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Sunday, July 1

Plain Jane Canvas Shoes Restyle

Hi, Skunkboy friends!  I'm Jodie, crafter and stitcher of Lova Revolutionary and author of Happy Stitch.  Summer time is just my favorite and I love a simple pair of canvas shoes to slip on for some quick outings to the park, to take to the beach, and to play with the pooch in!  I picked up a pair recently but decided they needed a little something-something to make them extra cute.  I thought I'd share this little restyle DIY with you, so you can stitch up a cute pair or perk up a pair you have already!

Supplies:  canvas shoes, several colors of embroidery floss, thick hand sewing needle, needle gripper (optional), pencil


Step 1:  Simply sketch out your design on your shoes with a regular pencil, careful to leave some space around the edge.


Step 2:  Begin filling in your design using some easy embroidery stitches.  I used a back stitch for the solid line and a straight stitch along the sides of my shoes.  Use a fill stitch to create a solid shape.  You may also need a needle gripper-- there are a few different kinds to choose from.  Depending on the thickness of your fabric, it may make it easier to pull it through.


Step 3:  When you are finished with each floss color, tie a knot on the inside to secure your thread.  Since it can be a little difficult to make a knot on the inside, try looping your thread around your finger and rolling it down to meet the inside of the top of the shoe.  If you need to, use a dab of clear fabric glue on the inside to hold your knot in place.


Stitch How-To:

Straight Stitch- bring your thread through the back of your design and then down through the top, leave a small space, and then repeat your stitch.
Back Stitch- begin with a single straight stitch.  Bring your thread through again from the wrong side of your design, a few centimeters away from where you finished your first stitch.  Bring the needle back through the same hole where you ended your first stitch.
Fill Stitch- make a series of long straight stitches, very close together to fill your shape.  If you have any fabric showing through, just make more long straight stitches on top.  You can also outline your shape with a back stitch or small straight stitches.

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Thanks, Jodie, for this adorable DIY!  I can't wait to try it out!


Jodie has also just released her first craft book: Happy Stitch: 30 Felt and Fabric Projects for Everyday, and she is giving two copies away!  If you'd like to enter to win a copy of Happy Stitch, just leave a comment saying why you love crafty projects.  :)  I'll pick the winners at the end of the week!

95 comments:

  1. Cute, Cute, Cute! This is such a perfect way to get some cute, cheap and comfy shoes for these hot summer weekends.

    -BekahDrey

    http://bekahdrey.blogspot.com

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  2. This is so adorable! I really can't wait to try this!

    Sarah
    theantiquepearl.blogspot.com

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  3. Such an amazing idea ! I'm gonna have to try it ! :) I'm always looking for new projects and this book looks so inspiring ! Thank you Jodie ! :)

    Clara

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  4. I love doing crafts with my kids! This book would be great
    Candice.r.williams@me.com

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  5. I love those shoes! And if I can craft something, I feel like I did something useful with myself.

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  6. O.o I'll have to dig up a pair of my canvas shoes to give a facelift! The book has such adorable embroidery patterns and I'm really loving that red fox softie!

    Jodi
    reverycloud[at]gmail

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  7. I love to try crafty projects so I can stretch my creativity. And there is nothing better than being able to say, "I made it."

    rainbowelbows at yahoo dot com

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  8. That's a really cute diy. I love simple quick craft projects because they're inspirational but achievable, it excites me to see pretty ways of sprucing up a space or accessory that I can easily do myself :)

    emilycestmoi@hotmail.co.uk

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  9. So cute and so simple! I totally want to try this out now!

    xo
    http://kittysnooks.blogspot.ca/

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  10. Sooo cute! I love crafting because it makes me happy and proud to make something of my own. It's my very favorite past time:)

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  11. I love crafting because I can be creative, make beautiful things, and it's fun. I also love the proud feeling I get when I'm asked where I bought something and I can say I made it:)

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  12. I love crafty people for their unique style! everyone brings their own ideas to a project!

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  13. I've been crafting since I was little making teddies for my sister. I used to love that it meant working with my mom, but now I just love a good cheap way to perk up my house and make unique gifts. I'm still making teddies for the now adult Stef, too...

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  14. I love crafty projects because they provide an awesome outlet from school, where my creative side is discouraged :(

    xo Mariana

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  15. What a lovely idea! I'm thinking of stitching a bow onto a pair of canvas flats, that would be so cute!

    x
    Sabrina
    http://www.apixiesviewonfashion.com

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  16. Gosh, her book looks adorable. I love crafty projects because I enjoy working with my hands, and I always have feel a great sense of accomplishment when I finish a handmade project!

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  17. I love crafting because it is a rewarding way to put my creative brain to work! And filling a house with home-made things makes me feel so connected to my surroundings.

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  18. I love the creative outlet that crafting is, and being able to show off something awesome and impress everyone with the fact that it's handmade by moi is always an added bonus!

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  19. I love crafty projects because theres nothing as satisfying as being totally in love with an item you made yourself

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  20. I love this, so cute!! I am just falling in love with craft and being brave enough to try things and make mistakes so I need all the resources and inspiration I can get! xx

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  21. I just started getting into hand stitching - this book would be a great companion! I love crafting because I have gained so many new skills, expanded my creativity and learned to have much more patience! I am especially loving hand stitching because it is both fun and meditative.

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  22. Ive been sick with a life threatening illness for 6 and a half years, and I love crafting because it gives me an escape like no other. When Ive had a bad day, feeling sick and tired, crafting distracts me from the pain. It helps me to feel useful when I sometimes feel completely useless.

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  23. this is adorable! i really want to try this out :)

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  24. Crafty projects make me realize my talents and give me confidence!

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  25. I love crafty projects because they simply make me happy. xo

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  26. I really love crafty project because it is not only made by hands but also with heart :)

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  27. Adorable project, that book like like it has lots of fun projects.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  28. Cute idea! I don't normally stitch, so i'm not the best at this but this project looks uber easy, Thanks for sharing! :)

    N|D

    http://rainbowsandtress.blogspot.com/

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  29. I love craft projects for that accomplished feeling after completing a project! I also love giving craft projects away as gifts because I know the person probably does not have another thing like it!

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  30. Lately, crafty projects have been a way to nurture my inner introvert. Crafts and projects are the PERFECT opportunity to step back, breathe, and return to the world with the satisfaction of a job (hopefully) well done.

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  31. creating and crafting makes me feel whole,
    xo- dani, goodgodthehottnessofthedani@gmail.com

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  32. I enjoy making crafts more than anything in this world (except for reading maybe, but it shouldn't be a big deal since the giveaway is a book!:])! I love the sense of fulfillment after completing something but my favorite part of the whole process is giving them away as gifts! :]

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  33. I love how the possibilities are endless when it comes to crafts. However, I'm not very good at them but would love to practice with this book!

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  34. I love teaching my hubbie crafts! He currently is obsessed with 'felties' (basically what that book is) and it's sooooo cute to see his pride when he's finished a little mouse with sunglasses or a fox or little alien! He would go nuts over this step-by-step book!

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  35. I'm a big fan of crafts because I love personalizing things! what's the point of having something if you can't make it your own? thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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  36. These shoes are so cute! I'll have to try embroidering a pair for myself. I love crafty projects because you end up with something unique that expresses your personality. I really enjoy the creative process, and I like knowing that no one else has the same thing. I would love to get some new ideas from this book.

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  37. These shoes are so cute! I'll have to try embroidering a pair for myself. I love crafty projects because you end up with something unique that expresses your personality. I really enjoy the creative process, and I like knowing that no one else has the same thing. I would love to get some new ideas from this book.

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  38. those look very lovely! might just go out today and get myself a pair of canvas shoes... ;)
    well, what I love most about creating and being crafty is making perfect presents. I love it, how people's faces light up, when they open a parcel and are absolutely flabbergasted to get something absolutely perfect for them. I love to make people happy like that.

    wish u a lovely day, astrid
    (astrid_grabner(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  39. We will definitely be trying this out! great idea! x

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  40. Oh I love the embroidered owl on the cover!

    I love having cute stuff that no one else has because I made it, and being able to customize every detail of it. Plus, crafting is so therapeutic for me! :)

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  41. Crafting keeps my creative self alive! When I haven't crafted in a while I feel 'sluggish'. These cute shoes are definitely on the to-do list!
    Thanks!
    Kelly

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  42. Crafting keeps my creative self alive! When I haven't crafted in a while I feel 'sluggish'. These cute shoes are definitely on the to-do list!
    Thanks!
    Kelly

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  43. I love crafty projects, well, because I was raised with it! Everyone in my family is always working on something or learning some sort of new skill/ craft. It's how we bond!

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  44. i love crafty projects because you have take time to be creative and when you finish you feel accomplished!

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  45. Crafting is one of the few times I get to work with my hands.

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  46. I love crafting because it gives me a chance to make something original. I love to put my own spin on projects, just so I know they are completely my own. There's also something magical, almost zen like, about being completely wrapped up in a project you're working on. And making something cute ALWAYS makes you happy!

    Tasha P
    tparson88@aol.com

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  47. I love craft projects as I can create something physical from my imagination! xo

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  48. i really want this book badly! i love crafting because it brings my imagination to life. and, its super fun!

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  49. I love creating things that I can say i made. It's just this amazing feeling of making some thing out of anything . I also am looking for new projects and stuff to teach little ones all the time and think they would like to make some of these projects.

    www.allthingsrandomblogemail@gmail.com

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  50. Super cute! I'm definatly going to have to do this!
    I love crafting because I love the calming effect of making something and then the wonderful sense of accomplishment when a lovely project is completed.

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  51. I love creating something that is unique and original and craft projects let you do that! I was knitting a scarf this weekend that I can't wait to wear. I've just gotten into embroidery and this book would be great!
    babesinthriftland@gmail.com

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  52. I love crafty projects because I know for sure that my family will never run in to anyone with exactly the same item. :)

    I love the shoes! I have taken fabric paint to the same type of shoe and loved the outcome...but THIS is amazing!!! Off to the store.

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  53. It looks really nice. And it's easy at the same time :-)

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  54. Feel free to also check my blog:
    http://sztukastudiowania.blogspot.com/

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  55. Very cute shoes. I think my step mother would enjoy a pair of embroidered shoes.

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  56. SO cool. I really love this idea. I haven't embroidered in FOREVER!
    Thanks for the idea,
    Trish

    www.jellybonesblog.blogspot.com

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  57. What a cute idea. That book looks so neat. I would loooovvvee to have it!!!
    jlynncheesebeck39@ yahoo dot com

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  58. I love it because it's perfect for getting all the stressful stuff out of my head. It's so perfect to use my free time, too.
    :) this book looks great!
    http://lealuu.com

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  59. I definitely need to try this! I love crafty projects because it's a great creative outlet. And I love making things out of random items!


    leezardxqueen@yahoo.com

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  60. Feel free to check out my newest jewellery tutorial here:
    http://sztukastudiowania.blogspot.com/2012/07/diy-earrings-with-letters.html

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  61. I love crafty projects because it adds a little something extra to everyday items, making them unique and I love it! Just like this DIY!

    Erika
    egrasmic@yahoo.com

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  62. This is just what I need to help get my creative juices flowing for arts and crafts projects with my daughter!

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  63. Oh I'd love to win! I really love crafty projects because it's the perfect way to create something unique to gift someone you loves (including yourself!) and because it normally involves recycling or, at least, creating in front of consuming. And crafting is the perfect way to spend any afternoon <3
    Thank you for the chance to win, xoxo, Bea.

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  64. great tutorial—I can't wait to pick up a pair of shoes and try this out! crafty projects are the best...they are the perfect way to keep your hands busy while watching a movie and relaxing, and I love the added personality of having handmade things to wear or keep around your house.

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  65. Making crafts gives me such a satisfying feeling. It's relaxing and you always get something cute out of it too!

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    Replies
    1. annaluz.cabrera@gmail.com

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  66. I love crafting becaus eitmakes me happy. That simple. If I don't do a little every day I feel as if a part of me is missing. Thank you for an amazing giveaway.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  67. It is just fun to make something new :)

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  68. Such a great DIY! I love crafty projects because they are fun and inspiring and help me to express myself.

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  69. This idea is so great!! I love what you did those shoes!

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  70. What a great and simple idea!
    http://creativeways.comuf.com/

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  71. love the shoes =D i really want to start doing creative things like this

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  72. gahhhh i want this book!!!

    emilyhavibaker@gmail.com

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  73. I love crafting because it makes me proud to be wearing/have/giveaway sonethingvthat I made... Plus it's yer fun

    Littlemamameow at gmail dot com

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  74. This is awesome! I'd love this book. Crafting is so rewarding. There's nothing better than having someone ask, "Where'd you get that?" and responding with, "I made it!"
    amandaaude@gmail.com

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  75. What a great idea to give some fun to a boring pair of shoes. I'm going to have to try this. Thanks

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  76. I craft both because I like making stuff and because I like having made stuff.

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  77. these shoes are adorbs! I love crafting because it makes me feel alive by both creating something beautiful and by getting to share those beautiful creations with the people I love. There is no better way to tell some someone you love them then by custom crafting something to fit their style!

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  78. I love this idea!

    And , i love crafting because it btings me back to earth, its like when i'm ceafting im really present and that makes me feel iluminated! Its my own way of feeling like I am capable of doing everything i ser my mind to do , and plus it goes well with why and What a Human is really here to do! I believe that our minds are sooooooo capable and powerfull and are made to be able to do everything for ourselves . So i believe it to be indispensable to have projecta to keep them ocupies otherwose boordom leada us to exxcesive thonking wich can be dangerous sad and contraproductive! So lets get to work to promote love and happiness and good rhings for the world!!! :)

    Anna
    anita.sorrentino ( at) gmail dot com

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  79. I love the feeling of accomplishment.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

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  80. I love crafty projects because I feel happy doing the crafty projects.

    angellycherries(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  81. I love crafty projects because they take me to my happy place. I don't have a care in the world when I'm creating something.

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  82. I love crafty projects because it inspires me, and makes me feel less serious when making more personal artworks. I love to make a templated craft project my own by making it a little bit "off" or adding an embellishment or two. This book looks fantastic! —Nicole M


    nicolebriant (at) yahoo.com

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  83. I love craft projects because they allow me to create expensive looking items for cheap. I don't have a lot of money so crafting lets me create those things I want.

    serenap95(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  84. I love crafting because it is just nice to get lost in a project. I love seeing things that I would like to try and especially things I haven't tried before ,just to see if I can do it. Crafting to me is inspiring and this book seems to fit the bill...
    Thanks for the opportunity........
    The shoes are so brilliant..."I love a good refashion"

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  85. I would love to have a copy of this book. I love doing craft projects because it keeps my hands busy and my brain active. I work and think and create all at the same time. I keep some craft projects but I am always thinking of new things to create to give as gift to my friends and family!

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  86. this book looks amazing and so creative! i love crafty project myself because you could be as creative as you want and make up things as you go along. sometimes i start out making something and end up with something completely different than what i imagined but still cute!

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  87. I love this project. It's so cute!!

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  88. Love this canvas shoes refashion DIY project. Really into it.

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