Momma Art

Got a plain black T? Make it fancy by embroidering some letters or pictures on it! I picked my word: RESFEBER Definition:  The restless race of the traveler's heart before the journey begins. We are planning a summer trip, and I'm gearing up for just a carry on for the plane!  No time for baggage claim!  But I gotta be stylish ya know? I measured out how big I wanted the letters to be and  sectioned them off in equal parts with some chalk. Let the stitching begin! I did a basic chain stitch for all the letters.  This is when the thread is doubled and you stitch up through the middle  of the previous stitch creating a "chain" look. I'm ready to go! I really like the way the v-neck highlights the placement of the word. The white embroidery thread adds a nice contrast, but you could do all the colors!  Next up: Craft Party I try to get my friends to craft with me a couple times a year. I don't...

Ok, seriously, does this dress scream 1980's or 1880's. I'm confused. I took it upon myself to try to liberate the fashion buried beneath this horrific piece of clothing. I know I'm a school teacher, but I think this is going too far... Not having a successful "before" picture moment. You get the idea.  Sally the cat was listening attentively.  Maybe this school-marm dress was working? Nah. I said listen up students! I've lost my head with this dress. (Get it?) Out came the shoulder pads first! Those things are huge! I might make somethin' outta those! Next, I had to pick off that delicate neck-lace. Ick! I then, picked off those sleeves, and chopped just a wee bit from the bottom. Sally of course, had to supervise. MEOW! I cut off a considerable chunk at the top of the sleeves and reattached them. I did NOT want those poofy ruffles! I also chopped off the wrists, ...

Here is a fun polka dot dress I found thrifting.  It was super frumpy but I knew I could change that! It came with some heavily sewn in shoulder pads. These shoulder pads are sewn in there tight!  Time to get the seam ripper! Buh Bye! The sleeves were too long and needed a trim. So was the bottom length. That got a chop too! I used my pinking roller to avoid fraying. Snip!....I mean...roll... I thought I'd try a little bias tape to fancy it up a bit. I sewed the sleeves and bottom hem  with the bias tape, like a sandwich.  I'm pretty sure that's not how you do it buuutttt,  I did it anyway.  It was not a super difficult refashion,  but it made a big difference. I was trying to get good lighting outside,  but it was FREEZING!!! I wanted to show you the sleeves but,  OH MY IT WAS COLD!! OK!!!! Quick take the picture!!! SOOOOO COLD!!!! Now, That looks a litt...

I saw this..... I loved the print. Dots and a bit of an optical illusion. It makes you a bit dizzy if you stare at it too long.  I didn't try it on at Goodwill, but for $1.23, I took the chance. I thought I could wear it as-is because it was super cute! The reason it is on my mannequin, well.... that is the story of my life: fits on top, but too tight on the bottom...don't even get me started on jeans... Then..... I saw  THIS  .... OH SNAP! I bought mine at Goodwill for $1.23. A much better deal than the $21 price tag on the inspiration top. I knew what I had to do! I took a big chop off the bottom. Then, I seam ripped the sides of the dress all the way up to the elastic waistband. I used the bottom scrap and made two triangles that will be my new side panels. I did a little pinning and sewing of the triangles to the sides.... Hem up the bottom... ...done! Perfect top paired with jeans to go to...

I had some fabric left over from my refashion of THIS  dress. I just love it so much, and my beautiful daughter saw it again recently, and wanted a dress to match Mommy.  How could I say no?  I love me some Starry Night...I am an art teacher ya know.... I grabbed a black tank top that she already had, and I cut two rectangles about 6 inches wider than the tank top. I sewed the rectangles together (RSF) and then sewed it to the tank top.  I pinned the sides and the front and back centers of the fabric to the tank, and stretched the tank top as I stitched. I used a zig- zag stitch to make sure there would be some "give" when she pulls it over her head.  Hem the bottom, flip it right side out, and it's done! Cute and comfy! Quick and easy! She was so happy to wear it to a family BBQ! See you next time!!