tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21766103059776876602024-03-21T22:19:37.703-07:00cait makes thingscaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-11788687519960833842013-11-03T11:04:00.000-08:002013-11-03T11:04:20.938-08:00furniture update: shabby chic wardrobeFor the past few years, I've gotten into the habit of collecting old furniture with the intention of fixing it up [hey I do that with clothes too!…. I think I may have a problem]. I found this old wardrobe at this crazy antique store about half an hour from my parents' house - the fact that I restrained myself enough to only bring this home is probably a good sign, ha. But that is another post for another day!<br />
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I was too excited to get started to take before pictures [another bad habit I have for purposes of blogging things], but just imagine it in an oak finish - it wasn't too bad in its original condition, but since there were some chips in the veneer, I went ahead and painted it. And then proceeded to sand about a third of the paint off. Maybe it looks sort of authentic?<br />
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I also wanted an excuse to try out Annie Sloan Chalk Paint - it's pretty magical. Despite the slightly higher price tag, I would definitely recommend it and am already using it on one of my next furniture redos :D<br />
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The original hardware cleaned up pretty nicely, too! Unfortunately, one of the pulls broke when I was reassembling it, but luckily my awesome grandpa was able to weld it back together :)<br />
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I was originally picturing this in the living room of my apartment as board game/blanket/miscellaneous storage, but seeing as I currently have no wardrobe or chest of drawers in my bedroom, that's where it ended up. Works for me!caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-64691306372514014292013-08-21T19:11:00.002-07:002013-08-21T19:11:58.182-07:00wardrobe redux: combining two silk blouses > colorblock blouse<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yheQ8ajXU5VS4LBUP_4ipbhi4mXrvLcc19CMItlSA95JMMjoW_LecsEou-P6D0pvo4ro9Ybu5Qao1g0vQvOPUiIV3RO3lw3JHceOrHYZRVuLTBMVzM9PMXN_2vclkG57XfHHlt-vBwgS/s1600/two.jpg" />
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I found these two identical vintage silk blouses [excepting the color of course!] hanging next to each other on one of my Goodwill forays back in the winter. I thought they'd be fun to combine into some sort of cute colorblocked top, so I took them home and have been trying to decide what to do with them ever since. Fall is rapidly approaching, though, so I gotta figure it out soon if I want to wear it this year!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsad2311NgBmfBW7iSXmdpE4BVB80Cpy7Bt1I6M_R4rkSTCad7urJkQQBzxSYtoR676KodF2C4IEiiTMsS7sGXLsdQx3E486QW77lNc1bpvoCNVGdVvlfxjeTCxUUqNmFyb8WJ2m-WGZgk/s1600/options.jpg" /><br />
[<a href="http://a-thread.com/collections/sale/products/colorblock-sleeveless-blouse" target="_blank">skies are blue colorblock sleeveless blouse</a>] [<a href="http://www.punchboutique.com/collections/clothing/products/alice-trixie-rory-s-l-top" target="_blank">alice & trixie rory top</a> | hey, even the colors are right for this one!]<br />
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Most of the time when I do a refashion, I know what I want to do with the piece of clothing more or less within 10 seconds of laying eyes on it, but I think since these are so simple, it opens them up to many more options. Any suggestions? :)caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-29962612519456310562013-08-11T16:06:00.002-07:002013-08-11T17:34:43.110-07:00make your own boot trees<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGku0vbm5-eIHzk2AVqIvpJ8Io577H_GtAF6WT9bO7XxxlBIJut3OcF_7PIvSSC8CEl1TUGd6_1P8iZod6ClJbYBEBlzY6S1vfbWROWn1SIIBjr9X8bixdAbaFOqSZjKmsGvXb6I5zp2P/s1600/1.jpg" />
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My boot collection is made up of some pretty well-loved boots - so well-loved, they're usually falling over in the corner of my closet and making it super easy for dust and spiderwebs to accumulate during the warmer months when they're on vacation :) Speaking of vacation, after finding some old pool noodles in the barn while getting pool stuff reorganized, I realized they would be the perfect solution to this dilemma if they were cleaned up and covered up!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFNTH17Sn3kijfMpkyeZBXa9jZzk_avSUvj2gxRnwLc5-uHgKJ-hac28xGcTsCXn6fA0hbQUCRyKhyQnBDtW9v-qnnJCG4eUnxWYL31QlsHYM669y3RjO6ikGPXkeWiYdLsSwX3lWA_yGt/s1600/2.jpg" /><br />
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<i>what you will need -</i><br />
<ul>
<li>pool noodles - These were 48" long. You'll have to determine the length you want the inserts to be to figure out how many you'll need - I ended up using three. 16" was a good length for my taller boots, which worked out nicely because you can get three pieces out of one noodle without any scraps!</li>
<li>fabric to make the covers - For one cover, you'll need a piece with a width equal to the circumference + 3/4" [3/8" SA] and a height equal to the length of the cut piece of noodle + 4 1/2" for SA and drawstring channel, so for my 16" inserts, I used a 8 1/4" wide [7 1/2" circumference + 3/4"] by 20 1/2" piece of fabric.</li>
<li>ribbon - can be whatever width you prefer; I used 1/8" because that's the first thing I found in my stash that matched :)</li>
<li>measuring tape, scissors/x-acto knife, sharpie, pins, sewing machine<br /><br /> </li>
</ul>
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTF63YQiDdh3ZmArDxHqfVOJu_mhhxVkk_ixh2uT1y9f-aq6HNyDtuH6_M6s3Qo6AXhpemLisEtIvt-3gzTqEme3-UwZxgqvzNR25HbNL3wrd0XJQYTbLiUa8xbOsAMRea18UZEJOHniT/s1600/3.jpg" /><br />
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First things first, you'll have to cut down your noodle pieces to the desired length. I stuck them down into my boots and marked the top on the noodle, then measured it to get a general idea of the length. Tall boots were all around 16", the cowboy boots were 13", and the grey slouchy boots in dire need of some polish were 10". Once the length is determined, use your measuring tape to mark the length several places around the noodle.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs-7_MwANnuFaQV_eqqZzNcG6RRB06Xg7aXzwcLge9iV2jtfTkIGarBQBjBtPB-6M6fepiz6N5D4U8PHxqlh6GIHd8wdN_Br-8XBxE5nXVFW4V0PKa2sPZTUX671Su66XtMBqUZmQWgVpq/s1600/4.jpg" /><br />
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Wrap your measuring tape around the noodle, connecting all the dots, then use your sharpie to draw a guide line connecting them all. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIfkZiG6oBAooQqSZjV0Nb4aJG_YUwSkf7VJDpJ_-zC6GmL2tkcXz45k0qQsf-2sVEDShSzUj_18yBxH8tGHJH2fJ_H8rpoV2qJ8NPn891ABMhj5bs3JSmrE9VW7U0TPI_qhcOvRwyXJw/s1600/5.jpg" /><br />
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Cut along the line with your x-acto knife.<br />
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Now that we've got all the noodles cut out, we can start on our covers. Cut out a piece big enough for your noodle based on your measurements.
I cheated a little bit because I used old sheets, so my channel for the
ribbon was already sewn for me :D If you aren't that lazy [lucky?!], you'll need
to sew one on one of the short sides. Press fabric over 1/8", then fold
down another 1/2" and press again. Pin in place and sew along the fold. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTuelDeWk6Nhb0qJSTfv7LMY7ntePt70A5ySUGkytqT27U34CcVw_0twceM1843GIgAkDUmqH7UGrvqvoby4Ecgz5Nc95hWeCI9UKCbNLhhWAjlOHZmsJudoRzH9smKkY-lWSFb0WE4iMg/s1600/6.jpg" /><br />
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After you've sewn the channel, fold the fabric in half with the right sides facing each other and the long edges are together. Pin and sew around the edge all the way up to where the drawstring channel starts. You'll need to fold the raw edges of the channel in about 1/4", press, and then sew along the bottom to secure them. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSeZ92FEVh7nKI0HDX1ckbrW-NPCePGzJT99WHfPZOHpJN3fjfVaZy4u5nNxZXHEzK7oxD31yLvxy1wdXTC5ue_qFWhY9Wz_z2d3GWheSmEqniM41akRpGu5nu3Kbn4tTNgyGpM3DGJ-M/s1600/7.jpg" /><br />
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Cut the remaining raw edges with pinking shears to finish them.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu5sd0Lyf193hcD0BJpXtGIcBVEs4E21xSwl-Yn9V5BCkU7hZQQ6OWa3pmbBc35YHHTq_iAIxbQtM0rtDpoGyoi4wr08_11G0UHHR3DiHjPmaOc0HHtwLQfTvMbpHb9FFnyzi6GLd8tWS/s1600/8.jpg" /><br />
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Next, cut 14" of ribbon and thread it through the channel using a safety pin to speed things along.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9M4dhLNKXGzV5czsrEEo-k_CKi6rxlF8Y25KmA90Peg9tHEfhEmC8zOQP2uwScvGhSOnwqFGYOm74-2rTx3idA-pJihlRZhZCQRffBD0wYaLHQB2cDbugBCgDArHMZPbQ0YoUU0CdsZ9t/s1600/9.jpg" /><br />
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Pull the ribbon taut to close the top and tie to secure.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAE9ZvkGYvBivWnvkAfV9ac6bMSHokpEHssEUb5ANCpyeEYy19aNSRxKjaPU7EJLvD0HVYU_EeeClXRUZ7Xr9298Nile8j7hki-t0os0Xjjf8fjbnF_RlixtlQrqPo21E27tYB8cWOc2J1/s1600/10.jpg" /><br />
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One finished tree!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnAunBL_B0JlM_j26o9VTztCVjRMYx-2S1qlZZ9RPjXSZdPiN0dVjI9QahVRTFOUHj9ohPpoS3vOsdkMiNYqYafhOn7942kd_GVOPJYHAuMyzlQAsTXEGOCTvLawl8P9cPZmswceI-0Bvb/s1600/12.jpg" /><br />
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So much better! I don't think I've ever seen those grey boots standing up that tall when they aren't on my feet. Lookin' sharp there :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFL06IjpX389ekmkWyhF4w4ubygNpN6qlqXEq2kNF_XzDg0KLYLb0wqCUTOpANFpJD2pDf2YBNk4H_VI7B1E4x0S0XRW53-t85YpsVAFD6CcCHwtdq3kLaG577xDPAWEYMT8sYNt1cF2iL/s1600/11.jpg" /><br />
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And the nice thing about the drawstring top is that when they get gross and stinky, as they inevitably will, you can just take them off the noodle and throw them in the wash!caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-83806606281405146342013-07-21T18:26:00.000-07:002013-08-21T18:26:32.484-07:00mango salsa<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJDsSgotohnUTPkhOWRprmdbuy4T-KpR0JDizBBnO_mlgoToPQLzDssaBdEbN0l9XRVAoa7AABnRtuBvWqBKTQQJuAja9pDD9-YXE8WnyWuFouAwKeQPIHo8v0zYp-4lEBySTTaPn059x/s1600/tumblr_inline_mqba0k0bvt1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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A twist on summertime salsa… add some mangos! This recipe is courtesy of my sister [thanks Caro!]. I made this the other night to go with some spicy coconut chicken; it’s sweet but it has a little kick to it too. Also tastes really good with
fish!<br />
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ingredients -<br />
<ul>
<li>1 large mango, diced</li>
<li>1 large tomato, diced</li>
<li>1 small red onion, chopped</li>
<li>1 jalapeno, seeded and diced</li>
<li>1 clove garlic, minced</li>
<li>1/4-1/2 cup cilantro, chopped [to taste]</li>
<li>salt & pepper to taste</li>
</ul>
Chop up all your veggies, then combine all ingredients and admire all the pretty colors before digging in!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHVQY2LUOn2Cd0r85Lun9xFzpkeQJNECbj1XJWglCImHOsy77PfCUEu1uDWcvVKR-vKJbfWfP7N3il-vpIZkf5W2_5OLaQF1nQ90DwFvAHVLlRzlgNzDzyuvor7Hse0X4aickfRs-7TMQz/s1600/tumblr_inline_mqba3pf38v1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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I like eating it on chips, and it’s also strangely good mixed with
plain yogurt! Got a little bit of sweet and spicy going on at the same
time, but the heat is significantly cut by the dairy. It makes a great
after work snack :D<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwUGQ3AlefUTcRCvq3zZ-LJyfI968Fg15XpgekjhcXyQ_oB9_CUiHblCcHhgg00EYTVPrPdu2CjTSJl3K_z1AIYc2Hk6CqguqjRluOEnB712wzEdsz9eGqKCTpM3JYMVNF7KkWP_HW4kHH/s1600/tumblr_inline_mqba42ByA81qz4rgp.jpg" />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-90349357220995275162013-07-09T15:01:00.001-07:002013-07-09T15:03:05.628-07:00wardrobe redux: red & white striped sailor dress<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt0MZZwXCm_9NcGEcBQoZBDFw0QLa-xcHBwUq9FAWU_Fl9mL6co_MfKmuQxNUGFf2zYUILVTJv__rWYYTrjgDJHA72i3r4ed1CEpkxAuR6UU7QYgsen52ThSeZFkzMK_3CFHCLOly9EiBk/s1600/before.jpg" /><br />
Here's my next Goodwill rescue! I was hoping to have it fixed up by July 4th, but that didn't quite happen. I'm not tooo sad about that since it rained most of the day, so it wasn't exactly sundress weather anyway. This would make a good beach dress :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1C0JF_Jo2PPasPXtklN9_MWYYamAdiWlALb-MIytY_zBpO6b1qUDGMHpsl27h8U7dcdcEJ8r2UM_x2o2q7iNp1NGV2OmpbaRfN-ejGIDvYtWGT5ARN-iNqZrF4qjKXqbCcDNYMXWzbim7/s1600/1.jpg" /><br />
One great thing about living where I do, there is quite a bit of vintage clothing to be had at Goodwill for super cheap. Not all of it's good [hello scary 80s dresses!], but usually you can find one or two decent pieces per visit. This one had a tiiiiiny waistline [notice the two buttons at the bottom in the first picture - ain't no way they're buttoning] but a voluminous pleated skirt so I figured it was a good candidate to be redone. <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMvDXL3XI4iNyIAjM9ELTY3FVETjy-wr3tCLbItk4Y6hpHz_MS8vQErgS6BxXD5NzTnrTZF23RgJefN9DQBONa0i6GAnkRWLnv1L0oiU2NCiTXJzXAdgOJzWjai7luEQ8L4J1gUtfTI2ED/s1600/2.jpg" /><br />
Time to add some darts! <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqM__6ebw45x32KUmc_0UyrB1Wp8qgKcuTN5Xdy58NnPb6f7hyphenhyphenncMZt8yLdHRLIob-h1kLvUp3CHst158a9acTD3O3rRcdtjoHqtxbN8Ll9fwuPi4_8NbvBPVwoEqoooMUIvq8wM-5RKLs/s1600/3.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNpCxaSWGweu7Tc9d5-MwYzn1Ey_zP6ToAyc0JppksmXcvhxGUrL6c0B-jJdWTf9MGRUX9qj-u-uSJWf_uwcriAbJ7naGwMIQ4oG38G-TxBiErVqtGNo-6rLam1Rgxf2Zk5BMgt8NwWUj9/s1600/4.jpg" /><br />
Since the skirt was big enough, I was able to cut enough fabric to make the waistband big enough to fit comfortably, hooray! Here it is pinned to the bodice.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBb3z3DLlL9f1v7A0SBV_yGrCGeWoTVx9cBYYLyAi3KDI2HsJSGTMtL54021j7I1xCQH7QvQNNjf3XdGurUTVJYL7-ca9c7bFq_kzhNp1-Ibk3Jc0aAG25xnmmy-31IFGzzTarjnb0Vb15/s1600/5.jpg" /><br />
Bodice pinned to the re-cut skirt...<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlWxMbHUsd3TgfqiKcnQ9lvrbwQL8GvRENfMk8DmZ5WL_LwtQDKrI0ZCQp0nBrN8xnrcVx_YY7QXbt2GdHuPf-_F5Pc22cXVk0oAooF_C7SCRLt8XQHReoRpRKGtNCIC2nbkFagDy_Wa70/s1600/6q.jpg" /><br />
Hemming the skirt....<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz927MXIVXDNUUO7bdjhDUFRB_M_x823muIcQpTaqcAl0C98Wbo8CgDhzIIha6RqQQ3EKtqk-G8SpVovAMTcwJYz2w_i0w09OeuDOQ5JQsV1e9UjXGpEIj4hbxpeE9IK_Av7AWX-gZ2wMu/s1600/6.jpg" /><br />
And finally, since I like extra work/apparently don't want this project to end, resewing the buttons with red thread for a little extra pizzazz :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFV6gbVZfgl_QwWcZpmOhwtx_y3jwOE4_hK3tvMKDLAkcEtfAT_W9F6IRPuld8KZv3SSTBT7MrjTp3Cro2SWuxgu9jaSqJEYDuPa_fsmLnMiSMo5160IThx_MN_xNLlnns4HqHmj_7SwJV/s1600/7-9d.jpg" /><br />
In action! Bonus points for matching heels :D<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTzEoEV5k4Une2jf-onQ5GbLibsWFCM_NRn0oisx3Ks1DtYP4cwID4Cr44zmeyzFZ9BWT88_Y2KZCwidGRHIMnjq3sgruQvXHm7V31ncjveaxtYrsKSY-vL19uG9P89kO0mJ1Vgb00P-D/s1600/8.jpg" /><br />
The only thing I'm not super happy with is the skirt. The front piece is a little wonky and one side seam is about 2" further towards the back than it needs to be due to the little snap opening in the front [not crazy about that either... I should have come up with another solution]. I thought I accounted for that when I measured it out, but I guess I was wrong, haha. The stripes make it a lot more noticeable too. Not much to be done about that though, unless I want to turn it into a pencil skirt, or totally scrap it as a dress and turn it into a top [another <a href="http://caitmakesthings.blogspot.com/2013/04/wardrobe-redux-peplum-blouse.html" target="_blank">peplum top</a> could be cute?!]. Maybe if it still bothers me after I wear it a while/when I have more motivation I'll play with it some more, we shall see. Live and learn!caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-37596849107980800362013-06-10T11:31:00.000-07:002013-07-18T11:33:43.607-07:00epic granny square blanket<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVrembdLMmxLcmDa5wPUv2NKMUGCadMbUbpNGFTezcKgkam4QhBtmk67iVzqiq5aPlfgfGdhyphenhyphenyKYvo_TAM4OOJjBDfvVZZyAskO5U-OpoSq0QT2h8VRMkx337saAs6mDOIw6jp5loMoHqY/s1600/tumblr_inline_mo7fzebSxP1qz4rgp.jpg" />
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Back in November, I [overenthusiastically] decided to put my newfound crochet skillz to work after I saw <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2012/12/8/giant-giant-granny-square-blanket.html" target="_blank">this blanket</a> on the Purl Bee. It worked up pretty quickly to begin with, but the more rounds I went, the more tedious/time-consuming it got. I finally finished it over Spring Break… four months is typically not the type of time frame I enjoy working with, haha. I like stuff that you can do in a day or less!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd-0invblA9xgdIRgTCAW0hb8eGgLt0rB_r3ugBLzdFWBDEqKTC1W8osL7_nowMXqYmpq2OE2cG40L4rddj-jOPfZHlimBy_yjGY-bF-Sy9s21VassMpOfjuuJugTEUJBsp7JLeUgNrDnK/s1600/tumblr_inline_mo7fzsHILh1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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So, after completely re-watching the entirety of Sex and the City, all three seasons of Arrested Development [still haven’t seen the new one yet!], and a few movies scattered throughout, I ended up with a pretty epically ginormous granny square. My sister very kindly agreed to hold it up/act as a scale figure [she’s around 5’6”] in the photo below :)<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDluRiEY3fVMSg1JiOuj0K3TNGuEx4DHgaeO4wKBDXS3hLGG8XSo_ENLplVpswR2_ptQ3bS7qgPttidHyJllhEMGfP7YMsC16fyImYnRvjrQUwcN6aNC9jhGZyj5RT0eaab62PItJbrQD/s1600/tumblr_inline_mo7g8cvwFB1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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I used a size G crochet hook, 5 skeins of mint, and a little over 7 skeins of ivory yarn from Hobby Lobby; the yarn came in 377-yd skeins. That is a looooot of yarn. I think I’ll probably stick to smaller projects from now on, but I do have to say it’s hugely satisfying to look at something this substantial and realize that I did that, even though it was kind of a pain in the butt towards the end when it took close to an hour to do one round. Also, I think I’ve got double crochet down pretty well now, haha. Hooray for perseverance!
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8twjRAUsfjMf3sMSE88SPmMGH98GZjSTNtfRuuVpvowBrQCbEQWhZO4fepeds9MXf9UQIFsL5CJ44iBSY0S5S11-FRnyafAAEVdz482CIIhMMbe0N-Rr8dzqO-NXnFaI_xS-RRoxFO-B/s1600/tumblr_inline_mo7gahvXCY1qz4rgp.jpg" />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-12198896902041938192013-04-21T16:36:00.000-07:002013-06-26T11:28:50.978-07:00wardrobe redux: peplum blouse<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicZ5tU3REji7h_rIwjRtCUQuJwDARl7GkdHbXGvBbiVleWBj9jNO75ids5mnwo9WUBcVNvTbatAYQhAdQlM11W2vacWEvyjIMKLluQhSF0iBXvkQvuNZZ_XCyRC_NmNs8RiE9RY7amYQa6/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm73kZhBf1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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Making more progress on my pile of thrifted stuff to fix up… this is probably my most involved Goodwill makeover to date, and I’m so excited about how it turned out! <br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuQQxJWCqYBOFXFbnx4ECjP9uUrzdrBhj5aCbNiLbu9WG1umHzJX1oc9EwCvENuABD9Nk0ugLDS8GjwtL9TEMRjIHPos6d1eQkrU8YFnUOoHHePpVCtskY9s2bT8Vae9rfvBMKYm4er2Y/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm761VZMb1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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The original: love the color, love the pleats, but they just kinda dissolve into a weird unflattering ruffly mess at the bottom. Seems like it could be a good idea if executed better, so here’s what I came up with…<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjro_t7T2ct20tdBDpxcrcFol8VdCnzC8MdzeaYXE8zsHNvR698ry2uWUvnmqoOXVnSOLO3TNhO5kySyyfzqTkQjZ2NJBqQxTOk5pWv5Y2QQVQoCAOoSVFZAdnDBkXUt97GBDMUVK-mCiI7/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm7eoNc1M1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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First, I removed the sleeves. I’m going to add a waistband, so that will come out of one of the sleeves; the other sleeve will be turned into bias tape to finish the sleeve edges and inside seams [I took in the sides a bit and added some bust darts so it would fit better].<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvo0s2RyO5HvVgjjwYMhyUJFm_BRhH7i2hndPgb5dziMsvF9YWItsfG0U2eZ_m-uiGFJx7CTxK1jRAFvYEdJnkU-i_w7kCsfkz1vwBDNc0vV470Z0QRnajSK2tZqNJTDQlHGOyGae82St/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm7pm194t1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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Sewing the bias tape around the sleeve edges, hooray! Also, I would like to add that making your own bias tape is not nearly as scary as one would think :D Here’s the <a href="http://www.coletterie.com/tutorials-tips-tricks/continuous-bias-tape-tutorial" target="_blank">tutorial</a> I used, although I didn’t have a fancy bias tape maker - a pin works pretty well to help guide the folds if you pin it to your ironing board and run the tape under it like so…<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DK3boehGkFFMMuhcwHI8RWGDwp1Wy2bAMC5xu9lGuHuYIS6e3tNsWc-GXseRg79ihzmzznFZ6wKPu4TINckPQ_AIvQTk0AcJ0OTQr204Jhns4YbkhtOb6rFaQRFzYTgvYKh8X3laYEh6/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm840JKvw1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqx5-ZhCqf82O_7jWpU7YG9CcfTjbtf-aMdDOtw5mRwOlqIlOOqeykrCd-L5rPxPTZxSicUniFMc31JlLBmyXO4lgCytU_lQ9rCa0cN2qXnJWfuaCp9R5IvvYBytfzQAhz3mm-AIIu9xYx/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm7i4maFP1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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After that, I cut off the bottom just above where the pleats stopped to get a clean edge, then picked out the ones that made it onto the bottom. I cut off the buttons/buttonhole edges then sewed the cut edges back together to get a clean front, then used a basting stitch to gather it up. I attached the gathered edge to one edge of the waistband I cut from one of the sleeves, then sewed them together, then I sewed the other edge of the waistband to the bottom edge of the bodice.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEk2OhDBZ8jjl34O-MtFeKkx4t4E8_3-JQiez58HlN323XTBL_v5PGPeHqAEelLAF7GdlW3bCK8rYoriibRrnKQvH9kf6ngiQiathdja4TP6s0rkOw3pPwfJc87XlfHJYQ41OwCRu3MFiw/s1600/tumblr_inline_mlm7rcqCM21qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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Et voila! A little bit of an improvement :) Now I gotta figure out what to wear with it!caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-22637346376306497492013-03-22T18:33:00.000-07:002013-07-05T18:36:31.086-07:00knock-offs: j.crew tesselate necklace<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyrYo2VaZ3BcDckSj2Nj0CHoEJdZuc32Wqu2MXSTWiskIqJ0bB04ZKA0SPT7-6f_mITNcTI8ofc2t1sEurBjuoN8aWUbvnivhMmNllLFvicsau36CWeLPFyh0KGymnDW0orO07d6Egzerj/s1600/jcrew.jpg" />
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Loved this necklace I saw at J.Crew! It looked fairly simply constructed so I decided to tackle it myself. My version is modified slightly because I ran out of beads, so it doesn't have the two singles where the chain attaches.<br />
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<i>materials -</i><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUS-xK3MF4vp2BpPdfb_58FGYIQNF_OpJyZrtefBepQeeI3qrVw_RI-v3AWZdri8DDhMy0o3bIOT-99uEyeCVwiQ16HI2RmEXk3xe0PtZ_cjhwJ6SIhG8bza0J-LHLa0HHwK4L2BWSm72n/s1600/1.jpg" /><br />
<ul>
<li>53 12x5mm rice beads</li>
<li>52 eye pins + 1 head pin</li>
<li>25 jump rings</li>
<li>12" chain + clasp</li>
<li>round nose pliers</li>
<li>wire clippers</li>
</ul>
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<i>process -</i><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnqTcJY1uIjis2YHx3XMZSLnLfa6VcEe_Y6zqlmVZiYmDlc67US28xCw6v-5Xn1rEZ58lxyNUqZcceNWf052Vlzxwfn8C6scUJDoI-cqWx7REBkmwdqr8p10eBsYcT94uxdvjLRukhWTuX/s1600/2.jpg" /><br />
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Thread a bead onto an eye pin...<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi74faVINwZo0fMuSnF82dynU8YZtOD0zaM9QSYPIxrGZq_sOUbhNIzSFrd7nTpiwuiwuA17BVzGonHPn4JEph0NwZTnKcuP2GetAV3P5LaqgsPLevV3ZKhqsMWCx8W80H5W9IwuaKjJbhx/s1600/3.jpg" /><br />
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then, holding the pin with the round nose pliers at the end of the bead, wrap the end of the pin around the pliers using your finger.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAgKT3psuzQx7V2wbR-bqkbtwSqSY7fz38iY1xwTmmTfl_7dAtfcmtT4UMa-SllG6kYHt8XRsTWLWySjc_F8HKsOlot9yHTRIhFwfGwtJNvS4U7oPU3aYwNEYr6RYfyzc2WVcFH-kRyVPJ/s1600/4.jpg" /><br />
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Using your wire cutters, clip off the excess wire.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6-L5ihQD78T12XnWBOVs9iUGcWqAXd0QyFoCJh-s56MY8Rd-muonkX5tU4jubKJptzifB9ovR4mLmHgRG7tLMbp8mzX7CovCLEeWUHQahp85qVFfNTePHRINK1sgYuZWBK5WAldkmb8bi/s1600/5.jpg" /><br />
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This is about the amount of wire you want left, so you'll have enough to...<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhY2RcZKDZt90vLCuh5nNMdBI1p6X61BC4BV_M8JxuQQnSKTiNkgnuaH6mXzaQRZwl_avEIC4SEDq1cElf4p3_7ws_T5gB5TbyHC6PI-cFdsUP9W2ExFS9Iu5i229DNQRkw0L_nwmJek_u/s1600/6.jpg" /><br />
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bend the end of the wire around to close the loop, using the round nose pliers.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPgBkYJGxQMBvAsxkegfee3CyaKRjdCQJJSpB6AtEqkUdLjVYubWhjU3hRv4ZJ0ISTZzf3jGJ0PUB6Th5Bkl4MY0FRT6ahBybzmzM9ApE3sHvvdEUCGlZ6gBEVS8UStsaWev1BgsSUptp0/s1600/7.jpg" /><br />
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One bead completed! Repeat until you have 52 beads that look like this, and one that uses the head pin - they all use the same process.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmd-dfzfaAX4l6cte3Tdr3KF0FOoAfjXXMJvy0zU1BMsi8jlo4vXeow4q9gK2YYVjCkOMOgAgCZ13x3xkWIZ_lE1fUsQsdraEg4bw-EKphR_ui8QYoONX1dgXXxJhbLtJe7QS6p17Fe8RL/s1600/9.jpg" /><br />
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To assemble, gently open a jump ring and place on the correct number of beads, then close. This picture is of the six bead cluster in the bottom middle (#25 on the diagram below).<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRKmvsU_JMnIzoMjGBziyLiOwqcipdM86wS-xhFe6k-Anmf20_3W6BIdxKQUy9Yx7FY2N4lYO-J7TatuqJSJUaTbR98UlMPMmvXVLLgAF6mJHiHT-cBWWu5FW3k9YF9J0Ez3fvhIRBuSM2/s1600/10.jpg" /><br />
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This is what it should look like once the jump ring is closed.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP9KR50Ljhqzuc52kT17pfkgq0e7nWQC8XZ9nEzXkDamaNWoWgj9fMuqgjvJQ9Aj2NbYtAGETkfyMlzrsxOwPz7w_mgYPGbHdS04jE_dcxATyMOl-v-WDPppBA41t9W1qL_1qfTYkGg-1g/s1600/8a.jpg" /><br />
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Here's a diagram of how the beads are laid out. You can assemble them beginning wherever you'd like; it made the most sense to me to start from the top left corner and work my way across, then repeat for the right side and join the two together in the middle. When assembling 1 and 12, don't forget to include the chain in between the two beads!
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrqgRch415WKiyNIOBDRqAXvfsdYTJyY0Ngc2N9WY-qHu83oxNYiGndC3zhhn2fEtSdljxBu-p72v9yh-doj4ukpvDqqKez4-s5Hv9dFEVTjMY2YQ2qwwLEJhvdudy5Z5JwRNwfW9QJOX/s1600/necklace2.jpg" />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-56148214346888117072013-03-07T20:41:00.000-08:002013-07-07T20:43:41.054-07:00spray painted shoesI love how versatile my gold flats are during the warmer months, so I thought having a pair of heels might be nice too. Most of the <a href="http://www.jcrew.com/womens_category/shoes/pumpsandheels/PRDOVR~45778/45778.jsp" target="_blank">ones</a> I had seen around were a little more spendy than I wanted… do I smell a DIY?! I think so :D<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSF8JuyYjXwVKnQetIPsZiiO34TdgHIpkJ2CJEYqjUy4qIp_H6KM04R4wmacFAbno1BmjKV2Vf1_IqaDhAq2T58yYPC1jPuyQB8WCT8As85XtbokvtbsbXW58dILVToBJJC_H9K3ZtN6v/s1600/tumblr_inline_mjboipvJFg1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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Found these lovelies at a thrift store near where I work… the fabric was questionable but I love the scallop-y detail and they’re surprisingly comfortable. Time for some spray paint intervention [paintervention?]<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5-E7Nzpr-DTjc4fcwjIhs3Moq3uX5JM_XQ-iz4cjifXHuAt-RswL50YYw9Vx9fFSljz177HAyl58kOlB7Z1WHc8dT1Het8FEUmbONxwZbeh3Z7QH1BLO4__OPEf7xXaqwF1A4R_z3UvDe/s1600/tumblr_inline_mjbomdP4Zd1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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I painted over the fabric with some old acrylic paint I had laying around to cover up the stripes.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYJvYCQrdhyZA0GJRBK3vzzY4evotUdq8ObrGUTNg4ug2ZVmHXz2XD9xu5mTeb-ceQc5pFmTTbEi553uiSKuad2z-Qru5bpewQz4tWxP4DSCl4ddTJpDqd6NiUfwCKwuG0i4Qp85StbrZ/s1600/tumblr_inline_mjbozjY6W61qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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…then taped the soles to attempt to keep paint off of them [it was a good effort…]. Spray paint two coats of gold, then one coat of clear sealer, et voila!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgycZzLnO9q1ufSBq3naxRXxF132MDA8fM4CA73IldePaINkOWhO10xuQ23eVfRuwGJ3YEck5A46XJ_vqCRYyaVaKnv9fMG_5cv4cObSbMjXPnQDeRUFxJiajl_Xn7mjRcg7dAPu_Kr0hVz/s1600/tumblr_inline_mjbp2viHtl1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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A word of caution: you should not follow my example and spray paint in your basement without proper ventilation, unless you want fumes to migrate upstairs despite having several doors closed in between where you painted and everywhere else. Oh well… guess these sorts of projects are better done when it’s warm outside so you don’t have to deal with that :D
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRjJupctvMggrx7JyToKsil7gf3f_fMF-hQK8irzFMu7savIVu3AtRhCJG5Bm-79ypygNNfmyMtRxaGgb3ZcgD_kFBqbqk7qRXbgQxj2NvAbh-j8tsLlq4zTa5QbFPIBsYnGJ4zHL6Y9h/s1600/tumblr_inline_mjbpasIbEu1qz4rgp.jpg" />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-6753355626298603332013-02-12T21:02:00.000-08:002013-06-26T08:00:00.427-07:00wardrobe redux: green pencil skirtI got this skirt at Goodwill a couple of weeks ago. Please ignore the fact that I look like a hot mess in this lovely bathroom mirror foto:<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zn8IdKjUTxFhhusdPyJYXVjOu2RiNFBgvRWGuX3DVFdD5LXWy7gDCAc_FvJ9ZMAA2QqRv_zU1kqIgjCYbE1qbTvtskpTScCZZRXfImJJhiruwBTneF6veuhafm-anBKkQ3scNCd2PFf2/s1600/tumblr_inline_mi4nwfNhqS1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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I’ve been wanting a green skirt for a while, and this one jumped out at me - not because it was fantastic in its current form [hello elastic sweatpants-esque waistband], but because I had an inkling that there was enough fabric there to make it into a pencil skirt from an vintage McCalls pattern I got a while ago. It was pretty darn close, but it worked!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBnyw7ku41p19kCwrBJzO1BuXJagFxDkTWHzrBntLqqDk2eYKK0zisiupRCG_r7wmga3Hb0hSyCYWxr0v6bcC9WioHz-zJU9TMyXivZ7JpHvu-B3qIjjtXQCxoyq7gZSCcL6aSqcidKb6/s1600/tumblr_inline_mi4p3gGPMx1qz4rgp.jpg" /><br />
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I had to put in a zipper and a couple of hooks & eyes, so altogether this skirt set me back around $5. Sounds good to me! That's another good thing about looking at clothes that are too big for you at Goodwill - if there's enough excess fabric, it's cheaper than going and buying a couple of yards of fabric to sew something from scratch. And if you play it right, some of the work is done for you - I didn't have to hem this skirt, which was awesome.
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbKjk-qGRPSPJFhURF1xd5hLpIBal-QQ5qHDHfmTvMR06p8L6Y2s1lIuZ13cxNkpjKkkSxY4i5tznI-tnV_NwcOlcK0wZ88tsfY-B7WI7dZWGwiIZX2pIoda0Cznkq5Yzb8oB8W0QuZWx/s1600/tumblr_inline_mi4pf1d2XK1qz4rgp.jpg" />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-77095175364074569022012-11-02T18:16:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:52:37.792-07:00wardrobe redux: fitting a too-big blouseAs I may have alluded to once or twice, I have a huge pile of fixer-upper clothes bought with the best of intentions, but I don’t usually get around to fixing them up [<a href="http://caitmakesthings.blogspot.com/2012/06/wardrobe-redux-cobalt-white-patterned.html" target="_blank">this</a> is the most notable exception]; so with that in mind, I debated long and hard [about 5 minutes] about buying this top… the fun print and price [$5.99] did me in, though. AND I fixed it the same day I bought it! Yeah… that’s probably never happening again.<br />
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Before [or at least halfway through the process, just imagine there’s a sleeve on my left arm, or maybe don’t, I’m not a huge fan]:<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0tQMT533qxvS9yAglFCS45P76WPX8XyDL08pyPxBF8v8woIa4docgjG9fycTQlpvHZgGGk0tJSDXr5gBKKLGP38rB7AMM0BPQePykX7m-AtxpCi2zxKFMgN46oq54KmCZgZNHxdIW7cc/s1600/tumblr_mcvpf9cYDg1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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and after:<br /><br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAlxO-LQN70907ZjibFR_fAAbDscnhRAy3zdDd0GFo4v38hFiTezBFLytSi2L3MkBD-eMxQ8nFFIT1j1KLj-CN-5NA_jn8PscNAGXUY1HPU8TMI-UOUYCM14s4EDvHaXT7ixO_xcpl0aga/s1600/tumblr_mcvpfy8dci1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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Much better.<br />
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<i>materials -</i> <br />
<ul>
<li>blouse that you would like a more tailored fit from</li>
<li>sewing machine</li>
<li>seam ripper</li>
<li>pins</li>
<li>iron</li>
<li>bias tape [store bought or self made if you have enough fabric from the blouse]</li>
</ul>
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<i>process -</i><br />
<br />
> Remove sleeves at the shoulder with the seam ripper. Set aside for bias tape making if you have enough fabric.<br />
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> Turn shirt inside out and try on. Pinch in sides to estimate how much you'll need to take in, then pin.<br />
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> Take off and sew up side seams. Try on again to check fit. Tweak as necessary.<br />
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> Once you're satisfied with the fit, finish your arm holes with the bias tape.<br />
<br />
I use this method a looooot to rescue Goodwill finds that are too big. This is a double-edged sword because, while it opens you to way more options which is awesome, it also opens you to way more options ie purchasing more than you should. Just because it's there and cute and cheap doesn't mean you <b>have</b> to buy it. This is something I struggle with, haha.caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-39799851982694924532012-08-04T14:02:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:36:51.146-07:00how to make shorts from pants<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyDiR5Slf03-4GXFDxJExoDo5hqEh9kkyATbgdFnECHK47V59mcDsB0h_sjlTw5NkBlPB6RkgRn6SUwu_e9a__4-m5t1Wq-AGrHoIibpOuLUUdanp4c2iYBns4JU7yb-xtVj2oa0jwFyC8/s1600/tumblr_m8973g0s0u1qmpq3j.jpg" />
<br />
<br />While perusing various mall shops yesterday, I found a pair of white shorts in Gap, which I liked except for the fact that they were pretty much see-through. No bueno. Then I happened to notice that they still had the white jeans I got last time I was in there for about $5 cheaper than the shorts… cue the lightbulbs. This was the easiest way I could think of to do this, since rolling the hem twice = no need to finish the cut edge. I like shortcuts :D<br />
<br />
<i>materials -</i><br />
<ul>
<li>pants</li>
<li>tape measure</li>
<li>straight edge</li>
<li>pencil</li>
<li>pins</li>
<li>iron</li>
<li>sewing machine</li>
</ul>
<br />
<i>process -</i><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvPDB6imoofo4yTVbVKgHYPHylrxWdmdQTFfSKwaHGj80ZwLioh2JuHoX2zp4CdvbpjEtDZip7lApncNhamx90KfmBABYTdKzbMKi5g9upn-DnCkB_8YmIt7CCLagrxoIMru04guRpgDC/s1600/tumblr_m89764ca751qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Measure the desired inseam length + allowance for the hem to be turned under twice. I wanted the final length to be 4”, with a 1” rolled hem, so I marked 6”.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-g3AHiAhcrNs3IQvUEUuud80-dFdzWkNrdRYSa-tC5gttFdeCruVyP1ArnugjwACN_2No33JQuzi4uNzkev7ZbU7ixv28HXIQb3JCFXEqaaAwmu0Q2FYsvRlwCwlywN98bv8PVr-IL68E/s1600/tumblr_m8977kXgtJ1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
From the mark you made, draw a line perpendicular to the inseam, then cut along the line.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VRRc51sIjHVkiLdSVg1KROoTlscUDk38Zd_yML1LjIozRgOC-PlPkJwadulGDGNK_wCXp1oMKFem6HjuJud9PBFOKFuVu_ku29WGYmUnAequWu6NTxaOUj5Z1zSAq34BVA0F4QR4HL4q/s1600/tumblr_m8978ym7NR1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
One leg cut successfully!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlEz_ahLiNfg9Muff8zXmG6lfDFdLcfjTZiH9DcCxZUu0aPzOkuW8micWqOONMEsjpO4D9YFhIGoJLKlA8pmihDD5gt3CgJ7b8a8zOehyQldjfVqoOiueJqrn8tbkgYuOf6EZLahIMU68/s1600/tumblr_m8979rNmnT1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Flip your pants over to the other side, making sure the legs are lined up.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-DL_Y8y8uKsNazqLw4jMx7Q5qCKHOUA_cpuANpYjDyChfe8QOekykXzi1hVHEX865Z46V4XV1gsFCrbFu7Q0K1DogbxouMYjEaaLd3hmcfSYrCPMtCtFSRFk4CJSrhggDhoSZhJ1_Hdp7/s1600/tumblr_m897awj8Ib1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Align your straight edge to the cut leg, then draw a line on the non-cut leg so they’ll match up, then cut off the excess.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiytMx_uaD5g2fRSlFmXlbAM9NnZgznYUMm3L_C9kLk-BPHSzfpCQ6WJn9sGVjlRq34FiQUnqBKoKJS3ZaC2J__aKmi3-0Te7NCe3fsHh-VK20HszxXuQlRVSFzKuHIGft6zCPwkLVn_yQq/s1600/tumblr_m897cw9df31qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Line up your tape measure along the inseam and place a mark at 1” and 2” up from the edge. Repeat for the outside seam, then repeat on the other leg.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaEX6GjHwxxXM8rgsW7mzndmObuiFEXUEvOnNKkExOCb607X4QGoUGG7hYNIFT-kY6tdwFnu2GJi5a_xGEY-N3ihjNicMI6bMl57t7Unf7wHLJvQEicnfiV2zL_vP_D0K41zP_k-RID0x/s1600/tumblr_m897fqPmNI1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Use the markings as a guide; fold once at the 1” mark, then again at the 2” mark. Hooray for hiding that raggedy edge! Pin on either side to hold in place, then repeat for the three other seams.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vAzjA1cNc72L6ia3qy2lj9q99RRCWmjDBUIxtQ4-eWLqzui56K9L8_uwYZxSvhZmXnm50co7Jt1uoZ5RK-2kBRxgCeaCPVp6HYXvFmCZpDzzPv8fy-fIIN138AfGD_9GL518eiTlaYQ7/s1600/tumblr_m897hz5q5B1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Once your two seams are pinned in place, you’ll need to finagle the rest of the fold to match, then pin it in place. This is what it should look like when it’s done. Repeat for the other leg.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWdLC5QfulplGDEtyuD9anFk3SGb07aSsg4Wi-MRbyL_rJ6zS7llc1cCTAh58pahoRxohTgxC96WcckRl_s_efuxUZqLHzDG-tlh4ccOQBSJNqlG-BkHH-uR2bF5Tzl2gzNzvAWbzP8hFS/s1600/tumblr_m897jhdy3F1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
After everything’s pinned in place, use your iron to press the folds so they’re all nice and pretty :D<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoNX4s58th9OQrZxPN0HgHGuUQIyKo7AAxlrHx6glnwaPHAqUDHpvgE1T9rfKdW64c4hN1hyWL5Msl1oRG3ME11B_2Tp5f_nHMHYgv8HpMITrl8v8of2hYvvg-ZVfvuSiP7H-qrL5dv1k/s1600/tumblr_m897l69E9u1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Here’s what it should look like when everything’s pinned and pressed!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6foVdL9SjWCSPi-SDn2hg9QZpuLZ8M2Cp-RLpZCG1Y2076zdTDddPSMJQ21YJuaNNacXt3X1HqLvrsolH5YpqEldTz5kskwcnDoZ_n3JJMf1Zb0GJcF2CjgLP-GLJ7ZDyK41Ys-V9VLgj/s1600/tumblr_m897w7wcr61qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Now, using your handy dandy sewing machine, sew down and back the middle of the outside seam [orange dotted line] a couple of times for security.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8YTJpu11jzYnoopNFH03Rpl65ZCtXqLU82FD4QcJhhtmdseTgRJB-xho1Kxd1UF6vUaUu_UUdiST4ZqKKA19uPeHG1IvrzOKLTA9smdZjEO5f_dzykMd67bv6qaWND5MDW1qhiTiKdsG/s1600/tumblr_m897uqkpAh1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Repeat on the inseam, although for this one, I sewed along the outside of the seam [orange dotted line] because I thought it looked nicer :D Repeat this step and the last one for the other leg, then remove all the pins and press with the iron again.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUpogtoEbU2uHLUX-T09aVwQPuQVYuogaeQbcJwQgv3VCSVCr2ABiLEyL9qPOURr6lG_5XUdCgy0YqEGAWsGjc8_Eooo440VdapcHzMwGlFp4SmUKW1pVhXeSC0APwqWBAzQi3M1GoJzH/s1600/tumblr_m897tg4CYM1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
And now you have a new pair of rolled-hem shorts!caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-62041756441379337422012-07-06T14:06:00.000-07:002013-08-21T18:18:32.968-07:00quinoa tabbouleh<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1AkHdbffEs_kss1jaIpjABYDxmYcZnPGR8qqCHC6Xduk9Ak5riPrIdbZpUWcPxIf06vPKaZdxES27KZ1nkKtggMku87hTnCeuxMOT7LSHZK8m6vJQnBGOCZSvwjB5ssLO_FcruIolJGux/s1600/tumblr_m6rd5gNuJu1qmpq3j.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
Ta-what? I can’t even pronounce some of these ingredients, much less what it’s called… who are you and what have you done with the girl who eats fried foods like they’re going out of style?! I know, I know… but occasionally I actually do enjoy eating healthy foods [despite the fact that I’m typing this up while eating some Starbursts… true story], especially when they taste so good you aren’t really even aware of the fact that you’re eating healthy foods because there’s such an epic party going on in your mouth. This recipe sounds all kinds of intimidating, but it’s actually really easy, just a loooot of prep work. Totally worth it, though :D<br />
<br />
<i>what you will need -</i><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfTU1Oko0IkxyMWHlR18i5GHtvuds-1lAlj4-aWqqLJjE4KdXSppoP58Qc96TRnrl3zSjyf9h-41EqQZYT2V3aiY7Vh6tkVGLg9e0gxXnGPBL1bBADk90uisDfirInChy33YPp2JVg9wV/s1600/tumblr_m6rclw4xCk1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
1 cup quinoa<br />
3 tomatoes, seeded and chopped<br />
2 cucumbers, peeled and chopped<br />
3 green onions, chopped<br />
3 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 cup fresh parsley, chopped<br />
1/3 cup fresh mint, chopped<br />
2 tsp salt<br />
1/2 c lemon juice<br />
1/4 c olive oil<br />
<br />
<i>getting down to business -</i><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdXQnHem19GhdT-LdxgWPmv89yaQdCnfj4Dp6txxk9uDGtqn-pyNjzMnvB2QChZYy3-93x0CXJJKpP3vStbacZlQRlpgBUqiGt7U_nkZtW4oc5N7W-y6aiRA7wDS9YwEj3P1E0LY2ke3w/s1600/tumblr_m6rcqfFxRd1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6WVYYPJ19JrXlwk_Wbnwh_A9RF2YKM9A_Y73rsMk-4wXThjTtsYUwq5CNf5mYco7Yin73x7vMwOSMaeMv27F3NuVWxOtV41kcLfzWP8CzTyET3k66atVY1Aivn1G1JUuc1P7lla8J29Pe/s1600/tumblr_m6rcuoxAEp1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
> First things first, cook your quinoa. Bring two cups of water to a boil, then add in quinoa. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, then remove from heat and drain the rest of the water [there shouldn’t be much left, if any].<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTye11Z8HJ-8D8r6dR93GFxSgYyp1LnESm4ugiMFHIJ28Gb7hlev6fPtUtWZDASRD9ztTIMTRXSsQjUN5N_2gGGGBu1rQZr4EbhmRwI4AiyEoobEwn8yZLQ_BCsQdjNHsHkDvmiJ9uBHPc/s1600/tumblr_m6rd1iSsBp1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwJlkY3jKp2SEQLv4DSBGg4v3JgCgHxkr4beRibOS6-VwvxqYkCSK5zFlvBL4a7P_YCoty8CBSkJcadu2mfXza-ZaZ-wMK5lqn4PiCXvYF4s6aLPC_WITtAzXHgXB5AiZD_ALGA1pK319c/s1600/tumblr_m6rd1srgQl1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7TrT75stZOKP7pOAbjYS2UZDhiF4XmQbZHXTRGIJLz03x5KcFHHVbwUxNxHG7yLfncTgUyamp8pjC-RWYDkwTZj95Cv4JV7cxTdvv9OL_AaGtVl3ref9hZMKGOMnHtgT2o8eQ6sTwgGlg/s1600/tumblr_m6rd23NEST1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
> While that’s doing its thing, you got a lot of veggies to chop up. Hopefully you’re faster than me and can chop up everything in less than 30 minutes…. I’m too much of a perfectionist [check out those cucumbers…. unnecessary] to chop up anything quickly…<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglVt5YsTuBHvEpewohv6k8ejNkPVFBcM2K3YF7p4Wqyoq7FCuORj70j2dhuCAE3v0ZDM76DljUZrw5wXN7mjjALzBm9TmHMVVKYClg1okYJW9Ye_fNvgMtidUcA_Kt54lQ91tUNAH1s0ry/s1600/tumblr_m6rd53SBdF1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
> Combine everything in a bowl and mix well. Refrigerate before serving to let all the flavors mix together.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifnEuKaDZ9ZXGBC-AtbQFGzkQKmUGdxwz7VXyG-oKxofbKtmPM4NeNfhJGWeFAr4A7OWNYAfqFT_X10YFXi-i0EMzRqfKE9BXqNdH9dQ7_C8gcTqGOBJrYRSM0WVks2ASBTqRSaT0-aLjA/s1600/tumblr_m6rciysZFu1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
This stuff tastes awesome when it’s 939261243 degrees outside… it’s really refreshing because of the cucumbers and the lemon juice and the mint. Annnnd since I’m not a food critic or anyone who knows anything about food other than that I like to eat it, I’m gonna quit talking and let y’all try it for yourself :Dcaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-64408293509774924932012-06-30T17:34:00.000-07:002013-08-21T18:10:22.956-07:00pico de gallo<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJKWJKmf0mdpdc4tAIg7Lj45Pr0QnwOP798S-aKoBhYEP1ThPQMV9IExqj69cEu5MKKd0Stmtqj4L34ByUBYK8LogmMvv627_rjnq2LE-GPlpkOpDOpFMz3N47vcuSymbIzYSjrSQfSlf/s1600/tumblr_m6ad4trvoV1qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<br />
Our garden at the house is starting to have stuff come in - best time of the summer! There’s not a lot better in the world than eating a tomato right off the vine :D We eat a looooottttt of Mexican food at home, and this time of year is awesome [insanely hot temperatures notwithstanding…] because we can get most of the ingredients from the garden - no comparison to store bought veggies!<br />
<br />
what you will need:<br />
[there aren’t many fotos because chopping up tomatoes doesn’t mix well with cameras, haha]<br />
<br />
3-4 large tomatoes, seeded and cut up<br />
2-3 large jalapenos [more or less depending on how hot you like it], seeded & diced<br />
half a large onion [~1/2 cup], diced<br />
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped finely<br />
juice from one lime [~2 tbsp]<br />
2-3 cloves minced garlic [to taste]<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5lI2DmS3FgQTG1wVZ3yvsu0dlteT3fEu6k1U86-CWmU8nk61oGXRT2hq_gUKxkD1Npx69knQbCebJtUXcb8r4GoKBC9JdgXkiyANNNT6EaX7KmnS6_wJssctOIH2N2kitW1yzcSRLUHU/s1600/tumblr_m6ad97v8Az1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Chop up veggies and cilantro and throw into a bowl; add lime juice and spices and mix well. Then devour with some corn chips :D It also tastes awesome in tacos, on nachos, in rice casserole like I had for lunch the other day, and probably lots of other things too!<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbeam9psd0lYNwA6eo5NFhTbwUA4th-Kmug_vyh_wdWEBgB4Wg8V_DNDlLt3ohgz683-bwZSJtQqefwDxdJCIXsSoRIzBSgDkYdv7R-vwHqDJn5WuaExdA12gxMXm-6M5m66Esr6tsOeV/s1600/tumblr_m6ada2tjqN1qmpq3j.jpg" />caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-65506123388447253252012-06-17T13:30:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:27:30.186-07:00wardrobe redux: cobalt & white patterned dressI found this dress at Goodwill a few weeks ago [yesss bathroom mirror fotos!]:<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzX5C8fkHkISLhYcrknUWm7VIjreuOIZcgbKe57444_s7R-qgbDdjenz-Jd8bK2Ld3rhz9Dxh8WOfaT0MnF0pQHdj4m31YtY16-giiTEnMA678bJKPRjaK_HeX10G2niUy1KwltEnmJiGQ/s1600/tumblr_m5slvkvBx51qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
As far as dresses circa mid-late 80s go, it’s not toooo terrible [cue the not quite convinced expression], but not not terrible enough where I would feel compelled to actually wear it in public…. but it fit well [= way less altering] and I like the fabric a lot, so for $3.50, I decided to take it home and add it to my pile of stuff to fix up… and I actually did fix this one up, hooray!<br />
<br />
The end result, after shortening the hem about 4 inches, removing shoulder pads/lace collar, and hacking off the sleeves:<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kfyvxO50w5zvtW5NnJa7fJBOsrjmSLVJ-QkBJe7ioULoL4JHX1hS7kVY4epHnO42jE0hkBHemTC7pACOPzxN2_bRAvRZivgr9NcpyQbUE7Ggt7TBUS-SSDxhfAkrIXrHoJl2M-JjW3t2/s1600/tumblr_m5snnePbZ31qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
I’m pretty excited with how it turned out, although I may play around with the bodice a little more at some point. I do have to say, though, that finallyyy completing one major goodwill alteration successfully has given me a little more motivation to tackle the rest of the ones I have…. stay tuned to see if I actually follow through on that :Dcaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-76761652437300731812012-03-31T20:58:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:23:57.945-07:00vintage earrings > cocktail ringsI was trolling around <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/cait06" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> the other day, as I do far too frequently when given half a chance, when I came across something where someone had taken old clip-on earrings and turned them into rings… genius! There are a few decent old earrings floating around my house, so I made sure to repin that one and headed to Hobby Lobby looking for some ring blanks so I could get started :D<br />
<br />
<i>materials-</i><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY7SEi1DMhaSksOKF71m7wJDTJHTIqiCFX6l5XMmAS5Td_r_eEeRrq6CXhNB_irPP6MecTFNeRy0cZugJNbJhGOttfAcUUDz1-taJ8OO14kAH9bPxJTOgwkatONrEfSts0_VA8VfTmUNQW/s1600/tumblr_m1c8xlqZOr1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<ul>
<li>old clip-on earrings</li>
<li>ring blanks [adjustable rings with a pad you can glue/otherwise attach things to]</li>
<li>super glue</li>
<li>wire cutters</li>
<i>
</i></ul>
<i>process -</i><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cLqL3Gbs9sN4A6Cpvbq5MPYUx7OgtIE0HBkDnfWwpWPUE2oUBJHJrynadgQzrCP3QLGHc0S-2nO279znSDwEQw2GFrRr4HzymHJNFkenOSbk-MMZ8O3R3A07nqSBBa9NtwO1ctvPRtIH/s1600/tumblr_m1c8xvCu461qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Take your earrings and, using the wire cutters, remove the clip from the back.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-yyC87RzzLLGOUjTOEsqmzytrk_uu4NA0-qDJavxa2LRGOg1lCIMAqm9DRElh37dg652meDLhaF3MK8H-BWVHHxpKCcr0O-Cj8MAnZnzF6V_TMaIsbjQOV3jahyBO8EMrHIBAhehW67r/s1600/tumblr_m1c8y6FPYA1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Depending on the earring, you might have a bigger piece of metal left than this one did, which would be nice for purposes of gluing it to the ring.<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbtGGPE-a6e_vYNdl0UOfostNwV2mfVuDlRtdFP09sBq8BO_FuQK6x7ZZ_bfxSn2MTG5XTKFPc-1vi3ImttiO49R82AtJnBoJt8InaSooXWT6KOZlys30TaqVYxgiuLYQoU3JbpTGFo3OZ/s1600/tumblr_m1c8ygm2mb1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxmyXrKaKCMkZAFGV81mQJGNkiSspxJ_RdN9jNKSlM1jmpMf6Q1M8GTNcLUh8Eu31JDtNMxirdsmAwzDToFV7KCtI3tUqwG3SFlXlK4KHeIkrfxjCN9jRkLWYBLzLWI-4QfqacELISjeEw/s1600/tumblr_m1c8ypKzcn1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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Put some glue on the back of the earring, then attach to the pad on the ring blank. Allow glue to dry, preferably overnight just to be safe!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHs_PAnFlLisTXqPHWz2YotsdG80a2-M0G7Og6B2c_lKBKx4kMgn7LnffGWNcYECtVeaMiNQbK-snGJIWWdJUc1TFmefHz3e7PIhS6MEQW9_gnr0fDsqBMRtV_189HIWlfFM580waMDS1H/s1600/tumblr_m1c8ztEGCW1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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Then you can wear/admire your new additions to your ring collection :Dcaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-38392791508101598992012-02-13T19:30:00.000-08:002013-06-26T06:59:16.790-07:00i'm never making another earring holder - aka jewelry organization pt. 2<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnFn3f4bXocRiKbeWtUkhmkB31bLY688C4HBVPMrrjz3zWC2eusXjdvTOFHdERiKEK5Rv9sTQop5mwILlcGGFV9TiaTK1YjNNESDd5bfcoavFQ4v7cJxVhYixUhyphenhyphens7K7CRyrOhj9AIRk8/s1600/tumblr_lzb2xqb6ne1qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb0n1_kk-L6Mzf9DXFgCMMFwjQQ-rdwsrFF174igsBVLke2d25eT2ZVeBvc-tI4XmPxFoA_JlQ0UCTgihKsam_VBInPEXVShTp84ZAPeqHlWeq2qJPsnRRoz8UyRdTI28wbWj1JvUSDSJ/s1600/tumblr_lz95qssIKi1qmpq3j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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That’s probably an exaggeration…. haha. This one should be big enough to fit all my earrings for a looong time anyway! This attempt was with the blue frame I got at Goodwill the other day.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggb0n1_kk-L6Mzf9DXFgCMMFwjQQ-rdwsrFF174igsBVLke2d25eT2ZVeBvc-tI4XmPxFoA_JlQ0UCTgihKsam_VBInPEXVShTp84ZAPeqHlWeq2qJPsnRRoz8UyRdTI28wbWj1JvUSDSJ/s1600/tumblr_lz95qssIKi1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Back story: I have quite a few earrings, but most of the time they hide in my jewelry box so I never think about them when I’m getting dressed. A lot of my earrings have stud posts as opposed to the fish hook kind, so, while I liked the idea of the picture frame as earring storage, I didn’t think that’d be the most convenient kind of storage for those, since you’d have to get the back off the other side of the frame. Sooo long story short [they don’t teach you in design school that no one in the real world really cares what your rationale for your project is haha] I decided to cut/reassemble the frame so it’d stand up on my dresser.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWdhkVvIqDa3fq6l8mLSBwRY_GXhzT8RLMqfPdBOb1hbFg3KTMMJ_7AVpM8XGCKGddml-KwzW9EvhnPVKwniZJteNIQPki51w8DU_R46_8dIA6flvFyIFf_3dkRrAPFYvEGtt6UdYeMwy6/s1600/tumblr_lzb31gli0S1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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This gave me an excuse to see if I still could work a table saw :) After removing the picture/glass/assorted nails, I took the frame, cut it in half, then tilted the blade to a 30 degree angle and cut the ends. I wish we had a chop saw, that would have probably been much easier [aka more cooperative] in that it wouldn’t have spit back leftover pieces in my general direction. Regardless, I made it through with all appendages intact and my frame more or less cut the way I wanted… had to sand a few spots, but that took about 5 seconds with the Dremel. Not gonna lie, I kinda love power tools :D Then I glued the pieces together, let them dry overnight, stapled the burlap into the frame, et voila!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixQIFfVGDDrhe0z2Ft99WpqG8ptkRcj_yhqzi-WuRR40_vrDH0TCmtrTUL7fRn1bAwsxABOM3yeyntFOFtVXGU5owNWOTMLamHzZ4QntdVGAY64KdslAm2M7tTTZ-pEXg1g-jPIIFPOHr7/s1600/tumblr_lzb3fxVql61qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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Projects like this make me miss studio/the design process, but hey, I can do stuff like this on my own time now and not have to worry about being graded on it! Now to finish putting the rest of my earrings on there…caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-76939105427353911832012-02-11T20:30:00.000-08:002013-06-26T06:54:36.237-07:00burlap brooch display<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8U4WGmRHm2Kr5UcBaWTdFy5zdlGML3JSpNtgY9kee06mFJOVqqhnhyphenhyphenS5J5CNooCqZyVlfIqSbmOOyvqjSj_hYOE5x-PA7wzCrpMdV8-uurnYtO1hmBwzrdSCYtl-qBpF603kkmYny4dB8/s1600/tumblr_lz964sCSw91qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<br />
I had some things to take to Goodwill this morning and made the mistake of going inside to shop afterwards. I think I came out with almost as much as I donated... haha. I wish you got credits for donating stuff that you could spend there - that would be so greatttt.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebGER8mwYrKcFTnfvNXayYDZM_dhS3-75r1dPC1joIFzrZgOy4Y24G-UzweJhxF8U76Hab9uGsgCmjo46tf7qfEQ6lounctVjAoVo79KSB2U3P2F58rEvk-mWInEmYmfz52WTQIgMOfso/s1600/tumblr_lz95qssIKi1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
<br />
Among other scores [brand new Banana Republic blouse with the tags still on for $3.50!], I hit the jackpot with these two frames [one without anything in it = less work for me :D]. I’ve been wanting to attempt a jewelry storage picture frame for a while, so these were perfect!<br />
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<u>first attempt: smaller picture frame</u><br />
<br />
<i>materials -</i><br />
<ul>
<li>picture frame</li>
<li>pliers to remove old staples</li>
<li>staple gun + staples</li>
<li>burlap</li>
<li>contrast fabric [I used the edge of some old sheets so I wouldn’t have to sew anything… laziness ftw!]</li>
</ul>
<i>process -</i><br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhoI5iJvHFUoLaLF-VkqGpeTFz5QecEpJmgZsGQ0mEg7Jf0jdcT-XqlIFNwgDU82rVXnh8RnWK6ihCd-hiR3r86HRqu05KQYSMfCWoM8s90TFtbL2cDiJaXspjG_Qx2RjZpg2CCrmfM6Sj/s1600/tumblr_lz962ndYP31qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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Remove any leftover staples from frame with pliers. Cut strips of contrasting fabric to a little more than the approximate width and arrange to your liking, then use the staple gun to attach. Staple guns are kind of simultaneously terrifying and way too much fun to use… haha.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhvh7q_F1TGcagKA5O76TSyHC_JaxhVsag5XtGhAcrrbk_M0dJ9L-2Z4PCHaVpl7UBwLhDgGuA4URn8bNe_5MJ4FEZ6YhyphenhyphenAKX8OfePU1zdtqoXwlQuA6Ig-iSL5q82jOaswNYJaUZGlPkM/s1600/tumblr_lz96a2bUDO1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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I kinda like the frame done just like this… could be interesting wall art if you made a few using similar fabrics and clustered them together :D More things to file away in my mind under the ‘future apartment decor’ category!<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio6M8ezXiQJinJdR1HJUodcapIJJzYby2cAc6ZZUtAW229jutsfl9phneI8v2G_J6QCv5mpaO2Tzo8KiUbcHDCOTrZeK4DKcDaLjZ3bjBtxWDHWvU1nMNC-rmI3Vzv9CsdDodlIl6kOmf_/s1600/tumblr_lz96e5zsc91qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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Cut a piece of burlap sized about an inch wider all the way around than the opening. I placed the frame on top of the burlap and traced around the outside edge to give myself plenty of extra fabric. Use the staple gun to attach to the inside of one side of the frame, then do the opposite side, making sure to stretch the fabric nice and tight. Once those two sides are done, repeat for the other two sides.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2Ntxuf14VHyuFHuSKu1palG-9BCqLYZz_3STKDp4H3ybSTxRj8WKocDkOkTDPYsNz_D6Ir8nUOHLChHE-LDJI1EWG-4MnKEafORlPf8_DmTpZ0YXQ5-CDZ30IucpXTRHwpI3idtluSDK/s1600/tumblr_lz96j2UbVt1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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This is what it should look like when you’re done stapling. After that, you can cut the extra burlap so it’s flush with the back of the frame. Just to make sure it won’t unravel, I went around the inside edge with hot glue.<br />
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkBB7jrKXyazibbHbJhDhauYZ8x7pasDVL3b8n2fZKEN2IN5eHkR7hBgrzy8HjFo_Tt4lH8GY8p65PAwoG6SMQvWtTue1gT-zCXAVB8wcmFfsJk_eLBIOb1qXe5n7X3WDnwgh1MBXwQih/s1600/tumblr_lz96nyq8wp1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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And now you’ve got a fancy jewelry holder! I used this one for my brooches since I always forget about them hiding in my jewelry box. Stay tuned for the next attempt with the blue frame - I’m about halfway through that one because I had to wait for glue to dry - but it involves disagreements with crazy intense table saws and me breaking out my Dremel from its retirement since third year studio, fun times :Dcaithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-38755745842490577212012-02-05T22:21:00.000-08:002013-06-25T10:25:19.535-07:00fabric scrap flowers<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdc-mrPVymokjwUbISzXsWyYoKoF8e_7J1hkIcO3w9pOH91bu28klhJ1y-9RCw6ubZENLGcx8DtYBC-_Les0y-XjnOYGyRgiwTSbRgf91bAvPR-ZDgkgJc8BkJjdRsNsLhkMlIt_C5Pai-/s1600/tumblr_lyyal3jIQb1qmpq3j.jpg" />
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One of my New Year’s resolutions was to knock a dent in the ridiculous amount of fabric I’ve accumulated over the past couple of years. It’s almost hoarder status - I even keep tiny scraps on the off chance I might find something to do with them. Guess it’s a good thing I did, because I keep seeing flower pins/brooches everywhere on Pinterest, so I thought I’d try my own version today, because Super Bowl commercials can only entertain me for so long :D</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>materials -</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i> </i>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcSUF4-zYEiG6xc4xxolAQQFq-uaNa4nqonuKKfl0jpL4PyEp-ZQ_YJVjd2xXLmTDlphk8W1kDq3otyPdVz94MzCuJDwePA71niBTyQAcbU-fktdLXggJGvoIhKIbNoaVrDZJJeC5e09P/s1600/tumblr_lyy9gmnjMi1qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>fabric scraps, cut into strips - 1/2” - 1” seems to work the best. I like using a couple different sizes for variation]</li>
<li>felt scraps - they’re the backing so you can use any color</li>
<li>hot glue gun - I’m not such a fan of hot glue because it’s so stringy but since it sets up so quickly it’s probably the easiest to use</li>
<li>scissors</li>
<li>pins/barrettes/whatever you want to put your flowers on</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>process -</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1yvwPp-X6f7CcKBEeDaVDDk2tKFLNV7eT7YNtaDa8AEbdfyJeKyaLKXjHCs1jOGc22JG_us-ub3nFVfru4a-exqWFD8Y-zufmQ_-01DWbxZ_-pHar2EqVUYsFeeBeLN3ySvMx81RLCVi/s1600/tumblr_lyy9jw3kN61qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Put a dab of glue in the middle of your felt scrap. Attach one end of the fabric strip to the glue.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOUGxPNJvb_NnkOkcS3u9J5tLQcRswoDTdWwJOu3LHTPfHJFjFeI2_9pUV2-Kf-mcuO-4xFYCVEerXd8UYdRuL_yoPljx5BUwDzrMeiVewJbZXG8IVXUNvR7ndNBnxLnnor9UngDHXJRP/s1600/tumblr_lyy9m0SlXx1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpuq051k-RKTmS2o2WMXb5ypIEVkWg_bHLTgpbler9QNZRhLDULgWu8biIFzF0ShtK0CCAsqDdqaSblLQhYiVg-3LRLmuTnNnubRI80r055tV6Ny3Z-2yQUVSXPPRyhWDPijJP8ZxKCun/s1600/tumblr_lyy9pfJzVo1qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Begin twisting the fabric and wrapping it around the middle, securing with more hot glue.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsC8hg3lPJutE2efQVnnc1YkW2TiGP0nF3M8X5It9s-HIyxulrF_X0EJP_BqXfYLmID0UoTiy_CPyWbpPQrUu14wrJFCcnJBOiB8T3BB41Ang4GrGV7kjVV2xaX8tyKLYW1faYHuRkxqZ/s1600/tumblr_lyy9q7Zrkx1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3IO02KHLE5TiTNyCezUlcldXixH5mi-8hNSRwzqYnLWyOtKB3gotxanHJfzZ761Er4JDpaAZJWlz-CL-UKtshA9tVFJEhEyD1mecMVrYH44mBoj_FrRQ5CWxo7R-m4UpfSj4AKiqy1zb/s1600/tumblr_lyy9rzfIGf1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Continue wrapping and gluing until you reach the desired size.</div>
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWDUG6VKirI5vUgSFP2kqyRySM3SjlWg1zEkSqkDo4ci0QAU3HCvGNvUPcUiA6wpHVSXLJ-gG5Ljvp_wjfN3jAcThJctYRazkQMgDOfyp3AVxovNNE4uekJKOTqcVMzUJ9Gi4_JgsIhuA9/s1600/tumblr_lyy9ynp1AS1qmpq3j.jpg" /><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once you get to the size you want, trim excess felt, then secure fabric to the back with some glue.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can stop here and put your flower on a pin or whatever, or you can make several and cluster them together to your liking, then glue them together.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9M6Y_vlvzuTwVk9jad31t064BY6RqlLrL8ZEjRgSSenB4_JvLKCTaOwbMXJYU7tarN1_i6jnXxKFY-HDNRQWr3LF_60hvVc4Y02htkrAN2svVXdg2kuijZz2tVZ9pbWMxAMRAl52ONsYb/s1600/tumblr_lyyamgx8EF1qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to make a brooch for my first attempt, but I think I’m gonna make some smaller ones and glue them to bobby pins or a headband. They’d be cute as a necklace, too! So many possibilities :D</div>
caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-61048162212101696682012-01-08T19:41:00.000-08:002013-06-18T19:42:03.022-07:00chevron stripe tray update<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcopysM8s9q3NdZWkhanCs16KYWyNkTK2DNgBym9x0kABfEWUVZkZdLlUR-G6fZWuG6aGnWCHmaNPejWv7GzmGVwjXZn-iT8RMFdV23m5OKUPOJq_1YAdglfS_PfroZRBM3nn0tJlIxqhy/s1600/tumblr_lxi7zuo5N61qmpq3j.jpg" />
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have a particularly big weakness for buying things at thrift stores that have any glimmer of potential to be fixed up into a better version of themselves. One of my new year’s resolutions/goals was to knock a dent in my stash of fixer-uppers I’ve acquired over the past couple of years [yeah… it’s kinda bad], so here’s one I recently finished! It’s amazing how much something as simple as a coat or two of paint can update something so quickly.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br />materials -</i></div>
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
<li>old bamboo/rattan trays [I got 2 for a dollar apiece at Goodwill]</li>
<li>spray paint for the base coat and top coat [white and clear, respectively]</li>
<li>acrylic paint for the accent color + brushes</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir6f6L7gFw1YzUxsReLl0FQSwykdGIlBBOztbcNKbTYZ62vZvNrB7L5-Ys_VbhuEveX-tOQE6yonGElQrrgYL2V4LRFJN4xPogMD1ZAUIv1NZ9ltZVXAXHfU45I8Hl6k4_nZn01iBa_7we/s1600/tumblr_lxi86bo4qp1qmpq3j.jpg" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Here’s what they looked like to begin with. Kind of boring and outdated… but add some paint [while watching a couple of movies… it’s not the fastest process ever if you’re a perfectionist like I tend to be :D], and here’s what you get:
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6I1k-pT2ZFPw_pXp_ngvys-b-fx4MZpnjCA1l-jdaZ4w2tqnFunW-8GaNWbQjLPF56VcHFtx5oda7ZcjayfImFlGq6v9SxjB4WAk00WO0wlebATr1j-_nQXw1FnyruS817dfNjK7_bIlD/s1600/tumblr_lxi8e73Y4b1qmpq3j.jpg" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>process -</i>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
> Tape off the ‘rail’ to keep paint off it, then spray paint rest of tray white. Let dry, make sure it’s the opacity you want; if not, spray another coat on until you reach the desired color.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
> Paint accent color stripes. This was easy because I just followed the pattern created by the weave of the strips. It’d be cool to use a stencil or freehand something too!
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
> After that dries, spray a coat of the clear paint over everything to protect the black/accent color from chipping off.
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlfs86mAJrAeCeSjtlWOie3k1yvy3cPWma3LTM5QrdSKSaRmpaWBz4lFIs4GXEPDW3I6gR3qdsSIOBTNxqj-TdcdKjyAB3m8rkmimZCEN96dBckNNb9kDLw6vZgTCIKFhL9_1okN4KWrzn/s1600/tumblr_lxi8goIDJj1qmpq3j.jpg" />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The black & white really makes the stripes pop… they weren’t overly noticeable to begin with. I’ve only painted one tray so far… got some gold spray paint I’m thinking about using for the rail around the edge I left unpainted in this one for some extra fanciness :D I can’t decide if I want to paint the other one to match, or do something different… any thoughts?!</div>
caithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00919355413090810517noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-23591763894453766412011-11-27T19:14:00.000-08:002013-06-26T07:05:55.114-07:00upcycled clip-on earrings<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje_VEZg0z4DCo8tdRRmlTtap9znkoIQbdpz5o1HZls6KRbb7YyD-JLHPA_h1MZLO51lJ7d1RRJDbQsLnEec6Z4d2_xGlS_rDfa5aeSRt-3gJot42bee61_4iCkuhr7Ja_N1N_P58yEss3D/s1600/6415364177_4646eb5cd5.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
I’ve inherited a lot of my grandma’s old clip-on earrings, many of which I like very much, but I’d rather have them in pierced earring form. Time for a diy?! Yes indeed :D
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1VCXkar25lFEhZ6AIQyjPwcmcJIJf_CuWIjNYmoj1xK1tiCmBYoJiYaqdEf3dSFolEzTldkjcaE7Mm12_oWksd-qaT51aBCQ12cto5pZtuYtgN0HoJ_YvDiNS_3TgMhmCUDlRgZrH0zPF/s1600/6415365605_0d1fdfcc44.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<i>materials -
</i><br />
<ul>
<li>old clip-on earrings [or really anything you want to turn into earrings that you can glue to an earring stud]
</li>
<li>super glue
</li>
<li>earring posts and backs [it is possible to find them in packs where they come together unless you go to the Michael’s in Roanoke, apparently…] </li>
</ul>
<i><br />process -</i><br />
<br />
> remove the clip part from the back of the earring. This was easy for these three pairs, just bend the metal until it snaps off. You could use wire cutters for trickier ones though.
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaa2wA_AyMo1Wvi70LRnbtcO_pGVmGcYwXToKKhbgMYBXNDeLJ-4wQySklNscAywpjbZdbqiEVzTnpnzfr3z8pFGdfWNLNZ6WEHIt2aB4EqHDeS74UhAKXhFHhFxbt_mQ-VfI5ugsO95oY/s1600/6415367461_a819732208.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<i>> </i>put a generous amount of glue on the earring post.
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJIUb-vNJn5hI6wFEAhW5C-4LztQnzMa5GsYuUu6Ds9eFQouYFQvbaC9zVXwe3DH6qOmPS-SzcDEkBxJFCb5pVs_uloYkS5dfAIo4s_rtHuTPFYwzoMIXjR6-V1e0tkII3SlQRePVoXRgn/s1600/6415369333_6ac171fa84.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<i>> </i>place post on the back of the earring.
<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoZNquJexlsow18vEYcyuRy6aim3IeEBvqSy4qQR7k1Z_eiBwc94oLAhf8yVf8h8bFP1GS1zk96nHiWBAjya2CXSDsiJHDRckh3QFrN5NdV5QllviutuuJIneypgv1VoXj_Q9iEWkKtjLk/s1600/6415370847_e5462f1b59.jpg" />
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<br />
> this is just a more zoomed in foto of the previous step :D<br />
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<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYEJWmFtTpOGIC60GxelRSamRHwCO9Kq6vYLVft5wXlsLe6kMxTVCIF5-BigFElVu7Cz3rBx5v4VDH0wXuqyUWfcR4yyASHHGsSvp_eCifiH80fnNOH_-CXmVxyz54pNJtqCAFXU56DUSt/s1600/6415372785_cdb56d1ef9.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<i>> </i>wait for glue to dry [overnight to be safe!]. Oh and please disregard the fact that the posts are silver and the earrings are gold… it bothers me too, but that was all I could get and I guess I’m the only one who will know the difference… I won’t tell if y’all won’t? :D
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<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhuqzSZj76NASNZNpw3rDEi3dCYprsrIBs9ex3lJvZnNzbRL7C_GYXeLqZBLl7yQXwiPIxKITPtaSWjtNEoJRpK3ThsCMGyJj9bswcnw_WbHyXMdTyY41OEamriG4587Od_Vj5pMX9WK0l/s1600/6415374431_f11e39d2c4.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
And the finished product! It’s a super quick and easy way to update earrings like this; the supplies were less than $10 total, and you can generally find old inexpensive jewelry pretty easily. You could use buttons or beads or lots of other things too… so many possibilities!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-79017360049838837092011-03-18T20:31:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:04:41.283-07:00orange paisley sheath dress<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8cTwCOqVT0k_sNQs3hDeiXa-nIdnF-Sz6U47f-ds3GDTZcqMNuCmjvK6xnO9jOAVZ5vfObSDsmaF8YmEeW93xol8s8vXmkWWHlRLvTt7__UuENjnRzWYSkSuH4XTQuSWMNtHUnfjw9Eqn/s640/tumblr_l8nrr744w21qczp9n.jpg" width="480" />
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<div class="post_body">
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whoa long overdue post! This dress has been done for quite a
while now. I’m really happy with how it turned out; it fits perfectly in
all the right places :] Always nice to have a dress like that. It took a
lot of altering, though, but the princess seams made that a lot easier to
do than it would have been otherwise. Probably should have started with a
size smaller.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve got some more projects I want to start after graduation when I
have a little extra time and no thesis consuming my every waking moment! Got a couple different ideas for bags, and I
want to do some stuff to go with my camera - a memory card case for one, since I’m always losing them - so stay tuned, hopefully I’ll get some of that
up here soon :]</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-84050216142987875202010-08-14T20:22:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:02:08.162-07:00musings / updates<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7JH1zM9pVSfToQ1c4UxKCFebU9hy2yRqt4pE78uYwI3Ky1mHINZwG8QIrENOeiR1-qO1RTrFr4HEF_AmhxjTCH45S31SC7SnhkEfhwuXwSIXkIGgz1sxIs90WHeVu8ot6ys4isNPsK8hf/s400/tumblr_l583yf8c9T1qczp9n.jpg" width="500" />
<br />
<br />
I always have the problem of not really doing anything related to
sewing for a while, but I see things I want to copy. literally. everywhere. all the time. So I sketch them out and let them stew around in my brain
for a while; then it finally gets to the proverbial boiling point when I
decide 'oh hey! these ideas are all great! let's start on all of them
RIGHT NOW.' So then I'm all ambitious and full of excitement about all
these great things I'm going to sew and get right to work, making
patterns and cutting out fabric to my little heart's content. I might
even actually start sewing a few pieces together, just a regular busy
little bee for several hours straight. But then it happens: my energy
dissipates, and I'm right back where I started. I just need to get in
the habit of doing a little bit at a time consistently instead of trying
to cram 329083907520394 things into the span of a day and a half.
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With that said, I'm currently working on a dress which I am quite excited about, because a) it's a Burda pattern [<a data-mce-href="http://thesewingplace.com/browseproducts/burda-7798.html" href="http://thesewingplace.com/browseproducts/burda-7798.html">7798</a>
if you're interested]; I've bought several of their patterns but have
yet to try them... seems pretty straightforward thus far! and b) I'm
breaking into my stash of Goodwill sheets again :] Didn't realize that
the one I chose is a lot more worn out in the middle... guess it was
well loved and that's probably why it was given away? I'm hoping there's
enough fabric around the edges to get away with not having to use that
part, though. So we shall see how that goes.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Other things in the
works.... in a temporary fit of insanity I bought a dress marked way down at Gap
that had a strap broken [read: not returnable] and didn't quite fit
correctly, broken strap notwithstanding. Buuut I think I can rework it a
bit and it'll be all right. Gonna need to find some fabric that will
coordinate though, which I'm a little concerned about.... I might end up
using the skirt liner, since the dress seems to be made out of fabric
that's heavy enough so that I can probably get away with it, and I
know that will match! I'm intrigued to see if it works, never done an
intervention on a piece of clothing this in-depth. But if it doesn't
work out I can definitely rework it into a skirt, so either way it won't
be a total loss. And IT HAS POCKETS. That may or may not have
been the deciding factor in my purchase, what can I say :]</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-68567264359471762642010-07-04T20:20:00.000-07:002013-06-14T19:45:07.370-07:00scrap busters pt. 1: fabric covered button earrings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6JZx8uyyDEjsiuV2VQ5HHrZjE987hXQJedgW0Q8LTPuiO-ePWsv3XGpMDG2k9ZCM5oELVyvvuSN2jMozx6Cb5t2uoKJRlRf7CjmIvpTlBumAs2mpT-Tv-3JK01qBEa1YiLu__WamHRZb/s1600/tumblr_l50lwqHnav1qczp9no1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq6JZx8uyyDEjsiuV2VQ5HHrZjE987hXQJedgW0Q8LTPuiO-ePWsv3XGpMDG2k9ZCM5oELVyvvuSN2jMozx6Cb5t2uoKJRlRf7CjmIvpTlBumAs2mpT-Tv-3JK01qBEa1YiLu__WamHRZb/s1600/tumblr_l50lwqHnav1qczp9no1_500.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
One of my favorite ways to use up fabric scraps: cover buttons and make earrings out of them!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2176610305977687660.post-53338935806412723612010-07-02T20:13:00.000-07:002013-06-26T07:00:28.843-07:00felt clutch<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieh9bL-KPF85V1gfAyulhb_wyaUoFGEk_Uj96TtNQoiC_yoe3nNEx_V-ui2hF-krCDaWLH8_5aDUG73mP0Bjp-8tNqL18fooxRt7fEk_MIii7t3RFh47Srt3JmGhpEfG8GukPwMjXYxziW/s1600/tumblr_l4y0p6fXsF1qczp9no1_500.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally decided to cut into my stash of felt from the textiles lab which I’ve been hoarding since, oh I don’t know, maybe last February? I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out, although I think the colors and material both make it a little more suited to colder weather. I’ve still been using it though. No self control :D
</div>
<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0iDnPoZUDZFnL20HWSdy6NM44qY2DeeeYgfWBPsrvBj_fnqL7UNe7Rl6hIu3nGdf6L-gw8zAZdDfTjv0Il_UOiEzPyXIZZzxPfL4Nni2hCH8ZmJpsqr1xVwQOCmSYJAj_kgfiPIZAmrIR/s1600/tumblr_l4y0p6fXsF1qczp9no2_500.jpg" />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Made up the pattern; it’s essentially a long rectangle folded into thirds which I then cut angles out of. Cut an exterior piece and a lining piece and sewed together, then turned inside out and added some topstitching and a magnetic snap, et voila! Designing the patterns yourself is always fun… it’s exciting to see how things turn out, and whether or not the final product matches what it looks like in your head. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>materials -</i></div>
<ul>
<li>8" x 18" exterior fabric - either something that's a heavier weight, or a lighter weight fabric with interfacing</li>
<li>8" x 18" liner fabric</li>
<li>magnetic snap</li>
<li>1.5x1.5" squares of iron on interfacing [x2]</li>
<li>pattern - <a href="http://www.mediafire.com/?2agm2toy1lzed30">click here</a> to download </li>
</ul>
<i><br />process -</i><br />
<br />
Cut out pieces.<br />
<br />
Iron interfacing onto the liner as shown on the pattern. Install snap.<br />
<br />
Fold up the bottom third so it matches with the dotted line and sew edges. Repeat for the exterior.<br />
<br />
Place the exterior inside the liner [right sides together] and line up raw edges. Sew, leaving the bottom of the outside flap open.<br />
<br />
Turn right side out and press. Pin open edge closed and sew about 1/4" from the edge of the flap. Here's where you can get creative with the topstitching like I did, or just leave it plain and call it a day :) Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0