New blog!

Hello!  It's been awhile hasn't it.... Well the last few years have been full of so many changes.  Lots of moving, little crafting/sewing space, and very little time.  Fortunately things seemed to have settled down (somewhat!) and I am so excited to be able to spend more time sewing these days!  I decided to start a new blog "Stitch Sense" for my future sewing posts, and plan on updating often.  Be sure to check it out at www.StitchSense.com

I'll check back with this website too, and may post other crafty things from time to time, but we'll see.  Be sure to head over to Stitch Sense for my latest sewing adventures!

Summer Stitch Fix! June 2016

It's here!  My summer stitch fix.  I ended up keeping 2 out of the 5 items which is cool, but I just keep hoping for a 5 out of 5 (I really want that discount! lol)

If you haven't given Stitch Fix a try yet and are interested, please use my referral link :)

MIA - Albina Leather Slide Sandals

MIA - Albina Leather Slide Sandals

Loved the color, fit well, but just not my style:  RETURNED.

Dear John - Finnegan Roll Cuff Short

Dear John - Finnegan Roll Cuff Short

I'm always looking for a nice pair of more modestly cut shorts, which is why these were picked out by my stylist.  They were a little large in the waist, and the length was a bit long for me (rolling the cuff once more would have been just right).  Being into sewing, I would have made those alterations but.... I just wasn't a fan of the color.  I was hoping for either a fun bright color, or something more timeless (navy or khaki): RETURNED.

Skies are Blue - Nielsen Henley Top

Skies are Blue - Nielsen Henley Top

I have a lot of plaids on my Stitch Fix pinterest board which may be why this was picked out for me.  I don't usually even wear plaid but I like the idea of it and am on the lookout for a cute long-sleeved shirt that looks out-doorsy for camping etc.  This top fit more loosely than I like, and I just wasn't feeling a sleeveless in this pattern: RETURNED.

 Papermoon - Biscayne Lace Panel Knit Top

Papermoon - Biscayne Lace Panel Knit Top

When I pulled this out of the box I wasn't feeling it.  Then I looked at it closer and really liked the detailing (which is something I include in my style requests).  I always try everything on that is sent even if I am not at first interested.  Glad I did, because this time I was pleasantly surprised at how well it fit, and how much more I liked it when I tried it on: KEPT.

Papermoon - Biscayne Lace Panel Knit Top

Hailey 23 - Tonita Knit Maxi Dress

Hailey 23 - Tonita Knit Maxi Dress

I liked this dress right away but didn't get my hopes up.  I've been on the lookout for a summer maxi dress and had 2 sent to me in previous fixes.  In my 4th Stitch Fix the dress was a print that just wasn't me (I then noted in my style comments I prefer a solid bodice when having a patterned bottom to the dress), and in my 3rd Stitch Fix the dress was amazing, and fit great, EXCEPT it was too short, ugh.  Also a bit pricey not getting the keep 5 discount, but if it were longer, I probably would have kept it.

Anyways, when I tried this dress on it fit well, and was a nice length.  PLUS, the back had a cool and unique cut to it, which is another thing I always request in the stylist comments :)  This one was a KEEPER

Hailey 23 - Tonita Knit Maxi Dress

Hailey 23 - Tonita Knit Maxi Dress - back view

If you haven't given Stitch Fix a try yet and are interested, please use my referral link

Mermaid Tail Blankets

I've been able to squeeze a little more sewing in lately, and here's what I've been up to:

Fleece Mermaid Tail Blankets!  They are so much fun to make.  I've been shopping sales since fleece can be pricey.  My favorite is when JoAnn's has extra-wide fleece on 50% off, you get a lot more bang for your buck that way.  Better yet if you have an additional coupon to top it all off.

The dark green mermaid tail blanket pictured above is an adult size, and the others are smaller.  I've been experimenting with patterned fleece too, which I think is a fun twist.

I've been crocheting a bit too, but will probably switch over to making jewelry again soon.  Need to stock up on necklaces to sell at our booth.

Spring! & updates

It's finally starting to feel like spring!  Love it.  I've had a little more time lately to enjoy the weather and think about crafting (my schedule will pick up big time again soon so I'm loving it while it lasts!).  Last weekend I caught a 50% off sale at JoAnns on fleece so I stocked up for blankets and other sewing projects for our booth. 

I'm trying to brainstorm ideas for new booth items that are fresh for spring and summer.  I have a few ideas to try but am still on the lookout for a few more things to make.

Speaking of our booth, we've been at it for almost a year!  It's gone by pretty fast.  I'm still on the wait list for a 2nd booth, which I plan to do completely different things with, but I'm guessing won't come to the top of the list for quite some time yet.  Still thinking ahead though since I'd need to make a lot of product to fill up a new booth.

I've got another Stitch Fix scheduled to come in June & will be posting about that then.  I'm also working on making an ebook of refashioned t-shirt tutorials.  I'll keep you posted when I'm finished.

Also, still working on my other blog Sunset Scribbles where I share travel stories, pictures, and tips about different destinations as well as articles etc. about places that look fun :)

Stitch Fix #4 - April 2016

My 4th Stitch Fix arrived!!  If you haven't tried it yet and want to give it a go, please use my referral link

Opening it up, and first thing I noticed was this cute bag on the left... what was inside??

SHOES!  Stitch Fix just started including shoes as a possible item in fixes. 

Franco Sarto - Grip Thong Sandal

These are pretty cute, and look comfortable.  The side strap is a metallic color rather than black, which I thought was a neat detail.  Although they are cute, I already have something similar in my closet so these will be returned.

Here is a look at the clothing...

Papermoon - Caliti Crochet Detail Knit Top

From the front it looks like a simple striped shirt, which I liked, and the fabric was different than I usually wear, which I also liked.  But, I figured this would be something I returned when I first grabbed it... and then.... I saw the back!

I LOVE the crochet detail on the back.  It's a unique, unexpected surprise which is what I keep my eye out for and always request things with different details when I write my fix request info.  This is totally me, LOVE IT, keeping it for sure!

Skies are Blue - Quigley Tie Waist Blouse

I am always in need of cute tops that can be dressed up or down.  I thought it was pretty when I first took it out of the box, but then really liked how it fit and decided this one was a keeper too!  I thought it would be cute to wear to work (business casual) possibly paired with the navy blue sweater I got in my 2nd stitch fix 

Loveappella - Jesse Maxi Dress

It was a windy day out!  But you get the idea :)  I had requested a specific maxi dress I'd seen others get in their boxes but my stylist said that she couldn't find that exact dress, so she picked something similar.  Though this is cute, I didn't really love it and didn't think I'd wear it enough so I am returning it.

Level 99 - Andy Cargo Skirt

I had also requested a pair of olive skinny jeans for this fix which they didn't have this time so I am wondering if that was the inspiration for this skirt?  It fit really well and seemed high quality, but it just isn't "me" so it will be returned as well.

Can't wait to schedule another fix in the future!

Remember to use my referral code if you decide to give it a try yourself :)

2nd Stitch Fix
3rd Stitch Fix

Stitch Fix #3 - March 2016

My 3rd Stitch Fix came in the mail the other day!  I get so excited to see what they send that I cheat and take a peak at the checkout slip on-line to see what is coming in the mail before my box arrives!  It's still a surprise to open the box though :)

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix yet, please use my referral link if you sign up!

Lots of blues, my favorite!

41Hawthorn - Lisbon Stud Detail Blouse

Super cute printed fabric.  I usually wear more fitted tops, but thought this one was pretty.  It fit well, and is different than anything else I already have. I was sooooo close to keeping it, but ultimately sent it back.

There was also stud detailing on the sleeves.

Gilli - Sebastian Maxi dress

I LOVED this dress.  It fit perfectly, felt great, and is something I'd absolutely wear.  I reallllly wanted to keep it, and debated long and hard.... but sadly returned it.  Just too pricey for me [$78].  If only everything else in the box worked out and I could have gotten the 25% off, oh well.

 Romolo - Macalla Tiered Bib Necklace

I think this is really pretty, but when I tried it on, there was just a little too much bling for my style.  I thought about keeping it, because it is a gorgeous statement necklace, but just didn't think that I'd wear it enough.

 Kut From The Kloth - Jonathan Skinny Corduroy

LOVED these!  I'm a sucker from corduroy, and teal, so add them together and bam.  Had to keep them :)  Also now have a great reason to force myself to clear out a pair of green corduroy pants that I may or may not wear from back in high school....

Papermoon - Magguie Lasercut Detail Blouse

Also really liked this.  A little looser fit than I usually go for, but thought the detailing was unique and fun.  It was mis-cut a little and I was looking to exchange it, however in the end I decided to return it.

I absolutely love getting my stitch fix packages.  It's like opening a present whenever it comes in the mail!  I've already scheduled my next box to come in 3 weeks!

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix yet, please use my referral link if you sign up!

2nd Stitch Fix

4th Stitch Fix

Booth items

I've still been working on items for our booth in my spare time.  Here are some of the earrings I've made:

School has been very busy, so my crafting time has been very minimal.  Daydreaming of next year when I won't be studying for tests on weekends anymore!

My 3rd Stitch Fix is coming soon, I'm so excited :)  If you haven't tried it out yet, here's my referral link.  It's fun seeing what they pick out for your style!  Here's what I got in my last box

Stitch fix review - box 2!

OK so I am pretty late to jump on the bandwagon, but here it is.  I signed up for stitch fix in December and just received my 2nd fix last week!  My pictures aren't the greatest quality (I'll do better next time :)  ) but here is what I got:

Opening the box:

41Hawthorn - Abrianna Longsleeve Knit Cardigan - navy

When I pulled this out of the box, I wasn't so sure... thinking, "I have a navy sweater, I don't need another" BUT when I put it on, I knew instantly I had to keep it!  It fit well, and is super versatile.  This is a new favorite item in my wardrobe!  KEPT IT :)

Papermoon - Wynn Front Pocket Blouse - Blue

This looked adorable with white skinny jeans.  It fit a little strange in the shoulders on me, but I was majorly on the fence about keeping this one or sending it back. 

I have been getting pretty selective about my shopping lately though since my closet is full of clothes that don't fit quite right (so therefore I try on 5 outfits each day and end up wearing the same few outfits that fit and put all the other ones back in my closet to repeat the frustrating process another day)  So, since it wasn't a super perfect fit, I RETURNED IT (sadly)

Look by M - Ines Abstract Print Wrap Scarf - light green

Totally adorable!  I wanted to keep it, but since I have a ton of scarves, I couldn't justify the cost. RETURNED IT (sadly)

41Hawthorn - Jaxton Trench Vest

OK so I requested a safari style jacket, which I assume is the inspiration for this jacket. I wanted to like it soooo bad (because lets face it, I wanted to keep all 5 items and get the 25% off!  The 2 items I returned I would have absolutely loved to keep at the discounted price, but ultimately I was honest with myself and didn't force it.  This jacket/vest is a cute idea, but isn't very functional and I just didn't picture myself wearing it more than once or twice.  It also looked pretty boxy on me.  It has the potential to look adorable and very flattering, but not on me. - RETURNED IT

Kut from the Kloth - Elliot Cargo Pocket Short

So I just got done saying I am being selective and only keeping things that fit amazing... well this is the one exception.  I have had the worst time finding shorts that are of a tasteful length (but not too long) and style that are even remotely close to fitting me... So even though the waist was a bit large I am going to alter it to fit.  Super cute and comfortable shorts. - KEPT IT!

If you haven't tried Stitch Fix yet for yourself, I've had a lot of fun with it!  Here's my referral link: https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5974806 

3rd Stitch Fix
4th Stitch Fix
4th Stitch Fix

Katniss cowl - "oops"

Last winter break I decided to have a go at making a "Katniss cowl" and was so excited!  I printed out a picture of Katniss from the movie, got a bunch of yarn, turned on the TV and came up with a plan.

 

Things were going well, and seasons of TV shows were watched in only a couple sittings..., and when I finally took a step back from what I was working on I realized it wasn't going to work.  Why?  Oh that annoying habit I have of weaving (knitting/crocheting/etc.) things too tightly.  Since this was a DIY, "figure it out as you go" thing, there wasn't a gauge or anything to compare to (not that I do that when there is....lol)

 

I ended up taking out A LOT of what I had done (oh the hours of work I lost!) but was super glad I did later.  I *almost* finished the project last year but not quite.  And, since opening a craft booth have been focusing on other things.  Plus, working with wool yarn isn't so appealing when the weather is nice.  BUT, this winter break I am determined to finish it!

 

Here's how it was on my 1st attempt:

Katniss cowl attempt 1- front

 

Katniss cowl attempt 1- back

Eek!!  the back wasn't supposed to curve like that.  I tried it on & thought about trying to make it work and keep going, but knew I'd regret not taking it apart at this point.  Plus, the fit was a bit wonky at that point.



Finally signed up!

I have been so curious to try Stitch Fix for quite some time, and have heard great things about it.  So, I finally signed up! 

In case you don't know what it is, you fill out a style questionnaire when you sign up, and have a personal stylist pick out 5 items they think you'll love and send it to you in a box.  There is a fee to have this done, but that can be applied to the cost of whatever items you keep.  If you don't like an item, you send it back without a charge (except the styling fee).  If you love an item, you buy it & can deduct the cost of the styling fee from your purchase! 

You can have scheduled boxes sent, or let them know whenever you're ready for another one.  And, you can add a little note for your stylist to know what you're looking for.  Whether it be a cute outfit for a wedding, date night, or holiday party or whatever!
 
 

Shopping for clothes is so frustrating for me since nothing ever seems to fit right.  Yes, being someone who sews, I could alter *some* things... but I don't usually do it.  Instead I have a huge pile of "to do" sewing that by the time I get around to it, styles have changed!

 

I can't wait to get my 1st box!

 

 

 

If you're ready to give it a try to, please use my referral link:

 

https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/5974806

New adventures of renting a craft booth!

Hey there!  I knew I was neglecting this blog while I prepared for my new crafting adventures... but didn't realize it had been that long since I last posted.  Eek!

Anyways, several months ago I heard about a new store that was opening near my home that allowed vendors to rent booths to sell things at.  Though the timing for me wasn't great (I go to school a couple thousand miles away), I couldn't resist my burning desire to look into it.  I've wanted to explore this type of opportunity for quite some time, but nothing too promising had come up until now.

Lucky for me, my Mom also loves sewing and crafts and was willing to help me be a part of the booth while I'm away (restocking things, inventory, etc., etc.)  She looked into the details of space rental, and talked the idea over with a couple of my other amazingly crafty relatives, and what do you know?  We signed the lease!

I had only a couple of weeks between school & travel to build up enough stock for the grand opening, we all organized the booth and sat back to see how things would go.  I have to say, I went into it expecting to lose money, but obviously was hoping for more.

Over the summer, I spent most of my free time making jewelry, going to rummage sales, repurposing furniture, and making other crafts so I could leave my mom with a nice amount of items to stock my section of the booth while I'm gone.  It took a lot of time, but it was all fun :)

The booth is doing well, and we are all still very excited about it, so much so that we extended our lease!  Can't wait to be closer to home so I can keep fresh with the crafting trends and not have to rely on my stockpile :) 

DIY burlap ruffled tree skirt

Slightly off season, but I was going through some old photos and remembered I never posted about our new tree skirt!  I have been wanting to make a ruffled burlap skirt for some time now... and my lovely dogs gave me a reason to go ahead and do so after they chewed a hole in our other tree skirt.

Bummer about the old skirt, but I may make some adjustments to it so it's good as new (they chewed the edges and last time I sewed it up it had a couple "scallops" to it)

Anyways, I started by cutting the largest circle I could with a base layer of white cotton fabric.

DIY tree skirt

Then I cut my burlap into long strips (I believe I had 2-2.5 yards of burlap)  I was SO excited about the burlap, because it had some metallic gold colored threads mixed in with it.

DIY tree skirt

Then I pinned the strips of burlap onto the cotton fabric and sewed each row on to form the ruffled look.  Of course the cat had to "help".  (he had to leave the room when I was using pins)

DIY tree skirt

I used the selvage edge of the burlap for the outer most layer of ruffles and thought it added a cute, slightly different border.

Burlap ruffled tree skirt

After repeating row, after row, after row of placing burlap and stitching it on, the tree skirt was complete!  I really like how it turned out (and the animals do too... they love to lay on it).  If I were to make another one, I would make it larger, by stitching panels of cotton together for the base layer rather than just using the size of the fabric from the bolt.

Also, due to the nature of burlap, it does fray a lot, and with 3 animals that love to roll around under the tree, I don't think this tree skirt will last very long...  I'll probably make a more durable skirt to rotate with this one in the future.

no crease hair ties

Just finished midterms today, that means this weekend I should have a little spare time to relax & do some crafty things :)

 

It's just not the same being so far away from my craft room and sewing machine... but here are some no crease hair ties I made recently.

 

 

I ordered a bunch of beads to make some jewelry for our booth (should be set up in a month or two!).  Can't wait to work on that.  (But, I will have to, since I had them shipped home, not to school).  In the mean time, I'll be making sea glass charms and crocheting.

A new adventure!

Guess what!?!  My Mom, Aunt, cousin, & I rented a booth at a store to sell handmade & repurposed items.  I am beyond excited.  I have been looking for opportunities like this for years, but the right thing hasn't come along.... until now :)

 

It's a bit unfortunate timing for me, since I'm away at school... but I'm hoping to stockpile some repurposed items, handmade jewelry and sewn goods this summer to keep the booth stocked with some of my things while I'm away in the fall again.

 

I cannot wait!

Scrub cap!

Here is one of the scrub caps I made for school, as modeled by my lovely assistant :)

 

 

This same lovely assistant destroyed the pattern that I was planning to use to make the scrub cap.... so I had to wing it a little.

Baby Sushi bodysuit!

When I saw this Sushi Baby Costume  on Martha Stewart's website, which was made by Carolynn Caffelle I could not resist making one for my niece/nephew-to be for Christmas a couple years ago.

 

 

 

There are templates to make either tuna or shrimp (<-- the one I chose).

 

It was a lot of fun to make, and got quite a few smiles when it was done :)

 

My brother & sister-in-law took some adorable pictures of my niece wearing this, where they had chopsticks in the forefront of the picture and it looked like they were "picking up the sushi" hahaha.

 



crocheted market bag

Now I'm ready for the beach or the market, with this simple crocheted market bag!

 

 

I single crocheted the base of the bag, into a circle, double crocheted the height of the bag, and single crocheted the handle.

 

Back to class tomorrow!  I can't believe how fast winter break went... Hopefully I'll get a chance to share some of the crafting & sewing projects I did over break with you soon :)

DIY beaded necklace!

I was so excited when House of Gems contacted me about an amazing opportunity, in which they provided me with all the supplies I needed to make a DIY jewelry project! 

 

There were so many gorgeous beads to choose from, but I particularly loved the Iolite gemstone beads. 

 

DIY Iolite gemstone necklace

(For a list of supplies please scroll to the bottom of this post)

 

 1) Cut 14" of beading wire & string the Iolite beads in this order:

teardrop, *roundelle, round, roundelle, teardrop* (repeat order of beads between the *s until the strand is 9.5" long.

 

 

 

2) Cut 12.5" of beading wire & string the Iolite beads in this order: 

*round, 2 roundelle*, repeat 6 times. 

Add a Sterling silver satin oval bead

then add Iolite beads:*2 roundelle, round*, repeat 3 times

then 1 roundelle bead

Add another Sterling silver satin oval bead

then Iolite beads: *2 roundelle, round* repeat 6 times

(total length of stringed beads is approximately 8 inches)



 3) Cut 12" of beading wire & string Iolite beads in this order:

*teardrop, round, teardrop, Sterling silver round stardust spacer* repeat 7 times

finish strand with Iolite beads: teardrop, round, teardrop

(total length of beaded strand is approximately 7")

 

4) Attach ends of beading wire (from steps 1-3) to the Sterling silver connectors, using crimping beads in order listed below.  *The beading wire I chose couldn't be threaded through the beads a 2nd time (to hide the tail of the wire once connected) so using a slightly smaller diameter of beading wire may give a more finished look* (House of Gems has a nice selection of beading wire to choose from!)

 

The strand from step 1 is the longest, and should be connected to the lowest of the 3 connecting loops on both sides

 

The strand from step 2 should be connected to the 2 middle loops, and the strand from step 3 should be connected to the top loops.

 

 

5) Next, cut two 6 inch strands of bulk chain, and attach a split ring to each of the 4 ends of chain

6) Now, attach the split rings on one end of each of the 2 strands of chain to the loop on the connector (opposite of the side where the beads were attached)

7) Finally, attach a Sterling silver spring ring on one of the loose strands of the bulk chain (that has a split ring on it)

 

 

Supplies from House of Gems:

Sterling silver satin oval beads 4x6 mm

Sterling silver 2mm crimp beads

Sterling silver split ring 4mm

Sterling silver connector 2x8mm 3 rows

Sterling silver bulk chain small curb light weight (1.2x1.9mm)

Sterling silver spring ring findings 5mm

Sterling silver round stardust spacer findings 2.5mm

Iolite beads faceted center drilled teardrop 5x8mm

Iolite beads smooth round shape ~3mm

Iolite beads faceted roundelle shape 5mm

Soft touch beading wire - stainless steel nylon coated 30 ft (0.019 inch diameter)

 

 

Thank you House of Gems!