Circle Skirt Inspiration

Have you seen the skirts that Rosie’s Whimsy makes? They’re so pretty! Makes me want to make one right now.

All the images are from her etsy store where you can buy one if you want! Or she shares a tutorial for how to make one here. These would be so cute made in a heavier weight fabric for winter! With some cute tights and boots.

Steam Punk…ish

Aren’t these cute in a weird sort of way? I think they’re what you call steam punk. But I have no idea! I think they’re neat, although I would never wear them.

Both Images from FanPlusFriend.com

Piano Bench Recover

Our piano bench was really bothering me. It was a ‘70’s blue floral fabric. Which didn’t fit with our décor at all! So I decided to recover it. I looked at this tutorial to get a starting place. I knew I wanted to tuft it, so I measured and drilled 2 holes in the wood so I could get a needle through it. Then I added some extra foam and some batting and stapled that down. I used 1/4” staples, but longer would have definitely been better! I had to cover with the fabric twice. As the first time I did not get it centered the first time. The tufting was a little difficult. I covered buttons and had to get a long needle. The hard part was finding the hole in the wood on the way back through. I used some upholstery thread I had and knotted it onto a button to keep it from coming through the hole.If I had to do it again I would make the holes probably 1/2” instead. I think it turned out really cute though and definitely spruces the entry up!

Christmas Centerpiece - 2010

Our Grandparents were coming in for the first Christmas in awhile and I wanted to do something special to decorate the table. I found a lot of inspiration around the web just by googling Christmas Centerpiece.

This is what we started with. My family and I went to Goodwill and the Goodwill Bargain Barn and picked up about $8 worth of decorations.

 

 

In Progress

 

 

 

 

Finished Project. I don’t like this picture, but it shows the different lamp shades. 

 

 

 

 

Our Charlie Brown Tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All in all I think it was a smashing success! Everybody thought it was cute, and I was tickled with it.

Here’s a quick rundown of what I did:

• Hang ornaments using clear thread
• Switch out shades for a lighter color to lighten things up
• Placed a couple of drops of Cinnamon Oil on 2 lightbulbs to make things smell good.
• Piled ornaments in a hurricane-ish vase. (I got that for $1!!)
• Made 3 white trees from cottonballs using this tutorial: A Fanciful Twist
• Placed tea lights in canning jars floating in water. Made a really cute effect!
• Clipped some evergreen from the yard to add some greenery.
• Tried to keep things in groups of 3

Long time no see…

It’s been a long time! Too long really. I have continued crafting, but school has taken its toll on my bloggy time. I’m excited to start back up again. I plan on typing out lots of blog posts during my break and releasing them slowly. So check back for new stuff!

 

This is a pencil pouch that was born of necessity. I throw it in my backpack when I leave for school. I made it from NoodleHead’s Tutorial. It turned out beautifully! I really like the touch that the contrasting zipper adds. I can’t wait to make more.

Formal Dress Inspiration – So lovely!

image from Refugee Crafter

     Isn’t this pretty? I really wish she would post more details on the actual construction of the dress! She said it has 2 full circles in the skirt. But I’m wondering if she means 2 circles for each layer, or one circle overlayed over the second circle? Either way, it is Satin with an overlay of Chiffon. I think it would be absolutely dreamy! The top would be easy since you could “frankenstein” the top from a modern formal dress pattern. And I love how it’s shorter to showcase the shoes as well! 

Sizing standards…and the lack thereof

     Just got done shopping for some jeans. I have NEVER been so frustrated in my ENTIRE life! There is no industry standard for woman’s clothing at all. Most especially in jeans. I have found that a size 8 in one style is the same as a size 13 in another. Which is insane! I ended up buying size 13 jeans! And they are still the tiniest touch too small still. I, however, draw the lines at 13. I am not drastically overweight by any stretch of the imagination. I’ve got a 30” waist and 37” hips for goodness sakes! I should not have to buy size 13! But alas, that is the way the sizes work.

      Somebody seriously needs to come up with some industry standards for jeans. For all women’s clothes really!  Why do guys get to have their measurements in inches and we don’t?

:steps off soapbox: Thanks for listening (reading). :)

P.S. I was gonna put a picture of jeans on here…but it was extremely difficult to find one that was decent…and thus a pictureless post. :)

More Pottery Pieces

     This is a spoon rest….that didn’t turn out how I wanted. The shape is pretty nice, but the coloring just didn’t turn out right. I glazed the bottom in emerade and the top in tobacco (maybe?).
     Anyways, the tobacco is a matte finish and it looked pretty bad. Uneven coverage and not smooth. So I glazed it again with another brown. It still didn’t look right, so I glazed it, yet again! This time with robin’s egg.
     I did an even coat of robin’s egg all over and then Mrs. Susie (our instructor) helped me to drizzle (I almost said to drool it over. :) heehee) the robin’s egg over the handle slightly. I think it turned out pretty good…acceptable at least. I’m not 100% happy with it, but at this point I’m just glad it’s done.
    I know not everybody likes the spoon rest. :P My mom politely informed me that it looked like a ladies’ butt.

This is a small jar with a lid. It is about 3”-4” tall. My sister and I both wear retainers and I wanted to make a cute jar to put them in while we are eating instead of a glass on top of the refrigerator. :P I think it looks pretty good. The colors are a little paler than I would have liked…I think I might re-glaze it next week.

Heads up…

If you are not recieving the RedPlum Coupon insert – either in the mail or newspaper – then you can request that they put you on their mailing list. Just go here and sign up. It is supposed to take 6-8 weeks, but it’s better than not at all!!

Saturday Market Skirt – Choosing Fabrics

So we went to pick out fabrics for our skirt sew-along today. Here is a picture of my choices. They were loosely based on the fabric on the far right.  I think it will look nice! I am hoping that one blue on the left doesn’t seem as bright as it does in the picture.

Here are my cousin’s fabric choices. She is darker skinned than I am and thus chose some darker fabrics that will also work well in the fall.

I think we’re gonna try to sew tomorrow! I can’t wait! :)

Skirt Sew-Along…of sorts

My Aunt, Cousin, and I are planning on making the Saturday Market Skirt this week before school starts. I have been thinking about it…and I think it could be made with fat quarters!

 

By my calculations it would take 14 Fat Quarters for one skirt. Plus fabric for the waistband. That’s not too bad. If fat quarters are $1.50 each…then that would mean that the skirt would cost about $21. Which really isn’t bad at all for a full length custom skirt.

I’m also thinking that I am going to add a zippered waist band. I have some skirts that I’ve made in the past that fit nicely and have a lined yoke with a zipper. I just don’t look good in elastic (who does really?) so I think this will be a good option for me. We shall see! I’m so excited about doing a project with somebody else too!!

(click on picture for source :) )

Vogue Dress Inspiration - Vogue 8470

both images from Vogue

     This dress has some really great lines, doesn't it! The circular skirt and the flutter sleeves! I love me some flutter sleeves!!!! I would really like to make this. Maybe next time Vogue goes on sale....

Cute Formal Dress Inspiration!

image from fabulousmessvintage's etsy shop

 

 

 

Isn't this dress cute!? I think I definition need a version of this! 

Some of the features I like about this dress are:

• The sheer fabric. The chiffon is just lovely! The color is also nice and feminine as well. 
• The midriff bow. Very cute. :)
• The gathered bust...which seems to be a theme here lately.
• The nice thick straps to hide bra straps. 
• The soft skirt gathers. 

Things I don't like:

• I don't really care for the super deep hem. I think I would like it better if it had a narrow hem.
• The weird arm sleeve thing. It just doesn't do it for me. 
• Length is just a little too short.

Considering the things that I don't like, this seems like an easy dress to make! Fairly simple in construction. The biggest issue would be lining it. 

Grocery Shopping Trip to Kroger 8/12

     I had a great day at Kroger! So many deals this week! I have been using the Saving a Bundle and My Memphis Mommy blogs. They seem to be really helpful! Got to watch it sometimes though. Sometimes they tell you to use a coupon that has expired. :P But usually it works great! That's how I found all these deals. And sometimes you might check both sites for the same deal because one of them might have a lower price.
     Keep in mind that anything under $.50 doubles. The stars (or asterisks or WHATEVER!) represent the items that are participating in the Mega Event Sale. You must buy 8 to get the price that is listed.
Anyways, here are the deals.

Transaction 1

**6 Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks $1.49/ea

Use (3) $0.50/2 Fruit snack printable here, here, or here. (I managed to somehow use 4)
Load (3) $0.50/2 Fruit Snacks e-coupon from Cellfire, Shortcuts, and Kroger (I only used 2)
Buy 6, use 3 printable coupons and 3 e-coupons and pay $4.44 and earn a $3.00 OYNO. So you are basically paying $1.44 for 6, which equals $0.24 each! :insert evil laugh:

**2 Chex Mix $1.49/ea

Use (2) $0.50/1 Chex mix prinatble here, here, and here
Load (2) $0.50/1 Chex Mix Kroger e-coupon and Cellfire e-coupon here 
FREE +$0.02 overage

PAY $5.09

EARN a $3.00 Register Reward
Actually spending $2.09
82 percent savings!

Transaction 2

**5 Nature Valley Granola Bars $1.99/ea

Buy 5 or more get $3.50 OYNO Catalina

Buy 3 Sweet & Salty Granola Bars
Use (3) $0.50/1 Sweet & Salty Bars printables here, or here and here 
Buy 2 Granola Thins
Use (2) $0.50/1 Nature Valley Granola Thins printable or here and here
Load $0.75/2 & (3) $0.50/1 e-coupons from Cellfire, Shortcuts, and Kroger
Pay $2.70, EARN a $3.50 OYNO. After using the OYNO you will have made $0.80!!

**3 Hamburger Helper, $1.39

Use (2) $0.75/3 Hamburger Helper printable and here or in 8/8 SS
Load (1) $0.75/3 e-coupon here 

Pay $1.92/3

SUBTOTAL $4.62
USE $3.00 OYNO
PAY $1.62

EARN a $3.50 Register Reward
Actually MAKING $1.38

Transaction 3

**2 Gardetto’s Snack Mix $1.49

Use (2) $0.50/1 printables or here
Load (1) e-coupon $0.50/1
$0.48 for Both

**1 Betty Crocker Warm Delights $1.49

Load (1) e-coupon $0.50/1
Use (2) $0.50/1 Printable
Watch for $1.00/2 peelie!!
$0.48 for Both with Peelie

**1 Nature Valley Nut Clusters $1.99

Use (1)  $1/1 printable
Load (1) e-coupon  $1/1
FREE

**2 Golden Graham Treat Bars $1.49
Use (2) $0.50/1 printable or here and here
Pay $0.49/ea

**2 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls, $1.69

Use (2) $.40/2 from 8/8 SS

Pay $2.58

** 1 Pillsbury Sweet Moments $1.99

Use (1) $1/1 Sweet Moments coupon from 8/8 SS or $1/1 Sweet Moment printable here or here
Load (1) e-coupon $1/1 Cellfire

FREE

**2 Pillsbury Toaster Strudel, $1.49
Use (1) $0.50/2 from 8/8 SS
Load (1) e-coupon $0.50/2 here
Pay $1.48/2

**1 Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers $1.38
Use $0.50/1 Green Giant printable
Pay $0.38

**2 El Paso Taco Shells $0.99
Load (1) $0.60/2 e-coupon

Pay $1.38/2

**2 Capri Sun $1.49/ea

SUBTOTAL $10.74
USE $3.50 OYNO
PAY $7.24

TOTAL PAID $13.95

TOTAL VALUE $51.66 based on sale price

PERCENT SAVED 73%

Colette Patterns - Chantilly - Take 4

WHEW! It's finished! Finally! It took long enough. Needless to say...it didn't get done by the time I wanted to wear it (boo!!!!). It turned out pretty nice in the end. I'm not 100% happy with it, but I AM glad it's done! The fabric is cotton gauze that I discharged myself.

I learned some important things from this dress!!

• DO A TISSUE FITTING!!!!!!! never again....I had a LOT of fitting issues with this pattern. If you are a C cup...then go for it! But if you are smaller than that, I recommend drafting this dress yourself.
• I had major issues with the straps covering my bra straps. I ended up adding little strips of fabric with snaps to hold my bra farther in. 
• I also need to start double checking the length of dresses as well. I find that they are usually too short. I ended up adding a band of fabric on to this dress to make it 5" longer. It's much more comfortable to wear that way. 
• I think it would have looked a little bit better on my body style if I had lengthened the midriff band.
• I am very happy with using cotton gauze! I will definitely try to use it in the future! It drapes so nice, but it definitely needs lined. I lined the top in this dress, but decided to skip the bottom lining since I knew that I have a half slip that I like that works just fine. 

To re-cap....I won't be using this pattern again. I was impressed with the quality, but it just had too many fitting issues for me. I WOULD like to make something fairly similar in the future though!

Coupon Trip to Target & Walgreens

I LOVE coupons!! Getting something for free or extra cheap is always exciting!!

This is what I got at Target. I had to go to the Super Target because the one that is close by does not have meat and they were also out of tape and sticky notes. Go figure! :P

18.4-oz. Hormel Always Tender original pork tenderloin $5.99
(08/01 SS) save $1.00/1
Final Price, $4.99

Post-it Super Sticky Notes $1.00 (Double check to make sure that these match the ones in the ad. I had issues with it and had to take it to customer service.)
Printable coupon save $1.00
Final Price, FREE

Scotch Magic Tape $0.50
(08/08 SS) save $1.00/3 (regional)
Final price, $0.17 each

Here is my trip to Walgreens. This is probably the most successful trip I have had there to date!

Transaction 1:

Buy 1 Dial NutriSkin Body Wash 16 oz. $3.99 earn $3.00 RR

Use $1/1 Dial Nutriskin Body Wash

PAY $3.36

EARN a $3.00 Register Reward


Transaction 2

Chewy Chips Ahoy Cookies (other Nabisco items on sale) 2/$5
$.75/2 from 8/8 SS
Final Price: 2/$4.25

Nivea Body Wash for Women $5.99, B1G1 free
$4/2 printable
Final Price: 2/$1.99


Kotex U $3.50
$2/1 from August coupon booklet
$1 printable
Final Price: $.50

Schick 3 Razor $7.99
$5 from 8/8 SS
Earn $2 RR
Apply for rebate of full purchase price 
Final Price: FREE + $7 Rebate!

Subtotal: $22.48
Minus Coupons: $12.75
Minue $3 RR from 1st Transaction: $3
Total: $6.73 + $2 RR to use on next Transaction! PLUS send in $7.99 rebate! This scenario actually MAKES money!! :D Ahhh...I love making money. :D heehee

Pottery Pieces

I have been taking a pottery class one day a week and have REALLY been enjoying it! I got a couple of my pieces back and thought I would show y'all. The top one is a butter dish, but I am planning on using it on my desk to hold paper clips or something. It has a lacey imprint with a faint plum color embedded in the indentions. The picture below is a bowl that turned out really well! It is a blueish greenish color and looks fantastic! Not sure what I'm gonna use it for yet...I am also about to start a class that will focus solely on throwing on the wheel. I'm really excited!

Copic Markers....I want some!

All images from Yellena's etsy shop

Aren't these prints fantastic! I think I definitely need some!! However, the $40 price tag has me a bit off put. So...I think I can make some of my own! I have looked around a bit, and think that copic markers would be just the ticket! Now...to get my hands on some!

Hanging Pictures....Finally!!!

     So we have been in our house for almost 2 years. And we have 6 pictures on the wall....6!!! So...our walls have looked like this for 2 years! I know...it's depressing, isn't it? Very uninteresting. We had all of our frames crammed into a closet.
     So...being the over-achiever that I am, I decided to pull out all the frames and paint them and hang them.

     It's proving to be a little bit bigger job than I thought! I feel like I'm drowning in picture frames. Anyways, for the living room I cut the frames out of newspaper and taped those on the wall to check for placement and stuff.
     Once I got those how I liked it I spray painted almost all of our frames with Krylon's Oil Rubbed Bronze spray paint (which I LOVE). Then mom helped me finalize some pictures and put those in. Dad helped me to hang them.

     I think it looks fantastic! It makes the house feel much more homey! I can't wait to get the others hung. I think we will paint the kitchen frames white, but other than that, I haven't decided on paint colors for the rest of them. We'll see. :)
     The cross in the center really gives it a focal point. The table still needs a lot of work...I am thinking a cream colored runner and then some accessories on top. We used to keep about 20 frames on that table, but I don't think it looks so good like that.

The Great Closet Makeover!!!

 This is my closet before...pathetic, isn't it? I am on a rampage to get my room cleaned up during the summer. It's terribly unorganized and stuff was EVERYWHERE!! Now in my defense, I had already started cleaning out stuff, so some of this stuff isn't normally there. 

 The dreaded fabric shelf. (and yes, that's the crinoline I was working on, never finished it...something about it just isn't right...too poofy...lopsided...ugh)

 And walla! The after! Much better, right? I still have to get some hangars for like 12 skirts, and I should really clean out a few of the hanging clothes, but I'm happy with it! I think it looks really good! I hope I can keep it up...

 Fabric shelf after. Mom had a couple of plastic boxes that she let me use. One has my out-of-season clothes and the other has the majority of my fabric in it. Very heavy, but it looks a lot better!

This is the side shelf...and you'll just have to take my word for it...it looks a lot better now!

Wall Art

image from Young House Love

I recently removed the hutch from my desk and now have an abundance of wall space to fill. I hung my white board up and that helped, but I still think it needs something. So I was excited to see Young House Love's new art project about their desk! I think I definitely need something similar. And I think it sounds relatively simple. And cheap as well! However...I am not sure my fan won't blow the art off....so I would have to find a way to secure it better.

Formal Banquet Dress - Inspiration

image from TimelessVixenVintage

 We have a formal banquet in my area every year in the spring. We have a big band and swing dance. It's very nice! Everybody wears a formal dress (or suit if you're a guy). Anyways, even though it's many many months away it's time to start thinking about what to wear. I found this beautiful polka dotted dress last year and thought it was amazing! It was listed for over $100, but it has sold now anyways. I was thinking about draping the pattern though...I wonder how hard it would be. It has a sweetheart neckline in the lining and the sheer top has a boat neckline (I think) that has two darts on each side. It also has a full gathered skirt. All-in-all it doesn't look too hard to draft. I'm mostly worried about the crinoline. It won't look right without one, but my luck with those has been less than spectacular. Perhaps I can buy one...or find a better pattern...

image from BellinaBridal

This dress is pretty as well. I like the bust gathering a lot. And the color is interesting. It seems to be a cream color with a sheer blue overlay. Very pretty.

Fabric Organizer from One Yard Wonders

Isn't that fabric pretty? I'm really glad I used this fabric. Unfortunately, I am not happy with how this turned out. I think the directions were terribly confusing...and it is HUGE! I thought that each square would be 2" or so across...instead they are about 4". I think that I could probably design my own that is smaller...but I am not wanting to make another one. Either way, it is definitely usable and much better than some plastic thing!

Fabric Folding & Craft Room Organization Part 1

image from turning turning

image from turning turning

image from craft blog

So one of my main goals before school starts is to get my room and my craft nook organized. I have never been very good at keeping said nook organized. It's time for a clean sweep though. The first thing I think I will tackle is organizing the fabric. I think it needs to be folded all the same and organized somehow. And all the small stringy bits need cut off.

I am going to decide on one single fabric folding strategy (click the pictures for links). I think that will help me to stay organized!