep in mind that the front and back of shorts and pants should be a little different, even for kids. One exception is that usually newborn pants can be made with the same pattern for front and back.

Sew the crotch seams up to the waistband. Don't sew down the legs yet!

To sew down the legs, you'll attach the front and back pieces. (No picture for this).

This is what the elastic casing will look like:

Since I did the flat front version, there is no elastic in the front of the shorts.

Trying to get a good picture of my child is difficult. Even with a graham cracker bribe.