ThreadBanger Forum Intro's

[Remki]

Since there's no introduction thread or forum around here, I thought I'd start one so we can all get to know each other a little more. Personally the community is the whole reason why I stick around a forum, so I love to know more about the people on it.

Anyway, I'll start:

Name(s): Remki, often called That One Annoying Person Overthere
Age: 19
Etsy/Website: Stone Lion Designs (http://stoneliondesigns.etsy.com) (not up until after the move), Earthbound (http://www.iridiansea.net) (returning after the move)
How long you've been sewing: By hand since I was 10 or so, and on machine since I was about 17.
Why DIY:

I started with just wanting to add a personal touch to my favorite articles of clothing when I was younger. I'd add something to it that I thought looked good, or takes off something I hated, make it shorter or fix it if it tore or the seams came out. Then I got into cosplay (yes, I am a cosplayer, if that means anything to anyone) and started making full pieces of clothing. Well, obviously it wasn't long before the brilliant idea that I could make my own clothes to actually WEAR day to day hit me. I'm so smart and original and not slow at all, yeah. It was a brilliant idea because my idea of fashion is not the mainstream idea of fashion, nor even the off-mainstream idea like goth or punk (though I have elements of it). The bands I want on my t-shirt never make t-shirts of themselves, and if they did I probably couldn't afford them. I made myself a Boondock Saints tee before anyone thought of selling some at Hot Topic. I took costuming 101 in my first year of college and am hoping to continue on with some costuming classes, since I loved that one.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My awesomely awesome brown moleskin vest with checkered lining that goes so well with my thriftstore newsboy cap.

Favorite DIY Tip: Check out THE COSTUME TECHNICIAN'S HANDBOOK (third edition) by Rosemary Ingham & Liz Covey. Great information on everything from setting up your own sewing room (called a costume lab in the book, but the idea is the same) to patterning/altering clothes, adapting "pulled" (found) pieces, dyeing fabric, and even making hats, shoes, and other accessories, plus a lot of little tips and tricks that costumers use to keep their costumes in good order, like using vinegar mixed with a little water to get rid of persistant odors. Everything is easily used in reference to making your own clothes.

Other Random Tidbits: I love every kind of music, from Gogol Bordello, Rilo Kiley, Heather Nova and Frente to Nuevo Flamenco, Traditional Japanese folk and foreign electronic hybrid. I draw a lot, do a webcomic called Earthbound, study biology, drink a lot of tea, am in the middle of a move to Hawaii, and love to swim but am alergic to chlorine.

Okay, your turn, guys. You don't have to do it like mine (I'm an anal arse about orginization). Just tell us about yourselves.

[FenderNeedles]

Names: Fender, Needles, FenderNeedles, Fenderic, Eric, whatever you want to call me.
Age: 14
How long have you been sewing: i sewed a pillow like 4 years ago in school, and i know there is a machine somewhere around this house.
Why DIY: I'm tired of seeing people with the same clothes as me. It just frusterates me for some reason.
Random: I'm in like 4 bands. I can sing and/or play guitar/bass, and when I'm not making music, I am listening to it. I play Halo frequently. I hang out with my friends a lot. I always hate the way my hair looks.

[balloon]

NAME: Christina, some people call me Chainsaw.

STUFF: weird. neurotic. 18 year old chick, living in a religiously oppressed bubble. My thought patterns do not follow those models of other children. you know that part in A Clockwork Orange and the nurse asks Alex to say what first comes to mind when looking at the flash cards? its like that... although i'm not homicidal. i bake cookies instead.

WHY DIY: ready-made clothing is the equivalent of a white wall.

HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN SEWING: on and off. probably about 6 months total. i just finished a semester sewing class that i loved.

[The Barold]

Name: Barry, I prefer The Barold

Age: 28, I prefer 20

Why DIY: Can't ever find anything cool enough, also tired of all these shirts made for the hXc(hardcore) kids.

How Long Have You Been Sewing: I've never really learned to sew, but I will learn!

Favorite DIY Piece: My spray paint screenprint shirt

[Coffee]

Name: Uh... Just call me Coffee. No, seriously.
Age: 22
Website: None
Why DIY?: Because it's important to have a feeling of self-sufficiency, and also because I'm against the disposable culture which is currently the norm.
How long have you been sewing?: Dunno. Only starting seriously trying to do stuff about 3 years ago. All machine, I can't hand sew for anything.
Favourite DIY piece: home made Checkerboard Lucha Libre mask.
Favourite DIY Tip: Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Random: Uh... Cheese Grater. Toaster Oven. Laaaaaaaard.

Also, I make a damn fine Chile.

[KrystalKairi]

Names: Kayla
Age: 14
How long have you been sewing: uh... fairly long time I guess, my grandma does so it just happened
Why DIY: I can't travel to the States everytime I need some clothes no one else is wearing, if I love a shirt I don't want other people wearing it
Favorite DIY piece so far: Uh... either the bag I just made the other day or one of my refashioned t's
Favorite DIY Tip: Pretend that extra hole or that bright coloured thread was supposed to be there.
Other Random Tidbits: I play keyboard, am vegetarian.... uh.... I dislike bananas?

[gollygeeitsbee]

hey guys:)
first off, i wanna say how excited i am to be featured in the threadbangers blog and newsletter.
i <3 threadbangers :D



Name: Bianca Carrera or some call me Bee
Age: 17
Where can you see my stuff?: www.myspace.com/bees_retro_purses (http://www.myspace.com/bees_retro_purses):)
[[[[[i need to find a new name for my stuff:confused:]]]
How long have i been sewing?: i started when i was 14, one random boring day during the summer and i just sat down at my moms machine and started sewing, and now its my passion. i have generations of crafters in my family though, tracing back to my great grandma. just following their footsteps :) i hope to improve my skills though, and move on to making actual full clothing. and hopefully someday own a small shop with all my handmade things
My first lovely creation: i had this BIG supermario mushrooms t-shirt that i loved but hated wearing because im small and the shirt was big. so i cut it up, and somehow it ended up turning into a purse. i still have that baby to this day, so many people have wanted to buy it from me, but its off limits :)
Why DIY?: i like using my creative juices for something, and im into fashion and clothes alot, so i try and make do with what i have. im a bargain junkie, so i try to reuse what i can and make it into something new.
Favorite DIY piece: i'd have to say that i love them all, its hard for me to make something for someone, i always end up wanting to keep it:p
Random tidbits about me: i used to sell my stuff at a booth at an antique mall, it was the best ever. i love thrifting. i cant wait to get a camera so i can post a video on my "favorite thrift store finds." im absolutely in love with the 80s, you got anything related to 80s that you make you tell me coz im interested :) i love going to concerts, i love music. ummmmm.....i work at Spencers, its a fun place:) i guess thats all about me!



p.s. i overuse smileys....baha.

[naturals_not_in_it]

Name(s): Anthony
Age: 17
How long you've been sewing: Well not long, still learning :)
Why DIY: It's fun basically, and it's great to wear something you've customized/created, that no-one else has, and have someone ask you wher you got it from. I guess i also couldn't find a lot of (affordable) stuff i liked.
Favorite DIY piece so far: My first actually. It was a jumper with a print I didn't like, so I cut up some old t-shirts, sewed them over the top (with some very dodgy stiching) and then drew all over that with some fabric markers.
Other Random Tidbits: I dont really make or creat clothes so much as i thrift for things I like and alter them. I'm kind of a movie buff who hasn't seen a lot of movies. Love Daria, buffy. Haha, escapisim i guess :p thats pretty much it.


And just in response to Remki I love cosplay, I've never actually cosplayed (and to be honest know very few anime or manga), but still have to admire some of the amazing costumes people create.

[superdoofus]

Name(s): jared
Age: 31
How long you've been sewing: off and on since i was about 14.
Why DIY: i went to art school for furniture design and did a lot of upholstery (and welding and woodwork) and, while making a project, i realized that i could use the sewing machine for hemming my pants. then i realized i could remake clothing in different material. i haven't done much in the last 8-10 years or so, and this show rekindled my desire to make my own stuff and alter things i get at the great flea markets here in new york city.
Favorite DIY piece so far: the fancy suitwool curtains i made for our office.
Other Random Tidbits: rob and corrine are in my office today and are literally 20 feet away from me right now![/namedrop]

[starrcollector]

Name(s): Erin
Age: 19
How long you've been sewing: erm... I don't really sew on a usual basis (and, I think the last time I used a sewing machine was about 4 years ago) but I want to start again.
Why DIY: why not? Ever since I've been home from college, I've been in this crafty mood, and I've decided to make a habbit of it. So, that's what I'm here for. The awesome knowlege of DIY that you all have (and share) maybe I can get some stuff going soon. And, quite frankly, stuff you make yourself is WAY better than anything you could buy in a store.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Honestly, I haven't done a whole lot... but I've been making hemp necklaces (I really like the one I made with the shroom charm...)
Other Random Tidbits: I've been lurking up to this point... but, I thought I might as well say hello (me? motivation? I think so!)... so, "Hello!"

[kallekelly]

Name(s): You can call me Kelly.
Age: Nineteen.
Etsy/Website: Don't have an Etsy, but I do have a myspace (myspace.com/kallekelly) and a youtube (youtube.com/winklie).
How long you've been sewing: I've been handsewing as long as I can remember (though you'd never guess that by looking at my hand sewing, ha ha ha), and started taking sewing lessons from a friend who happens to be a master seamstress a few years ago. I'm just now finishing the 'intermediate' set of classes and projects, and moving into advanced.
Why DIY: I've always been an artsy person, for one thing. For another, I have a very hard time buying off the rack.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Umm... I don't know.
Favorite DIY Tip: When you're learning something or trying a technique for the first time, buy your supplies cheap and don't worry so much about making something useful. That way, if it doesn't turn out, it's not such a big loss.
Other Random Tidbits: I ballroom dance and sing opera, but not simultaneously. I have a cat, a bird, a rabbit, four dogs, and fourteen guinea pigs. One of my worst habits is starting a project and not finishing it.

[Ian]

Name: Ian

Website: http://ianjenkins.net and http://ian3.net

Age: 24

Why DIY: Because I love making things, and having a physical result to your work rocks hardcore.

How Long Have You Been Sewing: I've only sewn a few times, and I doubt that I'm very good at it.

Favorite DIY Piece: At the moment, my skateboard, once I master the stencil of course.

Favorite Hobby: Photography/Design

[Lassjus]

Name: Lasse

Website: I have a website, but it is so ugly :S Working on a new one now.

Age: 21

Why DIY: I think it is cool when something you wear is home made, and looks good.

How Long Have You Been Sewing: For a couple of years. Not sewing much, but I re-tailor my shirts to fit better, as well as my t shirts and sweaters. I made my own car seats (i did never finish)

Favorite DIY Piece: T shirts. Still working on some new ones.

Favorite Hobby: Photography, film and design.

[NotFromThisPlanet]

Name(s): Jenn
Age: 20+
Etsy/Website: NotFromThisPlanet@etsy
How long you've been sewing:my mother taught me how to cross stitch when i was in the first or second grade. My skills are still the same lol.
Why DIY: why not?
Favorite DIY piece so far: i havent sewn anything that i can remember in a long time, but my upcoming project is personalizing an old tshirt. id like to make it into a tube top, or maybe a purse.
Favorite DIY Tip: save stuff, you never know when you will need it.
Other Random Tidbits: i am unorganized. i like to hum songs to myself when im bored. i love candy. i love to search for recipes.
:)

[Ska Lover]

Name(s): Faith
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: Dont have one but I've always wanted to sell what I love doing
How long you've been sewing: About 6 or more.I sew by hand but I just got a sewing machine :)
Why DIY: I didnt want to buy costly band shirts that I didnt really like in the first place.I like expressing myself and this is a great way to do it

Favorite DIY piece so far: A Reel Big Fish shirt I made with paint and a homemade stencil or the Nofx jacket I made for my boyfriend

Favorite DIY Tip:I like the stenciling tip.Where you print out a picture in black and white and cut out the black I'm getting pretty good at it

Other Random Tidbits:Three great loves Music, my friends and color.My four favorite bands are Reel Big Fish,Modest Mouse,The Faint and Blink-182.Im a Unitarian Universalist.I love bright bright neon colors.I dont like school.

[Coffee]

Jury's still out on whether or not you can wear a homemade band T to said band's show.

[Xander]

Name(s): Xander
Age: 20

How long you've been sewing: I'm an assistant costume designer at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa (woo!) and started sewing after my first design class. I've always been into altering things, mostly with sharpies and paint :3

Why DIY: Being a Theatre/Dance major and Art minor explains it all.

Favorite DIY piece so far: my messenger bag made out of an old sofa cover

Favorite DIY Tip: I like to cut/sew/glue randomly to see what happens, then make a project out of it. That's only handy if you're working with cheap materials, hahaha.

Other Random Tidbits: My favorite form of dance is Contact Improvisation, ask me about it if interested! I'm a huge video game/anime/musical theatre nut. I'm also studying abroad next year in Nagasaki, Japan!

[dysenchanted2]

Name(s): Allison
Age: 18
Etsy/Website: livejournal (http://dysenchanted2.livejournal.com/)
How long you've been sewing: I learned how to sew on machine around the age of 12. I didn't really get into sewing until I was 15 though.
Why DIY: My first DIY clothing were actually made while I was part of the costumes crew for our school play. I think that's what really opened me up to love DIY so much because almost all the costumes for our school plays were made by the students on the crew and the quality is as good if not better than store bought costumes and tons more original. I also got into costumes/clothing design in the process and I find it hard to find exactly what you want in your own clothes hanging on a rack in a store, so I thought, why not make it yourself?
Favorite DIY piece so far: I don't have tons to choose from, but my favorite is probably this gorgeous black gown that's part of my senior project collection. It isn't as complicated as some of my other pieces, but the pattern on the fabric is beautiful. It was the first piece I made without a store bought pattern so it has a lot of sentimental value as well.
Favorite DIY Tip: Making your own dress form. I've been saving up money to buy my own dress form, but it's so much cheaper to just pick up a couple rolls of duct tapes and a big t-shirt. Plus the dress form will end up fitting my measurements better. I was so excited when the topic came up on threadbangers.
Other Random Tidbits: Shopping is somewhat ruined with me. Now I always look at clothes and think, "I could make that." And so I'm hesitant to buy most things, and even think about ways I could change styles of clothes before I buy them. I'm also often thinking up designs to make that wouldn't be very sensible for every day wear. It saddens me to give up many of those designs, but as a student who will be going to an expensive college soon, I have to save up on money and making clothes that I may never get a chance to wear would be foolish of me.

[Nath]

What's your name? You can call me Nath.

How old are you? Not that old. 16 in earth years.

How long have you been sewing? Um, I made (meaning haphazardly frankenstitched together) a blue plush iguana in 3rd grade art class. He was named iggy.

Why the DIYness? Lots of reasons, actually. A plethora. It's recyling the old for the sake of the environment, it means having clothing you know wasn't made in a sweatshop, it's artistic expression, it's putting in a lot of work (and poked fingers) to end up with something you actually use/wear, and it's having clothes nobody else has that to me at least are freaking awesome and one of a kind.

What's your favorite creation? I would say my 'lucky 13', which is all the cool slogans and bits from 12 old unfitting shirts stitched onto one plain white and fitting one.

Anything else you want to say? I think I can play 7 instruments, I think I can write poetry, and if I could be any animal I would be a sea otter. I also really want to do some tshirt stencils but need to gather the resources, any tips are very welcome!

[shewolf]

Name(s): Shewolf, Jo
Age: 21 and holding...so far, for 7 years ;)
How Long have I been Sewing : seriously, 4 years. On and off for close to 20
Why DIY: I like working with my hands, and I hatehate getting rid of perfectly good clothes becuase they don't fit for some reason
Favorite piece: *shrug* I don't know. Probably my skinny jeans
Other Random tidbits: I have 3 kids, and married a guy that looks just like Dave Mustaine *purrs*

[Number09]

Name(s): Sam, Number09
Age: 18
Etsy/Website: http://number-09.livejournal.com
How long you've been sewing: I got a sewing machine for Christmas 2 years ago, but I've been hand sewing since I was REALLY young... Giving a kid a needle probably isn't the best thing to do but meh.
Why DIY: Mainly because it is inexpensive! ...and because I need something to do with all those old costumes (also a cosplayer) and old shirts and stuff I have stashed away in boxes in my closet. AND because customization is cool (something as simple as a patch or a pin goes a long way)
Favorite DIY piece so far: I'm in the process of making an laptop/messenger bag. One that's already done: jazzing up my wallet with markers... just a purple/black checker pattern.
Favorite DIY Tip: Ummm... Experiment? If the two patterns you used didn't go well together, there is probably someone out there that likes it... (gift for them!)
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a musician... not a sewer. The seam ripper is my friend.

[Jelfish]

Name: Eric

Age: 22

How long you've been sewing: Occasional hand sewing about a year doing simple mending, machine sewing for about 4 days!

Why DIY: I like being able to do things for myself; a satisfaction from self-sufficiency, as Coffee said. I enjoy doing things that allow for artistic intention. I'm also rather poor being a recent college graduate, and DIY allows me to be creative and save money. I also like DIY because it gives me control over what I am doing, which is satisfying even if my abilities are not great.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Most of my DIY projects so far (there are not too many; I'm a newbie) are alterations of my current clothing. I did, however, make a pillow case out of an old bed sheet that I'm proud of, even if it wasn't very difficult or creative (one of the first things I made with my new sewing machine).

Favorite DIY Tip: From my short experience doing alterations, I find that it's very helpful to rummage through your wardrobe and take out clothes that you probably won't wear again and experiment with them without hesitation, even using them as fabric for other projects. Thrift stores like Good Will are great for getting new clothes that you can alter and add to your wardrobe. This way, your wardrobe will evolve, you'll gain more experience in altering/DIY creations, your closets and drawers won't be filled with unused clothes, and you won't be spending big bucks. Oh, and you'll be the hippist guy/gal on the block.

Jel

[Damascus]

Name(s): Melissa, Damascus
Age: 15
How long you've been sewing: I've hand sewn things for quite awhile and about a month ago I got a sewing machine. I don't handsew much anymore.
Why DIY: When I go shopping I usually don't find anything I want. So it's much easier to make it myself. Plus, it's a good way to use old clothes that have been sitting in my closet for forever.
Favorite DIY piece so far: My bag that I made. I think it was from episode ten. It has music notes on the outside and stars on the inside.
Favorite DIY Tip: Don't be afraid to take risks.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a big My Chemical Romance fan. I'm very clumsy. My room is always messy. I'm an overall nerd.

:)

[MamaSasss]

Name(s): Morgan, MamaSasss, MoMo, Morgana
Age: 26
How long you've been sewing: I used to make geometric pillows when I was in school for geometry class. I was homeschooled, by the way. My mom used to make clothes for my sisters when they were younger and one of my sisters makes quilts. I also worked in the costume shop when I was in college. I've been doing the sewing thing off and on for a long time basically. I'm trying to get back into it more steadily now.
Why DIY: It's just another creative venue for me. Plus I'm just tired of waiting for other people to make things that I like. Might as well DIY.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I've really been into making silk screens since seeing the Threadbangers video on it. It's been an addiction of mine the past few weeks. :)
Other Random Tidbits: I love vinyl records, elephants and theatre. I got a USB turntable for Christmas and just got it working (finally) a few weeks ago. It pretty much rocks the casbah.

[GeriBerry]

Name(s): Geri, GeriBerry, Geraldine
Age: 21
How long you've been sewing: Actually, I haven't started sewing yet. It's horrible, I know, but I've been too busy (lazy, intimidated, etc) to start cleaning/organizing my new apartment to create my own crafty-happy corner. I would go on, but I would start making excuses. I have however been crocheting off and on for a few years. All I know how to make are scarves though... heh. Anything else I try I either horribly butcher or give up on. Doh.
Why DIY: I have a huge bin of clothes I can't bear to throw away, and I spend my day at work thinking of ways to use them.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I made a tank top after episode 4. It's quite cute.
Other Random Tidbits:
-I've been a member of these forums since June 6th, and this is my first post! I'm a bit of a lurker, but once I get my $hit straight, I'll be posting my projects and all that.
-I have a 17 month old, 95lb labrador retriever, who is presently lying on his back and kicking his legs in the air. I swear, he does it to amuse me. My dog is the love of my life, but don't tell my boyfriend that, haha! :)

[emerald]

Name(s): Emerald
Age: 21
Etsy/Website: none yet
How long you've been sewing: by hand since i was maybe 7 and i've been machine sewing since I was 10 and I just got a serger 3 years ago

Why DIY:
When I was a kid my mom used to sew a bit, I remember she made a few dressed for me back in the day and stuff like that, and my dads always got DIY projects on the go, but more along the lines of making shelves or tables and what not, so I guess I got it from both parents! I just thought it was fun and cool to make stuff, especially as a kid because there are so few younger people who are sewing, at least, none that I knew! And then in highschool it was more than I couldn't find things that fit right and shopping was beginning to become a chore and so I started taking things in to make them fit right, or altering them completely! Now, when my friends are cleaning out their closets instead of taking their stuff to the local Goodwill, they drop them at my place so I get first FREE dibs! It works out pretty good!

Favorite DIY piece so far: probably the top of the dress I wore to my highschool prom, it just sorta wraps around a few times, and then ties up, but its sexy, oh and my sandal socks! socks, with no toes, for dorky people like my self lol, who want to wear thong sandals with socks!

Other Random Tidbits: I not only sew, but I've been crocheting and knitting since I was 6, I'm working on some designs to incorporate them together in a few pieces. And I love robots! I was on my highschool's FIRST Robotics (www.usfirst.org) team for a few years and I'm still working with the team but from a 'mentoring' role now, its awesome stuff!

[miss.green.tea]

Name(s):
natasha, tasha, moorose, green T (tea), hey you
Age:
13 yey~~~
Etsy/web:
haha none worth showing >___<... but i do have a deviantart incase anyones wondering o___O none too special tho
How long I've been sewing:
weeell by hand for a really long time (I've been making stuffed animal plushie things since i was 6 or so)... with a machine? THREE DAYS BABY *WOOOOOOOOOOOOT*
Why DIY:
heck i just love that feeling of exhiliration you get after making somethign with your own hands. i've been *trying* to make useful things in EVERY aspect of the craft world since forever and just recently i came across DIY fashion~~~
Favorite DIY piece:
probably mah nuuuuuuuuuuu ipod cover/case thingy. well... and all the jewelry i made and still wear
DIY tip:
use anything that looks kinda cool. i keep a box in my closet (which i dubbed the "junk box") that i fill up with random objects that may be useful ---like empty spools of thread, pieces of seaglass, springs, random little pieces of metal that look cool, little mirrors, candy wrappers(the foil ones), corks, bottle caps, leftover cloth etc--- and sooo... that's pretty much it!!!
Random tidbits:
i can also knit, i make jewelry-both beaded and wire, i've made a few woodburning projects, i took some painting classes before... i'm interested in japanese and korean culture, watch some anime, read some manga, enjoy japanese and korean music as much as american... well... russian and french too lol. o yea, i'm russian and i can speak a little french (just a leeeeeeeeeetle bit), i dance pretty intensely (mostly ballet), i have a cat, i have a brother (younger), and i like chocolate WOOOO
AND I PLANTED GOURDS YEY

[theinnocent9]

Name: September, TheInnocent9
Age: 22
(Web)Blog: http://www.SeptemberSon.blogspot.com
How long have you been sewing?: Well Since I was 11, my grandma is a dressmaker and my mother sews as well, so I was kind of born into it.
Why D.I.Y.?: Because I am picky about what I want to wear, because I usually picture a certain dress, blouse etc. that I want to own/make. It is wallet friendly, and fun to have something unique and the possibilites are endless to what you can make.
Favorite D.I.Y. piece: I have many, but I am most proud of my steel-boned corset I made for my prom in high school.
D.I.Y. tip: Invest in some glass-tipped straight pins. Unlike regular straight pins that have the plastic ball that you handle the pins with, these glass pins are great for pressing material that is difficult to hold down, since the ball tips won't melt under the heat. It helps to iron in pleats, hems, and pintucks.
Random Tidbit: I'm also a photograher, amateur make-up artist, and wire jewlery maker, but sewing is the only hobby I have had the longest. :D

[ShannonHeichel2]

Name: Shannon
Age: 18
I've been sewing for about 4 years..
i've been in 2 fashion shows wearing things i made

[CaptinMcCracken]

Name(s): Chase
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: No Etsy (yet);) but I do have a myspace. myspace.com/chemicaldude001
How long you've been sewing: I can't really remember I always stitched square pieces of scrap fabric together when my mom busted out her sewing box. I never did anything big nor played with a machine.
Why DIY: I DIY because I hate corporately produced crap, also for the sense of accomplishment when your finished and when people ask me where I got that shirt I can say I made it. I have a hard time buying clothes because it doesn't catch me or its expensive. Lastly I DIY for the same reason I won't go near a pair of Nike's, sweatshops.
Favorite D.I.Y. piece: Probably these pant I'm working on right now. I'm really excited to see how they come out.
D.I.Y. tip: Before you go out to buy craft supply check around the house for alternatives.
Random Tidbit: I love music, some of my favorite bands are My Chemical Romance, Underoath, The Used, and Mindless Self Indulgence. None of my friends or family know I DIY (yet). I sleep sometimes.

[spunky_miss_sunshine]

Name(s): Chloe, spunky_miss_sunshine, whatever you wish. =D
Age: almost 14
How long you've been sewing: Since age ten, but it's been on and off for a while
Why DIY: Because I have a weird body type, and I really like wearing things that I made myself because I like a whole mess of things, and to combine it makes me happy. =D
Favorite DIY piece so far: Definitely my camoflague skirt I made a year ago. It looks really good on me, but my mom hates it. (YES!)
Other snazzy things: Well, I'm a new vegetarian, I like music and art, and of course, fashion. I'm a bit of a nerd, and that's alright with me.

[KrystalKairi]

Name(s): Chase
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: No Etsy (yet);) but I do have a myspace. myspace.com/chemicaldude001
How long you've been sewing: I can't really remember I always stitched square pieces of scrap fabric together when my mom busted out her sewing box. I never did anything big nor played with a machine.
Why DIY: I DIY because I hate corporately produced crap, also for the sense of accomplishment when your finished and when people ask me where I got that shirt I can say I made it. I have a hard time buying clothes because it doesn't catch me or its expensive. Lastly I DIY for the same reason I won't go near a pair of Nike's, sweatshops.
Favorite D.I.Y. piece: Probably these pant I'm working on right now. I'm really excited to see how they come out.
D.I.Y. tip: Before you go out to buy craft supply check around the house for alternatives.
Random Tidbit: I love music, some of my favorite bands are My Chemical Romance, Underoath, The Used, and Mindless Self Indulgence. None of my friends or family know I DIY (yet). I sleep sometimes.

Omg MSI rocks <3

[DBXP]

Sup everybody! Heres my info!

Name(s): Dave, Doombox, and some names I'm not sure are family appropriate...
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: http://freewebs.com/doomboxproductions
How long you've been sewing: I don't sew much but I've been technically doing it all my life.
Why DIY:

I have two reasons why I diy:
1) Commercial products suck!
2) I have no money what so ever...

Favorite DIY piece so far: I have a military-like jacket that has misc. spray paint stencil art on it.

Favorite DIY Tip: When cutting point the knife AWAY from you. More of a cooking tip, but I learn the hard way one day what happens when you disregard that rule when cutting stencils

Other Random Tidbits: Um...I play guitar (for 3 years now), love film making, love making stencils, HUGE video gameing fanatic, from Texas, listen to anything I feel like (which is mostly metal, but I'll listen to other stuff easy as long as it's not rap...and if it is it actually has to be either old school or really good), just an ordinary teenage dude who diys...

[coconut_sowhat]

Name(s): Melissa/Moe/Ari (don't as me why)
Age: 16
How long you've been sewing: not too long, still kinda learning from my mommy :)
Why DIY: Because i dont like spending alot of money on clothes (seriously, it hurts...) and they never fit anyway, not to mention the "style"s.

Favorite DIY piece so far: right now its the royal blue & white floral print jumper that I should probably put some facing into...

Favorite DIY Tip: Old sewing machines just FEEL better gosh darnit!

Other Random Tidbits: I'm pretty sure im gonna be either a spy or a master thief when I grow up. (or an illustrator, wherever the winds roll me. im a rebel, a rogue, no status quo can tame me!) honestly, I think I may be insane :p

But more seriously, I'm from Texas, Live in Washington DC area now. Im Black/Cherokee, and i love painting/drawing on the computer. I love all kinds of music (seriously) but not top 40 (cant do it). I honestly dont know what I want to do when I get older because im pretty good at alot of things (not to brag).

[pinoyblaze]

Name(s): Karlo
Age: 19
How long you've been sewing: amateur but got the basics down, about a year or two
Why DIY: cuz creativity is to the soul as DIY is to... i the soul??? uh ha i'm not good at this haha

Favorite DIY piece so far: punk outfit i made for my friend, came with a safety pin accessories and matching tote

Favorite DIY Tip: you can make patches out of everything!!! I've saved my favorite pair of jeans doing this.

Other Random Tidbits: I think Cats read my thoughts O_o

From the Bay (East Side San Jose) my wisdom teeth r coming in and it hurtz, my jaw is swollen. Ally my friend is sitting next to me freaking out because of a quote on quote "Kitty" I love thrift stores ^_- oh so fun.

[DBXP]

Other Random Tidbits: I think Cats read my thoughts O_o



You can't get anymore random than that.

Welcome Pino, glad to have you here.:D

[ladyjanewriter]

Name(s): ladyjanewriter

Age: mumblemumblemumble...OK, 35. :D

How long you've been sewing: Hand-sewing since age 11, but want to tackle my machine. Actually, I want to punch out my sewing machine, b/c we have a huge misunderstanding. Actually, I want a new machine that sews it for me and makes me a latte'.

Why DIY: 'Cause my gramma did bridal alterations and made really cool clothes/costumes for a bunch of us, and I know it can be done cheaper and better than the fugly crap that's on the racks!

Favorite DIY piece so far: I managed to re-con this skirt from a much longer skirt, and hand-sew the lace to the bottom hem...and when I tried it on, it didn't look wonky and stupid, YAY. Also, the day I learned how to do a rolled elastic waistband changed my life. Seriously.


http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/760913330_b18d3e7faa_m.jpg

Favorite DIY Tips:

* Nail scissors are way easier for me to use than a seam ripper.

* Ask around for fabric and thread - ppl are ALWAYS trying to de-stash their fabric stash, and someone always has a relative who passed away who used to sew.

* Go to Nursing Home White Elephant Sales. Prices are seriously much better than thrift stores.

* If you find a wholesale warehouse of fabric at cheap prices, don't tell anyone you don't like. Keep the goodies to yourself and your close friends. :rolleyes:

* Use beeswax or a white candle stub to wax your thread if you're hand-sewing. Or, even a white birthday candle. It makes the thread tangle less, and you will be less pissed off in general. Just pull/drag the thread along the edge of the wax, then use your fingertips to warm up the wax and pull it down the thread so it kind of "soaks in" and coats the thread. It should feel like waxed dental floss, sort of.


Other Random Tidbits: I tap dance. I take from M.A.D.D. Rhythms in Chicago - www.maddrhythms.com (http://www.maddrhythms.com)

[pinoyblaze]

You can't get anymore random than that.

Welcome Pino, glad to have you here.:D

Seriously though... they can, why doesn't anyone believe me?!

Pino huh? that may grow on me ;)

[oldsoul]

Hello,

I've been lurking for a while but I love the show and had to get to know the rest of the folks.

Name: Jan
Age: we wont' discuss that, let's just say that I'm probably old enough to be your mama
How long you've been sewing: years and years
Why DIY - It's the norm in my family - everybody makes something, sews, crochets, knits, etc. How can you function without being creative?
Favorite DIY piece so far: Love them all
Other Random Tidbits: glad to see the younger souls getting into DIY

[pinoyblaze]

Hello,

I've been lurking for a while but I love the show and had to get to know the rest of the folks.
Other Random Tidbits: glad to see the younger souls getting into DIY

Welcome Jan!!! Always open to learn from said "older" crowd too >_< you must be a gold mine of DIY experience!!! :D

[Create and Destroy]

Name(s): Rob...from threadheads
Age: 26
How long you've been sewing: not that long...if it wasn't for Corinne i'd still be usin safety pins
Why DIY: Because we need to re-claim our identities,creativity and communities or we will not survive.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Punk Rock Tye Dye
Other Random Tidbits: A quick Thank you to all of you for hangin out and watchin the show. You inspire us everyday and we wouldnt be able to do this without you.

[fifilafoo]

Name(s): Fiona, fifi, fifilafoo, squirrel.....fish...(I go by many names..)
Age: 19
Etsy/Website: Crooked (http://stoneliondesigns.etsy.com/) (not up)(myspace....)
How long you've been sewing: not been sewing ..I will eventually...very badly....hehehe
Why DIY:
I first came across mounds and mounds of DIY on ebay and they're so cool and on myspace so I've always wanted to make them. I am also a graphic designer so I'm still learning things and I want to explore rather than just staying on digital designs. I also want to explore more than just diy t shirts

Favorite DIY piece so far: Erm was a t shirt I sold, blue with a digital skull and stars... it looked mroe space invaders though =o

Favorite DIY Tip: hit the stores for sales! try to get a multi buy offers and get many sizes if you plan to sell on. Ebay is only good if you don't know any good places near you to sell your needs (no need to say to be honest)..and... for painting on t shirts I actually used sticky back plastic it works some but finer detail is difficult and it will become loose once the paint soaks in

Other Random Tidbits: I love japanese fashion of ALL kinds, its hot. I love food...I incorporate food into my designs alot...mmmm....

[megziewoodles]

Name(s): Megan. Or you can just call me Death.
Age: 18 and several months.
Etsy/Website: N/A. I have an Elljay and an Instructables account where I post anything I finish, though.
How long you've been sewing: I took a sewing course a few years ago, I haven't done much sewing, though. I'm more into knitting/crochet.
Why DIY: It's cheaper, duh! I'm not stuck following the same trends as all the sheep are. Plus, it's far more fun.
Favorite DIY piece so far: My TARDIS. I crocheted a 5cm high TARDIS that lives in my bag.
Favorite DIY Tip: Do everything as cheaply as you can manage without compromising on quality?
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a bit of a geek. I often get inspired by sci-fi and maths. I can solve the Rubik's cube in 1 minute and 40 seconds. I'm learning to program and actually enjoying it. After I finish my Harry Potter cosplay outfit I'm gonna knit some 8-bit socks.

[Dr. Q.]

Name: Mike
Age: 14
How long have yo been sewing: Not very long mabye a year... but willing to learn more
Why DIY: I absolutly hate it when someone else has the exact same clothes as you! + I like to make stuff
Fav DIY piece so far: screen printed zombie tee
Other Random Tidbits: I am cinda a geek like megziewoodles (long name by the way) only I like horror stuff but sci-fi's kool 2

[pinoyblaze]

After I finish my Harry Potter cosplay outfit I'm gonna knit some 8-bit socks.

I <3 cosplayers!!!! heheh :D

[MissMalaprop]

Name: Mallory
Age: 24
Location: New Orleans, LA
Etsy/Website:
dismantled.etsy.com (http://dismantled.etsy.com)
www.dismantled-designs.com (http://www.dismantled-designs.com)
www.MissMalaprop.com (http://www.MissMalaprop.com)
How long you've been sewing: I got started sewing during high school when I'd make costumes for theatre shows I was in. I started experimenting with reconstructing my old clothes and it snowballed from there. I'm pretty much entirely self-taught, DIY, figure-it-out-yourself. I'd love to take some formal sewing classes though, to learn how to do things the "right" way. (I suck at working from patterns.)
Why DIY? A. it allows you to express yourself and have a totally unique style that is entirely yours alone. B. whether it's making your own clothes, buying vintage or thrifted goods, or buying from indie designers instead of the big chain stores, it's all better for the planet and better for your soul. You can know where your clothes come from, and know that you're not contributing to unjust labor practices or adding to our landfills.
Favorite materials: denim, buttons, sequins, anything vintage, recycled, reclaimed
Favorite DIY piece so far: I'm pretty proud of the outfit I made out of FEMA blue tarp (http://www.etsy.com/view_transaction.php?transaction_id=5148064) for Etsy's upcycling contest

[strawberryeggs]

Name(s): Nathan
Age: 23
Etsy/Website: Do not have one.
How long you've been sewing: Umm, well, I'm starting/learning today (stopping by mom's ;) ). I've become inspired by watching the show!
Why DIY: I live in a small place where a lot of the "fashion" here comes from the mall. While I try to get as much stuff that catches my eye as I can from other means, DIY seems so appealing and rewarding right now.
Favorite DIY Tip: The ones I'm reading. ;)
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a musician, writer and nerd. I've had quotes from reviews I've written (on anime dvds) show up in press releases and even the cover of DVDs. ^^;

[iamtyping]

Name(s): iamtyping, Chered, Ed, Chelsea
Age: 17
Website: I soon hope to put up my designs on my myspace: http://www.myspace.com/edwardtivursky as soon as I find my camera.
How long you've been sewing: I've been cross-stitching since forever, but I've only sewed on a machine.
Why DIY: Because I take satisfaction in knowing that without ME, this piece of clothing would have NEVER existed.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My detached denim sleeves. ^^ I love detached sleeves. I don't know how many times I'm going to say it.

Favorite DIY Tip: If it doesn't turn out the way you planned, it's probably cooler now.

Other Random Tidbits: I LOVE music. I LOVE band. I was in theatre. My favorite color is green, followed by purple and orange. I've been drawing since I was 14 or 15 and I've only recently started to actually try to make my designs. And my mom HATES it. ^^ I originally wanted to be a veterinarian, but if this whole design thing goes well, I might open up a shop selling my designs. We'll see what happens.

[rawrwar]

Name(s): Nick
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: Etsy is rawrwar, Facebook search Nick Jessen (live in maryland, in picture im wearing glasses and doing an asian peace sign!)
How long you've been sewing: ... I guess not too long, never seriously though, but I intend to change that haha
Why DIY: I've always DIY'd in other are as all my life, started with my dad being an architect and of course with LEGOS, but it just occured to me in the last year that clothing is an amazing outlet for expression and creative design, and also one which you can make money from very easily =]
Favorite D.I.Y. piece: Um so far ive only really made an armband which i do like (maybe i can post it?...)
D.I.Y. tip: Always save thigns of button size or slightly larger that have any interest or value to you or the 'image' you are trying to create for yourself, whether they metal bottle caps with a turntable on the back, or a piece of some older electronics that is getting tossed (RIP my stereo... I'm sorry i killed you trying to mod you...)
Random Tidbit: The Eels is probably one of the best bands ever,
but among others i like are the White Stripes, Viva Voce, and Queens of The Stone Age.
Music=Life=Drawing=performing=singing=all that shit...

[lasira]

Name(s): lasira...L.a
Age: 21
How long you've been sewing: hahaha since i was 7yrs old.i ask my mom to buy me my very own barbie...sorry mom:p.
Why DIY: making your own stuff(which you can be proud of) and not having to sit right next to someone with the same clothes that you are wearing(boy...im glad that never happend to me:rolleyes:)and having your own identity.
Other Random Tidbits: interior design student...thinking of making DIY as a business...inlove with incubus and brandon boyd's drawings...i love kids...and a rockin kindergarten teacher:p

[Load3r]

Name(s): Ken, Load3r (but never out loud *shudder*)
Age: 24
Flickr: neglected (http://flickr.com/photos/load3r/)

How long you've been sewing: The details are fuzzy. I know I was first entranced with the bobbin winder on my mother's sewing machine. I think I patched up my first pair of jeans in grade 6 or 7.

Why DIY: There is nothing I want to buy from stores. Oh and being a broke college student doesn't hurt. I never created, or really altered anything ( besides pants -> shorts ) until the last few months. Now I am energized and excited to have a wardrobe I can be proud of! Oh and being pretty tall but not large can make it difficult to find nice fitting shirts at thrift stores.

Favorite DIY piece so far: bleached Sonic Youth t-shirt ( <3 discharge paste )

Favorite DIY Tip: Move to the big city! I had no idea about the insane amount of stuff people toss out right onto the sidewalk! Heaps of random clothes, cool eclectic furniture, sealed food, all kinds of paint. Even a P4 2.4ghz computer that I'm using right now was tossed to the curb (because windows 2000 didn't load up all the way, so dumb!!!).

Other Random Tidbits: Massage Therapy Student. Skateboard. Currently enjoying much deserved freedom after the brutal tyranny of a bad relationship. Experimental hummus technician.

[TEo]

Name: Teo
Age: 20
(Web)Blog: http://teo-papi.hi5.com
How long have you been sewing?: I learned to sew when I was 7:cool:...from my mother.
Why D.I.Y.?: cheaper, cooler, unique, better:p
Favorite D.I.Y. piece: I love them all!!!:p
D.I.Y. tip: Just do it!!!
Random Tidbit: I love music, spending time with my friends and with my dog...

[crazydaiz]

Name(s): Nicole, Nikks, crazy
Age: 16 for now
Etsy/Website: do not own one as of yet
How long you've been sewing: for about two years. but only recently is it for reasons other than halloween
Why DIY: I hated what the "man" was trying to sell me. So i decided to go my own route and not do what everyone was hadto follow
Favorite DIY piece so far: my flanel wallet. just finished it 4 minutes ago
DIY Tip: Don't throw away anything. You can always find a use for it
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a total geek. the video gamer cult movie loving type....and maybe a bit like the carnie type:D

[sewittogether]

Name(s): Mooch. ( Danie)
Age: under 13
Etsy/Website: still trying to figure out something i can put on it!
How long you've been sewing: 2 years
Why DIY: Its cheap and its fun!
Favorite DIY piece so far: um.. let me think... have i finished any?? Oh yes , my...... cut class not frogs t-shirt.
DIY Tip: Don't let your sewing machine get too overheated. It will have a meltdown.
Other Random Tidbits: My bff: my stuffed kitty
my fav color is emerald green
my fav thing is the show Wicked
The worst thing in the world is inchworm season.

[Sacha]

Name(s): Sacha
Age: 18
How long you've been sewing: Ever since I was a little kid. I would knit and sew with my grandma lol.
Why DIY: Its fun.
Favorite DIY piece so far: pantera pillow and my black shorts.
DIY Tip: Always try to finish what you started, or you will end up with a bunch of half finished projects everywhere.
Other Random Tidbits: I played euphonium.

[ryanmoore]

Name(s): Ryan , Sunshine, fatty, fathead,
Age: 15
How long you've been sewing: istarted in like6th grade ( 4 years)
Why DIY: why not..... clothes are expensive, why pay $4,000 for a cheap tasteless purse when you can make one out of whatever fabric you want and whatever style you want, that also includes clothes , and most clothing and fashion designers dont even design the stuff , they hire people
CAN YOU SAY ""RETARDED""!!!!!!!!!!!!
Favorite DIY piece so far: my messenger bag, made from an old backpack, a belt, and other random patches, buttons, fabric etc , or my tshirt quilt

my t shirt quilt ( it took me a week to make)
http://i13.tinypic.com/4l6kymq.jpg


my messenger bag

http://i17.tinypic.com/5ymx250.jpg
http://i17.tinypic.com/4yyw19s.jpg
the strap
http://i14.tinypic.com/4utt16c.jpg





Favorite DIY Tip: if you like it, who cares what someone else thinks
Other Random Tidbits: i might be opening my own clothing business soon
my brother might be giving me his professional screenprinting equipment, and im gonna use it to print on skirts, shirts, dresses, bags, etc
I LOVE WILLIAM SLEDD!!!!!!

[furiouselgeorge]

Name(s): Furious works for me ^.^
How long you've been sewing: Pre-school. Honestly. Maybe with blunt needles and really ugly fabric, but yups.
Why DIY: I love getting to say "I made it!" when someone asks me where I got something cool. I made crafts when I was little, sewed a nightgown that I absolutely adored when I was like, 8 or something, moved on to jewellery that I sold for a while, then I started making changes to bags, clothes and stuff. I had friends asking me to alter jeans (shorten, turn into skinny...) and then I found thread bangers =D

Favorite DIY piece so far: My nightgown. After I didn't fit it anymore, my mom gave it away to someone else =( but it was so perty. It had teddy bears on it.

Favorite DIY Tip: Every single mistake is an opportunity to make something different.

[Miss_Gagarin]

Name: Stéphanie
Age: 30 on paper, 25 in my head
Location: Sherbrooke, Québec

How long you've been sewing: More than 20 years... My stepmother says that when I asked to use her sewing machine, she told me I could use it when I'd knew how it works. She says that I then took the owner's manual, read it entirely, and used the machine...

Why DIY? It's self expression, exclusivity and style. It's recycling and cheap most of the time. How many tons of clothing are thrown away for a small stain or hole?

Other Random Tidbits: I'm a compulsive student, I have a bachelor degree in science and doing a second one in engineering right now. My actual favourite band is the Breastfeeders (www.lesbreastfeeders.ca) and I recommand them to everyone (don't be afraid by the fact that they sing in french). One of my Ipod is called Frankenstein 'cause I ressucitated it from 2 dead Ipod parts. My 2 cats are devilish creatures.

[pinoyblaze]

My actual favourite band is the Breastfeeders (www.lesbreastfeeders.ca) and I recommand them to everyone (don't be afraid by the fact that they sing in french).


haha not afraid, they sound good :P sure I have no idea what they are talking about but so what ? haha :D

[Nikkichiwa]

Name(s): Nikkichiwa, Nicola, Danger nic, Nikks, hey you in the bushes.
Age: 18 (for now!)
Etsy/Website: do not own one as of yet
How long you've been sewing: Interesting story really. Basically everything i injure myself I get the sewing bug again. It started when i broke my leg (the first one, the first time. I've broken both my legs, my left one twice.) when i was seven. My nan thought me to knit. then in home ec I learned to use a sewing machine. and I have been making bits and pieces here and there (often by accident) ever since. But in the last week I torn my crewsal (sp?) ligament and have been housebound sewing again with a little inspiration from you guys :) oh and I just inheritted my first sewing machine. His name is Merritt and we're very happy together
Why DIY: why not? I'm a creative person and I'd like to show it. Plus I'm not a clone of you sheep So I'd prefer not to look like it! that and its cheap clothing and entertainment in one. What more could you want?
Favorite DIY piece so far: ummm my accidentally customized jansport backpack. I got paint on it and then when a little crazy with spray paint trying to cover it up! opps. Or the dress i wore to my 18th birthday. It was made out of a stolen jury's inn hotel flag! (purple with a massive jury's logo. shhh don't tell on me!) it was literally made by wrapping me in it and some safety pins.
DIY Tip: Keep a crap bin with old clothes you or your friends don't want and also throw other things of possible use in there, e.g. old laces ribbons, flags!!! Keep an inspiration book. If you see something that gets you thinking write it down or draw it out. at least that way you'll remember and you'll be able to think clearly!
Other Random Tidbits: first off yay for MCR and my fellow sewing MCR fans :D. I'm anyone interesting in designing me my first tattoo? I would do it myself but i know i'll get sick of it and will claw my flesh raw trying to get rid of it later. lol. I'm from Ireland! its rainy. the arsonist has oddly shaped feet. and I cut and dye my own hair. I'm currently waiting to go bye me some more pink!

(oh god, i ramble!)

[timmys_girl]

Name(s): Kayleigh
Age: 19 on Tuesday
How long you've been sewing: Always been interested in crafting since i can remember with cross stitching latch hook making, jewlery making a customising.
Why DIY:
I think that its great to be able to make your own things because you can make them just how you want them to be and if your not happy with something you can change it or make it better. Some things can be so simple. ITS SOOOOOOOOO ADDICTIVE.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Definitely my couple of pieces of jewelery that i have made especially my first piece i have learnt so much and have really surprised myself at my ability/

Favorite DIY Tip: Definitely play ahead an draw what you imagine it to look like first before you make it cos then you can improve it as you go along. And also patience is the key.

Other Random Tidbits: I love music and film abit of all types really. Because i work at the local cinema / movie theater i get in to see the films for free so i can see basically what i want when i want.

[rae]

Name(s): Rae
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: No DIY stuff on it yet, but here's my LiveJournal: http://musiclovesme25.livejournal.com
How long you've been sewing: I've had very little experience with sewing -- teddy bears, pants, shorts, pillows -- for only about 2 years.
Why DIY: Originially, I just liked the feeling of accomplishment and the individuality. But recently, I've started to really dislike new fashion at department stores and store chains targeted at people my age.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I really like painting custom t-shirts using stencils.
Favorite DIY Tip: Keep even very obscure pieces of fabric, you never know when you'll need it.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a music fanatic, as well as a big Harry Potter fan. I blog regularly and am pretty friendly so feel free to IM me or check out my LiveJournal.

[erinairout]

Name: Erin
Age: 17
Website: No DIY one, but here's my myspace: http://www.myspace.com/9305751
Why DIY?: I hate things with brands all over them. And I'm really ridiculously cheap. And I like being creative, I guess.
How long have you been sewing?: On and off for a few years.
Favourite DIY piece: My patchwork denim/pinstripe skirt. I also made a really long beaded necklace that I loved but my cat broke it :(.
Favourite DIY Tip: I don't know. I guess I like to buy things that most people would find hideous, and make them my own in various ways.
Random: I too am a music geek.
Check out my band: http://www.myspace.com/irisbandillinois

[guess who]

Name: kris,monkey, squirt,kya(my fav.)
Age: 15-16
Web: kinda new to this stuff.
Why DIY: i love to be me and show that in what i wear.
How long...: forever, no joke!(6 years). i was in girlscouts for 9 years and went to every church, sewing, event. i have a small old machine(need a new one) so i usally sew by hand. not always the best.
Favorite DIY: all of it. it's mine and i can't decide. i have more desgins than project done.
Favorite: be you and make your style, but your parents wont agree
Random: im me.love music was raised on all of it (hardly any rap), i am a great singer and always love the weird parts in songs(the noises),i love to draw and paint, and i like guys who know what they want(in a good way)and who are willing to stand up for what they belive in......(write), my family thinks im weird, and im a J.V cheerleader.

[Stefaknee]

Name(s): Stefanie
Age: 16
Etsy/Website: My myspace? www.myspace.com/iheartandheart (http://www.myspace.com/iheartandheart)
How long you've been sewing: I started off sewing by hand also when I was around 9 0r 10. I got a sewing machine for my 15th birthday.
Why DIY: Because nothing in the stores fits, or looks right. I want to be different.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My red & white hoody.

Favorite DIY Tip: Practice definitly doesn't make perfect, but it helps. D=

Other Random Tidbits: I'm not good at talking about myself. D=<
I would love to be a makeup artist for my future career.

[uvreactive]

Name: Helen.

Age: Fifteen.

How long you've been sewing: I've been sewing little pincushiony things since my mum trusted me to to kill myself with a needle, and I started doing big projects when I was 13.

Why DIY: I don't exactly love stuff that's in fashion right now... I'm not a skinny jeans and logo shirts kinda person. I do it because it saves me money: I can buy a $5 tshirt and put my own design on it rather than buying a $12 tshirt that I think is cute but not perfect. I'm confident in my abilities as an artist so I like seeing my work on my clothing. Also, I adore the feeling of answering the question of "That's such a cute shirt! Where did you get that?" with "I made it myself."

Favorite DIY piece so far: It's a tie between my crimson chinese-style shirt that I made in 7th grade that sadly doesn't fit me anymore and my reconned 60's blue and white dot dress that I wore to a band concert I had a solo in. I looked snappy : D Or maybe my hair (I cut it myself).

Other Random Tidbits: I love almost any genre of music, especially jazz, ska, and melodic metal (and can get a little elitist about it sometimes... but I try not to) and I play the clarinet, piano, flute, trumpet (badly), and guitar (even more badly). I like good literature, mainly satire and a little fantasy. I'm a Unitarian Universalist: props to you if you know what that is : ) I love coffee, philosophy, Macs (I'm a little bit of a geek software-wise), play FPS's even though I'm a girl, and use too many commas and parentheses. I love action movies, James Bond/Matrix/Boondock Saints/Ocean's style. I don't eat anything with a nervous system. I'm also a bit of a grammar/spelling/pronunciation nazi.

[sarathelaundress]

Name: Sara
Age: 41 (yikes!)
How long I've been sewing: I learned in junior high school, took a long hiatus (I like to knit), then came back to it recently. If I have to have the machine out to sew merit badges and patches on my son's boy scout uniform, I might as well do something useful for me!
Why DIY: As a single mom, it's imperitive that I stretch a dollar. Patching and refashioning goes a long way. And you can build in your own style along the way! Win-win.
Where you can see some of my stuff: http://www.flickr.com/photos/slwagner/sets/72157601252785514/
Random stuff: I'm getting into doing costuming stuff thanks to a certain movie and TV show, I'm a devoted mom, I have a dog that I adore and spoil the crap out of, I love music and movies, you can check out more here: http://www.myspace.com/sarathelaundress, I love thrift store shopping, I like to cook, etc...

I've been finding this site to be very inspirational. Nice to meet you all!!!

[stephy ann]

Name: Stephanie...or stephers or stefaneffles
AGE: 18
How long have i been sewing: well back in the day i stayed with my grandma alot and she was always sewing/making something....so i asked her to teach me...we made a sundress,pillows, pants...anything...she ended up buying me my first sewing machine...and then in my senior year of highschool i took a sewing class and became very good! so i guess i've been sewing for about 4-5 years..
Where you can see my work: http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x119/missamerica7268/churchanddiyprojects040.jpg...i'm in photobucket
Why DIY: i'm a college freshman and don't have all that dough....need i say more?
Favorite project: the babydoll top i had for my friend!
DIY Tip: imperfections are perfection!

[Maluro]

Well... first of all .. hehe i know my english is not that good and sometimes is hard to explain myself in english since is my second language.. sooo... sorry if i make any mistakes (i know i will XD)

Name: Maria Lucia... everyone calls me Maluro
Age: 15
Website: None
Why DIY?: Because i like being original and doing stuff. Looking different and showing others what you can do. Also for gifts and to sell (i used to sold wristlets at school)
How long have you been sewing?: mm... alone? like... a week ago :rolleyes: i haven't really sew by hand and i just found mom's sewing machine. She is gonna teach me how to use it... for now i just know the basic things about it and i hope the laptop thingy i'm doing turns out well :)
Favourite DIY piece: mm... a scarft i did (yes.. i "sew" with to neddles.. grandma like... but i just know how to do scarfts lol) and well... i guess the laptop thing will be my favorite when i finish it.
Favourite DIY Tip: Don't be afraid to make mistakes.
Random: I like riding horse but i did had MY horse so i play tennis now (not that but hey i hit the ball !!). I love photography and film making and... mmm.... the last years i've being making jewelry (hard word to spell >.<) everything.. earings, necklaces, wristlets. Arround 2 years ago i learned how to do scarfts and i'm doing some for christmas :) ... I love my dog and... mm... i'm from Colombia (yes ColOmbia)

[smugsmilz]

Name(s): Jenny but I go by JV.
Age: 28
Website: http://thecraftwench.wordpress.com/
How long you've been sewing: About a year and a half with the machine.
Why DIY: Why not? Why pay someone else to make something you could?Favorite DIY piece so far: Everything I make. Im still tickled pink that most of it turns out. I thought for the longest time that crafting or sewing in general hated me. Favorite DIY Tip: If all else fails, super glue.

[Cacophany_cat]

I only just noticed this little intro section, so let's give it a go :)

Name(s): Jodie, or Cacophany_cat and often Kitten

Age: 20

How long you've been sewing: Hand sewing badly on and off for numerous years

Why DIY: Well, it started out with thinking up little creatures in my head which later took form in fabric. I DIY because I like to create often sentimental gifts for friends and family. In terms of clothes it all began with early teenage years of very baggy jeans and getting scissor happy. I also DIY because often what you buy in overpriced boutiques can be made cheaply, organically, in good spirit and with a sense of achievement at the end, by hand with love.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Not clothing but I recently made an extra long, extra cute sock monkey for a friends daughter who has recently been lovingly named Chloe.

Favorite DIY Tip: If you don't have minions to hold your pins for you, get a pin cushion, don't hold them in your mouth, unless you want a piercing...

Other Random Tidbits: Gamer, student, bartender. Into music, games, literature, synthetic hair, body modification, hanging out with friends and making a mess with bodily fluids...

I'm also currently living in Clovis, CA for 3 months with my s.o and heading back to the UK (my home country) in September to finish Uni until I can move out here permanently.

Ok, it's late and I'd write more, but for now, enjoy whilst I cuddle with Hello Kitty :p

[hellolonely]

Name(s): Carrie
Age: 14
Etsy/Website: http://justgottakill.deviantart.com Photography =]
How long you've been sewing: Since I was 7-ish. I never did it often, I'm more interested in it now, though.
Why DIY: Why not?

Just kidding. It's fun and you can show how creative you are. And I don't like throwing stuff away, so I can always change old stuff to new stuff. Yay.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Nothing really special, just small purse from old jeans.

Favorite DIY Tip: Never throw stuff out, ahah.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm a music junkie xP My favorite bands are Paramore, The Academy Is..., Aiden, and so much more. I'll listen to anything, really. But I have my preferences, obviously. I adore writing and web designing as well as photography and I'll be a freshman in September (yaylol). Erm...I've always wanted to go to Australia, too. Hehe. ^^

[DBXP]

Other Random Tidbits: I'm a music junkie xP My favorite bands are Paramore, The Academy Is..., Aiden, and so much more. I'll listen to anything, really. But I have my preferences, obviously. I adore writing and web designing as well as photography and I'll be a freshman in September (yaylol). Erm...I've always wanted to go to Australia, too. Hehe. ^^

OOOOOooo! LADIES AND GENTLEMEN WE HAVE A FISH!

But seriously good luck in high school (heh you'll need it:p) and I like your photos! Quite an eye you have!

[glass__onion]

Name: glass__onion
Age: um, well i watched time be created so ya....
Website: none (yet!!!)
How long you've been sewing: i've sewn on and off since 3rd grade. every time i hav to retaught from my mom. he. but now im keeping it up.

Why DIY?: cuz i hate pretty much watever is in style. not only cuz they, but also i want to be different. and its fun. and it keeps me busy wen im bored.

Favorite DIY piece so far: hm. prob my messenger bag made from old pants:http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=269

Favorite DIY tip: wen thrift shopping, never look at the clothes. look at the clothes' pattern and/or fabric.

Other random tidbits: i am a crazed beatle fan. fine, just stare at me like everyone else does! *sob* and yes im jk. for those who hav the good sense to back away from me slowly wen im bored and going crazy (like now) i applaud you! i think i'll go craft something now.....

[achro.matic]

Name: you can call me "achro"
Age: 14
Website: no DIY's, but i have a deviantart page http://sentiment-machine.deviantart.com/
How long you've been sewing: I don't know....i didn't start any big projects until a few days ago... but in 5th grade i started knitting a scarf, which i neglected to finish until 8th grade.
Why DIY?: I love art- in many forms. :) anything creative and made with your own two hands. it gives me a great feeling of satisfaction....its hard to explain....it's fun! I like to make things, i guess. (I'm bad at explaining my thoughts...) Oh! and also because i found such a friendly communty :o when you ask for help, someone actually notices you...and... and it feels like....an internet family! (rofl sorry it popped into my head suddenly :p)
Favorite DIY piece so far: i haven't made many things, but it has to be this one: http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=867
Favorite DIY tip: don't be afraid to experiment, you can learn from mistakes and improve.
Other random tidbits: *I didn't expect so many threadheads my age and even younger! It never came across my mind...*i love dinosaurs, apples and robots*I'm allergic to raw apples and simular fruits, but I can eat them cooked or canned...*I'm an insomniac in the summer...it's 2:16 AM right now* i like anime and manga* I'm a girl.....

[Plasma]

Oh wow.

I never saw this.

Name: Plasma
Age: Why don't you bet on it?
Website: Well. There is my youtube. www.youtube.com/user/PlasmaP (http://www.youtube.com/user/PlasmaP).
And my DeviantART. http://PlasmaP.deviantart.com
How long you've been sewing: About 2 days. Fun.
Why DIY?: Cause I hate popular kids and they're fashion.
Also I love art.
Also I love sewing.
Also I love creating things.
Also I love to love things.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Well, no real favorite. But I reallly want to make one of these: http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=679
Favorite DIY tip: Don't put your hand underneath the needle of the sewing machine.
Random tidbits:
I'm almost legally insane
Yay!

[suburbanjungle]

I never noticed this either. XD
Name: Meredith [I go by Ping, mostly, but I answer to many things. Dith, Mer, M, Hey you, you with the face...etc]
Age: 15
Website: I have an Etsy, but I'm not selling anything on it...yet.
Sewing for...about a month I guess.
Favorite DIY: I don't have one yet, I'm still working on some projects...but if I had to choose, definately my incomplete Curious George skirt.
Why DIY? It's a wonderful way to be original, be green, have fun, and learn alot *shudder* while having fun. >>; That killed me with all the cheese.
About me! Lesse...I'm going to be a sophmore taking too many "AP" classes for a lazy bums liking so we'll see how that goes. I can never have too many tshirts, cds, socks, books, or cookies. I love drawing, painting, and all aspects of music. I play guitar, bass, bari sax [the really big one...], and a little piano; I'm a music junkie too...I've got a million "favorite" bands...
I love knitting, sewing [hand sewing is aggravating, but it's alright when your s.m. isn't working..], thrifting, reading, writing, blah blah blah.
So there. Me in a nutshell with a lot less of the abnormality. XD
Oh, and - YAY FOR NEARLY LEGALLY INSANE PEOPLES! w00t. *high fives Plasma*

[Plasma]

Man.
None of the originals are on anymore.
I have no seniors...

[ampan_92]

Name(s): Amanda Smith
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: http://www.myspace.com/lescadavresDIY
How long you've been sewing: since i was 12
Why DIY:
I like being orginal and unique and when people ask where did u get that being able to say nowhere i made it!

Favorite DIY piece so far: pretty much all the skirts i made and this one sweet purse
Favorite DIY Tip: be orginal duh

Other Random Tidbits: I love Horror Movies Psychobilly ,Rockbilly and Punk Music , I like going to shows and coming up with new stuff to make

[miss.green.tea]

Man.
None of the originals are on anymore.
I have no seniors...
I'M ON!!! REALLY I AM!!! stupid school... *yells at school*

am i even an original? i was on here like waaay back when there were like 40 members on the forums instead of... howevermany there are now...

[Jelfish]

I was thinking, this thread should be stickied or perhaps moved to the chit-chat board.

[ladyjanewriter]

I was thinking, this thread should be stickied or perhaps moved to the chit-chat board.

Hm...Maybe I can do both? Let me see...

Shoot! Nope, I don't have the authority to do that.

I'll touch base with the other mods to see if this can be 1) moved to chit-chat, 2) stickied.

[ryanmoore]

Hm... stickied.

Istickied .


all this talk about sticky makes me want some sticky rice!!!!

[Plasma]

Yums!

And thank you green tea! I must say that others (fender/ others) except for maybe coffee and stuff haven't been on in a while though..

[miss.green.tea]

Hm...Maybe I can do both? Let me see...

Shoot! Nope, I don't have the authority to do that.

I'll touch base with the other mods to see if this can be 1) moved to chit-chat, 2) stickied.

oops haven't been on in a while.. i could have seen this sooner :o

i can move this thread to chit chat since that seems reasonable~

but i'm not sure i'll be able to sticky it once it gets there... i wonder if it works if i "pre-sticky" it?

anyway, it will be moved~

[miss.green.tea]

woooo i moved the thread but i'll need ladyjane to sticky it~

USE YOUR MOD POWAHS WITH MEH!!!

wooo yay mod powers

[Spazzy]

Name: Brittany
Age: 16
Etsy/Website:
How long you've been sewing: On and off since I was 6. I'm getting back into again.
Why DIY: The mall bores me. :p

[dreadly_dearest]

Name(s): Dreadly (from my obsession with dreadlocks) && Meg
Age: 17
How long you've been sewing: Since i was five. My aunt taught me to sew and I made a horrably disproportinate apron for my grammy (althouigh she still wears it).
Why DIY: I hate dressing like everyone else, I always have and I've found that the whole short girl who sctually has a butt thing isn't too popular now-a-days so it's difficult to find clothes for my body type. I guess I just prefer to make them, plus it's fun and if you recycle materials you're not only avoiding intence pricing, but its good for the environment too! xD
Favorite DIY piece so far: i made a pretty little purse that I'm sure I'll never use because I never use a purse, but it's really pretty to look at.
Favorite DIY Tip: go crazy with your work, if it looks bad in the end just tear it up and make something else out of it.
Other Random Tidbits: uhh.. I've kinda been creeping along the site for a while, not really saying much of anything so I think it's about time i actually.. you know, became an actual part of the site.
Me... i luuurve color, you can never have too much!

[Emmajb]

Oooh I don't think I've done this yet! haha

Name(s): Emma
Age: 19
Etsy/Website:
How long you've been sewing: Since I was 12. I took a sewing class in grade 7 year. At the time, I wasn't that big on it, but the love was re-newed in grade 11 sewing, where I took out all my frustrations on my projects. XD haha
Why DIY:
It's just more fun that way. I like putting in some effort into crafts and things, so why not make it into something I can wear? Plus it always feels good when people ask you where you got something and you can say "I made it" <33
Favorite DIY piece so far:
My favourite is my flowy hippy top that I made. It's white with rows of gold beads near the top, and embroidered flowers on the shoulders. <33
Favorite DIY Tip:
Don't be afraid of hand-sewing.
Other Random Tidbits:
I'm really into music <33. This can be for better or worse. Really. I can be too curious about music. Once I downloaded Kevin Federline just to see what it was like, same with Paris Hilton. Not my cup of tea. D: haha Sometimes people are kinda surprised when I say that I'm doing criminology in school (they expect me to in fine arts XD), haha.

[Wombat]

Name(s): Wombat, Kristofski, Chris.
Age: 23
Etsy/Website: www.kristofskikabuki.com (my music)
How long you've been sewing: My mum used to make clothes so I kinda learnt from her. I'm more into knitting these days though.
I like dressing up and I make very strange creations, mainly for performance. I play electro pop music. My shining glory is a tiger hood I made which has a matching tail, people always love that. Knitting is what I do most of though.

Looking forward to diving into the forums!

xx

[bjababy]

Name: Darvonna ( yes thats my real name) often called Dar, vinni, or on occasion Darvinni ( i just prefer dar though if anything)
Age: 15 ( till september 26th I'm turning 16)
How long you've been sewing: By hand since i was like 6 (still not too good at it) and by machine for only 7 months or so.
Why DIY?: Um I've always just liked doing things myself and feeling a sense of accomplishment when i made something myself that i could actually use.
Favorite Diy piece So Far?: Um it would probably have to be the pajama shorts i made in fashion and interior design class because they were the first things i ever had that went from some fabric from walmart into something i could wear.
Other random tidbits: Um i can't really think of anything right now. Um im a junior and im a bit into drama and what not and i love rock music at the moment i most listen to H.I.M but i also love Green day and MCfly and alot of other random bands. I have one really good friend which is about the only friend i have thats ever worth mentioning. http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/bjababy/medeagain.jpg
Im on the left shes on the right, Shes like my sister from another mister and i love her to death ( that was at a sleepover we had and we just decided to dress up wit her clothes and loads of makeup). Um I'm really into animals. So if anyone finds any patterns for small dogs clothing let me know ( yes I'm weird like that lol ) http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y155/bjababy/IM000741.jpg
This is my puppy ( the pic is a bit big so sorry bout that) Um i love photoshop, paintshop, animation shop, gimp, gap, all that fun stuff and um i think thats about it for me.

[Emmajb]

What a cute puppy! She doesn't look like she's gonna get much bigger. :O

[bjababy]

What a cute puppy! She doesn't look like she's gonna get much bigger. :O
thanks ^.^ shes like the size of the average weenie dog ( seeing as shes half dachshund half papillon)

[mirrorrorrim]

Hello, Threadheads! I'm Sharon, AKA mirrorrorrim, AKA Mom or Hey You. It's my pleasure to be part of the older generation of DIYers. I was making jean skirts out of old jeans and patches back in the early 70s, and am proud to say I don't cater to "fashion", whatever that is. I wear what I want whenever, and if I made it out of something else, so much the better!

[jackierocket]

Well, I may as well finally de-lurk!

Name: You can just call me Jackie, or Jack
Age: 40ish
How long you've been sewing: As long as I can remember. I still fear my machine though.
Why DIY?: Same as most folk here. I refuse to spend an outrageous amount of money on a silly t-shirt with a lame logo. I refuse to spend money on something that everyone else has. I dislike looking like the mainstream. I grew up with punk rock, and that's just what we did. We didn't question it.
Favorite Diy piece So Far?: Oh my, there have been so many. A bustle skirt that I created out of a huge swing skirt in 1987. I paint straw cowboy hats. Just adding little touches of lace, beads, skulls, etc to thrift store finds.
Other random tidbits: Ladyjane got me hooked on Threadbanger and after reading it over (and listening to her go on and on about it ;)), I had to check it out and join. I also knit, work in mixed media, and like to go dancing (funk, punk, and swing). My current job goal is to work in the funeral industry.

[ladyjanewriter]

JACKIEEEEEEEEEE! *GLOMP!*

(The kids taught me how to glomp. hehee.)

dood. I didn't realize you painted those cowboy hats yourself!!!

Hey! I did not go on and on about it...ok...maybe a little. It gave me something to talk about besides how much MegaBus mega-sucks. :D

[countrygrl96]

Name(s): Mackenzie, most people call me: Kenz, Kenzie, or Mack
Age: 11
Etsy/Website: none
How long you've been sewing: Um, I haven't really sewn anything, YET.
Why DIY: I like the idea of making my own clothes and not being like anyone else. Yes I do like Hollister clothes and stuff like that, but I only have a few shirts that are hand-me-downs from my 17 year old cousin. I don't really know what else to write!
Favorite DIY piece so far: Um, haven't made anything yet!

-Kenz

[delight]

Name(s): Leah [like lee-uh] or spelled the same but pronounced [leia], Lei,Fila-Neh, Hoochilla, Sexay [not in a vain way, i swear!]
Age: 20 in 3 months & 4 days but who's counting? haha
How long you've been sewing: i think i tried sewing a wallet in 5th/6th grade. then after that i figured i sucked at it. TB brought my DIY dreams back to life. officially i started using a machine yesterday.
Why DIY: i don't know. i just like to make stuff. and it's just more personal when you make stuff for you or for someone else. and well to take the credit for an awesome piece. it just feels good to know you made it.
Favorite DIY Tip: experiment. you'll learn something new.
Other Random Tidbits: give me arizona watermelon drinks, and tcby strawberry yogurt pretzel flips & i'll love you forever. i like british accents & mcfly. uhmm...i have clones in certain states.

[beam_on]

Name(s): Bekka or Rebekka or Bekky... I prefer Bekka since it sounds more mature than Bekky and not as boring as Rebekka :P

Age: 27

Etsy/Website: got none yet, well... I had a little boring hp once... would actually have to look if it is still online.... at least you could see a few of my picture that I made there...uhm... OK, here it is: http://members.tripod.com/be_mon/bekkasbackyard/index.html

How long you've been sewing: ... not yet actually... still trying to find the perfect sewing machine. But I tried a few things at my mom's sewing machine (made a bag out of an old stroller seat! ...transformed an old pair of linen pants into a pillow case, e.g.) and now I am eager to start my own things. Got a ton of old jeans that I want to transform to new things...

Why DIY: Cause I like to be creative and I kinda got inspired lately... and now that I also found the perfect site for this - there's nothing that can stop me! :)

Favorite DIY piece so far: Um... painted my pants a few years ago, but sadly I don't fit in them anymore... :S

Favorite DIY Tip: Oh, I dunno...I am still a newbie to this! But I am trying to reuse the things that I have without búying new things all the time. So sewing my own things fits just right!

[EcureuilSquirrel]

Name(s): Emilee, Sk8rDuck, EcureuilSquirrel, mguitarcsk8rr, GerrardAddict
Age: 16
Etsy/Website: My music (http://www.myspace.com/ecureuilsquirrel) Some My Chemical Romance covers and my own songs
How long you've been sewing: since I was 8?
Why DIY:
I dont have much to do at home and I dont have money to buy the clothes I want

Favorite DIY piece so far: My My Chemical Romance shirt I screen printed. It has(for those who care) "The Black Parade" logo and Pepe the skeleton guy on the front, the ringofire armband thing on the left shoulder, and Houdini(from Bullets) on the back centered right below the neck

Favorite DIY Tip: I dont think I have one

Other Random Tidbits: Im a huge My Chemical Romance fan. I like doing random things. I play guitar and like alot of music.

[juxtaposedpink]

Name(s): Erica, or JP on threads.
Age: 20
Etsy/Website: no etsy, but I am working on a website for vegan women.
How long you've been sewing: Since I was 8, my aunt started me off making pillows, and now I've made a bunch of random stuff, and am on my third flea market sewing machine.
Why DIY: Why not? My parents are punks, so from an early age I learned about making your own things, exploring art and that being unique was the only way to be. I love making everything myself, from homemade vegan breads to pants. My boyfriend and I are even working on making our own soap.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Nothing I've made seems to compare to my faux fur hot pink purse I made in high school. I wish it hadn't died, but hopefully I'll find some more faux pink fur on one of my scavenger hunts for clothes.

Favorite DIY Tip: Be flexible! If you're making something and you royally screw it up, don't be afraid to try something else. It may turn out better than you ever imagined.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm a vegan, and very proud of it. I'm a student in Political Science/Woman Studies and plan on going to Law School. In order to fight the man, I gotta know how he thinks. ;)

[Elsime]

Name(s): Lucille, Elsime is my favourite role playing character
Age: 22
Etsy/Website: no etsy and my website is currently in hiatus : http://www.opaline-dreams.net.
How long you've been sewing: Forever :) I really started doing projects on my own when I was about 15 but my mother used to sew a lot when I was a kid so I watched and learned.
Why DIY: Who wants to look just like everyone else? I believe everyone should own clothing that fits their personnality! Besides I don't have that much money to spend on clothes and the stuff I like usually is expensive (local stylists, unique pieces and all that) so I figured if other people can make their own why not me ?

Favorite DIY piece so far: A beautiful frilly polka dot skirt with lace. I saw it in a shop for 100 $ and made it myself for about 20 $ (and I improved it too).

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't be afraid to try things out :)

Other Random Tidbits: I'm new to the boards please be nice with the n00b ! And also, I am swiss so please excuse the terrible english !

[pinoyblaze]

welcome ya'll!!!!

[TomSawyer]

I've been poking around the site for awhile now, but never actually introduced m'self.

Name(s): TomSawyer (And yes, I am a girl with a boy's sn).
Age: 21
Etsy/Website: I guess http://www.myspace.com/therealtomsawyer
How long you've been sewing: Off and on since high school (about 7 years)

Why DIY:

Because I am a strict non-conformist (just like everybody else). When you make something that is one of a kind, people can copy it, but it's never exactly the same.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My collection of refashioned purses.

Favorite DIY Tip: Read, read, read.

Other Random Tidbits: I have a very schizophrenic style. I love 'geek chic', vests, ties, button-up shirts, slacks, big-rimmed glasses etc. but I also love 80's punk style, torn up, spiked-out, chains, leather, mohawks, etc. Any sort of obnoxious pattern will get me grinning: pinstripes, polka dots, houndstooth, checkers, stripes, etc. I'm big into Project Runway, and so some of my favorite designers are Jeffrey Sebelia, Jay McCarroll and Malan Breton. I have a tendency to adore anything Gwen Stefani wears. I am addicted to coats and socks, though I never wear matching socks (it's horrible luck). I love Japanese/Lolita style clothing, but I'm not brave enough to wear it here in Mid-Western Kansas.

I'm a big smart-ass, but I try to be nice!

Also, I'm a huge grammar nazi, but I'll try not to let that come between us.

[Kittyangelgirl]

ah, how did I miss this?

I've been mostly lurking since I'm pretty new to DIY refashion. hopefully I'll have something up soon.

Name: Heather (or Kitty, your choice)
Age: 17 (I know I shouldn't be too eager too grow up, but I really, REALLY want to turn 18 so I can get out of my parent's house!)
Etsy/Website: no etsy, but I do have a DA account: http://kittyangelgirl.deviantart.com
How long you've been sewing: meh I dunno, I mostly just did it to repair something and as a last resort cause hand sewing stinks. (hm, maybe I really should get one of thems machines that have that fast moving sewing needles, em' sewing machines.)
Why DIY: Cause I love (somewhat) going through the process. Then after all the blood, sweat, and tears, you come out with something that you once might have thought that was almost impossible to do, and have done it. Plus it's one of a kind, and copyrights aren't really necessary!

Also, anti-conformity PWNS all them Hollister-crazed-zombie-teens out there!

Favorite DIY piece so far: A "caplet" (think poncho/scarf hybrid, only in a lace pattern and SO much cooler) I knitted. I'll have to get it on the net soon.

Favorite DIY tip: If you doing a project that you've never done before, always get extra material, or a "guinea pig" subject to do it on first. That way, if ya trash it, you can either keep it as a happy mistake, or just say "aw well, only an experiment," and try to remember not to make the same mistake next time. (this mostly applies to knitting, I have had to re-do new projects so many times it's crazy!)

Other Random Tidbits: In case you haven't noticed, I like to type giant text walls of doom. My hands and brain would like to apologize to your burning eyes. I am obsessed with details, and I'm pretty obsessive compulsive. I love to knit, but it's been really neglected because my life is really nuts right now seeing as I'm now a senior. I also love cats, I am an artist, (A pretty bad one, but meh.) I like manga/anime, (man, I'm already hated and I've hardly set my foot in the door. I'll try and keep that love out of this forum for your sake.) I play guitar, (so-so) video games, (video game loving girls UNITE! Sorry but I'm a Nintendo girl!) and I like tennis.

Like a said, I apologize to your burning eyes right now.

[Vasalisa]

Hi!
Name Let's just stick with Vasalisa ;)
Age 36 (what?!)

No Esty just yet - once I get a reliable computer I'll be on that like stink.

How long you've been sewing: I have been doing some form of fiber art since I was about 6-7. Mum always made sure we kept elarning as we got older, and put things like needlepoint kits in our christmas stockings.
Did everything by hand until I bought my first machine in 1998-ish. Can't imagine life without one now!

Why DIY: Not only is it fun, it's responsible. I feel like I am doing my part to reduce conspicuous consumption, and showing by example that we really do have choices.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Oh geez so many. Possibly the one I am working on right now, which is a padfolio. It will be made from recycled cardbaord, recycled and donated silks, cottons and suede.

Favorite DIY tip: If you're like me, and you sometimes get in your own way, just keep trying! I use intuition a lot - sometimes that project will tell you what it wants to be, not the other way around.

Other Random Tidbits: I will not be pigeon-holed! I mix it all up: punk, earth-mother, goth, very ocassional prep ;) Don't tell me I can not do something because I am not part of a group or music scene. That is for the unsure. Life is for living!

[rob-h]

Name: ROBERTO
Age:18
how long ive been sewing: i donno...i dont really sew..but i know how, or at least i think i do
Why DIY: because everything else prettymuch sucks, nothng is ever the way u want it, OR its too expensice. Also, creative freedom
DIT tip: stenciles are your best friends
Random: im really 3 ducks in a man suit

[MetallicV!ntage]

Name: Christina

Age: 16

Etsy/Website: nothing so far

How long you've been sewing: since i was around 7 or 8 maybe, for fun :P I never made anything good though haha

Why DIY: because you feel so accomplished when you make something yourself, plus nobody can own the same thing as you :P

Favorite DIY piece so far: I like the jewelry ive made for myself, which include carebears earrings ^_^

Favorite DIY Tip: be creative, do something different but that looks so cute too ^_^

Other Random Tidbits: still a nooby to sewing, but it isnt gonna stop me from getting better

[motownjunk]

Who?: Motown. Mizz Junk if your nasty.

Old?: 18

Web?: No site or esty-ness yet.

Sew?: I don't. That might be strange and I might be shunned because of it, but I've always had more of a friendship with the stitch ripper than anything else. Can't do it by hand worth a crock and machines in general hate me.

Why?: I always wanted to do it. No better time than the present.

Favorite?: Marker colored tennis shoes. First uber-simple project. There's a looonnng backstory as to why they got the sharpie treatment. Won't bore ya'll with that.

Tidbits?: I like reading/watching stuff about serial killers. Want to play guitar and move to Canada. Yeah...

[fomi]

Name(s): Blair also known as Fomi(foamy)
Age: 14
How long you've been sewing: Since I was 5.
Why DIY: I love to make new things out of old things! Also, somethings that they sell in stores that I just love, and are high in price, are so easy to make! I also like the uniqueness of it.
Favorite DIY Piece so far: I haven't really done clothing before, except for a fashion show at school or something. But I love this one doll I made when I was little, it's was one of my first projects.
Other random tidbits: I love music and animals! I have a pet rabbit and hoping to get a cat soon.

[RocketZoo]

Name(s): Bloo. RocketZoo. Ummm.... Yeah.
Age: Almost 15.
Website: Shall be up soon. I promise.
How long have you been sewing: Psh, like forever. No seriously. I don't remember a time when I didn't know how to sew, but for a while (maybe 7 years ago) I was terrified of the sewing machine because I thought I would sew over my hand but I got over that after a few months. *looks at sewing machine and remembers the terror**shudders*
Why DIY? Well, since I am kinda small, I don't find a lot of stuff that fits quite right. Also, I don't like spending loads of cash on lame designer stuff that wont fit in two months. Plus, its an awesome thrill when someone's jaw drops when you say you made whatever you're wearing or carrying. Its just awesome to see your hard work (IE sweat blood and tears) come out in something that you're so proud of.
Favourite DIY piece so far: Well, this backpack is really gnarly. Chack it out:http://forum.threadbanger.com/showthread.php?t=1170&highlight=snazzy
and I'm super proud of it, because I use it for school. Also I made a ton of tshirts, which now Im kind of infamous for... and I made a little voodoo doll shaped like a little corporate business man, which I use for my pincushion. Not that I have anything against the people who work for the companies, I just don't really like the companies.
Favourite DIY tip:Never get caught without a camera, so you can document the cool stuff you see around your area, and if you like it, you can recreate it. My mom saw this lady with really pretty purse that she made, and so she asked for a picture of it so I could see it and get ideas for ways on how to make my stuff better. And always use spray adhesive with your stencils. And don't talk on the phone when cutting out a stencil with an x-acto knife, I ended up stabbing myself (on accident of course).
Random Tidbit(s): I am really serious about my music (seems like everybody here is, wonderful!!!) and I play guitar and bass. Pretty soon here I want to get my company off the ground and set up a site for it. I like toast an' peanut butter an' jelly sandwiches. And Vitamin water. I love improv, and I am on my school's Comedy Sportz team. Last night I was an actor in a haunted house, and I got to scare people. I am really stoked for Halloween because I am making my own costume. I love the movie Silent Hill. I have a gecko named Felix and a 120-pound labradoodle name Indiana Bones -Indy for short- (yes, labradoodle, lab poodle mix). Today I discovered that we do have a Goodwill store near my house, so that kind of made my day. I like cereal and ice cream, but I've never tried them together. It's on my to do list. I enjoy making lists because it makes me feel like I'm organized (which I most certainly am NOT) but the funny thing is I make all of these lists, and I never use them for anything. So its a total waste of time.

[callmespecial]

Name(s): given name: casey prefered name: the great one (jk, callmespecial works)
Age: 14
Etsy/Website: eh.... youtube.com/callmespecial is my youtube account, but all i have is a truly... strange... video my friend and i made
How long you've been sewing: my mom loves sewing, so pretty much as long as i can remember.
Why DIY: i hate trends. i hate shopping. i'm broke.
Favorite DIY piece so far: my purple fuzzy purse ^^
Favorite DIY Tip: don't care what other people will think about what you're making
Other Random Tidbits: hmmm... i like just about any classic rock. my absolute favorite bands, though, are: the beatles, pink floyd, the white stripes, rasputina, bright eyes, arcade fire, and dresden dolls. i love the twilight series by stephenie meyer. i could talk your ear off about it. erm... i'm mormon... ermmmmm.... that's about all i can think of to tell you.

[niamhybeag]

Name(s): Niamh
Age: 20
Etsy/Website: Don't have one! I don't sell what I make so there's no point... :)
How long you've been sewing: I've been sewing since I was about 8. I always handsew, can do a mean backstitch, but my forays into machine sewing have not gone well... Pity, because handsewing takes a long time...
Why DIY: DIY is fun! I don't have time to do everything I want to, but my favourite t-shirts are the ones I've ripped, shredded or sewn things to.
Favorite DIY piece so far: A blanket I customised for one of my best friends.
Favorite DIY Tip: Carry a camera and a sketchpad so you can either photograph or draw/write down your random inspirations.
Other Random Tidbits: I love tea! I'm obsessed with making tea just the way people like it. And as one glance at my bedroom and inside my wardrobe will prove, I love bright colours and shiny things.

[DespaiR]

Hey.:D:D

Name: Dovile.
Age: 14
How long you've been sewing: By hand when I was in fifth grade.:D:D:D
Why DIY:
Because, you can make a t-shirt, a skirt, etc. and no one will have the same clothing/outfit.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I haven't done anything yet.:rolleyes::eek:

Other Random Tidbits: One of my fav bands is HIM.:rolleyes: I love happy three friends:D.I live in Lithuania.:eek: And I hope that you know where it is.:o Recently finished reading Anne Rice's "Interwiev with the vampire".:o

[P.T.Hassell]

Name(s): P.T.Hassell which sounds kinda mysterious, or Paige which sounds really normal...
Age: 18 soon to be 19.
Website: I have a myspace fpr my personal use, but once i get the whole diy thing up and going i plan on making one to showcase my stuff.
How long have you been sewing: young.. i dont remember exactly when my nana taught me
Why DIY? I have always been a creative person. I love crafting and scrapbooking. and there is no better gift to give than a hand made one. I also can't afford a lot of things that I like being on a student's budget so i live by that saying that 'necessity is the mother of all creativity'
Favourite DIY piece so far: I really cant think of anything off the top of my head since i haven't done anything lately since ive mooved to college, but i bought this really plain looking purse at walmart yesterday and i plan on sprucing it up a bit this weekend and going to the thrift store to shop for my halloween costume : jekyl and hyde.
Favourite DIY tip: mistakes happen dont be afraid of screwing up. be inspired by EVERYTHING and ANYTHING!!
Random Tidbit(s): I am currently studying to become a graphic designer. I am probably the only graphic artist in the world who can't draw well on paper. Adobe is my pencil and paper. I found a new love in apple toaster strudles. I love to sing and i try to play the guitar! lol

[Zazu]

Name(s): I have 5... but who cares about them, my nickname is Zazu
Age: 19
Etsy/Website: None
How long you've been sewing: 0 hours 0 days 0 minutes
Why DIY: Always been interested in recycling. Can't stand the thought of more garbage in the world. Unfortunately I still buy new stuff. Gotta stop, it bugs me. I haven't done and DIY as of yet. But I have a few boxes of crafts and art supplies that really want to be opened. God I love collecting art supplies.. it just gives me so many possibilities.. no motivation though :(
Favorite DIY piece so far: none of my own obv.
Favorite DIY Tip: Shop for all your supplies at thrift stores
Other Random Tidbits: I'm ready to learn!

[hi_im_kim]

Name(s): Kim, actually kimberly but ya know
Age: 14 pretty much 15
How long you've been sewing: the beginning of the summer of this year
Why DIY: because its cheaper, and better, and whatnot

[min1802]

Name: jez, min (min's my chinese name

Age: 20

Why DIY: i love to create! quite tired of people owning the same items actually. individuality!

How Long Have You Been Sewing: hmm..about 2 yrs odd?

Favorite DIY Piece: for now, it's the handmade pouches that im selling on my online site..

[kcsobrazy10]

Name(s):Kaycee/kcohsobrazzziie
Age: 14
Etsy/Website:myspace.com/willneverloveyou
How long you've been sewing:i started sewing by hand at 8 && machine at 11.
Why DIY: I DIY cus i love the feeling of wearing my own creations and knowing that i put my own thought into it.
Favorite DIY piece so far:pretty much everthing
Other Random Tidbits:i like salsa :D

[ryanmoore]

yay this is my 1,000 post!! * does happy dance*

[yes_my_name_is_envy_XP]

Name(s): Envy or Miranda...Either work, and I don't care which.
Age: 14, 15 in a few months
Etsy/Website: Alas, I have none! *sob* oh, wait...go to YouTube and type in "sknnylilemo". Yup that's me.
How long you've been sewing: Since I was about 8, I think. My grandma taught me how to hand sew and I made a doll.
Why DIY: Haha. Actually I just got bored with store-bought clothes. I love to stick out and be dramatic. After a while, corprate sh** can't accomplish that.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I love them all so much!
Other Random Tidbits: I like to talk. I'm a dork. I'm a good listener. I'm in love. I'm really tired right now so I don't know what I'm typing. LOL

[coneblue]

Name(s): Jay
Age: 16 (going on 17 :) )
Website: http://coneblue.org (http://coneblue.org/) currently just my personal blog, but soon also a host for a shop ;)
How long you've been sewing: learned at 9, but stopped for a while. I'm trying to get back into it.
Why DIY: DIY is the perfect choice for everything because it makes everything you own truly you and/or really original. I wouldn't love it any other way. ++It's cheaper this way!
Favorite DIY piece so far: a music themed trinket box I made for a friends b-day
Favorite DIY Tip: When shopping at thrift stores, it doesn't matter if you actually like the piece of clothing, as long as you love the material =D
Other Random Tidbits: I love the arts from music, and drama, to watercolor and 'fashion' :)

[yes_my_name_is_envy_XP]

Name(s): Envy or Miranda...Either work, and I don't care which.
Age: 14, 15 in a few months
Etsy/Website: Alas, I have none! *sob* oh, wait...go to YouTube and type in "sknnylilemo". Yup that's me.
How long you've been sewing: Since I was about 8, I think. My grandma taught me how to hand sew and I made a doll.
Why DIY: Haha. Actually I just got bored with store-bought clothes. I love to stick out and be dramatic. After a while, corprate sh** can't accomplish that.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I love them all so much!
Other Random Tidbits: I like to talk. I'm a dork. I'm a good listener. I'm in love. I'm really tired right now so I don't know what I'm typing. LOL

I forgot something....
Favorite DIY Tip: The quote "The first rule of fashion: ignore all the rules." That pretty much sums it up. If you like it, make it. And then WEAR IT!:D

[RocketZoo]

I forgot something....
Favorite DIY Tip: The quote "The first rule of fashion: ignore all the rules." That pretty much sums it up. If you like it, make it. And then WEAR IT!:D
SO i can put that on a shirt??? I want to...

[CelluloidPixie]

Name(s): to my friends, just Pix
Age: 24
Etsy/Website: I want an etsy account but Im afraid my stuff isn't good enough to sell...:confused:
How long you've been sewing: I'm a horrible sewer! I wish I was better.

Why DIY: After my brother died last April in a car crash I was lost. I was lonely and sad and bored and alone and tired and...everything! So one day at work, instead of working (i kinda stopped being productive at that point) i was browsing youtube and happened upon threadbangers... it was the first time I had been excited about anything in months. I went straight from work to my local hobby store and made my first screenprint that night. Ever since then, i've been hooked. I found an outlet for my grief and found a new love. DIY saved my life.

Favorite DIY piece so far: my totoro shirt and the harry potter shirt and faerie wings i made for my little cousins. And my huge duct tape rose bouquet.

Favorite DIY Tip: talk to other DIYers. They always have helpful tips and tricks and, especially here, they are super supportive.

Other Random Tidbits: I love my kitty. She's psycho. I'm learning to cook; I'm not very good but it's lots of fun. My favorite drink is Orangina. (that's pronounced orange-geeeena... not giiiiiiina... ewww.) I love Mythbusters and I'm really into banana-flavored alcoholic drinks lately... Also, I have a sick obsession with corsets and comics. I can't get enough!!

[itzlindz98]

Hey everyone!

I wanted to introduce myself to you all... my name is Lindsey and I'm working with Vanessa (and Rob and Corinne) over at Threadbanger. I am thrilled to join the forum and learn all about your DIY fashion projects. Also, if you have any questions, comments or suggestions, let me know. I am her to help!

On with the DIY questions......

Names: Lindsey

Age: 24

How long have you been sewing: Since I was about 10- I don't sew much though since I don't have a sewing machine - I'd rather staple my clothes.. it works!

Why DIY: Because clothing is so freakin expensive nowadays and why spend so much money when you can make something cool and unique that no one else has?

Favorite DIY piece so far: My rockstar jeans that I dyed with bleach and cut some holes in them. Now they are about 4 years old and the little holes are huge now, but the more worn in they get, the better!

Favorite DIY Tip: When sewing seams back together or sewing holes, use different colored thread, it give the piece of clothing a whole new look!

Other Random Tidbits: My mom and I made my highschool graduation dress, my prom dress, and pretty much all of my halloween costumes! Also, I always keep a needle and thread on hand (you know, the ones you get in hotel rooms) because you never know what could happen. I'm also a music freak and I love macaroni and cheese... but who doesn't?

[ikrizia]

Name(s): Krizia Rose Rivera De La Rosa; Koki (Family), Kritzy (Close Friends), Kiki (Camp), ikrizia (Threadheads baby!)
Age: 15
Etsy/Website: www.myspace.com/misuertecambiara
www.youtube.com/ikrizia
How long you've been sewing: By hand since I was 12 and on machine since I was in 7th grade until now.
Why DIY: It relaxes me. and I like to do things my own way.
Favorite DIY piece so far: my custom t's

Favorite DIY Tip: go with what you feel at the moment, be free handed and not so executed-it's flaws make it unique

Other Random Tidbits: I speak both English and Spanish, and I love traveling! I have been to Aruba, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Culebra, and my two favorites: Ecuador and Colombia.

[vallejofan]

Thank God I'm not the only "old soul" on the site. Love the her username!

BTW, this was meant as a reply to a message. So obviously, I kinda suck at the concept of forums. ;0

[vallejofan]

Name: Tonya
Age: 29
How long have you been sewing: I can barely do a running stitch by hand. Considering how clumsy I am, me with a sewing machine, not such a good idea :p
Why DIY: I hate the "conform to the norm" theory of life. I don't want myself or my home to look like everyone else's stuff.
Fave DIY piece: a claddagh painting in my living room with an attached quote. Some photography I did. A great hematite necklace that is 100% uniquely me.
Fave DIY tips:

Try it!
It doesn't have to be perfect; just has to be you.
Measure everything at least twice before cutting.Random tidbits: I'm an artsy person without the serious talent. Love, love, love etsy. Huge music junkie. Love acoustic stuff & bands have actually written their own songs. A longtime fave band is Vallejo. Great latino/american band that's a cross between creed & santana. But I'll listen to just about anything except Chinese opera, big doses of heavy metal or punk, and bluegrass. Spend most of my free time surfing youtube, watching movies, and reading. Want to write a book someday.

[lindsay_pai]

Name(s): Lindsay

Age: 21

Etsy/Website: http://www.mdnaboutique.net .... coming eventually i hope :x i think in the meantime i should open an etsy or something

How long you've been sewing: my grandma taught me how to sew by hand when i was like 6 i think, and i used to make dolls out of her old stockings. i've been sewing by machine since 6th grade, but i didn't really start getting into it till i was 17

Why DIY: to stand out from the crowd :D and because it's fun!

Favorite DIY piece so far: it's a tie between my apple print thermal hoodie and a blue paisley purse i made for a friend @ work... man that purse was hard to give up, lol

Favorite DIY Tip: get a seam ripper, you'll thank yourself for it later. and don't be afraid to make mistakes.

Other Random Tidbits: i am a barista at a locally owned coffee shop. i love music... i'll listen to pretty much anything that doesn't give me a headache, hehe. i'm currently obsessed with the show Weeds on showtime. kittens make me go weak at the knees (omg i love them ^^). i wish i could draw/paint as well as my sister. i say "lol" WAY too much & overuse smilies like it's nobody's business. it took me way too long to think of what to write here. :D

[Fabrice]

How do you do!

I am Fabrice.

Knocking on 40's door. *ahem*

Work in a left-brain dominated field, so DIMahself provides a needed escape. I take my need for tactile interface out on fabrics and metals. I have a deep love for spartan quality and a disdain for plastic crap that wastes up the planet.

[Aurora199]

Name: Aurora

Age: 31 (feeling ancient after seeing how young most of you are)

How long you've been sewing: Since I was little. Then more seriously after taking home economics classes in middle school.

Why DIY?: Firstly because I enjoy it and secondly because it's often cheaper than buying new, thirdly 'cause sometimes I just like things better with my own personal touch (or I can't find what I like in the store), forthly...lol I could go on and on...there are so many reasons for DIY.

Favorite DIY piece So Far?: There have been so many. I made a cute silver drawstring handbag, altered and refashioned lots and lots of clothes, cloth bag for storing grocery bags, etc.

Other random tidbits: I hate using patterns. With two little girls I don't have time for pinning and cutting around pattern pieces. If I'm going to make it, it has to be quick. My girls are usually interrupting me, crawling under my sewing table, accidentally stepping on my foot pedals, getting into my craft supplies, etc. while I'm trying to sew. At times it can be challenge. :)

[Firecracker]

Hi everyone

Name: Firecracker

Age: 29

Sewing experience: A tiny bit as a kid, and more recently for about a year.

WHy DIY: fits better, looks better, more fun and who dosen't want to scream at their clothing while creating it?

Favorite piece: My silver brocade pants. If they still fit.

Other random tidbits: Sewing is my only "girly" thing. Everything else I do involves mud, sand, knobby tires and engines.

[stary_bkvp]

Name(s): Baljit aka Vijay

Age: Currently 19

How long you've been sewing: well my uncle taught me when i was in grade six how to hand sew..i kept with it due to girl guides and wanting to put up my badges myself...then for years i stopped, and now i'm slowly getting back into hand sewing and am gonna get my mom to eventually each me to actually sew with the machine! whoo!y

Why DIY: It fun...plus my cousin said i need to get back to my crafty side, and doing this just seemed perfect.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Well i've only made one thing so far, and that is my purse/bag. I'm planning on making some more things, and am really excited!

Favorite DIY Tip: Mmmm...don't give up...even if it looks like you're doing bad, your that your work doesn't look good, by the end of it...it will...i mean i thought my bag was gonna be horriable, but it turned out to be great!

Other Random Tidbits: I love punjabi and hindi music! grown up with and lived with it, so i know little about the american music stuff, even though i do listen to the "awesome" pop music...which i am getting bored of yet agian...bah!

[Dredlabel]

Name(s): Mary

Age: 21

Etsy/Website: dredlabel.com; jewelrybabes.net

How long you've been sewing: Technically since 7th grade, but i had a dysfunctional machine till two summers ago when my dad gave me a brand new one (yay!) and so its been going strong since then.

Why DIY: because its so damn sexy.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I have a jeans turned skirt that i added sweater pieces to and scrunchied all fun...I get loads of complements on that. And I just finished a silver crazy dress for a girl who is going as the singer Pink to our school's film festival tomorrow. I'll post pics up later!

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't foget to take seam allowances and stretch seriously!

Other Random Tidbits: Originally from Seattle...i've almost graduated from Simpson University in Redding, CA. From there I will be moving to Portland where I am involved with an amazing faith community that is way into DIY. I'll find a rad job and not have any more homework so i can diy nonstop. And hopefully make money off it. And even more hopefully someday use it as an empowering tool for social justice type stuff.

[druqksfilm]

NAME(S): sarah,red
AGE:15
STUFF: uh. I play guitar, and am a graphic artist.. and traditional of course.
I do photomanips.. vectors all that jazz. I also do album artwork.
i'm working on getting in a band. hmm.. yea I don't want to type right now cause my hands are really cold.. *doesn't turn heat up very often in house*
my myspace is myspace.com/druqksfilm
(hence, druqksfilm is my username for just about everything.)

WHY DIY: cause it's somthing to do when you don't have cash, like me.
and it's pretty cool if it turns out looking half-way decent cause you can show it off.
HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN SEWING:
when i was little i'd sew little scrap pieces together.
does that count as sewing?


sorry grammar police for typos.
:cool:

[Miss_Gagarin]

NAME(S): sarah,red
sorry grammar police for typos.
:cool:

You're ok with me : I'm french grammar police, not english... :p

[a-little-magic]

Name: Hazel :)

Age: 18

How long you've been sewing: Only since I was 15, I had to learn for my art project and never looked back.

Why DIY?: I love it when people come up to me and ask where I got a top or a skirt from and I love telling people that I made it myself.

Favorite DIY piece So Far?: It would have to be my first, it might not have been the best finished thing, but because it was a crazy art project the design was out of this world. Oh and there was a tee-shirt I made aswel with lots of fuzzy felt bee's ^.^

Other random tidbits: I sit at my desk in work with beads and wire. heh.

[cfgeorge]

I am new to the site but i did lurk a bit first.

Name(s): George (I am a girl though)
Age: 17
How long you've been sewing: I first started with little felt animals and dolls when I was five or so
Why DIY: I like to wear clothes and jewelry no one else has, it gives me something to do, and an excuse to go to the good will and laugh at some of the really ugly things that I can hardly believe someone once wore. I currently do more jewelry then clothing because I’m not allowed to touch my grandmas sewing machine but I do still hand sew when I have a great idea and just cant wait, I really need my creative outlets.

Favorite DIY piece:
A skirt I lengthened then added a pocket that was the eagle and logo from a ruined Harley Davidson shirt.

Random: I am into all kinds of music by favorite band would have to be HIM but I love every thing from Allison Krause to Rise Against. I am a serious writer and hope to be a published author someday I write teen historical fantasy though I think I may have made up that genre. I am total kid at heart and always say I’m three going on eighteen. I am also extremely ADD and have just plain odd patterns of thought. Please pardon my spelling, grammar, ect. I am very dyslexic.

[saintlike_ontheoutside]

Welcome to Threadbanger!

[saintlike_ontheoutside]

I've never did this. I guess I will, even though I am not new.

Name: Robert
Age: 15
How long you've been sewing: Ever since the 7th grade, when I took a home-ecish-type class. I realized it was easy and kind-of fun. My first project was a felt mouse; complete with cape, crown, and jewelry.
Why DIY: It is unique and cheap. I have people go up to me and ask me where did I get something, and I say I made it. Then they say "No, you didn't, your lying."
Favorite DIY Piece: I haven't really made too much yet so I say everything.
Other Random Tidbits: I like to write on everything. I draw on my bookbag at school and on my binder. So my schools supplies are like a message board for graffiti. Everybody gets to write on them.

[zzao]

Name(s): Martin

Age: 33(for a week more)

How long you've been sewing: Hmm, have been fixing things and adding bits for years, but i started doing t-shirt prints a year or two back and since then i have got more into making as much as i can and refashioning things from charity shops

Why DIY: i like having something fun to do as a hobby, which i can pick up anytime i like, its cathartic and plus it gives more meaning to what u wear when u and your friends have made it

Favorite DIY piece so far: feel like i am just getting started, but i guess the top i have just made, white silky with blue sleeves cos it was from scratch, plus knitting is making me happy now

Favorite DIY Tip: everything can be saved, no matter what u have done to it - well so far......

Other fings: i never know what jobs i want to do, so just keep trying a bit of everything, i love electro, indie pop and books/tv adaptations like the box of delights, narnia and the moomins. sometimes i read grow up books by kafka and borges. i like learning languages too much.

[UnluckyGirlovesDIY]

Name(s): Zoey, Sakura, Ichigo, or Jinx

Age:16

How long you've been sewing:um, I think two or three months

Why DIY:people at my school look like clones no joke but they all nearly have different hair color

Fav. DIY piece so fair:um, let me see, oh yeah the shirt that I killed back in Oct. and I need to fix it up

Fav. DIY Tip:um, keep on sewing or whatever you do you'll get better

Other Random Tidbits:I like anime, wish I could cosplay but I don't have all my stuff made, hold on I mean I have nothing made yet for the costume. I love music. I love cats. I love to write when I can and when a have a good idea. Plus I hate idoits from my school.

[UnluckyGirlovesDIY]

Why DIY : People ****

[B!0H@Z@Rd]

Name(s): Archy but would prefer to go by B!0H@Z@Rd or bio.
Age: 21
Why DIY: As a child I was often given clothing gifts or hand me downs that I appreciated but wasn't very happy about :p so I started to modify them to my interest and gradually learned to saw, crochet, knit, and It's history from there, gradually learning more and more and am never really satisfied till I add my own touch on every piece of clothing I wear :)

Favorite DIY piece so far: My first torso mannequin made from a pillow, safety pins and a cymbal stand, and some scarves I crochet, a hat I modified, my messanger bag and a few shirts :) [I'm still learning]


Other Random Tidbits: One of my biggest passion is Body Modification and Human Evolution, these really extreme modifications that I'm looking forward to learn in the future and hopefully have my own shop with clothing I make.

I love music and play the guitar but would love to learn to play as much instrument as I can handle.

I also like to draw, and design tattoos, pain, and learn how to sculp.

I think thats about it for now, I'm glad to finally make my account here, I've been looking around alot using my boyfriends account and have been a loyal viewer on youtube.. I hope to learn alot more things here :)

Feel free to send me a PM for anything and everything.

[GypsyWildFlower]

Name(s): Freya

Age: 28

Etsy/Website: www.venusaddams.freeservers.com (http://www.venusaddams.freeservers.com) (full of ads so put on your pop up blocker) for cool photos check out the fancydress page and the what's new page.

How long you've been sewing: About 10 years, studied costume construction at art school, Worked as a costume maker for theatre.

Why DIY: Because I can never find anything in the shops that I either like or can't make myself.

Favorite DIY piece so far: White 18th century gown with historically accurate underwear. LOL Worn to a buffy the vampire slayer convention!

Favorite DIY Tip: Measure twice, cut once. Pattern cutting isn't a mysterious science, look at the construction of your clothes and trace them (lol or cut them up!)


Other Random Tidbits: I'm a firey flamenco dancer!

[korupt_trash]

Name(s): Korupt, Jaymo, Gabriel Mordant, Jamie
Age: 24
Etsy/Website: www.freewebs.com/korupttrash (http://www.freewebs.com/korupttrash)
How long you've been sewing: Haven't yet.
Why DIY: Rockstar, nuff said
Favorite DIY piece so far: A couple of shirts i stenciled. just too lazy to post them up.
Favorite DIY Tip: Don't sew your fingers together. it hurts
Other Random Tidbits: I'm not here to make friend cuz friend are for people that wanna be stabbed in the back. I'm here for inspiration and sharing my stuff with you.

Rock on and don't die when you party hard!

[kate]

Name(s): Kate, Mommy
Age: 27 (for one more day!)
Etsy/Website: www.KateMcFaulDesigns.com (http://www.KateMcFaulDesigns.com), www.KateMcFaulDesigns.Etsy.com (http://KateMcFaulDesigns.Etsy.com).
How long you've been sewing: 15 years
Why DIY: So I can get exactly what I want that's made well in fabrics I like in my own style!
Favorite DIY piece so far: My new cowl neck shirt I made from scratch with my duct tape dress form.
Favorite DIY Tip: Make mistakes! That's how you learn and get confident and often those mistakes turn into an awesome design element you might not have thought of!
Interests: Photography, web design, baking, sewing (duh), anything creative...

[MissMary]

Name(s): Miss Mary is what my mom used to call me when I was little and sassy, since I came back from America my friends here call me Mary, my real name is Marie-Ruth.
Age: 20
How long you've been sewing: Hmmm, in grade school I got an A for a felt heart I sewed for mother's day. When I was about 5 my grandma thought me how to knit and some stichting. I just started sewing about a year or so ago. Many of my friends do cosplay and sew the most amazing costumes, I wanted to try that too, but with everyday stuff.
Why DIY: It's an great creativity outlet plus I have stuff that nobody else has, I'm special, yay! =)
Favorite DIY piece so far: My monsterhat! <3 And the most recent thing I made...
Favorite DIY Tip: Don't be afraid to cut something up, or draw or paint on something or anything. You're going to make mistakes, but that shouldn't keep you from trying.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm an everyday actress, I love to sing, I love little kids, I love to (re)decorate my room, I love photoshop (picture editing, yay), I draw/paint al lot, I write short stories and poetry, I'm German, but I love (!) to speak English, I like my music loud, I have a boyfriend for almost a year now, I'm done with school, but I have no idea of what I want to do with my life...anything else...hmm...guess not...

[PinkYoshi]

Name(s): Laura, Pink, and Squeakers
Age: 21
Etsy/Website: http://lora.chan.sheezyart.com
How long you've been sewing: I've just started really. Still learning.
Why DIY: I love the idea of making things yourself that's entirely unique and all yours.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I can't really think of a favorite since I haven't made much so far.
Favorite DIY Tip: Never give up.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a huge music lover. I'll listen to almost anything except rap, death metal, and most country. I'm also a child of the 80s so I love everything from that decade. =3

[jsedai_77]

WOW I didnt know this existed till like 5 min a go!!
ok so
Name: Jessica
AGE: 27
How long have I been sewing? : I've been embroidering since like 3rd grd cutting patterns since I was 12 or so but nothing but hand sewing till 7yrs ago when I borrowed my m-in-laws machine to make curtains.....couldn't stop after that.
Why DIY? I'm a creative person, I paint and garden and design houses and cook (ALL the time and from SCRATCH) and kids!!
Fav piece: umm of all time....Every year for Easter I make a dress for my daughter a skirt for me, vests/ties/overalls for my boys. so I guess those as a group
Fav DIY Tip: jump in with both feet!! that's how I do everything...why start out small?
Other Random Tidbits: I love music all kinds, I homeschool my kids (7yr dd, 5yr ds , 18mo ds) I also do my kids hair cuts and my own color (if you happen to see a woman in the pics but her hair keeps changing that's me!!) I LOVE CHAIRS!! my dh is in the Air Force, I grew up an AF "brat"...I talk too much...and love to help so I butt in a lot.

[NorseTheFox]

Names: Christian, Trit, Pop,
Age: 22
DIY Why: Well it is fun, you get to be semi-original, Recycling old things and turning them into brand spanking new-old-things =).
How long have i been sewing: Not very long at all i've made a couple of things... Might not be the best quality but they aren't falling apart!! I'm getting my grandmother's old old old old singer sewing machine this year so i hope to be sewing alot more in the future.
TIDDYBITS: I am currently getting a major in horticulture with a concentration in landscape design. I like to use alot of recycled materials in my "garden".. which consisted of all containers... and which was saddly stolen last semester(all my pretties gone). I love to read... and have a problem with book stores because i can never leave without buying a book.. poor wallet!

[ruriko_inoyuki]

Name(s): Ruriko or Ruri is fine
Age: 17
Etsy/Website: My dA: http://www.ruriko-inoyuki.deviantart.com I hope to put up some of my DIY stuff soon.
How long you've been sewing: Since about 8 maybe, up until a few months ago everything was by hand. But I do love my sewing machine now!
Why DIY: Well, I'm really into helping the environment, so, by doing DIY, I don't support big companies who ship their clothes around everywhere. Also, most of the stuff I see in stores nowadays is complete crap. I hate seeing someone wearing the same shirt as me. I've yet to make my first trip to a thrift store just yet but I hope to real soon. I just need to get a car first. Since my mom sure isn't going to take me to one. ^^;
Favorite DIY piece so far: This kitty ear hat that I made out of an old shirt I didn't wear anymore. Oh! And this shirt I sewed some fuschia hearts into. It got some good reviews when I wore it to school the next day. :3
Favorite DIY Tip: o_o Make sure to ALWAYS put the foot down on the sewing machine before you start sewing something. I broke 3 needles on the sewing machine in the course of two days by not doing it. Also~ Most of the first things you make will be pretty ugly.
Other Random Tidbits: ThreadBangers is my new obsession!

[mulitiplemajesty]

Name(s): my actual name is Shannon...online, see my screen name
Age: 22
Etsy/Website: sdonahue123.etsy.com...however, for the past little while its been down because of uni, however i will be back up and running within a few days :)
How long you've been sewing: nothing "serious" until a few years ago. I have a degree from art school, as a result i do alot of mixed media paintings involving sewing, and i is po', so i have to get my clothing somehow...
Why DIY:
i diy because it's fun, and i like the satisfaction of something handmade, made from my own two hands. also, as mentioned before, i is po' and i can't afford alot in the fancy boutiques, so i make my own.

Favorite DIY piece so far: um, i don't know actually, i guess the necklace i'm wearing...NOW. i like to make asymetrical jewlery. so...every one in 12 piece i make i guess i end of keeping for myself.

Favorite DIY Tip: keep trying, i guess, it can be discourageing if something doesn't turn out the way you like, but if it brings you joy, keep doing it.

Other Random Tidbits: I just graduated from art school, my focus being: printmaking, textiles and painting. currently i've enrolled in uni to work the academic side of my brain, and i'm doing a tripple major of international studies and modern languages (german and french). i hope to be taking part in my uni's exchange program in my third year....and the exchange program is pretty much what motovated me to go to uni as it seemed like an easy way to study abroad for a year.
as well i have a small etsy shop...that has yet to (hopefully) take off. regardless i enjoy making...stuff.
random: i enjoy: christmas, yoga, art, fashion, reading, music, yarn, bits n' bobs and lots of other stuff.

[Dosia84]

Name: Sometimes Dosia, sometimes Theo. Full name Theodosia.

Age: 23

How long?: I've been sewing on and off since i was 8, started out hand sewing a small "quilt" for my barbies and I just got my first sewing machine a few months ago and love it to bits.

Why DIY?: Individuality is one thing, but I also like making things for people/myself. Plus, it's something fun to do.

Fav. DIY pieces: ninja mits, hobo gloves, hemp necklaces, scarves.

Random tids: I love screen printing. My first was "zombie repellant", second was Meatwad saying "got meat"? (I'll post these somewhere :) ). I also do hand screen printings, i physically paint the object versus making a screen/stencil.

I live in fairly, non-creative areas, both home and for university. After I graduate, I'm hoping to relocate to someplace far more creative and less Podunk, to help the creative juices flow.

Threadbanger has saved my life! Props to Rob and Corine :cool:

[Amberyl]

Name(s): Sarah, Monkey, Sarah Monkey
Age: 31
Website: www.mystic-monkey.net (http://stoneliondesigns.etsy.com/)
How long you've been sewing: Well, don't really sew much. Yet that is. Will be taking some classes this coming year. But I do crochet like a mad person and make beaded jewelry.
Why DIY: Well, I was working for a large corporation and I was feeling like I needed an artistic outlet cause everything in this building was bleak and gray and was driving me insane. So I went to a local bead shop and found some great stuff to work with. After I had been beading for about a year or two, I quit the job and was unemployed for several months so I needed something else to occupy my time and maybe make some cash. Therefore I made my mom the happiest mom in the world and asked her to show me how to crochet. Even though I was doing it for some extra cash, I learned that making something with your own two hands was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. Now I just need to learn how to use my sewing machine effectively and I will start making all KINDS of stuff!!

Favorite DIY piece so far: Hmm...that's a hard one. I am quite pleased with my first granny square afghan. Oh, and the tams I made for the rastas at my last job. They loved them!!

Favorite DIY Tip: Learn everything you can.

Other Random Tidbits: The monkey ate my weinerschitzel.:eek:

[evilspacebunny]

Name(s): Bunny for short, Or Natalie, or Natty for short again
Age: 21
Etsy/Website: not that hip yet
How long you've been sewing: Sewing not that long to be honest about 2 years when someone thought sewing and crocheting are the same thing and got me a machine, its a love hate relationship. Working with dull curved Needles however since the 6th grade, nothing really big yet just bunch of little crap that i could could give friends or teachers

Why DIY:
I am cheap. simple as that. I love little extras for outfits of mine, however never liked the price tag to go with it. So i make my own. <3 hats and crap. I also do other things like pottery, the clay is my friend. also i did some cosplay when i was younger, and stuff. i mean come on where are you going to find a FFX Lulu costume?

Favorite DIY piece so far: hat and scarf i made my sweetie, for xmas. he wears it all the time even indoors because i'm cheap :3 and don't run the heater

Favorite DIY Tip: the best things in life are free. If your a scrap fiend like myself, check out your local furniture place that sell like couches and crap. when a fabric gets discontinued they tend to throw away the swatches. it never hurts to ask

Other Random Tidbits: i like cheeese

[munkeehaven]

Name(s): Chi!

Age: 21

Etsy/Website: I'm shy :p

How long you've been sewing: Since i was around 13 or so, just started experimenting with cutting up clothes, rearranging things how I liked them..i just like being creative -although I think I try too many things! I love drawing,sewing,knitting,embroidery,jewellerycraft, sculpting...basically i just love anything i can make with my own two hands!

Why DIY: because it feels so good to do and makes me feel good!

Favorite DIY piece so far: hmm..a skirt made from jeans that has taken on so many forms

Favorite DIY Tip: Charity shops!

Other Random Tidbits: I hate cucumbers


http://forum.threadbanger.com/images/tbv2/buttons/quote.gif (http://forum.threadbanger.com/newreply.php?do=newreply&p=44161)

[Auska Nova]

Name(s): Auska, Abbie, Abs
Age: 15
Etsy/Website:haven't finished making layouts yet so whenever I do there should be a link here
How long you've been sewing: hand : 10 I guess, machine 14?
Why DIY:

I throughly enjoy designing my own pieces no one else has or will have for that matter. Plus it give you great satisfaction in accomplishing something.

Favorite DIY piece so far: my Victorian-ish cardigan with brown ruffles and laced around buttons with split ruffled sleeves.

Other Random Tidbits: Can't swim except underwater, sad I know. And my best friend says I sort of act like Plasma in his youtube videos.

[Muffin Madness]

Name(s): Well, on here Muffin will work.
How long you've been sewing: My mom taught me to hand sew and use the machine when I was pretty young. I started making clothes at the end of this summer though.
Why DIY: It's fun and I like to be able to wear clothes that no one else has. It lets me make things I like and it's nice when people ask where you got something and you can say you made it!

Favorite DIY piece so far: Either a reconned tee shirt into a short sleeve hoodie or black gauchos into a cute mini skirt with white lace.

Other Random Tidbits: Hm.. Muffins are the most superior food, and deserve their own spot on the food pyramid. I'm more into reconstructing clothes then making them from scratch, because I'm too lazy to get a real pattern. Currently working on a hoodie from scratch though, which I started ages ago. It's taking me forever!

I sew, crochet, knit, and make jewelry. I think I need to focus on just one and get really good, rather then my current mediocre skill level in all of them.

[artsyAna]

Name:Ana
aka: Polka, ana bella, nana,artsy ana

Why DIY: It's another way for me to show my art to others and make random/political statements by printing them in clothing.

Favorite DIY piece so far: I have two!...i printed a "tree hugger" desing on a top.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/partimedoll/treehugshirt.jpg
I also designed a political statement dealing with television and sold 45 of them.

I draw,paint, do photography,knit,photoshop,yearbook,clubs,IMAGINE, love the sky and food,afro-brazilian dance.

[LadyRobinhood]

Name: Robin or Lady Robin

Age: 13

How long have you been sewing: I started sewing random buttons onto random pieces of cloth when I was about five or six, and I've been doing various sewing projects ever since. My skills still leave much to be desired, though...

Why DIY?: Um, well, all my life I've been doing creative stuff, from sewing to painting to writing poetry, and DIY is another (really cool) outlet for my ideas.

Favourite DIY piece: Right now, it's probably the skirt I made a month or so ago out of two oddly-shaped pieces of black velvet. I love that skirt, and I'm so proud of how well it turned out.

Random things: Umm.. I've been home-schooled all my life, I know way more about actors and movies in the 20's-80's era than I do about modern-day ones, and I'm an indie/celtic music freak, who will defend the Beatles as the best band in the universe till my dying day. :p

[hidden_passion]

Name: Erin

Age: 18

How long have you been sewing: Couple years. But as a young child I was always making things with my mom.

Why DIY?: I like the fact that I can always say I made something and take pride in it. Plus no one else will have the same thing as me. Whats there not to like?

Favourite DIY piece: The kilt I made a few weeks ago for town event.

Random things: I like Pirates YAR! I hang out with goth kids yet I listen to country and sing it to them. I'm a master chef wanna-be and I love baking people cookies.

[IAmTasiaD]

Name(s): Tasia (obviously ;) )

Age: 22

Blog: My Blog (http://tasiad.blogspot.com)

How long you've been sewing: By hand ... errr ... Who knows, since I was about 10ish, I suppose - On a machine, for about 5ish years. But consistently (more than once or twice a year) only about two years.

Why DIY: I guess because I've always been one of those "If you have the ability to do it, then why not?" types of people. Not to mention, it gives me an escape from everyone and everything, and gives me a feeling of accomplishment on those days I don't do much else haha

Favorite DIY piece so far: So far .. Either a costume I made my daughter this past Halloween or my newest hand bag.

Favorite DIY Tips: Don't be afraid to mess up, you learn best by understanding how NOT to do things.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm a compulsive smiler.

[MandyKayy]

Name: My friends call me Mandy. =]
How long you've been sewing: Well, I have done bits and pieces of sewing(fixing holes and onces or twice sewing something just to sew) when I was younger. But besides that havent really gotten to into it yet.
Why DIY: Its fun and its you. Whatever you want you can make it..to fit your style or your mood. And the best part is walking somewhere and someone pointing how how they like your shirt or something..and ask where to get it..and you say "oh well I made it."

Favorite DIY piece so far: I havent made too much yet..mainly just been a DIY watcher for some time now..but Im starting to try and get into it.

Other Random Tidbits: I love the hardcore girly /hippi free feel styles. both to me represent self expression..its you its your own personal freedom and choice on what to wear.. so I love learning new ways to make something to fit into my style (I adore Andrew Hansion on here. )

I'm learning to sew, can crochet.. Want to learn to knit.. I have made small pieces of jewlery and random small objects..but would love to get really involved!

[Amie]

Name(s): Amie
Age: 19
How long you've been sewing: ever since i was 16 and got my first sewing machine.
Why DIY: i'm really picky about what i wear and i hate spending so much money on clothes and expensive/trendy name brands...and i love expressing yourself through what you wear. i also love the idea of re-using old materials to make something new...
Favorite DIY piece so far: a t-shirt quilt
Other Random Tidbits: i created a DIY club at my college...woo! i'm also a web designer/graphic designer and play guitar. i love ska and punk music.

[Addie_Marie]

Name: Addie

Age: 16 (*hums* Going on seventeen..)

How long you've been sewing: By hand, I was probably something like... seven? But I've been using a machine since I was 11, I think, first making stuffed animal clothes and doll clothes. Then I realized that it was much more fun to make ME clothes. Last year I got a copy of Generation T, and suddenly all sorts of possibilities opened up. I hadn't ever thought of reconning before, so a world of new ideas started popping up. But my passion is, and always will be, making costumes.

Why DIY: Why not? First, there's much more gratification in making something yourself. Second, you can't always buy what you want in stores. Third, I live a hundred and fifty miles from where I can get clothes I would consider wearing. This means I don't really get new outfits much. Making my own solves all that. And finally, I'm cheap. I'd rather put my hard earned money toward college and spend the time making clothes instead of buying them.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Right now it's my fantastic brown and mint green skirt. It's all polka dotted and makes me want to go swing dancing.

Other Random Tidbits: I get crushes on costumes. My current crush is the red and white striped "By The Sea" dress from Sweeney Todd. I've only seen pictures and clips, but it's so creative and bright. ...let's see... I found the ThreadBanger podcast on iTunes, and instantly loved it.... I'm hoping to open an Etsy shop sometime next fall... and I'm slightly random when I talk! Tidbits indeed. :) *waves* Glad to be here, folks!

[elleira]

Name(s): Arielle, Elleira, Elle, Pooky
Age: 20... Ugh.
How long you've been sewing: I started sewing making clothes for my barbies out of socks... My mom almost killed me... -.-;;; And I've been making/altering my own stuff on and off for about six years, but I've really gotten back into it recently (mostly because I just bought myself a sewing machine :D)
Why DIY: I started making and altering my stuff because I didn't want to waste money buying lame clothes (really, $80 for PRE-TORN pants?!?!) And that was back in my spooky goth days, so a lot of the stuff I HAD to make. I'm still kinda spooky, but now I'm also kinda hippy and kinda hipster and kinda everything else... So it's pretty much necessary, heh. I LOOOOOVE thrifting, but a lot of things just aren't cool enough off the rack. Lately I've seen the benefits of both DIY and thrifting from an environmental standpoint. Why waste money and resources making something new that already exists or could be made out of something that already exists?!
Favorite DIY piece so far: My Harry Potter quidditch team tee's (I made one for me, and 6 for Christmas presents), art deco screen print tee, black/blue zigzag sweater-turned-hoodie with the screen from the art deco screen print sewn on the back ^.^
Favorite DIY tip: Don’t be afraid to improvise. I love to “make” my own tools from stuff I’ve already got. Save money and expand your creativity to the process too! Oh, and freezer paper is my new BFF.
Other Random Tidbits:
I am an artist that works in an office… yeah, try to wrap your head around that one. My cat is named Agro after the horse in Shadow of the Colossus (PS2). My apartment is a mess. I never get carded when I go out with people from work. I want a corseting sooooooo bad (look it up if you like body piercings). I’ve been engaged for over two years :P I make handmade books too, and I heart ceramics. I speak French (very little, considering I studied four years). Oh, yeah, this is my first post!

[TigerLilly1]

Name(s): Clarissa Pirate
Age: 23
How long you've been sewing: Started at 7 years old [with gramma's help of course]...put it down for awhile...relearning all over again
Why DIY: to make skinny b*tches jealous of my swank wardrobe
Favorite DIY piece so far: My nightmare before christmas hybrid zip up
Favorite DIY tip: don't over think anything....if you don't get it right the first time, put it down, step away, clear your head and go back
Random: I'm an ex-military brat, a cosmetologist, and antsy to move on to the next big thing

[Sakuralee]

Name(s): Holly, Sakura Lee
Age: 23
Etsy/Website: I do have one but it hasn't been updated in forever so i am not going to give you the link.
How long you've been sewing: Since i can remember. I come from a long line of crafty people.
Why DIY: Why not, you get what you want if you do it yourself.

Favorite DIY piece so far: I made a corset back a while ago that was awsome

Favorite DIY Tip: If looks like its going wrong do something different with it.

Other Random Tidbits: Knitting is hard!

[sheershay]

My name: Amber shay , but I'd like it very much if you stuck with shay
Age: for some reason a not so well known DIY site dosen't strike me as a pervy pickup hot spot so I'll tell you guys honestly that I'm 16
why DIY: I like the idea of haveing just a little more involvement in my own life and the way I'm represented. Plus it's a pretty goodway to get ECO fashion without empting out a wallet (one i don't have and intend to make very soon ^.~ )
useless facts that sugesst i have a real life (somewhere =__=): I'm a quater Japanese by blood and I'm very proud of it, I'm currently takeing classes( and haveing my tush handed to me by the other students) to learn the language. I'm unconcerned with my grammer and anything I try to spell my come out horribly butchered. no I'm not dumb , infact I have a very high IQ, but I'm not perfect either and I would never expect so much of anyone.So i hope we can all be friends thank you for wasteing your time on me it means so much ~much love~

[Dynamic!]

Name(s): Rachel. Or, more commonly, the Blue-Haired Kid.
Age: 18
Etsy/Website: still haven't gotten around to making a gallery..but..I have a myspace (http://www.myspace.com/_dynamiic) (which may or may not be helpful)
How long you've been sewing: by hand..since..I was 10? Maybe earlier. With a mini machine starting at age 13, with a full machine 15-16 on.
Why DIY: Why not? I like having complete creative control over projects, and I like to figure out how things work. I don't like feeding money to corporations for cheaply made, dime a dozen crap, so I buy secondhand fabric and make my own..whatever I want.
You learn valuable skills, express yourself, and sooner or later your friends pay you cash money to make things for them..victory!
Favorite DIY piece so far: hmm probably my fleece hoodies (I haven't posted these yet..). They are warm AND functional AND soft!
Favorite DIY Tip: don't get stuck on functional fixedness. and duct tape, in general.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm a musician and probably the happiest, craziest 18 year old girl ever. I "suffer" from peter pan syndrome and watch cartoons the way some people watch the Hills: totally drooling and hypnotized.

[DalTrav]

Name(s): You can call me Mai...its the second part of my middle name
Age:16
Why DIY?: Because everytime i see a piece of clothing or an accecory of some kind i imaging how much cooler it would be if i altered it.and i just have an urge to change things and make them better.
How long you've been sewing: Well,When i was like...9? i had this Klutz sewing book and would make doll clothes with it.Now i am investing in a sewing machine beause i just don't have the patience to hand sew.
Favorite DIY piece so far:I have this three ring binder that i've been working on for 3 whole years at first it was a plain white binder now its colorful and filled front to back with pictures of albums from my favorite bands that i cut out of weekly store ads in the sunday paper.if there was a sudden fire in my house its the one inatimate object i would save.
Random Tidbits:well,i'm a musician i play guitar and bits of piano.i'm a occasional artist and i sell artwork/portaits to people at my school.

[flygirl711]

Name(s): Jess... it's just Jess no kitsy nicknames
Age: 18
Etsy/Website:have a facebook if your nice i may add... :p
How long you've been sewing: since I was 7, on a machine since I was 13. knitting since 16 and making knots with crochet hooks since this year
Why DIY: It started off as one of my Mammaw's many "life skills" I had to know. (along with how to clean almost anything, cooking, and firstaid... she was amazing) There were something that every person should know how to do to be an independent individual. Later it took on many different forms. I became very enviromentally concise growing my own food going vegetarian, and along with this new health stuff my old clothes no longer fit. As a college student I had no money. So I grabbed a few books on alterations (Sew U, Sewing made Easy, and 108 Ways to Change Your T-shirts) and went to town. Fell in love with that little sewing machine all over and have become obsessed.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Probably the tunic lace top I made out of an old floor length granny dress. It was also my 1st time using my dress form
Favorite DIY Tip: 1. get lots of books, seriously. You can find fabric all over... but the know how and step by steps are amazing. 2. dont get discouraged by something difficult- it really is the only way you will learn (my favorite DIY project was so botched that I had to re sew the whole thing after wearing it only once) 3. and the most important.... finish what you start... there is no better feeling than having finished a project and massing up a bunch of to do's can pile up quickly and over whelm you

Other Random Tidbits: I am absolutely clueless about what I want to do in life other than it being something that involves me working with my hands.

[MrThumbtack]

Name(s): Joshua though I would prefer that you refer to me as Mr.Thumbtack
Age: 18
Why DIY: I'm a goth, and all the pretty goth clothes are way, way, way too expensive and/or being sold by corporate hegemonies. I love the satisfaction of doing it myself, no matter how much more time had to go into it.
How long you've been sewing: Sewing...or sewing well. Really I didn't start sewing until recently when my grandmother gave me her old sewing machine. Before, I did a little hand sewing here and there, always lacking the patience to actually make the project work.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Homemade Orc costume to go see Lord of the Rings: Return of the King my freshman year of high school. I made a helmet out of rusty sheet metal, and mismatched plate armor to match. As I waited on the steps (for some friends who got lost) people told me the theater ought to be paying me to advertise the movie.
Favorite DIY tip: six words: thrift stores, thrift stores, thrift stores
Random tidbit: "Cthulhu fhtagn!"

[Jeronimus]

Name: Jeroen, but Jeronimus or Jerry are as acceptable.
Age: 16
How long you've been sewing: Since never. I'm trying to get my mom to teach me to get the hang of it. I've seen her do it and I've had her sew fabric together when I was making a hand puppet, yeah, but never done it myself. I'd love to just be able to.
Why DIY: I don't know, but really, why not? It's not like I've ever had immense problems with my clothes or that I can't ever find anything to my liking, I'm pretty easily satisfied. But it would be so cool if I could actually do something, whatever it is, myself.
But I have basically zero experience in anything on the subject of making stuff, just because I've never found myself to be really handy.
I also just realised I might like to tell something about how I keep getting crazy plans and obsessions in my head, and one of them at the moment is the creation of a cool costume, which also includes a mask. You see, each year in school there's a week where the last years dress up each day in a certain 'theme', and I wanted to do "animation characters/disney" next year and make something vaguely reminiscent of the Beast (from the Beauty). Oh, the ambitiousness of it all! Still I've found a pretty cool tutorial on how to make a werewolf mask that I might alter slightly, make it look roughly based on the Beast.
That's enough on that. Once I actually start on it, I might post a separate topic.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a kind of creative person, I like writing and acting and drawing and stuff. I got here through Indy Mogul basically when checking out there videos about random effects I'd never need in any of my movies, but whatever.

So yeah, hi to all of you, this was me and everything that came to mind spontaneously.

[rosered]

Name: Rosemary
Age: 24
How long you've been crafting: seems like forever!
Why DIY: I just really enjoy creating things. It makes the item so much more personal and I love to learn new techniques and improve on old ones. Whether it's art or craft, I just love to make!
Favorite DIY piece so far: I recently learned to silkscreen and made some really nice mini journals with covers I silk screened a skull pattern onto. I am really excited about silk screening lately!
Other Random Tidbits: I recently graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Illustration, and last September I started my Freelance Illustration career. My first nationwide magazine job was just published recently and things are really picking up!

[thehazelwood]

Name: Victoria
Age: 20
How long you've been sewing: Always hand-sewing, I probably learned how when I was about 8.
Why DIY: I'm poor and enjoy expensive designer clothing, but can't afford to buy it. Also, I like to make things a bit different than what other people are wearing...I like to embellish. Also because I get bored really easily so crafting/clothing have always been hobbies to fill the time.
Favourite DIY piece so far: I took a normal long tank and sequined a big unicorn head on the bottom left hand corner, sequined ribbon along the side seams, and created an empire waist with another ribbon. Wore it to my favourite musician's show and after the show he complimented me on it. He owns one of my designs but I have not seen him wear it as of yet (how dare he!!). Musician is Patrick Wolf by the way, also one of the reasons I got interested in fashioning my own clothes a few years ago.
Other random tidbits: I'm getting a real sewing machine of my own this weekend! I'm so excited!!

[Morluna]

First post, just discovered this place. (I'm slow)

Glad to be here!

About: I'm a 22 year old female from Atlanta, GA, but I'm originally from South Carolina. Have been sewing for several years, and originally got into it for anime cosplay. Yes, I'm one of those... go to Dragon*Con every year, huzzah. I still consider myself a sewing novice in many ways, and I hope I can pick up some skills and advice here!

With love,
Morluna

[Excessive]

Name(s): Jessica, though I prefer Jess. Or you can just call me by some form of my username.

Age: 15

How long you've been sewing: About a year. I'm a giant procrastinator and I lack funds to finance my hobbies, so I don't sew much.

Why DIY: Cause making yer own stuff if awesome. I haven't been sewing as long as I've been making jewelry, but both are awesome. Most of the jewelry I wear on a regular basis is handmade!

Favorite DIY piece so far: Hmm.. probably my set of rainbow dice necklaces.

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't get discouraged if you suck. Everyone does at first.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm obsessed with the following: obscure japanese fashion styles, jrock, chopsticks, and nail polish.

[Ella]

Name(s): Ellen
Age: 18
How long you've been sewing: I made some very poorly constructed dolls clothes when I was little, but I really started when I was about eleven and we sewed pillows in school. Pillows are god-sends for a kid with poor hand-eye co-ordination. ^_^ It just kinda went from there.

Why DIY: At first, as a hobby, just to fill time, because my Mum thought I spent too much of my life online and she offered to pay for material. Then later to make costumes - I got into cosplay and historical re-enactment at roughly the same time, and both required the sort of clothing it was way too expensive to purchase pre-made. I've only recently come into the idea of 'upcycleing' or re-making clothing, and now I'm loving the budget and 'green' aspects... 'cause, like any good middle-class white girl undertaking a university education, I'm a) broke b) filled with guilt at the excess of my day-to-day life. :) Re-making clothing is good on both counts, and besides, my fashion tastes aren't exactly mainstream. What better way then DIY to get the unique pieces I love?

Favorite DIY piece so far: My 'elephant' pants, made with a cotton-print star-scene fabric. I wouldn't make them these days, but they were the first clothing I ever sewed and they're still ridiculously comfortable, even if they are a bit short in the leg these days. I always wear them on long car trips.

Favorite DIY Tip: Make friends with adults who sew. More oft then not, they're thrilled to give you advice, loan you use of their machine, or gift you with their awesome old patterns and leftover material. They are the cloth-and-yarn pack rats you will someday become, and they have all kinds of useful tips and amusing stories to share.

[galatrad]

Name(s):sammy, sam, galatrad

Age: 15

How long you've been sewing: Forever. I started when my mom wanted to take in some jeans when I was little, and I did it myself.

Why DIY: Its fun. Its unique and I can say I did it myself and saved a lot of money.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My jean[s]

Favorite DIY Tip: Find who you are first.

Other Random Tidbits: I have a lot of diffrent styles. They all mean me.

[tinkywench]

Name(s): Pip

Age: 19

How long you've been sewing: Not very long but im gonna make it a regular thing :)

Why DIY: Cuz i can put my own style into clothes and be different from people i know

Favorite DIY piece so far: silk 'bubble' skirt, or camo bikini

Favorite DIY Tip: dont be afraid to be different! :D

Other Random Tidbits: uuum change the colour of my hair ALOT!

[petchy]

Hi, I'm new to this forum :)

Name(s): My name is Solveig, but I am commonly known online and among friends as "Petchy".

Age: 27

How long you've been sewing: I have been sewing for as long as I can remember, and started off making doll clothes on my Mum's sewing machine.

Why DIY: I love refashioning and making clothes from scratch (especially children's clothes) and as I also suffer from chronic handbag dependancy I tend to sew alot of bags and wallets as well!

Favorite DIY piece so far: You mean I have to pick??? Erm...

Website: Made by Petchy (http://madebypetchy.blogspot.com), my creative blog. Please come and say hi!

[Spendthrift Sigh]

Name(s): Megan

Age: 21

How long you've been sewing: I was born to sew, my mom is an awesome seamstress, but like any young prodigy I refused all of her antics and pleas to learn the craft. When I was 16 I joined 4-H sewing, excelled, and even triumphed over my arch-nemesis who was undefeated! Anyway, I've been sewing since and am a fashion design student. Yeah, yeah, so mostly I have to adhere to formal techniques, but that's what makes DIY so much more enjoyable.

Why DIY: I have a deep appreciation for things and hate to let them go to waste. Besides, if I get something unique of the deal, then all the better. I will admit that nothing in the Ready-To-Wear market ever fits me. Find me a pair of pants that don't need 6 inches chopped off the bottom and I'll love you forever.

Favorite DIY piece so far: I don't have a favorite, I love them all. Some pieces I've done are 2 medieval dresses, an original design prom dress, a black/pink trenchcoat, a pleated/bubble skirt from a 60's dress, spray painted skirt, lightning bolt skirt, and my ever so adorable children's wear outfit.

Favorite DIY Tip: Forget Goodwill. If you can, hit garage sales and the real gold mines tend to be Church rummage sales. Some churches have only older congregations and some of those elderly people have the best stuff they clear out of their attics! Plus, church rummage sales usually always have a "bag day" the 2nd or 3rd day of the sale to clear out everything, so if you can conceive cramming as much as you can into a bag for a $1.00, it's the best dream come true!

Other Random Tidbits: Formerly worked at Goodwill, yeah not so great because you spend every last dime you earn on the crazy stuff you "can't live without" so it makes the whole working for a living thing pointless, but you'll have a great wardrobe! I love reading, writing, drawing/designing, photography, and funny old people (they are a world of knowledge and are a hoot to hang out with!) I also have an amazing eclectic taste for music including The Dropkick Murphys, Relient K, Johnny Cash, Tommy Dorsey, Glen Miller, The Squirrel Nut Zippers, AFI, Thousand Foot Krutch, Less Than Jake, Underoath, David Bowie, Emery, Pantagruel, Enya, Beethoven, The Used and Flatfoot 56 among a huge list of others.

[eranaandleila]

Name: Erana
Age: 21
Why DIY?: I had my daughter two years ago,put on a heap of weight and couldnt find any clothes that i liked or that fitted let alone afford to buy a whole new wardrobe so then i saw threadbangers and BAM thats what i had to do, so everyday im trying to get more sustainable and eco smart
How long have you been sewing?: since puberty
Favourite DIY piece: a purple dress i made for my two year old daughter out of an old pre pregnancy(still skinny) shirt
Favourite DIY Tip: carry a pen and paper everywere so when you see some inspiration out the streets or where ever you dont forget it
Random: love yourself so you can be loved

[kittyone]

Name: Sofia Esther ^^
Age: 17
How long you've been sewing: Im starting now
Why DIY: well i like doing all kind of things by mi self
Random: Mmmm i love dido, bunny, snakes (and sorry about spelling, im from mexico x.x)

[The Angry Hippie]

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[masterhybrid]

Name(s): For here, Hybrid is fine. However, in school, I'm that art chick. x]

Age: 17 (18 in June!)

How long you've been sewing: Well, I did some when I was in 8th grade, for sewing class. I have a sewing class this year, and I'm glad. It reawoke my love for sewing. :]

Why DIY: Like others, I love the feeling of accomplistment. Just to say, hey, I made this with my own two hands is awesome. I have only really made bags and altered a couple shirts, but I'm getting there.

Favorite DIY piece so far: The bag I just made today out of finds in my sewing class scrap bag. The other kids don't realize it yet, but if you dig around enough, there's gold in there.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm also an artist, writer, and enjoy horseback riding. Oh, and about half of the shirts in my closet are soon to become something else. xD

[troyka]

Name: Troyka
Age: older!
why: im a yoof worker so i jsut have to find ideas and stuff.
random: i watched all the vids on one day (sunday) how cool are you guys!
Place: England

[Vixeness]

Name : Vixeness

Age : ermmm do i have to say :p

Place : NW England

Sewing : Since i can remember but not so much at the moment ( I have a young Family , Takes up a LOT of my time )

Fave DIY : My old faithful hippy Patchwork Bag

Why DIY? : Because Its a Good way to recycle and I love to have my own Style!

Fave tidbit : Dont be afraid to Experiement! try anything once, if you dont like it.. move onto to the next Challenge

[Emily]

NAME: Emily, though I prefer Em.
AGE: 16
PLACE: Spain via England
SEWING: On and off for about a year. I'm yet to finish a full project, I've just been messing around with my mum's machine trying to gain some confidence but I'm ready to dive in there for real now.
STUFF: I live in a boring, mundane town on the coast of southern Spain which is driving me to insanity. My insanity gave way to creativity though. Only two more years 'till I get to leave! I also play the drums, read too many books and am excessively lazy with my school work.

[Lia]

Name(s): Lia + a few other assorted OL nicks
Age: 21
How long you've been sewing: I learned to sew by hand when I was... hmm, 7 or 8. I only learned to use a sewing machine last year. Can't live without it now.
Why DIY: Well, why not? I've gone to the "green" side over the past few years, and refashioning my old clothes is better than buying new ones. Goodwill totally works on my broke college student budget, and I get to let my creative side run wild. I only hope I can find a way to incorporate my DIY-ness into something that works when I start a job with a dress code other than "whatever you want to wear".

Side note: Working in a bookstore leads to much craftiness when you get a discount on magazines, books, whatever I use for inspiration. My current inspirations are Compai (responsible for starting my DIY fashion obsession), 'make it mine' (great crafty magazine), and of course, ThreadBangers. The latest issue of 'make it mine' has given me some great ideas for reworking old pairs of shoes into something new. Gotta love it.

Recently, I've taken up the challenge of learning to knit and embroider. It's going pretty well so far, maybe I'll post up pics of my creations when I'm finished with them.

Anyway, once again, ThreadBangers has caused another sleepless night. I needed a serious podcast update, since I finally caught up. Now my iPod is happy (and so am I). Snip snip.

[tigerbaby1981]

Name(s): Jennifer
Age: 26
How long have you been sewing: I did a bit when I was younger but really picked up sewing last Oct (07) to sew for my kids.
Why DIY: I thought it would be nice to make my own clothes and stuff for my children. Started with curtians for my sons room and went on from there.
Favorite DIY piece so far: hmm.. I dont know I havent made a lot but I would likely say hmm my new halter top made from a t-shirt and not a pattern! and baby leg warmers from ladies socks. Im in the middle of making a summer dress and then Im going to make a wedding dress to get married in the summer!
Other Random Tidbits: I have 2 beautiful children that I love to sew for :) Im on maternity leave right now so I try and sqeeze in as much sewing as i can.. :)

[MatroshkA]

Im in the middle of making a summer dress and then Im going to make a wedding dress to get married in the summer! :)

:) That is great. Congratulations! Somehow when i read this i felt warm in my tommy :) crazy, i know. Now me.

Name: Gosia, Małgosia ,Małgorzata (english equivalent Margot)
Age: soon I'll be 29(yes, old hag i am ;))
Etsy/Website: Nothing yet, but i think i can recommend some (http://www.ho-lo.pl/holo.php5?index=koncept i am afraid it is all in polish, but go to the e-sklep button and then use any name there and you can see their products. The idea is to recycle collapsible hood from tracks or hugde city posters and turn them into bags, wallets. These guys've gone pro:). And then there is the www.pakamera.pl where w bunch of art school students gathered and created a nice portal to sell their creations, you can find here almost everything. The idea with color organization is just great.)
How long you've been sewing: Since i was 10. First it was more the let's make a nice dolly dress and then i witnessed the birth of my biggest addictions - bags, so every since i made then, remade them, baught them and so on. There was also a periond of time when i had a sewing machine, and made so really quirky clothes like skirts and pants without paterns, just sewing fallowing the voice of my imagination ;) Right now i am back on the track. The urge to create and recreate is back and kicking.
Why DIY: Simple, my measurements. Plus the fact that i never could find anything suitable to my need, not this color not this pattern, and so on. And the statement of us all, i do not like to look like everyone else. :)
Other Random Tidbits: i am also addicted to reading, i am a book critic in my free time, and otherwise i work as a chef manager at a clothing store (one of the biggest chains in Poland), so i kind of know how the things work, and how people are being ripped off.

Anyway :) i am glad that i've found you :) i feel the DIY flame in me. My Bf thinks that loosing my mind. :):D

[grimthelost]

Name(s): My name is Steven or you can use my screen name, whichever is fine.
Age: 19 going on 20

How long you've been sewing: 3 or 4 years now.

Why DIY: It runs in the family, my mom and dad are craft-heads.

Favorite DIY piece so far: I made my girlfriend a pair of batman Pjs in high school. She loved them and made me happy.

Other Random Tidbits: I am a vegetarian, it is a part of who I am.

[Happychic]

Name(s): Rose/Rosie
Age: 16
How long have you been sewing: 3 or 4 years, 2 years with any degree of competence ;)
Why DIY: I enjoy the process of making stuff, not just having it. And it's never going to be exactly the same as anyone else, even if you've followed a tutorial.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Sgt. Pepper inspired bag, bright red corduroy with gold braid. Unfortunately I wore it to death, but I have grand plans to make a sgt. pepper jacket too.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm about a month away from the first major exams of my life, and sewing and DIY in general is a great way for me to de-stress.

[Garnett]

Name(s): Arica

Age: 25

Etsy/Website: none

How long you've been sewing: since I was little, but stopped a few years ago. My machine is in another country at the moment.

Why DIY: I hate having clothes that other people have.

Favorite DIY piece so far: I've made a few shirts that I loved, and modified the heck out of a black dress. Those are my favorites.

Favorite DIY Tip: If you can imagine it, there IS a way to make it. It may take a few tries to get it right, but when it's there, you'll know and be thrilled.

Other Random Tidbits: I am vegan and super into animal rights. I live in Canada, but am an American. I do not vote for bush. I love tattoos and I have a half finished sleeve on my right arm. I have four cats, am married, drink Earl Grey every morning and stay up way too late at night.

I was in school for Apparel Design but quit after one year when I realized it was sucking all the fun out of sewing and creating.

I have not sewn much since moving here four years ago. I miss it a lot, but I am anxious about taking my machine here, so it's in storage at my parent's house in the US. I've tried to fill the void with knitting, but it's just not the same as sewing. Plus I suck at it and I get mad ripping all my projects apart.

I can't WAIT to look around more here!! I'm already getting inspired again, and if I have to hand sew things, then so be it.

[cheapfrills]

Name(s): Erica
Age: 21
Etsy/Website: Cheap Frills (but it's not open yet!)
How long you've been sewing: For a years but only since Christmas have I gotten to the point where it's almost a daily thing.

Why DIY: To that my good sir I say why not DIY? But I do it because I like my own style. I love the feeling knowing no one owns what I'm wearing. I love even more the look of shock when someone finds out I made/altered what I'm wearing. Though I do try to be modest with all that praise.

Favorite DIY piece so far: It's not really all that DIY but I did alter a vintage dress I'd gotten. It was a free and I could not understand why it was such a beautiful dress. Then I found the moth holes on the skirt. So I had to just shorten the trim and decided it looked better with shorter sleeves.

Favorite DIY Tip: Burda Stlye and my pattern altering book. Sorry I'm forgetting the name and I'm to tired to climb up the stairs and look for it. I got it used off amazon because it's out of print.

Other Random Tidbits: Free spirited tea drinking whispy innocent girl adores her yuppie friend. Is that romantic?

[LyricChick]

NAME: Caz
AGE: Old enough to know better
ETSY/WEBSITE: I'm primarily a musician, so http://www.carylsumner.co.uk, but my Etsy is http://www.etsy.com/profile.php?user_id=5413099

SEWING: Since I was about 8 or 9, I think, but I got into it big-style just this year when I found Threadbanger on YouTube.

WHY DIY: I've always been very waste-conscious, so when green 'became the new pop', as it were, I was more than happy to jump on the ol' band wagon. I love making things from scratch, be it meals, songs, clothes, ornaments. I also love repairing and altering things that would otherwise have been rejected. I have a soft spot for disgarded objects. I look out for the little guy.

FAVE DIY: I've just finished an awesome bodice with boning and a zip and everything. Perfect for the goth club or in a pirate costume or an elven princess or cosplaying or...

FAVE DIY TIP: Think about it for a few days... My best DIY ideas come to me when I look at the garment I want to alter/reconstruct/decimate and wait until I'm absolutely sure before I hack at it with my scissors. That way you'll always have something you're gonna use!

RANDOM: I think I'm obsessive compulsive. I'm a keen gardener. I love cleaning. I'm one of the 'quiet ones' everyone's supposed to watch out for. ;) I want to make a career in pop music.

[nepherym]

Name(s): Nepherym, Deana
Age: 26
Etsy/Website: No official site up yet, myspace.com/nepherym
How long you've been sewing: by hand since 4, machine since about 10
Why DIY:

Mom always said that, due to the shape and size of our relatives, that I'd better learn how to sew because nothing out there was going to fit/look right on me. She was right. :eek: I started with doll clothes and skirts for myself when I was four years old and progressed to clothing and costumes/cosplay outfits in my early teens. Why DIY? I know it'll fit and feel right, the construction won't be flimsy basted sh*t from China, and I can put my own spin on things.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My KIDS! Jk, but they're really works of art, if I do say so myself. :D Each project, although along the same theme sometimes, has a unique flavor - I enjoy them all. I'd have to say the most comfortable piece was a renfair chemise with gathered sleeves that I made from an old white flannel sheet I'd found at a thrift store - COZY!

Favorite DIY Tip: Learn to see time and projects in time/step perspective. A lot of designers, new as well as seasoned, get frustrated at the ammount of time and work that goes into DIY. ANYTHING can be accomplished with a good ammount of patience!

Also, look in strange places for materials. Huge, tacky earrings and barrettes make great clasps and embellishments. Quilt blocks are wonderful panels for skirts and bodices. I've even made skirts out of beautiful decorative pillowcases I've found 2nd hand and salvaged fabric from old pieces of furniture for bodices, etc.

Other Random Tidbits: Yes, I said cosplay earlier. I'm mainly a LARPer involved with Amtgard (which is a great organization to learn all kinds of DIY stuff - so many people willing to share what they know and do demos for FREE). As if LARP wasn't enough, I'm also a WoW junkie, clean for about 7 months now. I do embroidery, ribbon embroidery, beading, chainmail, and just about any other needlecraft sans knitting and crochet. I'm into quite a few different kinds of music (fave genre has to be progressive and rock) and I play a few instruments (mainly winds).

I also love to help and would be more than happy to share what I know and brainstorm with others!

[countrygrl96]

Name(s): Mackenzie, Kenzie, Kenz, Sissy
Age: 12 in may
Etsy/Website:none
How long you've been sewing: Um since I was about eight
Why DIY:
I hated the idea of being a robot like all the other girls my age.
They all think you have to have super straight hair.
Wear Hollister, Aeropostale, Abercrombie and American Eagle.
Wear huge sunglasses that make you look like a bug.
And show way too much skin.

If you don't do these things you are usually considered a nerd, dork, or freak.

And I love the idea of wearing something I created and no body having anything like it!!

PEACE!! -Kenzzz

[asbeautyfaded]

Name(s): PirateQueen! haha or Victoria
Age: 22
Etsy/Website: um not really I have a etsy but I don't sell anything so boring

How long you've been sewing: my mom taught me when I was about 10 but I just started really sewing.

Why DIY: I like being creative and being able to make the things I want makes me happy

Favorite DIY piece so far: My pincushion. I think it is super cute.

Favorite DIY Tip: Never hurts to try, well unless you get hurt trying then it hurts

[Penguen]

Name: Guenevere Lee Van Der Aa Keeffe
Age: 26 (27 next month)
How long been sewing: Tricky question... I have only a total of 5 project that I've even done plus working on one now. My last 4 halloween costumes got sewn by hand so I guess 4 years even though I never did anything between my halloween costumes until now.
Why DIY: Because the only person who can do things right is yourself. AND - when your curvy nothing fits right - shirts are not made for large breasted, small/med waisted women. *Note* not a complaint on body type, complaint only about stupid clothing - lets all just go caveman.
Favorite DIY piece so far: 2 yrs ago I did a fairy costume that I loved.
DIY tip: Research! then turn on some loud music and let the scissors and needle guide you.
Random: I love books (my husband says I have a problem, I say the library has a problem when they gladly let me check out 75 books at once). I also love music but I think that artsie people usually have that in common. I like Aiden, HIM, The Rasmus, Starflyer 59, HorrorPops, Silversun Pickups, Built To Spill, Dinosaur Jr. and all affliliated bands, etc.
I like things when they're squeakie....

[Camine]

Name(s): Jacqui, Q, or Jacks
Age: 17, but will be 18 in August (counting down the days, loves)
Etsy/Website: Does my DeviantArt count? http://disposable-bliss.deviantart.com/
How long you've been sewing: I started sewing doll clothing for my japanese dolls about...oh..maybe two, three years ago?
Why DIY: I'm fairly heavyset, and it's very hard for me to find styles that I like that actually FIT me. While trying to lose weight, I'm also deciding to start making my own things.


Favorite DIY piece so far: Doll clothing, I guess. I havn't made much, since my sewing machine is busted.

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't be scared to try something new. If it doesn't work out, you can learn from it.

Other Random Tidbits: I'm crazy, insane and hyper. I love drawing and writing my own stuff, and want to make shirts with some of my characters on them one day, because I'm just that crazy. I lovies you all!

*snip snip*

[Mailbox-Snowflake]

Name(s): Uhhm, Shaun is good, or something of your own creation- Be imaginative ;D
Age: Almost 16
Esty/Website: No Esty but I can give you a myspace (http://www.myspace.com/370799637)
How long you've been sewing: I failed home economics D: So I refused to have anything to do with cookery/sewing for the next two years, but I more or less started again in the last six months
Why DIY: I love art, music, just generally anything creative. Also the DIY ethos just really appeals to me~
Favorite DIY piece so far: I've not done anything 'big' as of yet. Just like sweatbands and scarves ect. And of course the pillows 8D
Favorite DIY Tip: I'm a suppa thrifter till I die.

[hosehead]

Names: Shannon, big red, hosey, spla
Age: 24
How long have you been sewing: took home ec 11 years ago, got a D-. My boxer shorts looked like a lunchbag. Although, it was discouraging, i cant seem to stop dreaming up ideas of things i want to make. (now i just need a proper sewing machine and not the ARCHAIC clunker rotting in storage that weighs more than my couch.)
Why DIY:to mix it up...and because i'm never satisfied with most of whats available out there. i always find myself muttering 'should've had lace around the edge of that' or 'why are the cuffs so messed on this?' most clothes are only 70% satisfactory...and need that extra boost to make it into a great piece. also thrift store wear sometimes needs that extra 'oomph'.
Favorite DIY piece so far: I needed a purse with this swing dress I wore on a date last year, so I repurposed my ivory knit cap and made it into one with silk rope. No machine required!
Favorite DIY Tip: waste not, want not.
Other Random Tidbits: play guitar, drummer extraordanaire on rock band (xbox 360), small first edition collection of post-apocalyptic fiction, sushi lover, EBAY!!!, flea markets, and currently playing shadowrun v4 (d6 based dungeons and dragons style game) on weekends (my char is a stealth gunner with a dayjob as a stripper...ha! only in rpgs.) there is nothing greater than going to 7-11 and buyin a bunch o' junkfood and acting and rolling all night.

[SarahCanuck]

Name(s): Sarah
Age: 19
Etsy/Website: None, I fear
How long you've been sewing: I started when I was about 6 or so, trying to make doll clothes, and I've occasionally done it off and on since, until this last year or so when I've become quite re-interested in earnest.
Why DIY: It's interesting, it's cheap (:P), it's being "thrifty" (good for the ol' environment), it's against disposable consumerism, and it's creative and unique. I love interesting clothing, and I love looking a bit different style-wise, and I like making things, and I like knowing I've made something. Clothing is a form of art - you are a canvas, in a way (as you can see, I also have a knack for spouting cliches). All in all, it's interesting - whether watching the episodes and seeing all the creativity or trying to make things on my own.



Favorite DIY piece so far: Hmm. I haven't made much, yet, since so far I've only handsewn and I have very limited patience, but I am somewhat fond of a messenger/tote bag I made out of a dead plaid shirt. It looks bad, but it also looks interesting, and I know I made it. I can't raise a barn or build my own furniture, but dangit, that bag is my creation!

Favorite DIY Tip: Practise makes perfect?

Other Random Tidbits: I am short. Big earrings are wonderful. Those with incredibly pale and freckly skin must stand up for their right to be nifty without using fake tans! :P Mendelssohn is lovely. I have a pet chicken. I'm a pacifist but I love (watching) hockey. I have no hand-eye coordination, yet I insist on wanting both to play piano and to sew. "A dog is a dog, a bird is a bird, and a cat is a person". I adore Mystery Science Theatre 3000. I read 300 page books in a few hours. I still protest Crocs. I demand the return of the Cary Grant suit. And Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby were epitomes of cool.

[monochromerainbow]

Name: you may call me Kira, and I might not write your name in my notebook
Age:Weell, since I was serenaded on the empire state building while on a school trip on my birthday, I shall never forget that I turned 15 in March
Why DIY: because I have the attention span of a gerbil and need to have 514 billon projects going at once. oh, and I fidget if I'm not doing something with my hands
How long have I been sewing?: Erm, I honestly have no idea. But I mastered my mum's demon sewing machine last October
Esty/Website: none, until I claim monochromerainbow.etsy.com, which won't happen until I get either a non demonic sewing machine or perfect my yarn dyeing technique
Favourite DIY tip: It really doesn't matter if you screw up; sometimes what comes from fucking stuff up ends up cooler than your original idea
Favourite DIY piece: At the moment, about all I have to pick from is my shinigami costume from halloween, and, while I love my hakama pants for lying about doing nothing, I'll go with the Sweeny Todd inspired outfit that's currently just a sketch and a couple of bits of aqua silk from a thrifted dress
Random: I ramble a lot. And I write stories that make no sense but often have swearing and automatic weapons. And, you know, demons. Oh, and I listen to music in Japanese. The thing in my signature where I'm yelling? yeah, that says 'YOU FAIL!' in Japanese. it's a running joke from the guys in my Japanese class

[Starstorm Jace]

Name(s): Jace, Jace of Fire and Fury, Star, Nathan.
Age: Right now? 16 in America, 17 in England (Yay for different time zones!)
Etsy/Website: I are not on teh interwebz yet.
How long you've been sewing: by hand for 4 years (and still rubbish btw), by machine for about a month (Funnily enough I'm alot better with the machine than by hand xD)
Why DIY:

Why not? When I was young I always thought sewing was for old ladies.
I suppose since then I've definatly grown up alot (For the better might I add.).
I find sewing to be a good way of dealing with stress and I just like the satisfaction of making something. So its all good in the end xD.

Favorite DIY piece so far: My Kimono I made for my Art and Design class.
(My whole class were supposed to make their own kimono's but they all bailed at the last moment and decided to screen-print on t-shirts instead, So I was the only one who ended up making it ^-^) It was the first thing I ever made with a sewing machine and needless to say I loved it.

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't throw away damaged clothing, chances are it can be fixed, refashioned or even made into something else entirely.

Other Random Tidbits: I love:
- Herbal Tea
- Hardcore Metal (calm before the storm eh xD)
- Sewing (Obviously)
- Scrubs
- Cats (I seriously need to get one)
- Xbox Live
- Halo 3 (Hit me up dawgs! Gamertag: Nathan Himself)

[Sammy C]

Name(s): Sammy c, Sam, Samuel L Jackson
Age: 14
Etsy/Website: None yet, but I have a myspace.
How long you've been sewing: Since I was 10
Why DIY: I do my own hair, why not do/edit my own clothes? Besides, it's fun and cheap.

Favorite DIY piece so far: A shirt with a smiley face. =D

Favorite DIY Tip: Cold wash- it's your best friend with screen prints, iron ons, and doodle prints that you did.

Other Random Tidbits:
1. I'm a guitarist, and I've been playing for two years now.

2. Among diy, I love film, writing, and music. Fun stuff.

3. I'm a strong supporter of human rights.

4. I actually enjoy community service (Volunteering)!

[himnik]

Name(s): Karla, moryboggy
Age: 20
Etsy/Website: myspace is what i have
How long you've been sewing: about a year
Why DIY: because why pay for something everybody has, i make something and its original and cheap!!!

Favorite DIY piece so far: a dress
Favorite DIY Tip: practice
Other Random Tidbits: i love music, i feel like an alien because where i live sewing is for old people... and I'm crazy

[the_ether]

*facepalm* D'oh! When I hopped on here I looked EVERYWHERE for an intro thread...except, apparently, here!

Name: Kim. No-one calls me the_ether except on the interwebs.
Age: 21
Website: None at the mo'
Why DIY?: It started as a sudden strange fancy. For true. I found out that there was a whole big community of people who customise My Little Ponies, and I was drawn in by the idea and the cute. My grandma (who is seriously psyched to have finally found a crafty relative) gave me my sewing machine, Gregor, for my 21st, and I'm slowly getting the hang of it (when I'm not totally screwing it up, that is.)
How long have you been sewing?: I've had Gregor for around 5 months now, but so far I've only made a stuffed fish and a SUPER SECRET PTB piece with him. I've made other random stuff by hand though. I made a wrist cuff out of a pair of old jeans ages ago. I wonder where that went?
Favourite DIY piece: Flay (http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t162/the_ether/Ponies/Flay-DS.jpg), my skinless pony!
Favourite DIY Tip: Keep your bare skin AWAY from the hot glue. And cut away from yourself. And don't lose the scissors!
Random: Hockey puck, rattlesnake, monkey monkey underpants!

[acousticdryad]

Name(s): Crystal
Age: 28
How long you've been sewing: I'm not a very good sewer, but I patch things and sew on buttons for my father. I can't sew from a pattern though :) I can do general stuff.
Why DIY: 2 reasons: 1. Save Money and 2. Save the Environment. If I can save money by DIY then I'd rather do that, and if I can prevent trash from going into the landfill by making it more useful, then I'm ecstatic :)
Favorite DIY piece so far: My father and I do a lot of DIY stuff around the farm. Mainly construction (we have a lot of animals that need cages etc), building furniture out of scrap wood. Eventually I will be doing things with furs and skins (from things we kill to eat, we don't kill just for the heck of it). I can't think of anything specific to mention yet though.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm fairly new to the threadbanger community. I've been reading for about a week and really do love all of the great information that's found here. I hope I can contribute :)

I don't know what else to say really, I'm an eco-geek, naturalist, born and raised farm girl, musician, , strong supporter of the AIM, and web programmer :) Glad to meet you.

[Monsterbilly Lady]

Name(s): Cintia
Age: 25
How long you've been sewing: About 6 years
Why DIY: I like things my way
Favorite DIY piece so far: My F hole corset.
Favorite DIY Tip: Belive in yourself. If you belive you can do it, you'll probably do it
Other Random Tidbits: I have no idea of what to say here hahaha

[KazePK]

Name(s): Djiego ,Dingo , Kaze

Age: 17

Etsy/Website: myspace.com/birngeroflight xD

How long you've been sewing: by hand wel idk xD by machine well i dont have one and its strange to ask for one to your parentes when you are a BOY XD
Why DIY:

Because is fun XD

Favorite DIY piece so far: recycled coke7 soda bottle dummy that is not finished yet xD

Favorite DIY Tip: idk .

Other Random Tidbits: I love:
- Parkour
- street unicycle
- bass guitar xD
- my band
- Sewing (need a machine)
- tetsuya nomura designs
- twin swords xD

[Miss World]

Name(s): Khulood (Arabic name) .. friends call me peach/angel/khokha(Arabic for peach)

Age:
28

Etsy/web:
nothing worth showing yet ^_^ I'm on dA and there isn't much to see (lazy uploader, lol)
http://x-missworld-x.deviantart.com/

How long I've been sewing:
forever by hand, and on an off for the past 6 years by machine (my mom's!) but bought my own two months ago :D so I've been sewing like there is no tomorrow :p

Why DIY:
why not? you get to be unique, save money, save the environment all at the same time while having fun. and also, I have a lot of free time and a lot of creative ideas. there is also a great sense of satisfaction when creating something that is your own based on something you imagined :)

Favorite DIY piece:
a plush I made for a friend that was exactly how he drew himself.. I've never tried doing a "character" so it felt great, and it looked EXACTLY like him, lol :)

DIY tip:
when you get an idea, try it out.. you never know! you could actually be making something wonderful.. and remember that everything is recyclable!

Random tidbits:
I'm into music, photography, home decorating and a lot more :)

[patchwork_kitty]

Name: Jessica
Age: 19
Website: www.Patchworkkitty.com (http://www.patchworkkitty.com)
How long you've been sewing: I've been sewing my whole life, and I started sewing professionally for theatres two years ago.
Why DIY: I love crafting, and its been a big part of me for my whole life. The satisfaction I get from making something myself, and the joy it brings to me to see it , *sigh* Its just wonderful. =) I like fixing things myself, making my own clothing, knitting, embroidering, painting, using power tools...you name it and I probably know how to do it!
Favorite DIY piece so far: Recently...i'm going to say my 1920's inspired cloche hat (http://blog.vcu.edu/ramseyjr/2008/03/felt_hat_1.html)
Other Random Tidbits: Im a comic book reading, super hero cosplaying, theatre nerd! My favorite things to sew are evening wear, and sun dresses. I also LOVE doing dress alterations. (crazy, I know)

[314159vedic]

Name(s): too many to mention
Age: old enough to have turned to my sewing machine in frustration many, many times....
Etsy/Website: none
How long you've been sewing: since I was a child off and on for years
Why DIY:

As a child...because we were dirt poor and the *only* thing we could do is make what we *really* wanted...sometimes with tragic results :-P When I became the mom of my oldest child...way back before the days when they put adjustable waistbands in pants: he's skinny and nothing fit him. I made piles and piles of jogging pants then patches for knees of hundreds of jeans, then shorts for my skinny hubby.

Now I am frustrated to point of, really, not shopping really seriously for years. Then I gained information about the shady nature of the whole clothing industry and my heart broke any time I had to go out and buy my illfitting clothes.

Favorite DIY piece so far: As I have spent the last 14 years making clothes for OP (Other People)...I have nothing to call my own.

Perhaps, with the help of this site, this is about to change :)

Favorite DIY Tip: The best learning is done when you yank stuff apart IMHO.

Other Random Tidbits: I have *hated* *hated* *hated* how homogenous society has become. I WANT hats to come back. I want form fitting clothes. I want people to leave their houses and go out and connect with their communities. I would love it if tv went extinct. Society is feeling waaay too 1984ish to me!!!

There <shiver> the paranoia is mostly gone.

I'm looking forward to connecting with people here. I just recently lost my mother and I believe that revisioning clothes is going to be a very cathartic process for me.

[Human]

Name: Karluhhhhh (hay, dat person up thur, has the same name as me!)
Age: 17
Website: deviantart (http://sharkup.deviantart.com)
How long you've been sewing: eh, on and off since 10 but since 15 i've been kicking things up a bit
Why DIY: How else am I supposed to learn to take care of myself
Favorite DIY piece so far: well, I dont have it posted, but its a shirt i made...
Other Random Tidbits: I love people watching

[anna-moe]

NAME : nana
age :18
how

[vicioustrees]

Name: Kristian
Age: 18

I knit, not sew /:
my cat is amazing

[striker0]

Found my way here from Indy Mogul, so here we go.

Name: Ron (though some like to call me crazy white guy)
Age: 25, going on 26 in June
How long have I been sewing? I would say about 13 years, though most of it was for either costumes or curtains.
Why DIY? Because, it's cool, and most things in the stores nowadays suck and too expensive.
Latest DIY idea: Taking a empty shell of a PS2 and making it into something cool. Dunno why though.
Anything else? Yeah, don't be afraid to talk to me, I don't bite. Unless you ask me to. Oh and yeah, I love my dog.

[He@RtAtT@cK]

Name(s): Anthony, but you can call me He@RtAtT@cK :-)
Age: 22
Website: http://www.myspace.com/randomfantom
How long you've been sewing: Honestly, about 2 months.
Why DIY:

My girlfriend, B!0H@Z@Rd, moved in a few months ago and I got some holes in my pants. I needed a way to fix the holes because I don't have many pants that I like, and I just so happened to like this pair. SO, I asked her how to fix it and I found it kind of fun, so I started randomly sewing things.

Favorite DIY piece so far: After sealing the holes in the pants, I did a zig-zag stitch for effect and it turned out really nice. I used brown and gold thread for the zig-zag.

Favorite DIY Tip: Well....I'm not too experienced yet, but I guess I speak for all when I say: Don't poke yourself!!

Other Random Tidbits: I looove singing, and music in general. I love playing guitar, and mostly, the drums. I've been in a few bands and played some good shows, and being on stage is the second best feeling ever. I looove piercings and tattoos, and have some myself. I have 1st and 2nd stage earlobe piercings on both ears, and an industrial piercing on my left ear. My left eyebrow is pierced, my tongue is pierced, and I have a mid-labret piercing, which lies in between dual vertical-labret piercings (I like to call it the vampire piercing because of the way it looks...haha). I've got 6 tattoos, also. I am madly in love with mah woman, and enjoy spending lots of time with her!

Anywho, that's it for now...latah!

[sillykat74]

Names: Sillykat74 or Sissi

Age: a lady never tells

How long have you been sewing: I have been sewing for 6 years now I started with baby blankets, burp cloths and now I am into making childrens clothes and pretty soon moving up to womens clothes.

Why DIY: I like to dress kids with whymsical and eye catching clothes that will make people turn heads, something different and chic and now I am planning to expand to a retro style for women.

Random: I am very crafty I love to sew, crochet, paint, draw, embroidery, etc.. I am also very family oriented and love to hang out with the kids and watch cartoons as well as take a walk with my two four legged children Jazzie and Neo (yes like the Matrix) =)

[stephaniekm]

Name(s): Stephanie.K
Age: 18
Etsy/Website: http://myspace.com/123hpets
How long you've been sewing: Not to long since i was about 14 ><
Why DIY:
I love adding my own personality to my clothes and re vamping some old looks! I also love the quirky-ness of DIY and threadbanger defiantly allows me to add this to my clothes.


Favorite DIY piece so far: The couple of printed tee's ive made over the years are defiantly some of my favs ^__^

Favorite DIY Tip: I haven't got any new tips! All the good ones have already been mentioned.

Other Random Tidbits: I cant wait to finish school, im counting down the months till I can run away to France with my best friend^__^ I love making collages and taking that shot that captures the moment perfectly.


xoxo

[Krymsan]

I stumbled upon this lovely site while looking for some instruction to recovering my couch.

Age: 20

Sewing: I learned to hand sew when I was about 5 from my granny. My old bag taught me how to make old bags.. hee hee. Using the actual sewing machine didn't come until about grades 8/9.

Why DiY? I hated going into stores and saying $40!?!?!?! I could make this for cheaper (and then I did).

Favourite Project: My indoor apartment herb garden.. and probably my new/old couch (not entirely completed, but soon).

P.S. Love the site... Definately a new addict.

[ExpiredSanity]

Name(s): Katie, AKA King, Dr. Ivan, or Craig.
Age: 17
Etsy/Website: Just a livejournal and various other accounts.

How long you've been sewing: I learnt to hand sew when I was four because it was my job to fix my dad's pants and shirts. I then learnt to use a machine in Grade 7 Home Ec. and got my own machine last year after using my grandma's foot pedal machine for four years.

Why DIY: I just love to sew but new material costs way too much. So I started buy old clothing by fabric at thrift stores and using that. Plus it is a great way to not only save money but to look unique and recycle.

Favorite DIY piece so far: A jacket I made for my friend last year, but sadly forgot to take pictures of. It was made out of old cargo pants, scraps of lace, a t-shirt, and straps off a purse.

Favorite DIY Tip: Measure and pin thrice, cut once.

Other Random Tidbits: Just that I run on 50% music, 40% comedy, and 10% tea.

[Reptile]

Names: Reptile!
Age: 17
How long have you been sewing: Started last year I think when I finally had the strenght to carry the super heavy 40-year-old sewing machine into my room.
Why DIY: Because everything I want to have doesn't exist. My size is also hard to find, and all my clothes came from donations from friends who can't wear them anymore.

Favorite DIY piece so far: A crocheted case for my sketchbook.

Favorite DIY Tip: Ummm. Do it yourself! Haha.

Random: Books, crafts, babies, painting, drawing blablabla..

[Ms. MaCabre]

Name : Ms. MaCabre (aka Ms. MaCabre)

Age: older than 1, younger than 100

How long have you been sewing: since i was very young. but, just a few years with a sewing machine. My fingers thank me

Favorite DIY piece so far: my knitted scarfs. Mmm So Warm

Favorite DIY tip: there are no mistakes in art, just opportunities to embellish

Random: Brains!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Arachne]

Name: Alain
Age: 25
Etsy/Website: None (yet!)
How long you've been sewing: By hand since 8, by machine only recently.
Why DIY: All pieces of clothing in stores are too big. Alterations cost a fortune!
Favorite DIY piece so far: Houndstooth suit vest
Favorite DIY Tip: When hand sewing, an alternative to beeswax (to prevent thread tangling) is a dryer sheet.
Other Random Tidbits: Potato chips addict.

[Ocelot]

Name: Kallum (Username : Ocelot (Would Have Been Revolver, But Someone Seems To Have Taken It))
Age: 15
Website: Soon To Be Set Up
Why DIY?: I Love How You Can Go Into A Shop, See Something Like A Hoodie And Wish Something Was Different Such As Adding A Zip Or Something, And Then Adding That Yourself. Awesome.
How long have you been sewing?: Only Done A Little, Hopefully Soon When I Get The Resources I Will Start Up Again :D
Favourite DIY piece: Hahah, A Picture Of A Dragonball :rolleyes:
Favourite DIY Tip: Do It, Even If It's A Crazy Idea That Only You Will Like, Do It. Oh And Your Opinion Counts Most.
Random: Yes, I Am.

[mateuszzz125]

Name(s): Mateusz
Age: 14
Etsy/Website: -
How long you've been sewing: Since a year
Why DIY: I like making things by myself. I want to be a fashion designer and DIYs help me!
Other Random Tidbits: I love all kinds of music. I love Girls Aloud, Black Eyed Peas. I also like Britney Spears, Kaiser Chiefs, Metallica

[Victor]

Name: Victor
Age: 17
Website: http://venefic.blogspot.com (http://venefic.blogspot.com/)
http://www.myspace.com/victorislovely
How long have you been sewing: I've been sewing on and off. I mostly knit and continue to branch out into other textile works.
Why DIY: I like being original, being strange, and having things that look expensive when they aren't. cheap knockoffs with self-satisfaction. :D

[CrimsonCat]

Name: Cathe
Age: 29...I turn 30 this year:o
Etsy/Website: In the works...will be up by this fall to be ready for Christmas.
How long you've been sewing: 3 months
Why DIY: I get exactly what I want instead of settling for something that probably costs more.
Favorite DIY piece so far: That I have done; stencils in my daughter's room. That someone else has done; spun her own yarn and knitted a pair of socks.
Favorite DIY Tip: Learn from your mistakes and don't give up when they happen.
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a Rockband freak. I still play Diablo II, Our family room is Lego Star Wars themed, and I have a set of bagpipes.

[Poppi]

Name: Poppi
Age: 23
Etsy/Website: www.patootiebootie.congocart.com (http://www.patootiebootie.congocart.com)
How long you've been sewing: since I was 3 so 20 years
Why DIY: Because it's one way I can leave an impression. Sick of mass produced crap!
Favorite DIY piece so far: An outfit that my daughter wants to wear every day. A 3 tone purple cord and embroidered denim skirt and funky lil vest.
Favorite DIY Tip: Even if it costs more to make it yourself, do it anyway.
Other Random Tidbits: I have 3 kids under 4. I live in Australia. I make funky modern cloth nappies as a business.

[anna]

Name: Anna
Age: 'teenage'
How long you've been sewing: Since the age of about 9.
Why DIY: I can make something exactly how I want it to be.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Blue and pink mice I made when I was 10! They are cute, but getting a bit old and battered.
Favorite DIY Tip: If at first you don't succeed, give u... Ha ha, I meant try again. :)
Other Random Tidbits: I'm a UK kid who loves music!

[Nanas]

Name(s): Ana everyone calls me Nanas
Age: 23
How long you've been sewing: dont remember exactly but a good while lol! I havent sewn for a while but hope to get back into it
Why DIY: I hate looking like everyone else! I just have to make my clothing my own!
Favorite DIY piece so far: Well i had many but have no recent works, my fave has to be a vest i made out of some jeans
Other Random Tidbits: Just joined the forum, I mostly work with dolls(I repaint them) Soon I hope to make me some Lolita clothing, ive got the patterns and all just need the time!

[tinymads]

Name(s): Madeleine, Tiny Mads or Mads to most.
Age: 18
Etsy/Website: I've only just got a myspace page up with some of my jewellery designs, nothing special yet as its only been for about 2 weeks but I'll give it to you anyway www.myspace.com/beadedtreasure (http://www.myspace.com/beadedtreasure)
How long you've been sewing: 6 years or so

Why DIY: Because its so much fun and I love being able to express myself in fun ways that I can wear and say hey I made that!



Favorite DIY piece so far: My demin skirt bag that goes with everything!

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't have one just yet, when I have one, I'll let you know!

Other Random Tidbits: I'm from NSW Australia. I'm 1st year millinery / graphic design student. I love doing anything creative that involves my imagination and hands. I'm Christian and I love God!

[karataylor]

Name: Kara, but like care, not car
Age: 19, 20 next month, but everyone thinks I'm 23-26.
Etsy/Website: Etsy (http://karataylor.etsy.com) doesn't have a ton up, but I'm workin' on it. LiveJournal / Facebook / MySpace / Last.fm are around if yr interested.
How long you've been sewing: Ohhh, I'd have to say almost ten years. My grandma is an absolute whiz, & I'm the only one in the family that picked it up.

Why DIY: It's a cost-efficient, environmentally friendly way to express yourself. It's a great conversation starter, & an extremely fun hobby. It comes in handy when you have your own place or need to whip up a quick gift. It's a mentality about taking control of your life that I'm so glad people have begun to follow again.

Favorite DIY piece so far: Everything I make seems to please me to no end haha. It doesn't even matter what it is, but the second I finish it, a wave of accomplishment washes over me. I'm usually most pleased with my handbags though.

Favorite DIY Tip: Don't be afraid to experiment or ask questions. It's okay to be a novice when you start something. We all are. I've been sewing & designing for a long time, & I still welcome tips from people. Also, take your own notes & draw pictures along with them. Keep an organized binder of the tips that helped you.

Other Random Tidbits: I've collaborated with Fashion Ninja (http://www.fashionninja.com/) in Milwaukee several times in the past. I've taken a few classes up there & participated with the owner in several Milwaukee craft shows & expos. I'm always experimenting, always looking for a new craft, & always eager to help. I love custom orders or trades here & there. I'm a graphic design major entering my junior year of college. I'm a total bookworm, shutterbug, & music fiend. I type like lightning.

[ChupaJen]

Name: Jen..and sometimes Jennifer.

Age: 24

Location: Im on the island of O'ahu in Hawaii, but Im from the hills of VA.

Why DIY: I tend to buy an over abundance of yardsale/goodwill/thriftstore clothing because i like the way it looks. Only to find out later that its too big, or too small or has a huge hole I shoulda noticed b4 the purchase. I also spend alot of time w/ my cousins and nephew and am always looking for projects we can do together.

Sewing: My g'ma taught me how to sew when I was about 7yrs old. I later learned how to use a sewing machine when I was in 7th grade Home Ec. However the machine always had a way of intimidating me, until a couple years ago when someone gave me a sewing machine, I figured I might as well use it. and we've lived happily ever after!

Random: I have a cat name Moke, he was raised on the streets, YO! I have an insane amount of free time, and left alot of my craft stuffs (and sewing machine) back in VA =( I also enjoy painting, and drawing aswell as any kind of music.

[keep_it_classy]

Name(s): Zak

Age: 21

Etsy/Website: Currently none....well....i have one but i dont have the time to start selling yet :)

How long you've been sewing: ive actually only sewn like 2 things in my life.....by hand....

Why DIY: I think DIY is the best way to go for most things. It's so much easier to find what your looking for when its handmade by someone else ( or yourself)....plus it gives you that warm feeling inside knowing your buying somthing that someone put alot of hard work into!

Favorite DIY piece so far: My awesome throw pillows for my couch :)

Favorite DIY Tip: MOD PODGE!

Other Random Tidbits: Im a graphic design student.....used to be interior design but things just werent working out the way i thought....i have a huge passion for designing interior spaces and also photography. I someday want to learn how to sew (like a pro) and also wish to live off my creations.....9-5 scares me :(



Anyway, hello everyone....long time watcher of the show and just now decided to join the forums.

[normeezy]

Sup everybody!

Name(s): Norm
Age: 21
Etsy/Website: normeezy.deviantart.com
(http://normeezy.deviantart.com)How long you've been sewing: haha i don't sew! yet!
Why DIY: i swear i'm a crafty person sometimes
Favorite DIY piece so far: i covered a window with a blanket to make a room dark. does that count as a DIY piece? haha.
Favorite DIY Tip: more like a metaphor for everything you do, but: "When life gives you lemons, paint that shit gold!"
Other Random Tidbits: I like those dried papaya strips from Whole Foods. :)

[ehlookitskim]

Name: "EH! loook, its KIMMM"
Age: 16
Location: Honoruruuu, Hawaii (cheepono)
Etsy/Website: myspace.com/yukiieHow long you've been sewing: about 2 1/2 years nooow
Why DIY: make cute brand-name look alike clothes for cheap
Favorite DIY piece so far: my "oreo" dress. finished in 3 hours :D
Favorite DIY Tip: always backstitch lol
Other Random Tidbits: I didn't know MTV showed spongebob at 2 am. lol I am proud to be in marching band (percussion). aspiring to be graphic/fashion designer. wanna start clothing line[inprogress]. sand feels good between your toes. you guys should go eat some "shaveice". hey, I should be going to sleep, I have a road test tomorrow. >___>" &&, come visit HAWAII sometime, its pretty nice :D

[themeggers]

Name: Megan although I am more commonly known by Meggers or the ever popular Legs
Age: 17
Location: Chicago
Etsy/Website: I only have myspace at the moment (http://www.myspace.com/beamankillaman)
How long you've been sewing: 11 years by hand 4 by machine
Why DIY: Because I love the feeling of accomplishment and the fact that I can make it my own way. No clothes ever really fit me quite right. Oh the tragedy of being too tall and skinny.
Favorite DIY piece so far: My giant leopard print comforter because i use it every night.
Favorite DIY Tip: always cut your corners.
Other Random Tidbits: I am friends with Prince Harming and MollyBee! I work at Wrigley Field. And I guess I'm cool.

[GateCrasher]

Name: Noam
Age: 16
Location: California
Etsy/Website: Try my myspazz: www.myspace.com/barbedwireskyline (http://www.myspace.com/barbedwireskyline)
How long you've been sewing: by machine, about nine months. By hand, two or so years.
Why DIY: It feels good!
Favorite DIY piece so far: Either the bag I made for my friend Laura out of an thrifted oriental dress, or the vest I just finished
Favorite DIY Tip: Make room to mess up
Other Random Tidbits: I'm strange. You may find that out. And being horribly angry and frustrated at my sewing machine makes me work for six hours in the middle of the night and finish a project just to spite the stupid machine.

[Emplosion]

Name(s): Em
Age: 16 (Almost 17. Oh yeah)
How long you've been sewing: Officially since last summer when I was taught how to use a sewing machine, however, I've known to thread a needle for awhile, but the projects were not clothing... so... The original date of sewing startdom is muddy and unknown.

Why DIY: I live in the suburbs of unincorperated Oregon in Beaverton/Portland. It's nice little area, however, massive clothes corperations take full control here. Because of this (and others) I was not fully aware I could make clothes or alter them until the past few years or so, and even then, I have yet to do anything extroinary, but I'm in now fully aware of DIY fashion and would like to start my whole wardrobe over again.

Not saying that all of my wardrobe comes from these corperations and sweat shops. My mom and I are Goodwill shoppers. We got there at LEAST once a week (or she does really...) and donate our old clothes there as well.

Not to mention the almost 20 Threadless shirts in my posession. The school that I used to (or may still go to, it's in question at the moment) is a great place for DIY fashion as well as finding new ways to decorate old fashion. This has really inspiried me to re-do my wardrobe. Threadbangers has also given me the energy to do so now. Can't wait for the new school year to come in because I'm going to be ready this time. :3


Favorite DIY piece so far: A necklace I made from pearls and glass pearls. I orginally made it for an English project, but I wear it everyday now. Along with the pearls I did some simple wire-wrapping.

Other Random Tidbits: Co-president of my school's GSA (Gay-Straight Allaince) which used hademade scarves and hats and old jewerly from my mom's closet to earn money for projects for GSA.

[Aalto]

Name: I'm given a mixture of names as corruptions of my original one. Mainly English Bob, Rob, Robbo and Robaire.
Age: 16
Location: On my profile.
Etsy/Website: I have a myspace (on my profile), and will reply in PMs (feel very free to) if anyone wants my RYM or last.fm profile. Don't have an etsy or anything as of yet.
How long you've been sewing: I barely have! I've just discovered what it has to offer and am extremely compelled.
Why DIY: I'm 5'5, meaning pretty much all suits, trousers and shirts don't suit me as a gent. As a result, I'm hard-pressed to find things my size. On top of this, I'm not too keen on the trends. Topshop's alright, but overall the general culture of fashion itself is to be very condescending (yes, you in the XS Sonic Youth Goo shirt, ultra-skinny jeans, cardigan and flat cap), which seems to me to put many people off making any effort to look good. As for myself, there are things clearly on offer for someone more 'umble, but the best way into this is to do them up myself, and give them a far less uh, "corporate" feel. Since I don't want to walk away from what my eyes will always fix on, I'd like to fit things for me at home at some point, and make things without compromising my personality or wallet.
Favorite DIY piece so far: Haven't made any! Will ask for a sewing machine etc for my birthday in two months-ish.
Favorite DIY Tip: Can't say.
Other Random Tidbits: My prime interests are music, art, nature, philosophy, politics, science, ethics and so on. So if I don't seem like a good contributor, it's because there are just too many things for me to do in life...

[meoni]

Name(s): Amanda/Panda
Age: 16 (almost 17... little over 3 months)
Etsy/Website: I don't have one yet, my friends and I are setting up our own shop but uhh... we're trying to procure a stock before
How long you've been sewing: My grandmother taught me how to sew by hand when I was about 5, which probably sounds early but I practically lived with her, and I have a habit of pulling buttons and things off of my clothes so she taught me how to mend my own things... I still can't get machine sewing down, my machine's been broken since the '80s and no one's bothered to take it to the shop yet
Why DIY: I'm a huge klutz, I trip and fall flat on my face at least once a week, and my pants are usually torn up. My favorite pair has at least 5 holes in it right now, and they're constantly needing mending but... who wants to mend them in a boring way? :D I also grew up with handmade clothes and I love messing with my own

Favorite DIY piece so far: my favorite pair of jeans, they're covered in paint, marker, random embroidery thread to patch up some holes, they've been burned, embroidered, etc... They're quite comfortable too!

Favorite DIY Tip: I can't really think of anything other than what my grandma used to tell me which is "don't be afraid to make the cuts too big, you can always downsize, but you can't make the fabric grow back!"

Other Random Tidbits: I am the weirdest kid at times, I act like I'm 7 and I'm an utter slob (not stains on my clothes, and smelling bad, I just cannot keep my things tidy... at all) and I love languages and art, and I'm a huuuuge nerd, zelda and star wars were my childhood. haha

[lilcoop]

Name: most people call me Coop
Age:19
How long have you been sewing: off and on for about 5 years
Why DIY: i have a hard time finding things that fit me because I'm short and have rather large hips lol. But other than that I just like the idea of changing something already made.
Favorite DIY piece so far:my first big project. I made a dress with pink charmeuse and a black lace overlay for a wedding I went to.
Other Random Tidbits: I have been playing the violin since I was 9(although i havent practiced much in the last couple of months). I never really got into sewing until i did a week long summer workshop at SCAD. I am going to school for music but secretly wish i was going for fashion at SCAD.
My random tip: when measuring your waist, sit down and poke your stomach out. Trust me I learned this the hard way.
COOP