Catching up...sort of

Hi there.

Me-made outfit: Day 22 - refashioned tee to cardigan with a tank, skinnies, and my new floral flats.

I've been sorta busy...sickness has been floating around my sis and bro-in-law's house these past two weeks...

Me-made outfit: Day 23 - refashioned t-shirt with black maxi and thrifted belt.

so getting pictures, doing refashions, and posting them has been a bit difficult.

This is my attempt at catching up...a little.

As you can see, I did a quick and easy refashion on a t-shirt passed down by my sis-in-love.

I turned it into a workout tank. Speaking of workouts...mine are suffering :-/.

This is a dress I thrifted before heading to MI. I wore it memorial day with a pair of thrifted red shoes I found while out with my sister. She's my thrifting buddy :).

For another quick and easy refashion, I took this thrifted men's shirt that had discolored white stripes.

Before leaving home, I made it into a skirt, then after washing it, found that it discolored even more. So, while here in MI I dyed it with denim blue.

And here's how I'm wearing it today :).

I plan on making up for all of the days missed, as I want to complete my #mmmay14 pledge. But that will come with time and opportunity. But, I do now have internet, so that'll make posting a bit easier ;). Just bear with me...

Peace,

Andrea

#MMMay14: Days 14-20

Wow, its been a while since I last got to post! Between computer issues, lack of internet, and busy days spent catching up with family and friends, I'm struggling to even get pictures of what I'm wearing and sharing them with all of you. So, today's post is a recap of my past week's worth of outfits...and I have to confess, not all of them include something me-made :(. So, I'll see what I can do to make up for that ;). I'll keep this short and sweet with only brief descriptions, and hope to post a couple of refashions this weekend. Here goes!

Wednesday was the day we flew to MI. It was also a cheat day. I wore a thrifted sweater over a gray tee and thrifted leggings with my Converse. Easy, comfy, perfect for flying.

Thursday I wore my thrifted, refashioned striped t-shirt, thrifted altered skinny jeans, thrifted jacket and Converse. The days turned cool when we got here :(.

Friday was another cool day and I wore my thrifted altered bright skinny jeans, a thrifted t-shirt, a thrifted altered chambray top and my Converse.

Saturday was the funeral, and though I wore a thrifted, refashioned vintage dress, I didn't feel right sharing that. So here's what I wore for the rest of the day. A gray t-shirt, altered skinnies and my running shoes...kind of a cheat day.

And Sunday was pretty much the same deal. A thrifted gray t-shirt, hand-me-down skinnies and some slip-ons. Nothing me-made.

By Monday it was warming up and I got myself together a little bit ;). I threw on my thrifted refashioned silk top, the hand-me-down skinnies, and floral flats.

And then Tuesday I wore a similar thrifted refashioned silk top tied as a crop over a thrifted floral dress. Sandals and my gifted purse finished off the outfit.

I'll be catching up with this week and a couple of easy projects for this weekend (I hope), so stay tuned for a bit more! Miss you guys and can't wait to get back to regular posts.

Peace,
Andrea

Hello

I just wanted to say hi and let you know that I'm still around, just without internet :(. It's good to disconnect for a few days, though. Here's one of the moments from these past few days...

The joy of finding these mini Domo figures after leaving his stuffed toy Domo at home several hundred miles away ;)

Hope you are well.

Peace,

Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 13

Day 13: Repeat wear on the gray 'skinnified' thrifted pants. I threw on my favorite tank top and a cardigan in my favorite shade of green (consignment store find). I was actually wearing black chucks today, but these slip-ons are what I wear around the house. I'm busy packing, cleaning and taking breaks to breath in between. Michigan, here we come.

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Days 11 & 12

I'll be away for the next three weeks due to a death in my family. My posts will be infrequent, though I do plan to continue with the Me-Made May challenge. I will simply post several days at a time catching up all at once. I hope to also complete a few easy refashions and diy projects during this time, but that will all depend. So, to catch up these past two days, here's what I wore yesterday...

refashioned jeans and a thrifted tank. And here's what I threw on today...

a pair of refashioned yoga capris, my chucks and a thrifted t-shirt. Until next time...

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 10

Me-Made May 2014 Day 10 turned out to be a beautiful day! Mother's Day flowers in the morning, then the farmer's market on our bikes, then to a yard sale where I scored some pretty fabrics. After that, we spent a relaxed afternoon at home...me, sewing and chatting with my sister, and the boys playing with the fun mechanical/scientific games they'd scored at the yard sale ;). Now, I'm looking forward to an evening with more of the same family time goodness...

After our ventures out on the bikes this morning, I came home and added a little something to my outfit to ensure that I was wearing a me-made piece today...this kimono/beach cover-up that I refashioned here.

I ended up tying the 'tails' together in the back so that I wouldn't get caught up on them as I moved around sewing and ironing and such...

It was the perfect piece to add a bit of interest to a basic t-shirt and (thrifted)shorts, and easy breezy for an afternoon of thunderstormy weather at home :). Thankfully, the storms were intermittent with bright sunshine in between so that I could grab a few photos.

P.S. Did you notice the bolt of fabric behind me??? Just one of my scores today :) I'll share them all later!

Peace,
Andrea

Vintage Pink & Blue Floral

I've been lucky enough to find a few homemade vintage pieces at my local thrift store in the last couple of months. This one in particular was a favorite...

The only issues I could see with it was that there was some discoloration around the neckline and facing, and the neckline itself was a bit high and constricting. Otherwise, I loved it and had no plans to change anything else about it. So, I cut away the neckline and down by about 1 1/2 inches. I then used some scrap fabric to create a new facing for the now lower neckline and sewed it into place. (No breakdown on making the facing this time, sorry!)

After checking the hem, I decided to let it down gaining 4 inches making this 'tunic' long enough to be a dress. There was still about 5/8 left over to hem up and a little bit of lace hem tape finished that off. Add a skinny belt and some flats (not pictured) and I've got myself the sweetest little vintage floral dress ever! Love the button detail on each sleeve :).

The even better news is that I can still wear this as a tunic with skinny jeans or leggings, I can wear it with or without a belt, and it looks great. I fixed up a few other minor things with some seams coming apart at the zipper and elsewhere, but all in all, this was a pretty quick fix. And the facing was a snap since I'd just learned how to make one with my recent 'scrubs' top that I made from a pattern ;).

Tomorrow I'll highlight another such homemade dress, but this time, it's undergoing some pretty major changes! So make sure to check back on that :)

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 9

Ready for Day 9 of Me-Made May 2014?!?! I'm excited because today I'm sharing two, YES 2!!!, refashions that I've just completed :). And they make me happy...on another gray, rainy day.

First up, I tackled this lace sleeveless top. I bought it for $2.50 at the thrift store planning to use the lace for scarves or something. But then I got an idea in my head and figured I'd try it out. I started by cutting straight across the top a few inches below the bust. I then cut this portion into two equal size pieces.

I pieced these bottom two loops together by opening up the ends, gathered the top edge and sewed it back to the top using a strip of elastic. Here's how it turned out.

I wasn't completely satisfied as I'd left it loose and the width of the straps wasn't working for me, so I made some pleats along the back portion of the elastic waist to cinch it in, then bunched up the lace at the shoulders and sewed them in place. Much better.

Next I grabbed this floral t-shirt that I bought for $4 at the thrift store. It's a nice thick stretchy knit and this morning it struck me that it would make a perfect little jacket or cardigan. I don't own many cardigans with patterns (only one leopard print) so I figured a floral cardi would make the perfect addition to my growing collection ;). I started by cutting straight up the middle, then chopped off a few inches to make this more of a cropped length.

I grabbed my enamel cub of twill tape, bias binding, etc. and found what I needed to finish off the now open front. I first hemmed the bottom, then used my twill tape and bias tape to finish off the front edges. I then decided to take it in on each side a bit to get a better fit, as well.

And that was that! Here's the before and after...which segues into today's OOTD!

I layered an ivory tank top underneath my new lace peplum top, put the floral cardi over top and finished off with thrifted 'skinnified' jeans and boots for a bit of edge.

I ventured out into the misty gray day and took these shots while trying to avoid getting my phone too wet...

A messy braid and some geometric gold earrings add both to the romantic and edgy look that I was going for today...just a little edge was needed to balance off all of that floral lacy goodness!

So, what do you think? I find this one lifts my mood as the grayness continues outside...I hope you like it, cause I love it! :) And I can see myself wearing both of these new pieces often. In fact, I'm already planning how to wear them next.

Hope you're having a beautiful day...
Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 8

Another quick one today folks, as I want to spend some time sewing and creating...and reading ;). I threw on one of my favorite refashions. Something I like to refer to as my Green Granny Silk Blouse. Here's the story on how I refashioned it (super simple changes), and here's the shot of me in it today!

All I did was throw on some thrifted skinny jeans with this top and I've got a cozy, non-pajama outfit for a day spent at home. The good thing about rainy days is that I get to throw on my pretty floral rain boots whenever I need to head outside ;)

And they make me smile :). Until tomorrow...

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 7

Just a quick post today as I'm trying to catch up on a mountain of cleaning and errands. I struggled a little bit with what to wear today because I just wanted to stay in my pajamas all day. I've been exhausted this week! So, I came up with something that is as comfy as wearing pjs.

Think I should pick up my pattern pieces yet and put them away? ;)

I refashioned this silk top two years ago...it was a thrift store XXL dark green long sleeved top. It's a bit sheer, which I don't mind. I was even able to dig up a before shot, though I apologize in advance for the poor quality.

Essentially, all I did was rip off the sleeves, finish off the edges and take in the sides a bit. I left it with a flowy fit as I like to tuck, blouse, etc.

I paired it with a long black maxi skirt and some thrifted jewelry. Easy peasy :).  Hopefully, tomorrow I'll be feeling a bit more inspired and energetic...though the forecast calls for rain. Meh. Here's to getting all of my cleaning/errands done today so that I can sew all day tomorrow!

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 6

Today's me-made outfit features a top I just made yesterday. It is my second time making a piece of clothing from a pattern, and I chose a super simple one that I'd thrifted along with some thrifted fabric I've had for several months now.

Here's what I started out with:

The price says $8 for 5 1/2 yards, but I grabbed it on a half-off day, so I only paid $4. The pattern cost me a quarter. I chose to do option C with the V-neck and short sleeves thinking this would be a basic top that would be made unique by my choice of fabric and however I decided to style it. I cut out the size 12 pattern, ironed everything out, laid my pieces, cut my fabric and started assembling. It went smoothly, though it took a lot more time than I like ;). I ended up adding some length thinking I'd wear it as a tunic. However. I should have added more width to the bottom as it is snug on my hips...and does it look like a scrubs top to you? You know, what doctors, nurses, dentists, etc wear? I feel like it does a bit, and so I'm a little torn. I love the fabric, like the feel of the top, but can't stand my first impression! I threw it on yesterday with my brightly colored jeans to get a feel for it and this is how it looks.

I actually like it with these jeans! The floral has a bit of dusty blue on the leaves, so I think it works in that sense, but I can't shake the feeling that I look like a dentist's assistant or something. Here's how I'm wearing it today. I paired it with a thrifted woven belt, a thrifted cardigan, and thrifted 'skinnified' jeans. I'll throw on some flats when I have to head out to pick up my son ;).

I folded the bottom under to experiment with the length and see what changes may need to be made. If I keep it long, I'll need to widen the bottom, or I can simply take it up a couple of inches altogether. I'm also considering changing either the neckline or the sleeves. Maybe that will change my impression of this piece and help it become one of my favorites. What do you think? I'd love to hear your thoughts! I have 4+ yards of this fabric left, and have been wanting to make myself a pencil skirt with it, so I may make that my next project. After another refashion or two I've already got in the works ;).

Peace,
Andrea

April's Giveaway Winner

Time to announce the winner of April's Giveaway: a button bracelet from Betsy of Cute As A Button!  Drumroll please.......

 and the winner is: Becky!!! Becky said, "Adorable, both the clutch with the buttons and your giveaway - button bracelets. I do like the greens."

Well, either this blue or white one will be headed off in your direction, Becky, so CONGRATULATIONS!!! And keep on coming back for more refashions, outfit posts, and a giveaways at the end of each month :)

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 5

Day 5!!! And after four days of basics, I decided that today's outfit needed to push the boundaries a bit. I started off with these beautiful bright aqua jeans that I thrifted and altered (waist) several weeks back. I threw on a chambray shirt that I'd also altered slightly and took my son to school, planning to come home and actually plan my outfit a bit better :). I had pulled out this skirt turned top that I refashioned last year as one of the pieces to wear this month and when I looked at it a little more closely I realized that it would go perfectly with my jeans...along with a bright yellow thrifted belt and a thrifted ivory cardi as its a bit windy today. Bright, bold, and I feel so feminine ;).

Love how gathering it in the back with a belt gives a bustle effect! Oh, and the stand-up collar!!!

When you look at the closeup of this top, you'll see that the aqua and yellow are there, along with orange, black, green, etc. Love how I feel in this outfit, and though I initially thought this would only work for fall/winter, I'm finding the floral pattern and the weight of the lined 'skirt' make it perfect for spring weather!

Did anybody spy the pattern pieces in the background of the pics??? Cut out an 80's pattern for a top that I'll be making later today! Can't wait to see how it comes out and hope to wear it tomorrow :) Yay, for my second item made from a pattern! Now, I just have to make it...

What have you made lately? Are you wearing your you-made pieces this month?? I'd love to see pics of you all in your you-made items, so let me know if you are posting somewhere and add a link so I can follow along :).

One last reminder! The button bracelet giveaway ends today at 5 pm EST and the winner will be announced at that time! Open to US residents and all you need to do is go here and leave a comment on which of the two colors you'd prefer :) Good luck!

Peace,
Andrea

#MMMay14: Day 4

Today was such a relax day for me...aahhh :). I did some cleaning and picking up, finished a book, caught up with my mom on the phone, and then finished up a small sewing project. I had the apartment all to myself and I soaked up the quiet like the introvert that I am. It.Was.Great!

Here's my me-made outfit, typical of what I wear when I'm staying at home all day:

Black and white all over with a small pop of color!

This black and white striped top is a thrifted Old Navy XXL t-shirt that I resized by laying one of my favorite tees overtop that I'd previously resized and fit me perfectly. By marking out the shape, sewing up the sides and cutting off the excess I'm left with something closer to a size small. The leggings are from my recent workout gear refashions found here.

I had another 'me' moment Friday night when my son went to Pajama Club at his preschool (aka, 3 hours of freedom for mama!). V (my husband) was working late, so I went for a run, showered without interruption...SMALL MIRACLE!!!...and then spent the rest of my evening reading and giving myself a pedicure. I'll call that an early Mother's Day gift ;). My pop of color in today's outfit is the result of that peaceful night.

My toes match the charger cable ;) Hello Mr. Unicorn!

Now, for the rest of the day, I get to make dinner and have a popcorn and family movie night before starting another week! Hope you had a great weekend and got more sewing done than I did ;).

Peace,
Andrea