Shoulder Pads Be Gone

I tackled another makeover of a thrift store shirt.   This time I actually managed to get a before photo.

I got this shirt for 25 cents at the thrift store up the street.  It was too big for me, had shoulder pads (shiver), a pocket I didn’t like and buttons and beads on it that I hated.

The redeeming quality is this lovely decorative stitching around the collar.  The back of the collar came to a cute point along with this thing, I think it’s suppose to be an embroidered star or flower.  Whatever, it is still cute.

Here’s the after shot, much better right?  I ripped off the buttons, beads, and pocket.  I think the beads will work better for jewelry, maybe rings.  I then removed the sleeves and chopped off a few inches on the hem, did I mention it was a little too long on me too?  I took it in on the sides and trimmed the arm area before reattaching the sleeves.  The final touch was to add some elastic to the sleeves, I have been really into puffed sleeves lately.  I also replaced the buttons of course, can’t go around with an open shirt, well I wouldn’t anyway.  Now it looks really cute on me.  What’s great is that I have a pretty vintage skirt I got from the same store that would look great with this shirt.  It’s the perfect look for Fall.

Since it wouldn’t do to waste fabric, I found a good use for that pocket.  I made it into this sweet little bow, I just haven’t figured out what to do with it.  I could attach it to a headband, or a hair elastic, or even wear it as a pin.  I even though of making it into a bowtie, now that would be odd.

Read More »

More Pink and Lace

Yesterday I mentioned something about wearing the shirt I redid with something else I made.   

Here it is, I had some leftover material from that last dress I made (see Two Days Time), so I made another one.  This time it’s without sleeves which made it a little faster. 

This time I tried to do a little shirring, never done it before, wonder if I will do it again since I had some trouble with it.  The elastic kept on coming undone.  At least it’s working, the fit is way better and it is easier to get on.  When I wore it to church I got several compliments, and so many people were surprised to hear I made it myself.  That’s always nice to hear I guess.  One of our neighbors actually asked me to make one for her, she was willing to pay too.  But I turned her down,  I’m still not confident enough in my sewing to make clothing to sell.  I’m afraid I might screw up the sizing or something, it’s better to stick with my tote bags and stuff.  I have never had any buyers complain about their handkerchiefs being too small. 

Read More »

Procrastinate with Lace

So yeah, I have been procrastinating lately.  What is one of things I do when I procrastinate on something?  I sew, a lot.  Here’s something I redid.  I forgot to take a before photo, before it was an ordinary polo shirt I got for 25 cents at a thrift store.  It was a little big on me and boring to boot.  So I took it in a little and added some pin tucks.  I then added lace to the collar, sleeves, and along the front.  Lastly, I added elastic to the sleeves for a cute puffed look.  Maybe I went a little overboard, but I have been into cute and lacy stuff lately.  I am going to wear it tomorrow to church, along with something else I whipped up from scratch.  I’ll put that up tomorrow, so don’t miss it.

Read More »

Calling All Craft Bloggers

I found something you may be interested in, that is, if you regularly write really good articles on crafty business topics.  You know, like photography tips, marketing, tutorials, etc.  Handmadeology is looking for blog posts to feature.  All you have to do is fill out and submit their easy form, and you can do it for as many posts as you want.  They will take a look, and if all goes well, your article will be viewed by tons of new people.  I just wish I had a decent post to submit.  Most of mine aren’t quite what they are looking for, but that’s the way I like it.

Read More »

Singing With Joy

A lot of good things happened today.  First off, I finally got around to cleaning my room, so I can actually see the floor now.  Not that it’s nice to look at, the carpet is an ugly color.  Second, while cleaning I found my taps shoes, spent a good deal of the day wearing and using them too.  It would appear that my tap skills are a little rusty.  Most importantly though, today was the first rehearsal for choir.  I’m sure I have mentioned before that I sing in the Chamber Choir at my church.  We usually stop meeting during Summer, to sort of take a break.  I know vacations are good and all, but waiting for Choir to start back up again has been pure agony for me.  It feels so weird to go that long without singing with everyone.  Especially when I go to church and people keep asking me if I miss singing up with the choir, well duh! Of course I do.  So I am so glad and incredibly relieved to be back.  And hopefully this season will go super well too.

Read More »

Eyes, Ears, Mouth and Nose

The last project on my list is done, face magnets.  I made them by covering bottle caps with fabric and drawing on them, then gluing on disc magnets.  Each magnet is a different part of the face, so they can be moved around anywhere you please.  I haven’t showed them to my niece and nephew yet, but I’m sure they will get a kick out of them.  Especially my nephew, he loves funny faces.
Here’s the updated list:

• doll headbands
• halters
• camera
• stamps
• painting supplies
• knitting supplies
• video
• face magnets

Eight down and out.  I think I’ll take a break from the lists for a bit.  There are a few things I should be focusing on right now.  Of course, odds are that I will start procrastinating on them by working on crafts.  I know myself too well.

Read More »