a bit more about me!

So.. one thing I forgot to tell you in my last post was that.. I dont sew!!! I dont have a machine but I do have a teeny tiny sewing kit somewhere that Mum made up for me. Now you really think I am an imposter dont you!!!
Well, here are a few things that I have refashioned... not all wearable and some art that I entered into a recycled art competition a year ago..

these are a few samples of cards made using images from old magazines and childrens books, some dating back to 1950!

this one is an outdoor table decoration made with recycled stone, timber, glasses and ribbons

 this one is a wall hanging made using old pieces of timber lattice work and an old key

 this is a simple neck piece made from an old t shirt and belt buckle

and this one is a necklace made using some ribbon, twine an old button and some lace.

Well, I hope you enjoyed these images... you can see more on my blog

frangipani designs

and my facebook page dedicated to my refashioned items 

emma chissitt

I make stuff.

Seamstress, tailor, sewist, upcycler, fashion designer, diy'er. What do you consider yourself? Me- well I like to think of myself as a fabric artist. I'm Jenelle, mommy of 2 boys, and a sleep deprived lunatic. I repurpose tshirts and bring home a little bread and butter while having so much fun.

If your looking for an easy lickity split no sew project check this out. I call it the Donut Bacon Roll Scarf! Theres a complete tutorial here. And seriously, I want to know what you call yourself or do you just tell people, "I make stuff."

The Look for Less

Hi, Melynda here.

I am a country girl living in the beautiful state that is Colorado.

I have a huge love of fashion. I am drawn to unusual design and clever construction.

The photo I've included is my interpretation of the Dolce and Gabbana jacket from the Fall 2010 collection. I was able to make my jacket using a found (thrift store) vintage sweater, and leftover wool from a previous project. So for a grand total of $1.25 plus tax (not including my labor, as I have a running joke with my family that I charge $1,600. an hour) I have the look for less.

I'm so excited to be a part of this sharing community.

Sewing Basics # 10 - Encased Elasticated Waistband

The "dress to skirt" restyle as seen in my last post and an earlier restyle, has got to be the simplest restyle of all. Lop the top portion off the dress then sew in some elastic. There's a couple of ways that I'm aware of to create an elasticated waistband. The one I did on my grey dress restyle, and this one...

Click Image to open in a new window

1. Press over the raw edge about 0.5cm all the way round, then press it over again about 1-2cm (or more even) depending on the width of your elastic. Pin in place and mark a 3-4cm "gap" using a couple of pins as markers either side. Then sew all the way around, close to the bottom edge of your waistband casing, but leave the gap between the 2 pins open/unsewn.

2. Measure the amount of elastic you need by holding it around your waist so it is stretched a little, but comfortable and secure. Cut the relevant length  of elastic (allow 2" ontop of your desired length for knotting) and knot it on the end of a crochet hook. Use the crochet hook to feed the elastic through the "gap" in the waistband casing, all the way around and back out the other end of the gap. Knot the 2 ends of the elastic together. Trim if necessary. Hand or machine sew the gap in the waistband casing.

There you go! Bob's your uncle & your dress is a skirt!!

Numbers 1-9 of  Sewing basics

What Would You Do? (WWYD)

I've been totally swamped with work and family stuff for awhile, but just *perhaps* time is opening up today! I've got a lot on my plate for this morning, but maybe I will be able to squeeze in some sewing time this afternoon.

Picked up this tiny skirt yesterday, as I am in love with this fabric! It's a nice 100% cotton, almost voile with a Liberty of London feel. The waistband is soooo small it won't even fit my dress form, nevermind me!

What to do with it? There are currently inseam pockets and a side zipper, that is broken. Lots of inverted pleats and perhaps 4 yards of width at the hem! A simple flowy tank top would be doable, but perhaps not take advantage of the amount of fabric.

I have a large ribcage and a smallish waist, so no empire styles for me. Hating my arms and knees right now...:) so no short little dresses. What Would You Do??

Looking forward to seeing more posts from our contributors, and welcoming new ones today, as I am Editor On Duty for now! (Such fun to fiddle!) Did you see the new sign up form on the right of our blog? Send your friends!

Happy sewing!
Jenni