Homemade X-mas Prezzie ((HELP))

I have a bag of old clothes that one of my friends gave to me (size 12, 14 and 16 - UK) she said I could do what I liked with them - coz she know's I'm into crafting!! They are mainly tops - I want to alter some and funk some up for my other two friends for x-mas maybe?

One girl is really small - like an 8/10 and the other is like an 18/20. I was thinking about cutting the back of one top and corseting the back to make it larger for my bigger friend (bigger? who am I to talk, I'm larger than she is!!). I'm still kinda stuck on inspiration... also I am like really broke so I really can't buy any more stuff!!

Was also wondering where I would be able to get eyelets and an eyelets gun, I tried my local craft shop, he didn't have any. I know I just said about not buying stuff, this would be the exception if I want to corset the back of a top for my friend - if it's too expensive though I won't.

Right sorry to babble on, so I need clothing inspiration X-mas style!! And where I could get eyelets and eyelet gun and the average price? Thanks mucho

P.S: Argh whilst typing this burnt my toast :'(

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5 replies since 12th December 2009 • Last reply 12th December 2009

Reply #1:

I've got to make for two girls, one 21 year old and one 20 year old. They are both friends of mine. I think I've got an idea for altering a top, I might try making a skull flower for the other and putting it onto a head band? Only thing is I don't like usin hot glue guns, do you think superglue would work? The head band is plastic!!

Not sure how well they will go though, so if anyone has any inspiriation let me know, both girls love heavy metal/rock music...
The smaller girl is on the quieter side, she likes tinkerbell, Iron Maiden
The other girl is bubblier and loves raving/clubbing/drinking, she likes rock music but is also into some garage stuf too, she LOVES Nightmare before xmas and Family Guy (mainly Stewie and the Evil Monkey in the Closet!!).

I might be able to think of something from that, but any and all suggestions are welcomed with open arms!!

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Reply #2:

Most fabric stores sell eyelets and eyelet guns and they aren't that expensive. I've inserted eyelets without using a gun.
How to:
You need to poke a hole through the fabric where you want the eyelet to be.
Force the eyelet through the hole.
Use a pliers to 'squash' the eyelet. (Maybe you can even use a hammer....)
Results: Squashing the eyelet with a pliers may change the form of the eyelet slightly. Maybe test it on a piece of scrap fabric first to see if you are happy with the result.

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Reply #3:

AAHH thaaaaaaank yoooooooooooou!! I've still got no-where with the prezzies thus far... I'll have to keep looking, I like your technique too!!

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Reply #4:

You could probably get a cheaper eyelet setter from a hardware shop, and they have those punches that will punch through leather.

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Reply #5:

Yaaaay, that's very helpful thanks honey. When the snow has melted a bit I think I shall go and have a look.

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