Happy Game of Thrones Day!

I’m usually a “reality, give ’em a challenge, and kick ’em off one by one” TV show type of gal.

But NOT today!

No, not today!

Today, I’m a “mystical, hatch a dragon, marry a hunky warrior, and live in a castle” TV show type of gal.

So make some popcorn and move over on the couch, my favorite show is returning to HBO tonight. Seems like an eternity!

So much eye candy, great costumes, visual effects, and a compelling story line that would even make the Real Housewives of New Jersey jealous.

I know what you’re saying, “Beth, you always seem to go for those ruggedly handsome guys.”

Well, YES I DO. Thank you very much!

The costume designers are genius!

(Hmmm…I wonder if I have something in my stash to refashion into this little number….)

Now, my ruggedly handsome husband and I very seldom agree on    movies or TV. He loves the action shows and as I mentioned before I’m more into reality TV. But Game of Thrones has both of us snuggled up together on the couch. Now anything that can do that has got to be good!

Check it out tonight and let me know what you think! I can hardly wait!

Posted in movies, Refashioning, Sewing | Tagged , , , , | 18 Comments

DIY Fabric Basket

Everyone needs a new basket this time of year. Don’cha think?

This is my version of a NO SEW woven basket.

I know it’s hard to believe but some people out there think they can’t sew. I won’t mention any names…… JAN…….but here is a project that even she can do.

First, choose some fabric that makes you happy.

My sister’s vintage camper has curtains now with this pattern. I smile each time I see it.

Tear the fabric into one inch strips. You could cut it, but I like the rough edges and tearing is much faster.

Start to wrap the fabric strips around the cord. When you get a few inches wrapped, roll the cord into a spiral.

Use the fabric to hold the spiral together by wrapping a figure eight every inch or so. This part is the hardest and most awkward. Just keep at it and it will get easier, I promise.

When you get the base as wide as you’d like it to be, start to stack the cord on top of the outer ring. Continue with the wrap and figure eight every inch or so, just guide the cord upward instead of out.

Keep stacking and wrapping until your basket is as tall as you’d like.

Now you’re ready to wrap the handle. Just wrap the cord without the figure eights until your handle is just the right length.

Once your handle is wrapped to the right length, pull the end of the handle  through the top cord. Wrap the fabric around to hold it in place and tie a knot in the fabric and cut the cord. A fabric bow could be placed here to cover up any bulk.

Posted in baby, Crafting, DIY, Easter, fabric, Sewing, Thrifting, Tutorial, upcycling | Tagged | 31 Comments

DIY Shirt Refashion

Let’s start with this thrift store, button down, men’s shirt that I’m going to wear backwards. Yep, that’s right, I said backwards.

Use this strip for the waistband

With right sides together, pin and sew sleeve back into sleeve casing and now you have a new summer shirt!!!!

This project was inspired by Tracy from Let’s Get Thrifty . She refashioned, not just one, but three men’s button downs into cute summer shirts! Check out her awesome blog for some more ideas!

Have a great weekend!


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Posted in Crafting, DIY, fabric, Reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Refashioning, Sewing, Thrifting, Tutorial, upcycling | Tagged | 80 Comments

Craft room makeover

 

Cleaning my craft room today.

Stay tuned……

Posted in Crafting, DIY, fabric, Sewing, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

One Thousand White Women and not a refashion in sight

I’m in awe of those people who paint with words.

After reading the last page of One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus, it was hard for me to snap back to reality. I just stared out my rain soaked windows, still walking the fine line between two worlds. My safe, warm, little comfy living room and May Dodd’s world with the Cheyenne tribe in 1875.

You are warned in the first sentence of the Author’s Note, the book is entirely a work of fiction. However, it is based on what might have happened if the US government had honored a Northern Cheyenne chief’s request in 1854 for a gift of one thousand white women as brides for his young warriors to help with the assimilation into the white man’s world.

I picked this book up on a whim and was immediately caught up in the story. Only stopping to load some more wood in the fireplace or to refresh my diet Dr. Pepper. Needless to say, there was no refashioning going on around here today until the book was finished.

Perhaps tomorrow…..

Posted in Books, DIY, family, friends, gifts, Refashioning | Tagged , , , , | 20 Comments

DIY Fabric Flowers

Fabric flowers are everywhere and you can DIY!

Cut out circles from a t shirt. You’ll need 7 identical size circles for each flower.

One circle will be the base. Fold the other circles in half then in thirds.

Glue each petal down using fabric glue.

You can add a button or any embellishment you like to the middle.

Hats love a nice fabric flower.

Cute flowers can dress up anything.

Have fun!

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Posted in baby, Crafting, DIY, Reconstructed clothing, Refashioning, Sewing, Thrifting, Tutorial, upcycling | Tagged , , | 77 Comments

A Big Secret!

I’m horrible at keeping secrets.

But not this time!

And this was THE hardest secret to keep, my tongue hurts from biting it so often.

I did have to sneak in a few hints.

There’s one in the Wine Tasting at Grocery Outlet post.

And a hint in the Big Day post.

That Giraffe Keeps Calling my Name had a pretty big hint, too.

Did you guess?

I have finally been given to go ahead to reveal the Big News!!!!

KATIE AND ADAM ARE HAVING A BABY!!!!!

They are going to make the cutest babies!

And there is NO doubt in my mind that it’s a girl.

Most people will tell you that I’m 100% wrong in all my baby predictions. But I’m sticking to this one.

GIRL!

Back when Katie was 12 and we told her the news that she was going to be a big sister, she exclaimed, “Oh mom, it’s only been a couple minutes since you told me, how am I ever gonna wait 9 months?” Well, now I know exactly how she felt…..

How am I ever gonna wait til October??!!?!

Posted in baby, DIY, family, friends, Refashion, Rustic Chic Wedding, Sewing | Tagged , , | 28 Comments

Another Pinspiration

Is there hope for this?

I say YES!

First take out the shoulder pads.

Then cut off the sleeves.

Next, cut off the extra around the arm holes.

Pin the sides to fit.

Sew new side seams.

Trim seams.

Cut a new neckline. For symmetry, cut the first side then fold it over and continue cutting, using it as a pattern.

Cut the bottom off the sleeves.

Using a rotary cutter, cut 2 inch strips.

Cut them open and lay flat.

Sew all the short sides of the strips together.

Using the longest stitch and the highest tension, sew down the middle of the strip and it will automatically ruffle.

Pin the ruffle around the new neckline and down the front then sew again down the middle of the ruffle.

I was going for this look from Pinterest , now I just need a navy cardigan. It’s not exactly like the shirt, I think I’ll try a softer tee shirt next time.

I used the same technique for the ruffle on this dress.

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Posted in Crafting, DIY, Reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Refashioning, Sewing, Thrifting, Tutorial, upcycling | Tagged , , | 70 Comments

Wine Tasting at Grocery Outlet?

When living in a small rural town, a person just might assume that there was nothing to do on a Friday night.

But NO!

That is so NOT true!

How ’bout a Wine Tasting at the local discount food store, Grocery Outlet, to close out your work week?

Complete with complimentary chocolates, cheese and crackers, fine wine glasses etched with the Grocery Outlet logo, and wine carriers. What could be better you ask?

Well, I’ll tell you.

Not only finding Sweet Pea Apple Wine with a SUPER cute label, but it even tastes good, AND it was 20% off.

Making the final cost………Wait for it………

$2.39

Yes, you heard me right, $2.39. The perfect spring wine for a wedding or baby shower.

Now THAT’S my idea of a good time on a Friday night!

Posted in Crafting, DIY, family, friends, gifts, Refashion, Sewing, Thrifting | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Hem those jeans in 15 minutes or less

If you’ve ever hemmed your jeans with a stapler (and you know who you are 🙂 ) then this tutorial is for you!

I couldn’t resist these Vigoss jeans from Maurices the other day. I know, I UNOFFICIALLY declared no new purchases, but the dark wash and white stitching lured me in.

The only problem………Whah…..Whah…..Whah…..

Too long. 😦

I want to keep all that nice white stitching, so instead of using staples, like I usually do (oops, did I say that out loud?) let’s do it the right way.

First, pin where you’d like the jeans to fall.

Next, measure from the top of the existing hem to the fold.

Cut that measurement in half, turn up the hem, measure the half distance and pin.

Using a zipper foot, stitch as close to the existing hem as possible.

Fold back and press with a steam iron.

And now you have just the right length with the original white stitching showing on the hem.

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Posted in DIY, Refashion, Refashioning, Sewing, Tutorial | Tagged , , , | 28 Comments