I Had a Vision...

From across the thrift store, I spotted the most amazing print... My heart skipped a beat and I rushed in a not looking like I was rushing sort of way. (This was so other thrifters would not see my excitement and in turn rush to where I was rushing to get what I was wanting to get. Yes, I believe/ know this to be true...)

ONE PROBLEM...

There is enough skirt here for me and one of my kids.

Think, woman, think. Can I use this to make something fabulous?

I had a vision...

I snatched this baby up and took her home.

The skirt was made from 4 panels, so I removed 1 1/2 panels and created a new side seam.

Paired with a belt and a tank we have a new semi fabulous dress for $2.99! I am in love.

Now let's work on my photography skills...

Oh, and some actual, real live spring weather...

Did you know that "thrifters" is not a word in the blogger spell check? Seriously?!

It should be.

Project Sweater Beautification: Part I

Inspired by Grosgrain's Embellish Knit Month, I started to play around with some sweater beautification of my own. Today I added some singed lace flowers to a silk cardigan. Just lovely...

Project Time:20 Minutes



Materials:

Plain Cardigan (Mine was 1.49 at Goodwill)

Lace (I have also used chiffon, tulle, etc to make this kind of flower in the past)

Candle or other heat source

Scissors

Needle

Thread

For each flower cut

2- 4 inch circles

2- 3inch circles

2- 2 inch circles

Hint: To speed up the cutting process and cut multiple circles of the same size at the same time, you can layer your lace.
Use a candle to singe the edges of the two largest circles. To do this hold the fabric about 2 inches away from the flame until the edges curl.

If your fabric starts on fire, you are too close... Some people use a tweezers for this part, but I am a risk taker...

Repeat this process with your two medium circles and your two small circles.

Stack your singed circles largest to smallest and give them a couple of basting stitches.

Next, arrange the flowers on your cardigan and pin them in place. TRY ON YOUR SWEATER. What looks good laying on your design table does not always look good on your bod! Trust me... I love the look of the four flower design pictured below, but I tried it on and felt like a double dork.

The final product only boasts two lovely lace flowers...

After attempting to wear this this afternoon, I realized that I am not a size small. (I think I already knew that, but I really wanted this to fit me. It is so pretty.) Any size smalls? Its up for grabs. FREEBIE!!!

Twirly Skirt and Getting Over It...

I found the tutorial for this super cute skirt over at House on Hill Road. (Pretty sure I would love living this life!~ but am thankful of the life I have)




Kiley has a thing for owls. We went and picked out the fabric for this in April. I cut the skirt out the same day. AND there it sat for TWO MONTHS! (How embarrassing!)

In talking to my friend Jodi, I realized why there are so many things I want to do, but never do. I have a fear of making mistakes. I am afraid that I will try something and it won't work, it will look funny, or I won't love it... I tend to get the materials all ready for a project and then let it sit.



Guess what!? I went for it! I made plenty of mistakes on this project, but figured out how to fix them, cover them up or let them go!

For example:

OOPS! This did not lay flat, so I made some felt hearts to cover it with!

Fourth of July Ruffle Skirt

I had some free time this morning, so I decided to whip up this cute little number for Kiley to wear on the 4th. The best part is... I used two old t shirts and a piece of elastic!




Kiley was unavailable to model, but I did take a picture. My intention was to add a row of white ruffles, but I ran out of steam. (I really gravitate to projects that can be completed in 30 minutes or less.)

UPDATE: After looking at the picture here, I have decided to add the white ruffles. This skirt looks superman, not Fourth of July AND Why did I choose that color of blue? URG!


Head on over to Sew Much Ado to check out how this puppy was made!

Sew Much Ado: Refashion Tutorial: Toddler Ruffle Skirt

Goodwill and Great Garage Sales!

The kids and I had a fantastic time thrifting last Thursday. These are some of my favorite finds... Also the reason I have to wait until July to buy a pinking shears. (I did find a pair to borrow:) until then.)

The kids found some great things as well, but of course they have vanished into the playroom, yard and closets!

Five Dollar Fashions

Five...five dollar... five dollar fashions. OK, I know that was really bad, but I just couldn't help myself. Here's what I found for five dollars or less. (I think I need to work on my staging/ photography skills.)

Corduroy jacket $4.50. (Thank you half off yellow tags!)

Airy raspberry shirt $1.99 (Thrift Store)

Black skirt $4.99. (Thrift Store) I wish I had two of these... I think I will wear it out this summer. Note the waist band on this puppy...it can double as a shirt!

White skirt another $4.99 thrift store find!

Blue and white scarf $ 3.98... Target clearance.

Orange scarf with tiny white dots and white pom pom fringe $1.50 at a yard sale. I will admit this is not a recent find, but it is an all time favorite.
(Click in the picture to see why I love it so much!)

Perhaps my favorite of all...Kiley's $5.00 Brown Boots. (These are so rockin' that we refer to them as a proper noun in our house) Target clearance.