Travel: Alonissos challenge!

I've always wanted to visit the Sporades islands during the summer. The past weekend my dream came true! We decided to sail to Alonissos island and participate to "Alonissos challenge" running race (10Km, 30Km). The event is organized every year by the municipality of Alonissos in cooperation with Runner magazine. There's no better place for running than in the woods. The race was an ideal way to see the beauties of the island and enjoy the nature. I will definitely come back next year and that's a promise! 

Patitiri, Alonissos port

Alonissos island belongs to an island complex called Sporades, which consists of 24 islands, 4 of which are inhabited Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros. The archipelago of Sporades is located northeast of the island of Evia. You can reach Alonissos either by ferry from Volos, Agios Konstantinos and Kimi ports or by plane to the neigbouring airport of Skiathos, Skiros and Nea Agchialos (Volos). For more information you can check the official website of Alonissos.

Levantes Hotel, Patitiri

The island offers a variety of rooms, apartments and hotels to rent. We stayed at Levantes hotel in Patitiri. Mrs Lucia made our stay so comfortable and nice! She was always there to welcome us with her warm and nice smile! We felt like home! 

View from our balcony at Levantes Hotel

Chora of Alonissos

The island has a beautiful Chora (the old village) which is located 2km away from Patitiri port. It used to be the capital town of the island but now it's a place with wonderful architectural monuments such as the medieval castle and old churces. The view from Chora is breathtaking!

 

View from Chagiati cafe (Chora)

 

 

Chora has many taverns and cafes where you can enjoy the view to the Aegean sea.

 

Crisi milia, Alonissos

Alonissos is full of beautiful beaches! So pitty we didn't have the time to visit all of them! 
More infos at Alonissos portal.

Agios Dimitrios, Alonissos

In Alonissos there is the National Marine Park of Alonissos and Sporades which is currently the largest protected marine area in Europe! The park is the nature reserve for a series of terrestrial and marine species living in the Mediterranean Sea and especially of the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus Monachus! For more information, visit the Alonissos portal.

Photo taken from http://www.alonissos.gr

Me at Chora

 

 

Alonissos is a truly beautiful island, ideal for relaxed vacations. We had a great time and we met many new friends! I hope to visit the island again next year!

Kisses
Tailor Spy

Lets get nautical - Easy DIY shorts sur mesure!

Ok, I am sure you've seen dozens of you tube videos how to make a pair of shorts sur mesure, but I wanted to share with you my way of making it. I enjoyed the process so much that I've made 4 pair of shorts so far! Now I am wearing my shorts feeling proud that I made them myself. Hope you enjoy this sewing project! (I am a self-taught sewer, so please do not judge me too hard!! I am still learning...)

Photo 1

To draft your own pattern you need a pair of shorts you've got and you like the fitting. You  fold the front part and put it on the pattern paper. You draw its shape on the paper with a pencil and it's ready. You repeat the same process for the back part because it is different from the front side.

Photo 2 & 3

So you end up with two side patterns. One for the front and one for the back. Make sure you leave app. 2cm seam allowance when you cut it. Important notice: this pattern is suitable for stretch fabrics only. Now, cut out the drawing from the rest of the paper and we move on...

 

Photo 4

It's time for some action! Fold your fabric in half and place your paper pattern on it. I started with the back part.

Photo 5

Now cut out your fabric! You must repeat the same for the other part.

Photo 6

Lay the front part together and sew where I've pinned. Repeat the process for the other side too.

Photo 7

After sewing, it should look like this. Ok, now take the front side and the back side and lay the right sides together. Next, sew up the outter leg seams A and B and then the inside leg seams C & D. 

Photo 8

Do not forget to do the zig zag stitching. It will prevent the fabric from fraying. 

 

Photo 9

So, now it is time to make the hem at the waist. You fold the fabric and sew it at the inside part of the waist. You leave approximately 5cm open for the elastic band. 

Photo 10

Pin the elastic band and start passing it throught the tube. To find the suitable length of the elastic band, measure the elastic band around your waist. I simply put on the shorts and set the correct length for my waist. Now, cut out the excess elastic and stitch the two sides. Then sew the open seam and a new pair of shorts is ready for you to enjoy summer!  

Kisses!

Tailor Spy

http://heartifb.com/2013/06/01/ifb-project-98-whats-your-summer-style/

Denim shorts + Lace = Love!

I guess that I am a romantic girl, after all. Yes, I admit that I love lace! But I am also a denim fanatic...What about lace in a pair of denim shorts...mmmm that sounds really nice...wait a minute...what about transforming an old pair of jeans into a brand new pair of denim shorts with plenty of lace...That sounds even better... what do you think? 

Photos 1 & 2
This is how we do it. We take an old pair of jeans (this was quite worn out) and we cut the legs. A pair of shorts suddenly appears! Wow...

Photo 3 & 4

Then, we turn the lace up side down and we pin it on the hem. Next, we stitch the lace onto the hem with our sewing machine (hand stitching is also allowed) and our lace is ready!!!

Photo 5

What I did next was to change the back & front button..It was about time...I used the one shown in the photo..it looks nice...

Photo 6 & 7

This the result...I hope you like it. I was super excited for two reasons: not only have I added a new pair of denim shorts in my wardrobe but I have refashioned a garment which was no longer wearable. This is the joy of clothes upcycling!

 

Top by Zara

Denim shorts by Tailor Spy

Kisses!

Tailor Spy

DIY : Espandrilles Reborn!

Hello diyers!!

While organizing my closet I came across this really old pair of espadrilles...I was ready to give them away and suddenly it hit me! They are the must have shoes for the summer!! They can be worn as beach shoes, in the evening, and they are comfortable through the heat of the day. Also perfect for trips and long walks. I wanted to change them and add some color so I used some scrap Ikat fabric that I have kept...The result is a beautiful almost a brand new pair of shoes. I am wearing them everyday! 

So before tossing your old shoes give them a second chance...you might have a new pair in a few minutes!

Photo 1

This is how my old pair of espadrilles looked like.

Photo 2

All you need is your scrap fabric, scissors and glue for fabrics. I also used some gold cord for replacing the old ribbons.

Photo 3

Place the fabric on the shoe and secure it with some pins. Cut the shape that you will glue later.

Photo 4 -5

Spread the glue on the surface and adjust the fabric that you have cut. Use the back point of your scissors to press the fabric on and wait for it to dry. It takes only 10 minutes.You are done!! 

Photo 6
I added a new gold cord and some tassels on the ankle side. I love their new boho chic look!

See you soon!

Kisses

MikaLina

Enjoy spring with a stunning & stylish DIY necklace!

For this summer the hot trend is the chains in all shapes and colors. Combined with ribbons and crystal beads these  chain "knitted" necklaces can be worn all day long!

I decided to make a big impressive necklace with some chains and easy to find materials! check it out and make your own!

Photo 1

Materials you need: 

Scissors

Pliers

Chains in gold and silver

Ribbons in various colours

Beads 

Lighter

Clasps, hoops and straight "needle" wire

Photo 2

Cut with the pliers three sizes of chains to make the width you want. I made three different chains..

Photos 3-4

Take a look at our past post the "chain mania bracelets" and use the same technique by joining together the chains and the ribbons. Using the lighter "melt" the knot of the ribbon to secure it.

Photos 5-6-7

At that point you are almost done and you will have that look on your necklace.

Using the pliers start passing your beads to finish your necklace. I added some orange silicon thread at the end to give an intense color to my necklace...and it's ready!!! Voila!!

Try it! its easy and you ll get a lot of compliments...Every time I wear it, everyone admires it and thinks that it is an expensive ready-made necklace...xixixi...

Kisses

MikaLina

Part of IFB #96

Awards!

Our blog was awarded twice! We are so pleased about it and we thank so much our good friend bloggers for these nominations. First we would like to thank our good friend blogger Cyclamina (http://cyclamina.blogspot.gr/) for giving us our first Liebster award!!! We are so excited! Thank you Katerina! 

Yesterday we received our second award from our dear friend blogger Despina from http://ohsocutethings.blogspot.gr/  Thank you dear!!  

Here are the answers to your questions... 

1) What made you to start a blog?

We wanted to share our DIY inspirations with all of you out there...

2) What is your blog all about?

Our blog is about wardrobe up cycling, DIY projects and clothes refashions

3) Where do you find your inspiration?

We are inspired by old clothes, new materials and fancy accessories.  

4)Do you prepare your blog's posts in advance?

Yes, we do. Before we publish a post there are many things to be done...from making the actual garment or accessories, to finish the photo shoot and write the text...it is hard work but the outcome is rewarding... 

5)Do you have new ideas for your blog?

Sure we do, follow us and you will find out...

6)How much time do you dedicate to your blog?

It depends..we usually work separately..MikaLina has her own working schedules...I usually work on my projects almost daily.. 

7) What's the best time for your creations?

I prefer from the evening until late at night...

8) What would you like the world to know about you?

We are two dreamers (me and my sister) full of ideas and inspirations...We hope one day to be able and fulfill our dreams...  

9)What are your hobbies?

We love accessories making and sewing clothes, of course. 

Kisses

Tailor Spy 

Denim shirt refashion!

Denim shirts are all time classics but this year are a must-have. Digging up my closet I found this very old denim shirt. It must be over 10 years old. It was almost unworn and in a good condition. I decided to give it a second chance...

Photo 1

This is how it looked like before the refashion. 

Photo 2

I wanted to change the shade of the denim so I put it in the tub and with the help of a small brush I started bleaching it. The more you brush it the more bleached effect you get. Then you rinse it with plenty of water and you let it dry. 

Photo 3

After bleaching the shirt...it is time for the final refashion...I stitched some nice crystal buttons on the collar. 

Photo 4

This is the final look with the crystal buttons on the collar...

Photo 5

I also added some embroidery like ribbon above the pockets to complete the look...

Here I am with my brand new denim shirt enjoying the sun....so, what do you think? 

Kisses

Tailor Spy