Save those pants!

We rarely have much less use bleach in our home. However, of course the ONE time we do---the Birdy Girl mysteriously got bleach spots on a pair of her pants. They fit her well and had lots of life left int hem, so I hated to have to get rid of them.

After seeing a few pots in blog land about 'art' they made with bleach pens....I splurged and purchased one. I knew that was the answer.

We went to town creating dots and flowers and eventually swirls on her pants to cover up the original spots. It took some getting used too but by the end we were nearly pros. haha.

The 'pen' has two ends, a fine point and a thicker point. The fine point was used for the swirls and the thicker end worked well for the larger polka-dots. Occasionally, the liquid would come out fast and thick so you really should practice on scrap fabric to get the hang of it. We didn't care too much since these pants were already *ruined*, we had nothing to lose. The girl loves how they turned out and now she has extra life in her pants as well a fun 'new' pair.

Love This.

Source: austinkleon.com via Katy on Pinterest

I love this.I really do. There is so much creative inspiration in the world around us....mostly I see an idea somewhere else and then I create my own version of it...that is why I don't sell much. I don't make a good seller--I'd rather SHOW YOU how to make your OWN version than charge you so I can make it for you.....sigh.

I especially like #3 and #6...which rules to you like the best?

Skirt to Scarf

I needed a gift for  a friend so I dove into my donate stash and found these two skirts. I knew exactly what I wanted to make: a fabric scarf.

(forgive the pics...toddler got to the camera and it seems to be permanently out of commission. SO I had to take these with my phone. Boo!)

I chose the black skirt especially for the trim. The other fabric is a nice neutral. 

Tada! Reversible scarf!

Christmas Memorial Wreath

I wanted to make a rosemary wreath this year. I love the scent and the symbolism. Rosemary means remembrance. I thought it would be a nice way to remember those we miss so much during the holiday seasons. Plus I have three bushes of it growing in my garden. It also welcomes guests with a lovely fragrance when they enter through our doorway.
 

SUPPLIES:

wreath form

floral wire

rosemary

scissors (to cut wire)

I used two coupons I had for Joann's. The wreath form and floral wire were around $2 each full price but with my two coupons I was able to get each of them for about half price. I have lots of wire left over for another project too. That makes the cost of this wreath UNDER $2!

You could virtually make this project for *free* using a wire hanger (we never have any since the Mr. no longer needs to dry clean his clothes) bent into a circle wreath form and yarn, twine, fabric scraps, or twisty ties that you have around the house to attach the rosemary. Don't be afraid to try various herbs or plants. I have read that boxwood makes a great wreath...I might try that next because I have a large box wood bush in my back yard too.

1. Starting with the longest and most pliable pieces, I wired stems along the inner most ring of the wreath. Work the wire like thread, up and around the stems and wire.

2. Use other long and pliable pieces to wire stems along the outer most ring of the form. Over lap tips and ends.

3. Use the split or bushy stems to fill in the center of the ring. Over lap tips over ends, wiring as you go. This section is more of a challenge to work with the wire. I suggest using smaller lengths of wire at a time and twisty them off on the back. I actually flipped the wreath form over at this point in order to wire the pieces on through the back. Keep the form face down on top of the rosemary to help prevent moving. Once the pieces are initially secure on their ends, go back and wire them along their tips.

4. Fill in any spaces with shorter, straight pieces. I was able to work the small pieces into the wreath form with out having to add any more wire, but go ahead if you need to. It's amazing how the wire disappears!

When it's as full as you like-you're finished!

There is a very large rusty nail in our door that we could NOT remove, making the red ribbon hang askew. Oh well. 

I also used bits of wild rosemary, which does not grow in straight stems, to add a little more texture and fluff around it. 

I would also like mine to be fuller so I think next time I will purchase a larger wreath form. OH! The rosemary will dry...so I am going to attempt to keep it fresher longer by spritzing with water daily. Let me know if you have any other suggestions or ideas for that.

Now, whenever anyone enters my home, they are greeted with the intoxicating scent of rosemary. I LOVE it.

Linked to:
LoeLaLoep

Recent Treasure finds

To go along with my recent Creative Myths series, I wanted to share some recent thrifted treasures.

This stash was from a bag of notions. I don't remember exactly but I think the bag was no more than $2.95. It contained mainly vintage sewing notions. I couldn't resist. There were two packs of snaps, two small containers of grommets, hook & eye closures, collar stays, elastic, vintage lace elastic, wire stays, roll of pink binding, a few patches, ribbon, vintage lace, vintage wool mending yarn, crochet hook w/ wire (& knitting needles w/ wire not pictured) and some other items I am not sure what they are but they look cool.

Then I found this fabulous treasure for $1.95:

The roll is 10 yards of brand new flat white lace, and tons of other lace trims:TONS. I wish you could see the cream eyelet trim up close. I think it's my most favorite. But...the BEADS! What a steal, huh? They are so pretty and lovely!!! Who knows what project will grace their trim.

TRUE CONFESSION TIME:
When I'm at the thrift store & I see home made items...I feel SO bad for them. I wonder if that is what will happen to all the home made gifts I give....they will be donated to the thrift store!?!
I know how much time and energy goes into a crocheted blanket or home made quilt. Many are very lovely too, not just yellow baby blankets. I always want to buy them all...out of appreciation if nothing else.

So the other day...I did! Birdy and I found two big bags of crochet granny squares. I have not counted them all yet but I think there might be around .... 200? Maybe. They are in the loveliest colors too!

These pix do not even show them ALL. many of them are squares with a flower in the middle. So lovely. Both bags together were under $10. We have big plans for all of them. Some will be a blanket, then maybe a scarf, a bag...so many possibilities.

Even when you are low on funds, as you can see, you can find plenty of materials for inexpensive at the thrift store. I know you can find items at yard sales too! Don't be afraid. Get to crafting!!!

I can't afford to sew...and other creative myths #2

Everyone is on a budget. Crafting need not be expensive. For some reason 'crafting' & DIY has hit the mainstream and is currently en vogue. Martha Stewart led the DIY charge! BUT 'crafting' initially was done due to necessity, not because there was leisure time. Blankets and clothing *had* to be made or else you didn't have any.

Creative Myths is a series I'm doing to encourage the reluctant crafter by addressing all the myths we tell ourselves that hinder our creativity.

Creative Myth #2

I can't afford to sew!

Borrow a sewing machine. Many women have sewing machines. If the woman uses hers, she will say so but often, there is one sitting in a closet somewhere collecting dust! Sometimes a seasoned crafter will even have an extra machine on hand. Don't be afraid to ask around. If you can afford a little, check craigslist, yard sales and thrift stores for a used machine.

Repurpose, reuse, recycle: you don't need to go out and purchase brand new fabric to make a quilt. This is NOT how they did it in the old days. They saved scraps of fabric and then used those scraps to create a blanket for warmth. Where do I get the fabric to start with? you ask...Well, most homes have clothing in abundance, for starters. Go through your closets, your children's closets etc.  There's a whole menagerie of fabric opportunities just waiting to be discovered in your closet. Don't forget your linen closet! Yes, sheets are a steal when you compare the price per yardage.

Again, if you have a little money you can find great deals on sheets at yard sales and thrift stores. I've seen bags full of fabric at the thrift store for pennies on the dollar. I've also seen lawns full at yard sales and ads on craigslist. Again, don't be afraid to ask around too. Most fabric crafters have an over abundance--ask me how I know. ;-)

Before you make something completely from scratch, ask yourself if you can simply alter something you already have? Is there a shirt that has a stain? Instead of ditching the shirt or sewing a whole new one...can you sew a flower and attach that over the stain? Allow your creativity to lead and guide you in new directions.

Linens are the best source for fabric: sheets can be made into curtains, skirts, shirts, pillows, stuffed animals, slip covers etc.

There are many online tutorials for creating a new piece of clothing from an old piece of clothing. (see below for ideas)

Notions: You will need to purchase some notions like needles and thread. Keep in mind that most thread will not be seen. Therefore you do NOT need to have thread in every color. A good basic or whatever is on sale will do. As long as it is strong and keeps your item together, it will do. I found a TON of thread once in my garage. Spools and spools and spools of brown and yellow...lasted me for YEARS! (actually I STILL have some) The color has never been a problem.

When you reach the end of your spool and there is still a bit left. Wind that bit around your fingers a few times and save the piece for the times when you only need a little to close a stuffed project via hand sewing.

Use Alternatives: Most patterns that need elastic can use a draw string instead. You can use a ribbon or create one with the fabric you have on hand. If something calls for a zipper, can you use buttons...and vice-versa. 

Save the elastic from underwear. Really. When a pair of undies has exhausted itself for some reason, I cut the elastic off if it still has stretch, stash it in my supply drawer and then toss the rest.

Save buttons from other items of clothing that are no longer useable.

Salvage Zippers: those plastic bags that bedding often come in as well as some random toys have zippers that are easy to remove with a seam ripper!

Use the library to check out pattern and sewing books. Or save some time by looking online. You can also search online for how to create your own patterns OR use an item of clothing that already fits you well as the basis for the new item. 

If you do buy a pattern: wait until they are on sale. They go on sale often for about $1 each. Also, patterns can be found at the thrift store for nearly a dime a dozen.

Stuffing for toys or pillows: you can purchase fluff OR you can use other strips of fabric or old cloths for filler.

The possibilities are endless!

Repurposed Inspirations:

Men's shirt into toddler sundress

T-shirt into ruffled toddler skirt

Men's shirt into skirt

Pillow case to toddler dress

Adult Tshirt to toddler Tshirt

Classic pillow case dress

Simple doll dress using stretch fabric

There are many more inspiring ideas online. Start sewing! I can't wait to see what you come up with. Please be sure to come back and share your projects, I'd love to see them. Now quick: go grab your guy's shirts before he notices. ;-)

Baby Book

Another baby shower, another baby gift. I had a root canal on Friday--& it was much more traumatic (ie: *painful*) than I expected. I had planned on creating my gift on Friday but just couldn't. I was pressed for time on Saturday, the day of the shower, and needed to change plans slightly.

I made this cloth book. It was plan B, admittedly. It is an easy go to & makes the perfect gift for a little one. A baby can chew on it, spit up on it, drag it around...Hey! It can even double as a burp cloth over your shoulder--just flip the page each time. haha.

Then just toss in the wash!

Cloth books make great beginner sewing projects & the recipient will *always* love them & won't even notice any mistakes.

Since I was unable to go with my original gift idea, I also added home made baby wipes/wash cloths.  Another simple 'go-to'. 

I cut squares of flannel I had on hand and serged all around the edges. Voila'!

Soft, economical AND eco-friendly + an easy way to stash-bust. 

I wrapped everything in a sweet bow and placed in a brown paper gift bag. Birdy cut out & then glued on extra fabric motifs from the cloth book to the sides of the bag.

The recipient loved it.

And her shower was absolutely lovely!

The table centerpieces were gallon sized succulents wrapped in brown paper & twine. Each guest received a small succulent plant wrapped the same way. So sweet. The best looking gender-nuetral shower I've ever seen. (the parents to be have chosen to keep baby's gender a secret--even to themselves-how exciting!)