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Over the holiday, my mother-in-law unearthed bags and bags of these amazing vintage buttons:
So I promised to make hats, mits and scarves for the homeless with some students. So we were a small team of 7 people but we managed to make 30 pieces. At the same time, I made some Xmas presents for family and friends. All hats and scarves are lined with jersey or fleece. Everyone was very pleased.
Here is my niece's kit: hot pink chenille lined with fleece:
And here are my nephews:
Here are some funky hats I made for the men in my family: Not lined but made with my new SERGER !!!
And here is a pic of santa's helpers who made the items for the homeless:
Thanks for looking and happy vacation to all !!!
I have been very bad about posting but like many of you I was working on top secret holiday gifts and couldn't risk anyone finding out. But the suspense is over and I can finally reveal what I was working on. Although most of it doesn't qualify as a "wardrobe" item I think these do:
Although I looked at quite a few patterns I ended up having to change it a bunch just to get it to work. They are backed with the same material that the pocket is made of on each one. My mom recommended adding the pocket to catch any stray peas or other small food items that tend to roll away. Here is the close up of the embroidery:
I think it needs a little explanation: the text is the name of my blog and these bibs are for the son of my cousin who is a big supporter of my blogging efforts so I thought it would be nice for his son to have the first official piece of merchandise! The lettering was one of my first forays into chain stitch and I definitely learned a few things (like cursive may seem easier but is actually hard.)
More homemade gifts on the blog including some done by my mom and boyfriend!
~becca
My sock lost its elasticity on top. Remedy: a cuff saved from a chopped stretchy man's shirt's wrist cuff can hold up my sock. The sexy model is Albert the WonderDog.
My thrift store find: genuine Bastad Swedish clogs (you either love or hate clogs). They are too big. I bought a 2-pair pack of cheap foam inserts. The clogs were so big, that it took both pairs of inserts to make the clogs fit. However, they are now SO comfy it was worth it. And the clogs plus inserts cost about $5 bucks! Albert models.
I hope everyone had a good Christmas! Here's my mommy with her favorite present:
Mom asked for new flannel nighties for Christmas, so instead of buying one, I made one from flannel I already had. The pattern is Simplicity 9843, but it's out of print. It's similar to Butterick 6885. That's a lot more fabric than I'm used to working with--whew! The hat was a joke, and I just made it from the biggest scrap I had left. Mom wants anyone who sees this picture to know she doesn't usually wear giant, baggy sweatshirts. She was cold, so I gave her one of my husband's to wear. More thoughts at the blog.
Thought I'd show what I ended up doing with that shirt I was reconstructing. I did have to take the hem out, and remove a good several inches of fullness all around the seams, but I'm happy with the result.
I have one more recon to show from earlier this month-- was waiting till after the party to take any pictures. But one of my friends had a Russian-themed Christmas party (which she and her roommate dubbed the "Fudgin' Russian Communist Christmas Party"-- basically an excuse to serve fudge and White Russians), but she'd told everyone to wear red and such. I jokingly told her I could make a big furry Russian hat, but she liked the idea so much that I went ahead and did it anyway. I had a fake fur lining leftover from a leather trenchcoat that I'd already cut into (for a leather bag I posted here a few months back), so I used that and some leftover lining from my pantsuit and turned it into this.
(I'm the one on the left in the big furry hat, obviously. My friend on the right was one of the two party hosts. And I did make the earrings and jacket I'm wearing as well!)
Hope you all had a merry Christmas!
Well, I have been MIA. With the holiday gift making and a Christmas family cruise, I have not refashioned a thing. In fact, I have to tell you, I purchased new PJs and slippers for the whole family for Solstice gifts. I want to extend my commitment and will be posting again soon after the holidays.
Before: A long, hand-painted silk organza "skirt" rescued from a garage sale. Judging by the unfinished waist, and really long zipper that continued up past the waist, I would say this skirt began it's life as a dress.
After: A short, flirty version of Dior's "New Look" . Add a silk sash and a little black sweater and the outfit's ready to wear to the firm party.
From an outdated, hand-me down pair of embellished Riley camo capris, a destined-to-be-my-new-favorite-skirt was born.
The cutoff cargo pockets made cool "ruffles" on the side and the back just begged to be left with a dip.
The holidays are almost here and I am pleased to say that I have everything complete except for the quilt I am making my husband. I have the top pieced and since I am home for the next two weeks I don't think I'll have any trouble finishing it.
I also had a good trip to a nearby thrift store. I got 2 skirts and a sweater that are perfect just the way they are and then I got a sweater to unravel for the yarn (pure wool for about 3 dollars) and another sweater that I am going to refashion a la "Just for the Frill of it" page 63 "Granny Bolero" and then a gray skirt with beautiful embroidery on the hem. I have to redo it because it is too big and too long. I also got a cute clutch. Sorry no pics.
I do have some pics - here is a necklace and bracelet that I made
I have been practicing my jewelry making skills. I love one of a kind pieces and hopefully these will be in the new jewelry armoire I asked for Christmas.
Also, here is a cool scarf that I designed and knit for my etsy shop
