DIANA ENG: Fashion Nerd » DIY Projects

Make: Online, Collapsible Fabric Yagi Antenna

diana — Tue, 04 May 2010 22:48:28 +0000

I just finished up my project, Collapsible Fabric Yagi Antenna for Make: Online. You can learn how to make one for yourself on the website.

A lot of people have been asking about my fabric color choices. I was inspired by the bright colors of Japanese hip hop clothing company Bathing Ape, and Kid Robot. I’m planning on putting a big Hello Kitty iron-on on the side of the carrying case… And adding some dangly bling. Then it will my sort of tongue in cheek “Hello Yagi.”

Craftzine: DIY Tunic

diana — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 20:41:06 +0000

Learn how to make your own tunic swimsuit coverup from an old T-shirt in my latest craftzine post.

Craftzine’s DIY Fashion: From Maxi Dress to Mini Dress

diana — Tue, 12 May 2009 00:21:04 +0000

Up on Craftzine.com, my post on how to turn last year’s maxi dress into this year’s short skirt dress perfect for summer.

Threadbanger: How to Sew with Electronics

diana — Fri, 08 May 2009 22:20:49 +0000

Today I am on ThreadBanger showing how to hand sew with conductive thread and LEDs to make the Robot and Friend embroidery from my book Fashion Geek.

Download the Robot and Friend pattern from ThreadBanger.

Craftzine’s DIY Fashion: Reinventing Hosiery

diana — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 22:38:03 +0000

Starting today I will be writing a DIY Fashion column for Craft magazine that shows how to follow runway trends on the cheap by making them yourself. My first article, DIY Fashion: Reinventing Hosiery, looks at styling hosiery for the summer drawing inspiration from Prada, Burberry, Gossip Girl, etc.. All of my DIY fashions are easy and quick so that anyone can make them with any level of sewing skills. After all, so much of fashion relies on styling.

DIY Fashion Model Platforms

diana — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 06:15:32 +0000

Everyone has seen models strut down the runway, but there are actually two types of fashions shows. The runway show, and the fashion presentation. A fashion presentation involves models posing on platforms. Usually new companies will have a fashion presentation during fashion week because it is cheaper. But this fashion week, in honor of the recession, most designers had fashion presentations.

The Fashion Geek fashion show will also be a fashion presentation. Platforms are pretty simple, they are just wood boxes. I was very stressed about acquiring platforms, because they are expensive to rent. So Dave Clausen suggested that we spend a Sunday afternoon making them. Following are instructions so that you can make them too for your next fashion presentation on a budget.

Materials
4 pieces 3/4″ ply wood cut to 18″ x 18″ (if you ask nicely, they will cut all of your lumber to size at the hardware store)
8 pieces 1×6 lumber cut to 16 1/2″
8 pieces 1×6 lumber cut to 18″

Wood Glue
Vice Grips
Drill + Bits
Screws
Paint
Paint Brush
Old Paper Towels

Yield: 4 platforms 18″ x 18″ x 6 1/4″” (models are pretty tall, so I just want a little bit of height to distinguish them from the crowd)

Our total cost: $60

1. Start by building the sides of the platform out of two 16 1/2″ pieces of 1×6 lumber and two 18″ pieces of 1×6 lumber.

2. Place the pieces for your platform as picture, with the smaller 1×6 pieces between the longer 1×6 pieces (It is helpful to use another flat piece of wood to line them all up.). Drill pilot holes into the edges of the 18″ pieces. We made our holes 3/8″ in from the corner and 1 1/5″ from the top and bottom. Then glue the pieces with wood glue and screw them together. Wipe of extra glue with the old paper towel.

3. Add the 3/4″ plywood to top off the platform. Drill pilot holes 3/8″ in from the edge and 3″ from each corner. Then glue and screw down the top. Wipe away extra glue with old paper towels.

4. Paint the sides of the box. We are leaving the top wood colored, and will be stencilling “fashion geek” across it in hot pink for a deconstructed DIY look.

I had to let things dry. Stay tuned for a finished picture on Tuesday!