Doodles

I don't have much of substance to post today. Here are some doodles I did! They aren't very good, but it least I was working my cranium! (or my hand?)

I also watched I am Number four and must say I was very pleased. I think it would have made a better TV show, but I was entertained! I'll definitely watch the next movie, if there is going to be one.

Easy Skirt Tutorial

So, here is a step-by-step tutorial on how I created my easy skirt in green.

It's super easy. I originally found a tutorial on the internet from Sew Like My Mom. I did it a little differently, though, and I'll also explain how to use the elastic thread, a step she just assumes you know.

You will need:

• One guys knit tee two sizes larger then you wear
• Some elastic thread
• A sewing machine with all parts
• Scissors for cutting

The first thing you want to do is wind your bobbin with the elastic thread. You have to do this by hand. Take your bobbin, and just start winding around and around. You don't want to pull on the thread when you wind, just wrap it with its natural tension.

I used two bobbins to make this skirt (elastic thread runs out fast). You might want to go ahead and wind the other one if you want. Your bobbin should look like this when you are done, don't overfill it:

Now take your oversized shirt and cut it in two pieces right under the arms.

The tube should fit on your hips with 3-4 inches of excess fabric. If it is super huge, you will need to tailor it. I didn't have to tailor my XL one, but the green one was XXL and I had to size it down. Do this by just cutting down the seam and then re-sewing it back up until you have a tube that is only a few inches larger  then where you want your skirt to rest on your waistline.

Now, begin sewing with your elastic thread once you have a tube that is 3-4 inches larger then your waist. You just use the elastic thread as you would normal thread. You load the bobbin naturally, wind the thread the same, and don't add any extra tension--it works all by itself.

When you start sewing a line, backstick to hold the thread in place then front stitch again. This way your thread will not unravel. Also do this at the end of each line. You will need to cut your thread every time you start a new line.

Just make line after line after line around the top of your skirt. If you want the top to ruffle more, start lower on the skirt. I started with the edge of the foot peddle flush with the edge of my skirt (at 5/8th inch)  because I didn't want that much of a ruffle.

And that's it! The bottom of your skirt is already hemmed because it was a shirt in it's prior life!

Now go out and twirl, or stay home and make 5 more? =)

Easy Skirt

I made this easy green skirt with an XL guy's tee and some elastic thread. I'll post how I did it tomorrow. It's super comfy, and cost me 2$. I'm in love with swishy knit material now!

Summer, Life, and Doodling

Hey guys! How is everyone's summer going? I doodled this bird the other day using prismacolor pencils. This is my second (or third?) time trying them out--I enjoyed the way the colors blend and shape.

My summer has been going great. I really like my new job, and my hours are not strenuous. The only thing I am irked about is that I no longer have internet at my apartment. My landlord decided to go on vacation to the Bahamas and forgot to pay the internet bill. We can't get ahold of her to come in and reset up payment, and we can't call verizon because she is the account holder. Thus, no internet. Sad kitty.

However, this has been both of a blessing and a curse.

I no longer spend unneeded or wasteful time on the internet, trolling around with no purpose or goal. When I do arrive at barns and nobles, I have everything in my head that I want to do: post a blog post, check my e-mail, facebook, and etsy, as well as send any replies to friends, family, or customers. I don't loll around google or aimlessly surf youtube anymore! My time at home as well as my mornings have been MUCH more productive! And for this, I thank God. =)

However...sadly....I no longer have a magic box that I can ask questions of whenever I have a problem. Don't understand a sewing term in my manual? I can't google it. Want to look up a quick recipe? Can't! I can't listen to pandora, or change my facebook status (I've thought of some good ones too) or check out my favorite bloggers.....

But, I am enjoying my (hopefully) brief hiatus from the internet and making use of my local bookstore in the process. And I am learning patience. Maybe when my landlord returns I will be able to make use of my time on the internet and not waste any!

I have some cool things coming up this week: a tutorial for a new skirt and some more drawings.

Ciao!

More Cuffs

I just love creating these "fabric bracelets". I made two today.

The first one I made out of some scraps of cotton plaid weave.  It is nice and soft and, well, reminiscent of a man's button down shirt.

The second one I made is whimsical and colorful, made from bright scraps and pieces all stitched together. This one has a button closure!

What one do you like best? I'm not sure myself...my favorite is still my flower garden cuff.

Quilty-Purse

I really like this purse, I love hobby-holly girls and couldn't resist this girly sheet from the goodwill for 2$!

What do you think?

Has a magnetic snap, and

two pockets.

I can't wait to experiment more with this cute fabric!

Photography Attempt in Rose Dress

I took my camera into the back yard recently and snapped some pictures of the beautiful flowers growing under the porch.

And then I decided to try some self photography with my timer. Featuring this dress.

How is everyone else enjoying their summer?