New project: making my own clothes like a damn dirty hippie.

Ever since I was little I've always wanted to be able to make my own clothes. The stuff I find in stores is always so close to what I want, but not quite. Like, for instance, this jacket I found at Marshall's today. Right size, good style, nice fabric. All in all, pretty cute. Then I turn it around and there's a giant rhinestone skull on the back. Not cute. Not even cute when skulls were popular. Old fads can be funny when worn well after they've gone out of style, but those damn skulls are still too fresh in my memory to be funny. Plus, rhinestones are difficult to wear without looking like Blanche Devereaux out for a night of geriatric naughtiness.

Anyway, here is my first project:


















The package better not be lying to me when it says "easy."

Construction of a cute thing.

So I took photos of the Gingerbread Man ornament construction process. I know we're all done with Christmas, but I wanted to share. Cause I like to look at cute things. And my Homer head slippers.



Pieces cut out with buttons.







Pretty blanket stitching.







More blanket stitching.









Stuffing has commenced.








He has felt innards.







Those are his brains.












Full of Gingerbread Man meats.

I've discovered the source of the problem and inspiration where I never thought to look.

Maybe this is why I can never find anything.





I've decided I can't choose one favorite color. It would alienate the others.

Project Runway progress, Jon Cryer

So not a lot of progress has taken place, because I am a shameful, lazy procrastinator. I did, however, change my mind on design. It has evolved from a shirt with ruffles added, to a strapless top constructed completely from scrap. I'm not sure if I'm going to look adorable (which was the intent) or a little crazy when it's done. A little of both would probably work.

These were taken last night while working and watching Pretty in Pink. And I will admit that I totally had a crush on Jon Cryer in 1987. Also, has anyone else ever seen Hiding Out??? It's a sweet little story about a 30 year old man (Jon Cryer) running from the mob who has to hide out with his younger cousin, which of course means he also has to adopt a secret identity as a high school student. Ill-advised hair bleaching and statutory love ensues. AWESOME movie.

Anyway, here's some more deconstruction with some long awaited construction:



Today I'm going to try to finish the pin I have in my head. It should require minimal sewing, which will give my brain and eyes a rest. I might also have to journey to Hollywood Video (sign up for their MVP Program, seriously- we figured out that we've rented almost $3000 worth of movies for about $200) to see if they carry Hiding Out. I've got a taste for underage lovin' and crazy skunk striped hair.

Project Runway Repurposed

So I signed up to do this Project Runway Repurposed thing at the Howell Opera House last week. I'm pretty geeked about it. If you're not familiar with these things, this is how it goes: sign up, pick through donated clothes, combine said clothes into new article(s), have fashion show, people bid on clothes, everyone hopes to not be the one person who gets no bids, money goes to charity. It seemed so simple at first until I remembered that I'll have to actually make a new article of clothing- something I've never done before- with limited sewing abilities. So here are the articles of clothing that I picked out:



That's it all piled up. And my toes.

I have visions of ruffles and giant flower pins.




The awesomeness of the fabric in this dress spoke to me...



So I reduced it to the sum of it's parts.



So far that's all I've got done. Supposedly I should already have my design finalized and be in the construction stage. Ha! Funny. My sewing skills have proven to be their best at 2 am the day before something should be done. So I'm going to trust in my consistency and hope for the best. Woo ruffles!