Embellished Flats

Embellishing is a such great concept. Taking something simple, or worn and using an embellishment to make it into a completely different or like-new item. I have had these worn-out gold flats lying around, and the time came to either throw them out or give them a make-over. I chose the latter.

The idea was to use an old sheer scarf as the bow. The scarf that I had in mind originally was a spring/summer scarf. So, I decided to improvise by picking up a sheer fabric and using it in place of the scarf. It worked perfectly.

Here is how the flat make-over unfolded.

{ For this project I used: }

* A worn/old  pair of flats

* Scarf or 1/8 yd. fabric

* Thread, needle and thimble

*Rotary Cutter or Scissors

*Measuring tape or board

 First, you will measure the length of your scarf or fabric. You will need 4 separate pieces about 10 inches long. Since I used a piece of sheer fabric instead of an actual scarf like I had some raw edges that I needed to deal with. I just sewed a seam along the length of each piece of fabric, as well as one of the ends. Then, trimmed off the excess fabric and turned it inside out.

With each piece of fabric I folded over the raw end and  placed it against the sole of the shoe to begin stitching it on.

{ A few tips: }

*Use a thimble when stitching to protect your finger. You will get the hang of hand stitching on the shoe after a few stitches.

*Consider using some fabric glue to hold the fabric in place while you stitch over it. The glue won’t be enough to keep the fabric attached to the shoe but it might help in securing the fabric while you stitch it on.

It really is as simple as that. It just takes time and a little patience to stitch each scarf onto the sole of the shoe. But once each piece is stitched on, you tie a simple bow and you have your “new-to-you” shoes.