Book inspired refashion: Sequin Scoop Neck

Hi everyone! I have been a bit MIA on the web and media for the past month. And trying to play catch up (and being minimally successful). I thought I would share a project that is on my "to-do" list to post on our blog.

First, enter a "dress" that I found. I am wearing shorts underneath but really wayyyyyy, wayyyy, wayyyy! too short to be a dress. It was basically a big t-shirt. It needed some fixing.

Now I got a refashion book for Christmas, And I was inspired by one of the projects in the book called the "disco tunic" 

It was similar to what I wanted to achieve with this dress that will now become a top. I have a lot of leftover strung sequins in my stash that I used when I was actively bellydancing with performances, etc. Perfect time to use what I have! I sat down and attached my strand sequins to the top by hand. Which I promise you was not as bad as it seems. :) Then I simply cut off the bottom and hemmed. Now it is a top!

Paired with a blazer. It is a nice pop for work. And I get to wear my pink, without being so much in your face. 

For more on this project click here! And FYI if you are a follower of my blog, I promise you I am not dead... I actually have a bunch of projects completed and a dead camera. And a wedding that I am in (not as a bride). My cousin is getting married and we are all running around getting everything ready! The blog will be back up and running in a little over a week. Knock on wood!!! :)

Cheers,
Lauren
Adventures of Lauren

MFAM Week 6: Diwali Days

It's week six of the My Favorite Art Museum series, and this week I'm on time! Amazing, I know.  With Diwali coming up, I thought now would be a good time to look at the Nelson's collection of Indian sculpture. (Confession: Diwali starts on November 3, and I was going to work on this project the week before, but I mixed up the dates and didn't realize my mistake until midnight last night. Whoops...)

The Nelson's collection features a variety of gods and goddesses, as well as representations of several myths. As with the Greek/Roman and Chinese collections, I was drawn to the sculptures' intricate details. The sculptures feature include gently draped fabric, ornate jewelry, and clothing that is definitely not safe for work.

"What do you mean this doesn' t comply with the company's dress code?"

Obviously, I can't really copy the goddess's outfit (that would be a very different blog...), but I can draw on her style. Walking through the Indian galleries, I noticed the way the figures' garments draped across their bodies like stripes. I could work with that. I also noticed the way the gods and goddesses accessorized. Each wore ornate belts, arm bands, necklaces, and earrings. I could work with that too.

For this week's project, I chose a large remnant of a burgandy and teal stripped fabric, a small decorative plate, and a broken necklace (not pictured).

Fabric detail.

Yep. I'm going to wear this plate.

I used the remnant to create a wrap similar to the one you see in the diagram below. I cut arm holes (dashed lines), leaving several inches at the top of the fabric to act as a collar. Then, I finished the edges.

Not to scale. Click to view larger diagram.

To create the belt, I cut the butterflies off of the plate and  linked them all together and added the broken necklace chain to the mix. Then I attached the belt to the wrap, so that the belt was keeping the wrap from slipping off or fluttering around too much. (Better directions for the belt and wrap can be found on my blog.)

Belt making.

I paired my new wrap/belt combo with my favorite jeans, a black sweater, and black boots. Not really an outfit you'd want to wear in India, but it's perfect for the chilly Midwest.

MFAM Week 6: Indian Art

Can you believe we're already moving on to week seven? We're almost to the end! Don't forget to check back next weekend for the next MFAM installment, and remember, please don’t touch the art.

- Elizabeth
aka The Hungry Octopus

Now blogging at www.TheHungryOctopus.com!

Doreen does Dresses

Sundress Or Maxidress=Mock Wrapdress

Oct25

A too short sun dress and a too revealing top on a maxi dress.
Cut the top off the maxi and then cut a section about 18 inches thick. Next about 4 inches from the arm holes cut the sun dress straight across into two sections.

Next I found a great edge stitch on my new sewing machine. O:) Thanks to my big brother in Christ Jim.
Then join the top part of the sun dress to the top part of the tube right sides together. This stitch has stretch so it worked great. 
Thought I’d show you a picture of my new machine. It is a singer LCD with air controlled pedal. And when i get the top down Jim and I are gonna take it for a ride. O:) just joking Jim said it was fully loaded!!!
Oppsey I wore the dress and forgot to take a picture of it completed.
Well then rights sides together sew the bottom of the sun dress to the bottom of the tube piece. You do need to be aware of the seams and keep them aligned with each other. Now the section I call the tube was a little larger on the bottom section because of the taper of the maxi dress, and lack of taper in the sundress. So there was a over lap of fabric to one side. Well I used the straps for the maxi dress to make a belt and tied the dress off to that side. It came out great. Sorry about the wrinkles I wanted you to see the finished work.

Awww you got a little kitties shadow under the dress, and there is a close up of the belting . Seeing it like this I gotta say it looks better on because it hangs great and hits the right length.
God’s grace, peace, light, and love to you always. In Jesus’ service Doreen✞ ✞ ✞
P.S. I would really like to hear from you.But I won’t even know you came unless you leave a comment. I know time is valuable and I thank you for yours.

Quick and Easy Sheriff Costume for Halloween

Howdy, Partner!

Need a quick costume for Halloween?

How 'bout an easy sheriff costume this year?

Start with a couple of thrift store finds:

 

Use your scissors to make a few snips.

Add a few accessories and you've got yourself a sheriff costume.

Of course, it wouldn't be complete with out a cheesy tin foil badge.

And here's the best accessory:

My ruggedly handsome husband! Yum!

You can see the entire tutorial over at The Renegade Seamstress.

While you're there, be sure to check out this week's Refashion Runway: Winter White Challenge and vote for your favorite designer. You will be amazed at what the talented competitors have created for you this week!

Also, if case you haven't heard, The Renegade Seamstress has been nominated over at Craftsy for "The Best Tutorials in Sewing". I'm so excited, I can hardly stand myself. Thank you so much to everyone who nominated me and to all of you who have already voted. 

If you haven't yet voted, could I give you my cute look and ask you a HUGE favor?

Would you click here and go over to Craftsy and cast your vote for The Renegade Seamstress? The voting is open until tomorrow night.

Thank you so much for indulging me and my shameless self promotion!

Happy Sewing!

Beth

Winter White 3-Piece Party Dress

For the final Refashion Runway challenge, the competitors were charged with the task of creating something in Winter White. I refashioned three pieces, which together form a sweet party dress, but can also be worn separately.

When I saw this dated prom dress at the thrift shop for $6, I knew I had to have it. I am seeing lovely tulle skirts all over these days and have been wanting one of my very own. The bottom half of this dress fit the bill nicely.

Then I took the leftover top part of the wedding dress from last week's Cinderella costume and created a white satin bustier.

Finally, I quickly, but carefully, snipped the solid white lining out of this lace t-shirt to make it more versatile.

And when their powers combine, I can go sweet...

...or sassy...

..or sexy!

As always, you can find more pics and details on CarissaKnits, and/or you can go see the other entries and cast your vote at Renegade Seamstress.