January Sewing Plans

Another new post over at the new blog. Go visit.

Re-Located!

I've made a little switch! Come visit my new space over at GirlFighter.net!

A League of My Own!

I did it! I finished my Halloween Costume!!! 

That's right! I'm Kit! The spunky pitcher and little sister from A League of Their Own. It was only after I ordered my peach fabric that I realized they were selling this costume on all the Sexy (ANY NOUN HERE) Costume sites. But can we all agree, that Homemade Halloween trumps all? I'm taking pride in my costume this year and am hoping it's the first in my grown up dress up collection!


Little tid-bits and facts on construction. I used Simplicity 1880, and modified the front bodice for the asymmetrical closure up the front. I definitely winged the alterations so I have absolutely no technical anything for you here. No other changes were made. I love the cap sleeves! They're perfect and adorable. I'm not a fan of how the skirt lies though. I think for future, everyday dress, versions, I'll probably get rid of the front seam.

For the rest of the accessories, I spent Halloween Eve (or Mischief Night where I come from!) going from store to store in search of red socks, hat and belt. I went to 5, yes 5 stores before I (somewhat) found what I was looking for. Red socks, compliments of Target's clearance end cap! Red Belt from ribbon found at Michael's! And also from Michael's, a pink hat mixed with the red spray paint from the Marquee Sign! The Patches were both freehand copies with Puff Paint done late last night, and hot glued on just before I ran out the door for work.




Speaking of work. Here's a group shot at our Pot Luck Lunch. Can you see me? Yeah... Let's put the short person, with the awesome homemade costume in the very back... that's a good idea!

Anyway... HAVE A HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

BOO-berry Pie!

Here are my latest completed designs. They both feel unfinished to me though, probably because I prepped so much to make them, and then rushed to digitize them. No balance in life right now, BOOOOO!!!! 

Anyway, the concept of this was Paisley Ghosts. I was trying to give them a bit of a lacy look to them, but I feel the lines and shapes got a bit heavy here and there. A few of the ghosts are my absolute best friends and were so damn cooperative with me. Some of the others well, immortal enemies! I tried kept the colors in line with the pie bunting, a little bit of a fall feel to it. There are a few more in the works and I can't wait til I have the time to complete them!

Side note, I don't know if it's me not being able to step away and call something finished, or if this is a legitimate worry... But I often feel that there's just one thing missing each time I finish a design. It's so rare for me to step away from any project thinking "This is perfect! There is absolutely nothing to add or change." Maybe I do need to slow down, and take more time. Maybe there are things to add... but what? I need to start adding in time to get some feedback. But first, I need to find people to give it!

Craft Fast

I've unfortunately found myself in an unplanned Craft Fast. Since finishing the Mini Marquee lights I haven't had a free moment for any of my projects and it's driving me absolutely crazy!!! After this Sunday, life should give me a little breather. I have a long list of things to fill it with.

1. Halloween!!! I need to make my costume and I want to decorate the apartment inside and out. I've found some absolutely amazing tutorials! This is my first year with a front yard since I lived with my parents! I MUST MAKE A GRAVEYARD!!! ABSOLUTELY HAVE TOO!

2. Bumper Car skirt! The last bit of exciting fabric in my stash and I finally have a pattern for it. Monday night I made my way to Joann's Fabric and picked up a few more simplicity patterns! They had their 5 for $5 sale and I love them for it! Starting tomorrow, Butterick Patterns go on sale, 5 for $7, so I may need to swing by again. My pattern arsenal is practically complete. I've managed to get all the basics I could want. 

3. Trip to the loft! I completed so many projects this month. Hooray for new clothes! Boo for lack of fabric!!! I have specific ideas this time, so I plan on wandering around the fashion district next weekend and getting some goodies!

4. Design time. I have a whole bunch of new fabric designs in the works. I just need to sit down and finish them. I thought I'd challenge myself to make an actual, cohesive collection of designs. My goal is to have 4-5 unique designs, in multiple colors, done in time for the Ghost's context next week. Wish me luck!

5. Last but not least... I had a failed gift for my boyfriends birthday. There will be a whole write up on that. Big fail to McCall's for shitty directions. And shame on me for not catching it right away.

Just a few more days til there's time for me again!!! Hurry up weekend! I want my freedom back!!!

All Lit Up!

My man's birthday is next weekend. While he was outta town this weekend, I got to work. I used Oh, Happy Day's Marquee light tutorial as a foundation of the project. He has his own business and little workshop so I thought some DIY signage would be adorable... I mean MANLY!

Little changes, I made the letters out of foam board, and hot glue to attach the card stock edges. The result was a crazy sturdy letter... And some pretty gnarly blisters. Seriously! I didn't think it totally through. Using a thicker board means that much more work to cut it out. Looks amazing though!!

I used a cranberry red spray paint with a very light bronze sparkly top coat. It took almost as long to get all the light bulbs popped in as it did to cut out the letters. I recommend noting the length of wire between each bulb when mapping out the holes for the letters. So glad I did that!!! My light strand had only 2" between the bulbs. It's really not a lot to work with. Untwist the strand as much as possible before you get started. Just another friendly lesson from someone who learned the hard way.

I love this project so much! I want to make one for myself! And then one for my apartment! I may make up a whole bench of letters so I can put them on a shelf and change the words around whenever I feel like it. How cool would that be?

Completed Pillows!

I took pictures of the pillows with my non-camera phone, aka camera! Thought I'd document them in all their glory! Look at all the pretty colors!