New Knit Skirt

  Summer is here!  The kiddos are all finished with school for the season and we had some record heat the last couple of days.  In order to survive in comfort I got to break out a new skirt from the upcycled wardrobe.  Love that.

On a recent trip to my favorite thrift store I purchased an x-large man's shirt.  I cut out the sleeves and neck. I held up the skirt to make sure it was the length I wanted and then cut the top (where neck was) in order to shorten the skirt. With my trusty sewing machine I took in the sides in to what I felt was a comfortable fit and put in an elastic waistband.  Then ta dah! A new skirt for summer.  No hemming needed as the bottom of the shirt is now the bottom of the skirt.

 I have worn the skirt several times already.  The youngest likes how soft it is for getting water out of his eyes (oh the fun of running in the sprinkler.)

 This skirt is perfect for those days you know your hair is a bit frizzy, maybe you are feeling a tad bloated from last nights cosmos, but hey you are comfortable and ready to play!

I Have Hope

I received the book Craft Hope for Christmas and I have been itching to find a good project to start with. After countless time flipping through the pretty pages, I went with the classic pillowcase dress.  This is my first attempt and I think it turned out pretty cute.  I found a nice case at the local thrift store.  I loved the trim at the opening. The rest was as easy as pie, thanks to the books great instructions.  I made size 6-12 mo. 

  The only embellishment I added were the buttons. I had them sitting around in the stash and thought they would add a little something to the dress.  Kinda cute no?

  This dress is on its way to Florida for my new niece. I have some other pillowcases in the stash that are now on its way to becoming dresses.  I think many will be sent out for charity, but a couple may find there way as gifts.  The book is amazing and full of all kinds of projects.  It  is inspiring and also a great way to get the kiddos included in some activities for others.

Can Finally Show Off!

This project was sent to my sister (who lives in beautiful New Hampshire) as a Christmas gift.  Now, that she and hubby have their gift and the holidays are over, I think it is safe to post now.  They take these wonderful retreat vacations in Maine and I wanted to make something they could take along and enjoy.  How about a nice fluffy picnic blanket?!!  I used a mix of vintage sheets and pillowcases, along with some fabrics in the stash.  The boys helped to put it all together.  Then I picked the one simple square to embroider a little B and a saying that my sister LOVES.

The back of the blanket was thirfted.  I think it was an old tablecloth.  I just loved the cute print and I am such a sucker for green. It was very nature like.  And that is what we are going for here, nature!  When you are in Maine on vacation, you are star gazing, fishing, eating and cooking outside, and relaxing in your hammock.

  I am just so happy they enjoyed it!  I really had fun putting it together and thinking of them while the fabrics were being chosen.  Isn't that why we love to make things?  It is so fun creating and thinking of those we are creating for.  

I Heart Fall

I love fall AND I love new knits! Huzzah for a fun and finished knitting project.  Fall is the perfect time for fingerless mittens.  I love them.  You can access anything you need without having to sacrifice some cold hands. The pattern used was by Nutty Irishman Knits, titled Juniper Mitts. Found the pattern on Ravelry. The yarn I used was something left over from the stash. It was a heavy worsted weight yarn.  I cannot remember what I used! 

  I finished off the mittens with a fake buttonhole.  My buttons were found at the thrift store (of course!). I love that they are a great neutral color.  Most important, I use them all the time for running out, playing in the yard, and walking the kiddo to school with a hot cup o' coffee in hand. 

Is There Anything Better??

 How about a blanket for summer picnics, playing, beaches, camping?? Right now, I am thinking there is nothing better. This blanket comes right from the book Handmade Home By Amanda Soule (of SouleMama).  Used bits of old pillowcases and sheets, along with new material that I had in the stash.  I then found an old chenille bedspread to use for the back.  My favorite part of the blanket is that I was able to incorporate pillowcases from my childhood. I love that!  I can totally see making a couple more of these.   

   The family already has plans to use this blanket.  I honestly can't wait.  Finally feeling like summer is here!

Inspiration

  The other day the kids and I went to our library to see what we could see.  In all the wonderful stacks of books I came across Handmade Home by Amanda Blake Soule.  I cannot tell you how much I love this book.  There is such a great mix of things to do with the kids, for kids, for others, for yourself.  Fantastic.  The best part is that you use what you have, what you thrift, what you find. 

 I am thinking that a paper mache bowl for the boys to keep all those spare Lego pieces in would be good.  Those little bits wander ALL over house.  There is a wonderful beach blanket that I have my eye on making as well.  Actually,  there is much I have my eye on.  Rather than try and cram it into the time allowed by the library, a book purchase maybe in order.  Isn't that the beauty of trying out craft books from your local library?!  If you love a book, just maybe it works its way into your home permanently.

An Upcycle Project For Earth Day

Happy Earth Day!!  In honor of today, I have a fun little project that I just finished up.  I used the tutorial from Craftopia on how to refashion a tee-shirt.  She is such a crafty girl. I LOVE this project.  It took me just a couple of hours to make.  I forgot to take a picture of the "before" shirt, sorry! Anyway, here is the finished project.

Making Quick Use Of An Old Sheet

   I am going to confess that I am huge fan of sleeping in long night gowns or skirts.  I LOVE to curl up my feet underneath while relaxing.  It is like a blanket, but not so heavy.  Perfect for reading, watching t.v. or knitting.  This past week I was checking out the local thrift stores and found a sheet that was so soft and inviting. It is the perfect weight for this fantastic spring weather we are having.  While the print was not my favorite, the feel won me over.  I took it home, gave it a wash, and sat down at the serger. 

While making a sleep skirt, it must be long enough for curl up in and allow for lots of movement. I like mine at the tops of my feet.

The skirt consisted of two side seams, the waistband (which was just a simple elastic one) and finishing off the hem.  I just surged the hem to keep it simple.  In fact I just surged the entire skirt.  Of course that is not necessary. 

Then voila, the skirt is done and ready to relax in.  I was able to finish reading The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo in total comfort!  This particular sheet had a bit of flannel feel to it. I might be on the lookout for something more crisp and with a high thread count for the hot summer days.

You just never know what a trip to the thrift store will bring.  Of course other treasures were found, but that is for another post!