Fabric Roll Call!

Thanks to generous family members, I have accumulated quite an impressive fabric stash. I like having options for sewing projects down the line (this is similar to my library book situation - must always have at least one back up!).

The next project I'm going to begin is a circle skirt using this whimsical giraffe and palm tree print! I plan on making it fuller than my black and white check wool circle skirt. I kind of wish I had made that one fuller, too, but I still love it.

I love this old pink geometric shape print. I'm thinking it would look nice for a full, short skirt.

I also might make a short skirt out of this one, but I'm not sure yet. The fabric is kind of stiff and coarse.

Here's the good ol' Anniversary Fabric. I started using this one for a full, short skirt but got discouraged and it's on hold. Should I make a longer circle skirt with it? A circle skirt is just so EASY and you get fullness and a lovely shape without having to worry about pleats or darts or anything like that.

This is an old pillowcase that I wish I could use for something. Any suggestions? The sheets to match might soon be too worn to use so, I could potentially have a lot of it. It looks a little washed out in this picture. The background color is aqua.

I also have some leftovers of this floral print that I used to make my sewing machine cover. 

And this silky, floral fabric is very special. I'm thinking I should make a top out of this. I found a couple patterns that I like.

  

I like this pattern a lot; specifically the one on the left.

 

 Or this one, but it looks like it could be difficult.

So, there you have it! I'd love to hear any suggestions or comments you have!

Circle Skirt

I think this circle skirt project was just the thing to to take my mind off the two projects I have halfway completed (short skirt made with Anniversary Fabric and the red and white Hawaiian dress). With some gorgeous wool, black and white check fabric from my aunt and some help with construction from sewing-guru, Amy, I was able to whip it up in mostly one evening.

We used one of Amy's circle skirts to cut the shape out on the bias of the fabric:

 I sewed up one side of the skirt, then held it up to my waist to see where to sew it up on the other side. Some of the fabric at the top had to be cut off so it would fit around my waist. Then I sewed the other side, stopping approximately seven inches from the top to allow for the zipper. After that was in, I added a waistband.

After a little hand-sewing to touch up some areas, I pinned it to a length I liked and hemmed it with the steam-a-seam stuff and it was done!

It's the perfect length and weight for fall and winter!

I'm thinking of making another, fuller one with the Anniversary Fabric. What do you think?

Minocqua for Labor Day

Dan and I spent a nice little weekend in Minocqua, WI for Labor Day. We attended a fabulous wedding and then explored the town the next day. In the morning, we grabbed some donuts from Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty!

We found record heaven in Gaslight Antiques. You can sort of see the red and white Hawaiian print dress (made in Hawaii!) that I bought, too. It's a little big, but I'm going to take it in.

I have never seen records like these before. I wish they all were like this:

Bike Pack Cover

I haven't found the perfect pattern yet for my new fabric. I will get to it, though! In the meantime, I whipped up a little something tonight. It's a cover for the pack I have attached to my bike.

I started with this cute fabric from Hobby Lobby (or Hobby Lobotomy, as my husband calls it).

I cut out a circle-ish piece for one end and a long piece for the cylindrical part. I didn't bother with being too careful about the look of these pieces. All of the ends would be tucked in anyway because I used only topstitching for this project. The end with the zipper I just left alone. It's easier that way.

Despite my best intentions I completely forgot to take ANY pictures of my steps along the way. I guess it's good that I was really in the zone.

I sewed the two pieces together first. Then I cut a slot on the end because there is some velcro there, which runs along the side of the pack. I left this area open as well. Then I sewed all along the edge by the zipper so it won't come off.

Buttercup is ready to hit the road in style!

Fabric

For our two year wedding anniversary, my husband got me this gorgous fabric:

 I can't wait to make something from it - or several somethings. There are 4 yards, so I can do a lot with it!

Easy Skirt Alteration

I have been massively impressed and inspired by Marisa at New Dress A Day. She buys cheap thrift store outcasts and alters them to adorable, one-of-a-kind pieces for her own closet. Over the years, with my craft projects, I've been trying to not just see the object in front of me but what it could be, e.g. taking an ugly, gaudy mirror or sunburst clock and painting it for a modern look.

So, today, when my husband and I hit a thrift store, I tried to think like Marisa. I looked for fabrics and patterns I liked, no matter what the size. Luckily, I found a dress that already fit me perfectly, but I also snagged this $3 Old Navy skirt that was too big.

This was an easy alteration - just taking it in on one side (the other side was the zipper and I wasn't messing with that). Now I can wear it without it slipping off!

What city do you think is depicted on this skirt? Buenes Aires?

Bird of paradise headband

I haven't had a project to work on lately. The only thing I've made recently didn't even feel like a project. I attended an Island of Dr. Moreau themed event and wanted a fun hair fascinator to wear with my tropical dress that I made. I started with these supplies:

and ended up only using the bird of paradise, some floral tape, and a green headband. It was almost too easy but I got a lot of compliments on it!

I know I'll use some of those supplies at some point, especially the feathers.

Special bonus shot of the avant garde eye makeup my friend Alicia did for me:

So, I'm not sure what my next project will be. I have some great fabric - pink with pastel geometric triangles and shapes on it. Very 80s. Maybe a short skirt? I'll have to find a pattern that speaks to me.