Kara's Projects...

Happy Holidays!

2010-11-30T10:32:00.003-07:00

It's cold isn't it?

I guess that's why I've been replacing so many coat zippers lately--

I'm glad there are people out there who aren't giving up on the winter coats when the only problem with it is the zipper-- I can replace most zippers for $10. Cheaper than most winter coats, I think--it's worth getting another year out of your coat if the rest of it is still good, right?

Also, for your information- I will be taking a couple weeks off around Christmas-- if you're in need of something before Christmas, let me know as soon as possible, and we can take care of it this week, or next week--

The last day I will be taking in projects will be Thursday, December 9th

(You can still bring me your projects if you won't need them until the beginning of January or later. I've got a few wedding things in line for next summer, that sort of thing is not a problem at all-I just won't be working on anything over the Holidays.
Feel free to email me about anything though--I'll still check my email once in a while, I just won't be having appointments for the rest of December, after the 9th- But we can schedule appointments in January, if you know you'll need something then-)

Happy Holidays!

Finished products

2010-11-11T21:00:00.005-07:00

Here are the final pictures of those refashion projects from the previous post-- in case you were curious about how they turned out--

Now they're safely on the way to North Carolina, a place I haven't been yet, but I imagine is lovely.

I love projects like this that take imagination and resourcefulness.

It also gives me something to blog about-- Because as exciting as pant hems are, it just doesn't seem very blog-worthy to tell you I've hemmed yet another pair of pants.... (though it does make me happy every time, to know that one more pair of pants is the right length for somebody, and I will gladly hem as many pants as there are people to bring them over to me.)

I have had several of the Idaho State Police in, wanting me to sew on badges and things--which I am very happy to do.

That's kind of exciting-- My boys love to see the police trucks and cars out the window- (they've begged for them to turn on the lights for them sometimes too-and I thank all of the very obliging and kind officers for humoring them. :)

It's fun to get to know the people that are working in our community to make things better.
Our neighbors might be starting to wonder about us with the frequent police visits... But I promise we aren't trouble makers.

Anyway- Keep the interesting projects coming!

Refashioning across the Country!

2010-10-15T17:11:00.000-06:00

Well! I've been boring on the blog lately, haven't I?

Here's something fun though.

I'm so excited to be working on something for an Etsy friend. Early in the year Justine found me and had me customize one of my own designs for her.
Later she sent me a shirt she already had that I re-worked for her and sent back.
I'm excited that I'm needed again for some re-modeling work!

Justine sent me these two lovelies- Cute, but just needed something new to be more practical for wearing--I love that she didn't just give up on these pieces, but saw some potential for something new and fun. And soon she will have some more completely one of a kind items in her closet. Yay!

We collaborated with some ideas, and settled on making the green (oddly open in front) sweater into a cropped cardigan, and the dress into a tunic sort of top--

These pictures are what I've designed and am working on bringing into reality-- I'll post the final product as well as soon as I finish.

Also-later Justine sent me this boxy top that is becoming a spaghetti strap tank with a couple of ruffles- I'll get pictures of that soon too!

So that's what I'm up to at the moment! Hope you're all having a lovely October!

Happy Homecoming!

2010-09-18T08:29:00.004-06:00

I've been working on lots of homecoming dresses during the past couple of weeks--
It's that time of year (fun!)

If you've found your (almost) perfect dress/tux for homecoming, I can still help you out if it needs something-- Just let me know soon!

If I don't answer the phone, just leave a message with what you need, and your phone number-I'll get back to you.

Thanks!

(Of course, I'm still doing non-Homecoming projects as well-so you can keep those coming too-)

Pant hems are still $5

(:

I've lost my phone...(hopefully temporarily...)

2010-09-10T13:04:00.000-06:00

(---Update--- It's all good- Found my phone in our car- I thought that's where it was, I just couldn't check there all day because my husband had the car. )

Hey- just to let anyone know- if you've been trying to call me today, I've misplaced my phone...

I think I'll find it, but if you have anything urgent today, just email me-- Sorry for the inconvenience!

I hope I'll find it by tonight- I'll let you know...

Lace-Up Wedding Dress Alteration

2010-09-08T09:28:00.011-06:00

Alright.. it's rainy today, so I'm finally going to update the blog. (:

Here's a project from this summer I did for a bride. She had a nice lace up back dress-
The nice part about lace up back wedding dresses is their relative flexibility in size--Not as many fitting issues as there can be with some dresses.

But even then they sometimes require a little bit of help-

This dress was just a bit too big in the waist- The bust fit nicely, and the length was great, so it was worth getting this size- It was just too big around the waist. When laced up tight enough to fit her waist, the laces pulled together the sides completely, which made them meet in the middle of her back, instead of leaving that nice V lace up effect--

This wasn't ideal, especially since the bride planned to lace it with a red ribbon for her final look- If it had to be pulled that tight together, it just wouldn't look right at all.

So here is me, getting the right distance and look with the lace up back-- See all the extra fabric in the waist (pinned on the side)? Between both sides I took the dress in about 5 inches(on all the layers of course) in order for the laces to look right.

And here is the final product, taken in from the sides. And a much happier bride- (:

Pant Hems... Always $5

2010-08-02T08:57:00.004-06:00

Just thought I would make this official announcement.
(plus I just need to update the blog with Something, you know? To prove I'm still alive? I just can't seem to get over the beautiful weather here- My little guys and I been going out for adventures/picnics/playing/biking just about every day. So when we're inside, I do my sewing projects, and then.... I don't blog about them...)

So, officially I will be doing all pant hems for $5. I used to charge a little extra for a cuff, since it takes a bit more time-- But you know, so many people need their pants hemmed that I just feel like doing the world a little favor.

So, there you go world! Momentous day here...

And for all my fellow short people, I've been thinking of doing something like after having 5 pairs of pants hemmed, then you get one free- (should I make one of those little punch-hole cards? that could be fun-)
Anyway. If you're one that has to have Every pair of pants you've ever owned hemmed, it's just annoying, right? Especially if you don't have the time(or sewing machine) to do it for yourself. So there's one perk for you!

And as always I continue to give 'bulk' discounts if you have a pile of things you want taken care of all at once- I always believe in more for the money.

Thanks to all who have contacted me about clothing alterations in the Boise and Meridian area- I'm glad you're finding me, and I'm happy to help!

So, it's been a while. But I'm still up to things, promise.

2010-06-28T11:00:00.001-06:00

Ok. I've been doing all sorts of things, but not blogging! We've been getting settled in and all after moving and adventures of sorts, so that's my excuse, if you wanted one.

Anyway, now that we're here, I have started out on a few alteration projects for people- And I'll still be working on gathering pictures from past projects.

My most exciting news is that I was lucky enough to meet a wonderful seamstress nearby in Boise-Brooke Davis- She's able to devote her whole basement of 3 bedrooms to her craft (I'm a little jealous!) and has brides scheduled in for alterations up until October- so it was a lovely time to meet her and see how she ran things-

I look forward to learning more from her- and she's been so kind to refer people to me when she doesn't have the time to help them out- (When you're that well established, you're always turning people away, no matter how much you'd love to help them-) so I'm happy to be here for those she's unable to help.

I am still excited about sewing... but the weather has been so nice, we've been out biking and walking just about every day, and I've let my personal projects fall off the to do list for a while... I really need to get my Etsy shop back in order after this long inactivity due to traveling and moving...

But speaking of Etsy, my new friend Kelly who I altered a bridesmaids dress for just recently turns out to be Kelly of daisykdesign on Etsy--in her shop you'll find all manner of cute bottle cap crafty ideas.

I love to meet fellow Etsy folk! You can check out one of my favorites from Kellys shop here.

And this is her in her cute bridesmaids dress- it was ordered just a bit small, but plenty long enough so I added nicely blending side panels pleated to match the rest of the dress, made from the extra 3 inches of length I stole from the hem- which made the dress a very flattering just below the knee length. (yay for when that sort of thing just works out perfectly!)

She looks quite cute in the dress.

And maybe I should have gotten a picture including her face, huh??
Sorry for beheading you, Kelly-- Send me pictures of the wedding or something!

Anway! It was about time for a post from me... It's been a while. I'll try not to be absent for so long anymore-

If anyone in the Meridian/Eagle/Boise Idaho area is in need of a seamstress for clothing alterations, I hope perhaps you'll stumble across me in you search! I'm happy to help, so give me a call or send me an email and let me know what I can do for you!

The After pictures! A beautiful wedding and a happy couple.

2010-05-15T11:29:00.000-06:00

Well, it's about time I start catching up on all the 'afters' of the before and afters I've got going on...

So here is one-

(If you didn't see the before, refer to this post if you will)

Jenny was lucky to find a great deal on a dress that was supposed to be customized for her, and it came to her less than ideal- Luckily I was able to help her out by adding sleeves and raising the back of the dress a couple of inches.

And as you can see, she looks beautiful. I'm so happy for these guys!

On the Lack of Home Decor in My Life...

2010-05-03T08:54:00.000-06:00

Dear everyone who has ever asked me to make them curtains, shams, pillows, valances, tablecloths, runners, napkins, couch and chair covers... and all the rest...

I'm sorry. I'm just not that in to it. It doesn't seem exciting to me.

I think I'm not letting myself get excited about all of that fun stuff.

Maybe it's because right now I don't actually own a couch, or a table worth a cloth. Or any windows on which to put curtains or other pretty hanging things.

Maybe it's because we've been moving every few months for the last 4 years, and all (yes, All) our belongings can fit into a 5 by 10 storage unit. (And that is where they are right now...)

Yes. Curtains are easy to make. As are pillows and all the rest. I am capable of it. No problem there.

Maybe I should just start liking it more (I'd have plenty of customers-I know because of how many I've turned down...)

Something I like about clothes is that Everyone can (and usually does) wear them...

Can everyone have a lovely living room all draped, pillowed, and table-clothed? Arguably, No.

Maybe I'm just waiting to get excited about the whole home decor thing... waiting for my own little house. With our own little windows. Where we live longer than one year.

I'll let you know when that happens.

And maybe then I'll be willing to make you curtains and pillows....

Maddies 40's style dress. (or Some pictures I promised long ago...)

2010-04-24T18:46:00.000-06:00

I know I promised I'd show how I added sleeves to that dress a couple of posts back...and I will. But I'm waiting on some pictures there, so in the meantime, I will address another project.

One that I once said I'd show more pictures of, and didn't...

.......for a long time anyway.

In case you weren't around, last winter my friend Maddie got a hat and wanted the perfect dress to go with it (see here, and then here....to see things in progress.)

And finally here they are-- Lovely pictures of my friend Maddie in her black 40's style dress (made by me) to go with her fun hat.

Much better looking than on my dress form. :)

Thanks for the pictures, Maddie!

I really am back from New York...

2010-04-23T16:45:00.000-06:00

So. New York City.

It was so amazing, I don't really know where to start. So I just haven't blogged since we got back...

Another few possible reasons that I haven't blogged---the fact that right now I'm making 2 bridesmaids dresses, re-modeling a wedding dress and altering a few suitcoats...

Oh yeah...and we're moving next week.

Isn't it great? I'm pretty sure I'll be back later...

Until then, here are a few random pictures from our trip.

........

2010-04-10T17:00:00.000-06:00

So, I was going to see if anyone could guess what all the pictures in the last post were... but I realized that would have been pretty ridiculous...who would have known anyway?

So I just posted them somewhat randomly, and now I will just tell you what they are. How about that? I'm sure you were just dying of curiosity, eh?

Anyway...in my efforts to keep track of my projects more, I've been taking pictures at different stages of completion.

So that you know, we have

my new skirt I made from a pillowcase ( I love pillowcases, apparently...)

taking the stripe off some tux pants for a nice fella getting married this weekend (in fact, I guess they are married now! Congratulations guys!) I can't say I've removed a stripe from tux pants before. Always something new! He just got a really good deal on them, but wanted them to be more versatile for after the wedding... so, no more stripe.

Adding some panels to some bridesmaids dresses to make them the right size--the bride had found her dresses, at a good price, but they didn't come in all the sizes she needed. So she wisely just bought a couple extra dresses, which I then morphed together into the right sizes(it would have cost her more to go hunting for the exact same fabric... sometimes that's how it is.)

My husband's old worn out shoes from which I stole the insoles and cut to my size... in order to try a completely new project... making shoes! I've never done this before. But being the resourceful type that I am, I'm determined to make it work. And I'm determined they will be very cool shoes. (But I'm going to finish my swimsuit first!)

Next time, I'll show you how this dress .... (picture borrowed from Maggie Sottero)

...becomes a dress with sleeves- (for the bride of the fella with the now stripe-less tux pants)

Don't you just love the variety here? How often do you see lovely gowns and old worn out shoe soles in the same place?

I never get bored doing what I do...!

And...we're going to New York on Monday!

some (kind of) mysterious photos...

2010-04-07T12:10:00.000-06:00

What have I been up to you may ask...?

I was just thinking of how the "in progress" part of things is always interesting...

At times scary, ugly or weird...

But you just have to stick with things in order to see the finished product, when everything comes together...

Goodbye Rexburg... Hello Boise--

2010-04-05T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well.

I guess I should mention that we will be packing up and moving quite soon. This is sad for me. I've really enjoyed living here in Rexburg.

And I've put off writing about our upcoming move because writing it down makes it seem more official and true.... Not to mention, really soon... and we aren't at all very packed and ready yet...

But I guess I should just stop denying it-- we're in fact moving come the end of April...
We'll be heading up to Seattle and Portland to visit family, and then we'll settle in the Boise area for a while, where my husband will be doing his student teaching this fall.

Who knows when we'll see this fun little town of Rexburg again after that...

So. If you're here in Rexburg and have something you've been wanting me to make/fix for you, let me know in the next week or two. Because it may be the last chance for some of you...

*sniff*

We do still have a good couple of weeks though. (minus the week we'll be off in New York City! What?? I know.. I haven't mentioned that on here yet... don't worry. More will come--)

So anyway--bring on the projects this week, and when we get back from NYC...

I really have enjoyed being here, and I love how I've met so many different people I may not have met any other way, just because of clothes that have needed something or other... It's pretty neat. So thanks everyone-- I really appreciate your support-

I hope you'll all stick around though, to see what adventures come my way in the future here...And who knows where paths will cross again, right?

Some of you guys are bound to end up famous and need a fancy gown to wear to the Oscars, right?

Keep in touch, ok?

I'm a little known wonder.... (:

2010-03-30T14:18:00.000-06:00

It's true--

On Etsy there is an article in the 'Storque' (their newspaper of sorts, for those who are not Etsy-ers) about little known shops with cool stuff.....

And somehow my little yellow winged shirt was selected to be in the mix with some other awesome things!

That makes my day!

Just thought I'd share, so you could be excited for me too. (:

If you want to see, it's here

That makes up for it Not really being nice weather yet after all...

( And Liz, I thought you should know-- the yellow satin on that there shirt is none other but the little scraps left over from that bridesmaids dress I made you-- I hope you don't mind.... :)

Now that it's Really spring.. (right, crazy Rexburg weather??) .

2010-03-29T11:00:00.000-06:00

I'm already thinking about summer and how it should include time at a beach of some sort... rafting in the wilderness somewhere... sunshine and swimming and fun stuff like that.

But here's the down side, for some people like me...
I don't really like the attire that comes with the swimming situation... I just don't feel comfortable in most swim suits I've ever seen in my life...

Yes--- If you were going to tell me--- I've already heard all the pep talk and advice about "just embrace the body God gave you, have confidence! No one else thinks you look bad! You're not even fat or anything! " etc, etc, etc...

The thing is, I know.
I know... I'm a daughter of God, and God doesn't make mistakes and all that.

It's true.

I'm happy I'm me and all. But that doesn't change the fact that I still don't feel comfortable in just Any old swimsuit.

I don't think I'm alone here...

I think it's possible to feel good about yourself, be confident, and still not want to go out in your average swim suit.

On the other hand, I get tired of being "boring-shorts-and-t-shirt-cover-up-girl" all the time!

So. That's why I'm excited for one of my own projects that's been on the burner for a long while.. and will finally become reality this summer...

it involves this fabric I found at the good ol thrift store-- nice and stretchy, just right for swim suits...

and.. something like this...

I like the old, slightly more covering swimsuits of back in the day that had shorts-like coveringness... high backed and just more fabric to them...

But still really cute!

I think I'll probably have a little more to the top too-- to cover the shoulder just a bit more. (I just got tired of my attempt at photoshop genius... could you tell?)

I know, I could just wear shorts and a t shirt over my old swimsuit. But this seems like a lot more fun to me.

What do you think?

I just hope I get to go somewhere really cool in it... Like Hawaii... Bermuda...the Bahamas...Or Firehole in Yellowstone park...

Or at least a kiddie pool in the back yard.

After pictures...

2010-03-23T16:14:00.000-06:00

Here are a few 'after' pictures of the dress I mentioned a while back (kinda slow on the reporting here... not to mention my photography skills are still lacking..)

Anyway-
We have sleeves and an over all more modest dress. When I took these pictures the lovely bride had not yet found her perfect sparkle to replace the old 'bling' that used to be front and center, but she will, I'm sure of it. (and even if she doesn't, it's much nicer plain than with the cheesy thing that was there before :)

If you look at the back there ^ the top two loops for the lacing are added by me, along with the backing underneath to bring up the neckline 2 1/4 inches. Here's a close up of that...

The dress was also too long, so I used the extra fabric to make the sleeves.

Anyway. That's one project! I find lately that I'm so busy actually doing projects I forget to take before pictures, or pictures at all....

Though I guess every hem or little thing like that might not be too interesting to see anyway.

But I'll still try to document better...

People who wear clothes: the Emperor

2010-03-23T10:14:00.000-06:00

That good old emperor and his new clothes...

He wore clothes, right?

Or he thought he did, anyway...

The classic little tale of pretending to know what's going on, of going along with what other people say because they are really convincing, and you're afraid of looking stupid.

If you want a slightly odd animated picture of Hans Christian Andersen to read you the tale himself, you can go to good old youtube

here

So many people and ideas have been reminding me of this story lately... I ask myself if people really know what they're wearing, or if they've had some 'new clothes' woven for them by others....

Do we need a little kid to come point out the truth to us all? I think we do. In so many ways...

In the mean time, let's all make sure we're fully dressed before we go out. For real.

Sunshine!

2010-03-18T12:27:00.000-06:00

I think it really is spring...

Yay!

And here's my latest shirt I just put on Etsy-

And, also... Person(s) who leave comments in Asian characters which link to their personal problems and filthiness should really find something better to do with their time. I don't appreciate it. Has anyone else had trouble with this on their blogs? Can I delete comments after they're there? Or must I do the comment moderation thing?

Scarf Giveaway winner... Happy Spring!

2010-03-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

So, apparently I should have looked up one of those random number generators or something...

But Here's to the good ol fashioned way of drawing a name out of a hat-- (even though it takes a long time to write a name down for each entry... etc... )

So! the winner is

Becks !

Thanks for becoming a new follower of my little blog!! (by the way, thanks for pointing it out everyone.. that I didn't have a 'follow' button anywhere... you may have noticed that I added one now, so it's easier to 'follow' me... :)

So, Becks, send me an email (madetofit@gmail.com) with your address and I'll send you the pink floral scarf (unless you changed your mind and want a different one--)

Thanks for entering everyone! And don't worry... I'll have some more giveaways randomly. So stick around, if you'd like!

Hope you're all having a lovely almost spring..... Or if you're lucky to live somewhere Not freezing cold where it snowed most of today.... Enjoy that...

Wardrobe Refashion

2010-03-12T11:43:00.000-07:00

Again, you can still enter the scarf giveaway here

This is just a link to my latest post on Wardrobe Refashion, if you'd like to see!

Panache giveaway

2010-03-11T07:27:00.000-07:00

You can still enter my scarf giveaway here...

But while we're on the topic of giveaways, I thought I'd support a little clothing store here in Rexburg called Panache-- They're having a pretty awesome giveaway right now for a pair of jeans (pick your size) and they'll even ship them to you if you don't live in Rexburg... How nice is that?

But, I hope I win... Because jeans are one thing I don't really like to make or alter for myself... So I'm always on the lookout for a perfect pair...

If you want to enter the Panache giveaway, go here

Also... my new Facebook Page...

2010-03-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

So. In the spirit of self promotion... I've also made myself a facebook page that I'll also use to get the word out about things...

I'd love it if you'd become a fan!

whitecarnation on facebook

A Giveaway in Hopes of Spring...

2010-03-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

I think giveaways are fun. And I said I'd do some on here.....

So here we have the first one.

I couldn't decide what to give away... so I've got a little selection. You pick from these fun light scarves-- ( I shortened a bunch of skirts and I thought scarves were the perfect thing to make from the extra fabric,- )

They remind me of Spring. And hopefully it is spring soon here in Rexburg, right?

White Eyelet scarf

Pink flowers scarf
Forest Cowl

Blue Pastel Paisley scarf

I think scarves are nice-- But it seems it's not often you go out of your way to go buy one, really... they seem to be more of an afterthought... So winning one on a blog give away is certainly a good way to acquire one without much work, right?

So this is probably a pretty normal giveaway, as far as how to enter... spread the word about me and you get more entries, right--?

(I have promised myself not to get too crazy with this sort of thing, pathetically begging people to promote me shamelessly all over the place...

...Besides, I do not think I can handle too much fame all at once... ( 'fame' being more than 10 people knowing about me, right?)

....On the other hand, since only about 3 people know about me so far... its ok to spread the word just a little bit, right?)

So.

1. To enter, 'follow' my blog and leave a comment including which item you would like if you are the lucky winner....

2. To enter again, go look in my little shop and tell me which shirt is you favorite. Or, tell me if you don't like any of them? k? I need some honesty here....

3. To enter again, blog about an item in my Etsy shop, or post something or other about whitecarnation.etsy.com or whitecarnationevents.blogspot.com on your facebook status or twitter or whatever... etc....

4. If you're in Rexburg, recommend me to your friend (also in Rexburg or nearby) who is getting married and needs alterations to her wedding dress... Or your roommate who needs some pants hemmed or suit sleeves shortened, or what have you... anything... (if they would like a fitting appointment have them call me (Kara) at 971-226-3357)

5. Also, if you're in Rexburg--- If you have that shirt or whatever piece of clothing in your closet that isn't doing you any good, come donate it to my crazy cause of clothing rescue/recycling, and just for that, you can have 3 whole entries. (:

I will announce the winner (picked at random) on Saturday!

Happy Spring!

if you have any questions or whatnot, email me at madetofit@gmail.com

(:

Before: Not quite what the bride ordered

2010-02-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

The 'customized' dress ordered online...

Not the first time, and probably not the last.. (remember previously?)
...that an unfortunate bride has received her dress only to find out it isn't what they ordered..

This dress is great, for what it is... It's just not exactly what was expected...

(check out the dollar store princess bling...! Don't worry- The lovely bride is looking around for a nice brooch, or Something that will look better there, while I have already removed the poor thing so it can be replaced!)

Anyway- It's another case of the dress ordered online from overseas.... where the folks at the other end just didn't quite get the picture...

Ask for sleeves, and an insert to make the neckline modest...?

...and this is what we have....

No sleeves...

Too low in the back for modesty's sake...

And a very much see-through 'modesty' insert in front... nice...

(kind of defeats the purpose...!)

other than that, it's a great dress- it fits pretty well, and it all looks really gorgeous on the bride to be.

So don't worry-- I've already got the sleeves ready, the back raised, and I'm working on making this into what she had in mind... I'll show you the 'after' pictures soon...

On another note,
Sorry I've neglected things here for a while-- I have lots of updates that I'll work on getting posted...

Meanwhile, I've added a few things to the shop, and- did you see? I had my first couple of sales--It's pretty exciting!

And maybe they will be the only 2 customers ever... Maybe that was the extent of my Etsy fame..... I can't say... But they were really nice customers-both I've never met, who live on the other side of the country!

But anyway... I've seen a lot of things sell on Etsy, for a lot more money... (: So, can't really hurt to try, right?

And-- I've said in several places that I would have an occasional give-away on here.... I think it's almost time.

Stay tuned....

Macbeth

2010-02-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

If you're anywhere near Rexburg--- I highly recommend going to see Macbeth at BYU-Idaho. It is amazing.

If you're very far away from Rexburg, watch this promo video, and wish you were here to go see Macbeth at BYU-Idaho.

That is all.

Unorthodox Tailoring....

2010-02-12T09:14:00.000-07:00

My little brother needed a shirt taken in- Everywhere but in the neck. He usually has this problem...(anybody else?) Sometimes that's just how it goes.

Good thing I'm always happy to decrease the number of ill-fitting shirts in the world...

So, while I was assessing the situation... where I needed to take things in, etc... he asked me if I could customize his pocket ...

What do you mean? I asked....

...well, I only use one pen. I want my pocket to hold only one pen, and that's it.... he says. nice and snug. Not falling to one side or the other...

Well... Sure. I can do that, I guess...

So, here we have it...

The One Pen pocket. And if anyone can pull it off, it's my brother John. Let's see if it becomes the new trend..

I just wonder if they make pocket protectors in this size?

Anyway....What use are sewing skills if not to do some silly things once in a while?

Hope you like your shirt, John.

And everyone else...Just let me know if you'd like your pockets customized. No problem. (:

People Who Wear Clothes: The Boy In the Striped Pajamas

2010-02-08T10:58:00.000-07:00

The latest movie I've watched.

The little boys in this movie come to realize that all people really are people--
Even though they've been taught otherwise by the grown ups in their lives.
Even when some people wear striped pajamas all day and answer to "rat" while others have nice suit coats and answer to "Master"
Even though some have fancy uniforms and guns and boss other people around with their assumptions of superiority... Even though some are oblivious for a while in their pretty dresses and nice shoes...

In the end, we're all people. If only everyone could realize this...

It's a good movie to watch. I recommend it.

Over production?

2010-02-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

I recently encountered someone that was concerned that the choice to recycle existing clothing would eventually damage the market and production of new clothing...

Well...? What would that mean? A lack of demand would make it unnecessary to produce as many new products?

Could that possibly mean that we already have enough stuff in the world and might not need to make as many new things? That we could instead focus more on the use of what is already in existence?

And would that be a bad thing?

I know there are many different factors involved with the world, and supply and demand and all that-

But generally speaking, if we don't Need more of a certain item, we don't need to keep making a whole bunch of said item.... just so the people that have jobs making that item can keep their jobs making that item... which we don't need...

That seems backwards to me. Since the point of having a job of any kind is to produce something that is needed in the first place, right?

It doesn't make sense to keep producing things we don't Really need... whatever they may be...

So I'm not at all worried about being in favor of using what we already have.

Anyone else?

Little Old Lady Sweater

2010-01-30T18:43:00.001-07:00

This is my latest post over on Wardrobe Refashion, but I thought I'd post it here too, in case you haven't stopped by over there--

so... I like little old lady sweaters. I think they're pretty.. Especially after some fitting and updating- I'm refashioning this one--

I've also added a couple things to the shop, if anyone's interested in checking that out....

And, just a little scavenging success from today-- My little boys got some cars in a zip up case from the grandparents, and the case kind of got torn up and became pretty useless, so my husband was going to throw it out-- BUT not before I took the perfectly good zipper!! I wonder how many times people miss using perfectly fine things, just because we've become so used to throwing stuff out??

Here's to being resourceful!

People Who Wear Clothes: King Charles VI of France

2010-01-27T16:18:00.000-07:00

Most people feel fragile at some point in life.

King Charles VI... apparently had intense feelings of fragility....

Like he thought he was made of glass, and might break.

So he had special padded suits made for him in order to prevent himself from shattering when he sat down.

Now, I wasn't there, obviously, to confirm this...I was led by curiosity after hearing an interview on NPR where they mentioned King Charles VI and his glass delusion...

After which, I decided to do some deep research at wikipedia where I learned all that....

But isn't that interesting? I would like to see his suits.

Calling all old T Shirts....

2010-01-22T18:00:00.001-07:00

Ok, so here’s what I’m thinking… I may be a little crazy, but everyone has clothes that either don’t fit anymore, have some small defect like a permanent stain in just the wrong spot, or have just gone out of style, right? These clothes end up rejected just sitting in the closet forever, or perhaps donated to thrift stores to wait for someone to come along and use them. (thrift stores even reject some things if there’s a small hole or stain- they don’t have time to fix things like that.)

Anyway, where there is usable fabric, I like to create new useful things with it, or have fun experimenting with ideas that otherwise would cost too much to go out and buy fabric for... So you can help me out by instead of throwing out perfectly good fabric, or letting it take up space in your house, send it on over to me, where it can become reincarnated and useful again.

So, what’s in it for you? If you like the designs I come up with, but don’t have the money to pay for that kind of handmade love, then this is one way to make it easier for you to take some whitecarnation items home to your closet...(credit in my shop) Or, I will do some kind of alteration for you in exchange... Or feel free to just donate because you want to get rid of stuff-- or I'll make you bread... Whatever works out for the both of us, right?

(At least for my local peeps.... I haven't figured out a good way to do this with people far far away...)

Anyway.. It's a good arrangement, I think... I get new materials to work with, you get unique fun clothes, just by getting rid of what you already were going to get rid of anyway...

Is that a great idea or what?

Really. Is it a great idea? Or am I just nuts? Tell me! I'd like to know, if I'm just nuts.... I mean.. I figure I am... But something drives me to keep creating here... so..... so be it.

Anyway. The end...

P.S-- Thanks to those who have already supplied me with some cool things! I'm having fun here... and also....watch out for some new additions to the new shop!

News, and an explanation.

2010-01-18T20:00:00.000-07:00

So, why the name whitecarnation ?

One time I registered for an Etsy account.

I thought of a name which involved my name"white" and a flower.... (this took a lot of thought..)

whitecarnation.

really great, right?? I thought I'd think of something better later. But alas, on Etsy you cannot change your user name once you pick one, so there I have it...

whitecarnation.

With the lack of spaces, it could actually mean white- car- nation-- a nation which drives only white cars.

awesome... ?

.....I decided to find some deeper meaning to the name I've got.

I knew carnations are a pretty flower, and if you put them in colored water they soak it up and change color. That's neat right?

Here's what else I learned:

Different colors of carnations symbolize different things-

White carnations specifically stand for good luck and Love.

Carnations are used for special events- Mothers Day, weddings, parties, funerals, etc...

So there you have it. Good luck, Love, and an Awesome social life, all in a variety of colors. That about covers it.

So that is why the blog is named what it is. It may be silly.
But I wanted my blog to line up with my Etsy shop. It just seemed to make sense.

And. Today is the day I am opening that Etsy shop- go look, if you'd like-- (and give me advice on how to make it better, I'll listen)

whitecarnation.etsy.com

Quote...

2010-01-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

"The only man who behaved sensibly was my tailor; he took my measurement anew every time he saw me, while all the rest went on with their old measurements and expected them to fit me."

-- George Bernard Shaw

Well said. Give people a chance, and don't think that you've got someone all figured out...

I'll be back on Monday. The 18th. Hope you're all doing well!

Maddie's Dress

2010-01-06T12:25:00.000-07:00

Remember that ?

We did end up deciding. I cut things out...

Maddie came up from Utah, and we did a fitting- It was the day before we were set to drive to Portland for Christmas break. We knew from the start it would be a tight schedule... I told Maddie to bring something else to wear to Hannah's wedding reception, just in case I didn't have time to finish the dress. But I was really pretty sure it would be fine.

Things were going fine, I was going to have just enough time to finish her dress. I was excited, because it looks pretty awesome with her hat.

So, then that night--- the power went out!!! For the exact few hours I had, between packing for our trip (leaving at 4 AM the next morning), and catching a bit of sleep-- for the exact few hours I would have been able to finish the dress in, I had no electricity to run my sewing machine! Oh, frustration. And hand sewing...takes too long. Truly, I would have been able to finish it. Why did the power have to go out Right then??

Anyway. I called Maddie, and luckily, she did bring something else to wear...
But I'm still sad that didn't work out for her to have the dress for the reception. :(

I will be finishing the dress here in a bit.

Here is a picture. (not finished...)

I like the sparkly waist- maybe you can't tell in the picture. I'll take more when it's done.

So. Even though it would have been awesome for Maddie to wear this dress to Hannah's vintage style wedding.... Things are good...

And. I have these cool shoes which are a part of the exchange we did.

I hope you have something Really awesome to wear your dress to, Maddie! It'll be headed your way soon!

People Who Wear Clothes: The von Trapp kids.

2010-01-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

Here is one I've thought about many a time...

Mostly because of the times I've heard this phrase (or one like it) spoken by many different people, in many different tones...

"it's just like Maria on the sound of music, and how she makes the kids clothes out of the curtains!" (then an "ew", or a "Wow", depending on the viewpoint...)

It always interests me- the different views people can have on the same subject. (not limited to clothes, but also politics, religion, sports teams... music... ok- Everything!)

If you want to know my opinion on any of those subjects, well... I seem to always find myself drifting from one side of an opinion to the other, seeing how people could believe either side of any issue... Someday I'll figure out all the right answers, and I'll let you know.

As far as curtain clothes go...I am in favor of being resourceful. Maria certainly was resourceful. But are curtain dresses and knickers Really a good idea? I see pros and cons here. Could be cute. But 7 outfits all matching-like?

I'm inclined to like the von Trapps, either way. I'm not in favor of any "fashion" that looks down on a Person because of their choice of clothing... But I Am in favor of good taste in clothing as well-- if possible. So maybe I won't dress my children in matchy curtain outfits...? Or maybe I will? What do you think? Are they Horrible, the von Trapp outfits, or is it a reasonable idea, cute even?

Either way, I think it is possible to have both good taste, and good manners.

So. Next time you see someone you don't approve of in some way... You can still be nice to them, right?

Not like those Nazis.

My work is cut out for me.

2010-01-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

We're enjoying the end of our break with family right now. It's been great. The holidays always are.

And, everywhere we've gone, family and friends have given me old no longer used shirts, fabric stashes, things that are no good to anyone but a nut like me...Bits and pieces that I'm excited to pull together into cool things...

Plus, we stopped by the Goodwill's fabric section, which isn't always awesome, but there were some good things there this time.

My husbands pants have had it in the knee. They will be re-incarnated into hopefully 2 pairs of pants for the little boys. Although, I might only be able to get one pair... We'll see.

Which brings me to another topic-- I've been invited to contribute to the Wardrobe Refashion blog!

Maybe you haven't heard of it? It's a neat blog where people share their re-fashioned projects- definitely my cup of tea! Everyone promises to not buy New clothes, but to make from scratch, or alter what they have, or can find in thrift stores. Awesome. I signed up for 6 months... though I'm pretty sure I can say I'll do it for life...

SO. I will be posting over there as well. I have many projects going on in the near future!

Maddie, I will mail your dress to you next week. ( I want pictures of you wearing it with your hat!!)
Mattie June, I have not forgotten your skirt, and I'm excited for your new Missionary status!
Kim, I have a pink zipper for you. I hope it is long enough...
Brenda, we'll schedule a time for your skirts and shirts-
Seth- I have your shirts as well.
Gabe, I will find time to fix your holey socks too.
and Julie- I need your address to send you a baby dress! (:

So. I am excited for all this fun. Especially for January 18th, when something else kind of neat will happen...

Just thought I'd say so, if anyone cares...

Happy New Year!!

People Who Wear Clothes: Poofy Guys

2009-12-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Introducing James C. Christiansen's 'Poofy Guys.'

They wear clothes. And they will be my first spotlight in the 'People Who Wear Clothes' series.

The' poofy' characters of his are somewhat silly, often too proud of themselves and their many layers of complicated fancy clothing...

So, they are very fun too look at. Check it out-

"Even as he stopped wobbling, Wendell realized he had a Dilemma"

So, that's one way to wear clothes.
Do you know any Wendell's?

Here are some other fun to look at paintings-

A Lawyer More than Adequately Attired in Fine Print

Hold to the Rod

I just became really well acquainted with these, and other paintings while visiting family in Portland. My husbands Grandma has the book "Men and Angels" which is a collection of Christiansen's Wonderful work.

It kept me up past my bedtime being inspired...

Introducing the "People Who Wear Clothes" Series....

2009-12-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

In an effort to make this blog Not so much of only 'look at what I did', and also because I like learning about people....

I decided I would research different people who wear clothes, and share what I learn with you between my other projects. For a time. Whenever I feel like it. I won't commit to a certain day or time or anything- Just randomly.

Now, since we all (mostly) wear clothes at some point in our lives, this makes it interesting, right? I could write about Anyone! Just about.

Babies wear clothes.

Ghandi wore clothes.

Audrey Hepburn wore clothes.

Lady Gaga wears clothes.

My neighbors wear clothes.

Fast food workers wear clothes

Actors wear clothes.

Oh, the possibilities.

If you have any suggestions for my first installment, feel free to recommend.

I just think it's interesting the way clothes start to mean certain things to certain people. It's kind of a thing we don't always think about. (or maybe you do?)

I will explore...

feel free to join me.

image from here, a Tudor crossword puzzle (if you need something to do, give it a try)

Here we are!

2009-12-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

I know it might not seem like it so far--but I actually really don't want this blog to be a "Look at what I can do!" kind of thing...

I think I intend this to be a place where, if people are interested, they can see what I'm able to do- So that if someone needs help with this or that, they'll think of me and know that I can help, and that I enjoy it- I like being able to earn a little bit of grocery money by helping people out with projects. I enjoy creating things. I enjoy meeting people that I may not have otherwise met, just because they needed their pants hemmed or whatnot-

Why bring this up? I think it's because I'm pretty excited about this project I'm about to show you-- And maybe I feel bad for wanting to show you... But I'm really excited about it.

I don't know. I guess I'm asking anyone who happens to read this, please don't think I'm all full of myself and that I think I'm soooooooo cool.
People that know me in real life would probably tell you that if anything, I have many inferiority complexes...

Neither is true, really...

But I guess I am indeed, self-centered enough to think someone out there might judge me....

It's true. I would really hate it if even one random person somewhere got the idea that I want to brag about myself on the internet. I'm not usually worth saying much about. Many of the things I do are not perfect. I'm learning. I'm working on it...

With all that in mind, if you'd like to see something I am somewhat happy about, I will show you...

Thank you Hannah, for letting me make your dress! And congratulations on your wedding coming up!

More pictures at the Playmill Facebook page.

Decisions...

2009-12-10T12:25:00.001-07:00

This hat...

Which dress? In mostly black... I have some sparkly black too, I can throw in somewhere if you'd like... (it's a subtle ish sparkle- nothing too crazy...)

For me, usually the hardest part of anything is deciding. So, help me out, eh?

Peplum or no? (that's the little skirty ruffle on the top picture(from fashionera.com by the way..), for those without the technical term 'peplum' in their vocabulary.)
Puffed sleeves or no?
Full skirt or no?
Sparkle or no?

Mostly, this is for you Maddie, because I want to know what you think--Which parts are mast important to you? It's your dress. But I want everyone's input, if you care to give it.

I will make the dress by next week. So I must decide...

Amelia's Skirt...

2009-12-09T13:53:00.000-07:00

Here's my sister Amelia's long gray skirt- She didn't wear it anymore, so she gave it to me (yay!)

Then I cut it up.

I made a simple and cute short skirt- (Maybe you want it back now, Melia?)

and I made a newborn girl dress.

(and no, that is Not an announcement of any sort, other than that I made a little girl dress--)

Sorry. There's just always someone who assumes something more...

That's all for now.

But stay tuned in the next week or so...

I've got some fun things coming up that I'm excited about! Maybe you will be too...

Wedding Dress Alteration

2009-12-07T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here's a wedding dress I altered recently for a very nice girl. She ordered it from a company overseas, and when she got it, it just wasn't quite what she wanted it to be-

She wanted it more of a mermaid style, with it being tightly fitted down almost to the knee.

Instead, the fitted part only went to her hip-

So, I took it in underneath, making it fitted further down (about 10 inches-), and I used the top layer of fabric to scrunch up and make the same gathered effect that is on the original top part- We were lucky that there was just the right amount of fabric for this- And, since that took a little bit of length off of the skirt, (which was a bit too long before-) we didn't even have to shorten her hem-
We have the effect she wanted, Plus, the perfect length, all in one- Yay!

Sorry about the background on the second picture... I'm a seamstress, not a photographer.... I need to work on those skills--

If you look really really close, you can tell where the original fitted part ends, and my fix starts-

But it actually makes a good transition, (which is what we wanted--)

So if you can't tell, Good!

She was happy her dress could be how she wanted it. And I was happy to help.

Winter Coat Before and After

2009-12-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

I saw this coat at the thrift store and couldn't pass it up because I thought it had some nice potential for coolness. So I took it home, took it apart, and reshaped into the following.

I had fun.

I always have the debate with myself though- Sure, it's better than it was before.... but was it worth it? Would anyone but me like it?

I know....you can buy 'already cool' coats in stores... So why bother getting an old one and re-doing it into a cool one, if you could just buy a cool one in the first place?

For some reason, I feel the need to. Why?

Honestly, what do you think about all that?

Also....

2009-12-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

If anyone wants pants like these, can do.

I like stopping by the Sartorialist once in a while to see what the cool kids are wearing. Good stuff.

Fashion is whatever you want it to be. If it works for you, go for it. If not, don't.

There's my take on things.

Just a Note-

2009-12-01T13:16:00.000-07:00

If you were thinking of having me take care of something in your wardrobe... Let me know- I'll only be taking in projects until Dec 7- Next Monday, so that I can finish everything in good time and get things back to everyone before we head out of town for Christmas vacation.

It's also not a bad idea to get a head start thinking about any ideas or events you know you'll have in the coming year.
You folks that are getting married, or going to prom... or want a new dress just because...

Let me know so I can help you!

(:

Christmas Decor. As far as it goes...

2009-11-30T12:30:00.000-07:00

We aren't HUGE on Christmas decorations... No blow-up Santa/reindeer next to the life size nativity and other decor in the front yard for us.

We are poor college students, so that does sculpt my view on things, but like so many other things, I just don't understand any motivation for actually SPENDING MONEY on those... They're expensive. How does one justify getting one of those? (not to mention two or three or ten??)

Anyway. I'm biased, obviously.

I love our Charlie Brown tree. It's Almost two feet tall. We've had it, and our whole array of Christmas decor for about the past 3 years... All items included, it fits packed nicely into one old diaper box (which are common items around here-moving twice a year has us in the habit of holding onto boxes of any sort.. )

We made some awesome Christmas tree decorations using bottle caps that my man saved up from his nights working as a waiter at the time. Good times.

(It might look like Mr. Snowman there got a head injury--it's just from being stuck in a box with the other ornaments, and some red paint got transferred onto his forehead. I promise we aren't that gruesome to paint him that way..)

Even if/when we're rich and living cozy in some fancy place that even has a dishwasher... Even if we ever can afford a 20 foot tree with coordinating ornaments galore, I'm in favor of keeping our simple happy little tree. Injured snowman and all.

Anyway.

Happy Holidays! Because it seems as though the whole time between Thanksgiving and Christmas IS a holiday.

Something I've thought about over the Thanksgiving holiday

2009-11-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

A while ago I saw a movie about the Dalai Lama and mandalas, and I was intrigued. (I found a picture thanks to the internet and University of North Carolina at Greensboro to illustrate for you-)

Monks work tediously on creating a sand mosaic, called a mandala, making it so intricate and beautiful...

Then, when they've completed the hours long project, they send it into the waters of the river, or throw it into the wind, rake it into a pile, or by some other way destroy it-

When I saw the part where they tossed it, I realized that I had become attached to the mandala...
Why?? I hadn't even worked on it... It had no importance to me, really.

But I was sad to see it go, after so much dedication and focus to finish it- The attention to detail was amazing-- and then off it went.

And yet, as they seem to know well, attachment to earthly things is something we all need to let go. There are so many more important things...

How beautiful, really. An exercise in letting go and remembering what really matters.

On somewhat of the same note, a story I heard on the radio recently---

Once Upon A Time...

2009-11-17T16:20:00.000-07:00

I had an old ugly Huge t-shirt. One I found at a thrift shop for hardly any money. It was 100% silk, which isn't a bad thing.

However, it was also very sad to be so shapeless and boring, and not living up to its potential. Do most people feel like that at some point, or is that just me?
Anyway... after a little bit of thinking, planning, cutting, ironing, re-working, and some love, there was an overnight transformation, and Hopefully now it is something it would rather be.

Not all improvements can happen so quickly.

Shabby Apple Update...

2009-11-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

Well, like I said, I didn't really Expect to win that dress design contest... But if you never try anything, then you never try anything, right??

Go to the Shabby Apple blog and vote for your favorite dress anyway, because that's fun. There are some good designs...

I'm actually still torn about the whole idea of mass producing, anyway.... I like the personal, one of a kind thing a whole whole lot.... So maybe it's a good thing I didn't even make the top 15?

An Advertisement For Something Great

2009-11-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

Has anyone heard of the Playmill?

Well, it's a summer theatre....

Usually!

But this weekend there is a special Playmill production in Idaho Falls, at the Colonial Theatre

Forever Plaid!

I should have told you about it sooner-- But it's still not too late to go enjoy one of the most wonderful musicals!

Opening night is tonight. For more information, go Here or just go ahead and call 208-522-0471 to get your tickets.

It will be good.

As a side note, I altered their beloved Plaid jackets to fit them better.... This was no easy task, as the last fellow who played "Smudge" was a Very Large Man. And this time around... well, he's no heavyweight. I hope they look alright-- I'll have to post some before and after pictures... It wasn't an alteration I would recommend for your everyday suit... We're talking Major surgery.

You'll just have to go see the show to know what I'm talking about, but I also made the guys the treasured 'Golden Cardigan' of Perry Como... We used a regular sweater and I just cut it to become a cardigan style sweater.. No big deal, and I don't even have pictures. But it's fun to see shows and be a little bit involved in the creative process... To think, I got to sew 'THE' golden cardigan... What an honor.

I love theatre.

Everyone go see the show!

Between Other Projects

2009-11-13T09:17:00.001-07:00

Once in a while, between wedding dresses and costumes, and random alterations/repairs, I just have to do a fun little project, just because.

This shirt was sitting in my pile of clothes I can no longer wear, but which I have plans for- I just can't seem to give things to thrift stores unless there is Absolutely no plan for them in my imagination... (even my husbands old clothes... they have potential...)

So, I kind of like the flowery/ruffle t-shirt thing, and since this shirt was too big, I took it in and used the extra fabric to make the fun petal-y addition...

I like it.

Don't give up on your old, but still good clothes! They may just need a second chance.

Rebellion

2009-11-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

Well, I decided people probably just blog about whatever they want. At least, that's what I'm going to do. So there.

How about a food adventure?

About a year ago when we were visiting family in Portland, we ate at a place called Vita Cafe- We ate corn cakes.

That sounds less exciting than it was.

They were the best corn cakes ever.

I've had a hankerin' for them several times since... I knew there was cilantro and banana in them, so yesterday I bought some cilantro and bananas, and I decided to re-create them. I was happy with the experiment. Here's my version-- Try it, eh? It's so easy and delicioso.

About a cup of cornmeal, boiled in about twice as much water til done-

About a 1/2 cup of whole wheat and/or all purpose flour --- add after the cornmeal is cooked.
Stir in:
a handful of cilantro (as much as you want. You know you don't actually have to follow recipes, right? You're the boss. Don't let anyone tell you you have to follow recipes.*)
Pieces of cut banana.. maybe half of one.
A bit of ground ginger... a teaspoon or two

I put in a couple of eggs and some milk, but I don't think it's necessary... so you decide.

Take this mixture and scoop into a moderately (or very, if you'd like) oiled or buttered frying pan, and cook like a pancake- flip when it's nice and gold and crisp on the edges. (flipping them is easier if you don't make them Huge. But, you're the boss, so you can make them as big as you want.)

So! while it's cooking, or before if you'd like, you can make the tasty tasty Coconut syrup for putting on top, by taking a can of coconut milk, adding some sugar. It doesn't take much.. But use as much as you want, really.... (Do you get that you're the boss here? Just add some sugar... maybe half a cup like I did... or maybe you're a sugar fiend.... 1, 2 cups....)

Stir that up, maybe add some real coconut if you like the texture. And cinnamon is nice...

When your corn cake is nice and hot right of the griddle, then you can enjoy the whole wonderful experience by covering it in coconut syrup and trying to eat it before your kids/roommates/parents/siblings/whoever do... (See Eli's sticky little fingers there?)

Anyway. It's pretty healthy, relatively, I think... Depending on how much sugar and oil you put in. But I'm not responsible for that. You're the boss.

*I have plans of writing a recipe book for people that don't follow recipes, like me. Each recipe will fully acknowledge the fact that it is not law. None of those bossy recipes that think they know everything... what do you think?

Blog?

2009-11-09T22:09:00.000-07:00

I had been meaning to start a blog forever... but the main reason I finally did was actually just to enter the dress design contest for Shabby Apple. Check.

....and I'll let all 3 of you know how that goes...

However, now that I've finally started the blog I suppose I may as well continue...

So, what to blog about now? I'm thinking maybe this is more of a project thing, so I can have a place people can look to see the things I do as far as alterations and sewing/designing things...
And I'll have to start a completely new blog to fill with the cute family pictures....I don't know if I should just put it all out here, or what?

How do people decide these things?

I've been one of those 'blog stalkers' for so long, you would think that I would have picked up something about it...

We'll see how it goes.

More Dress Designs for Shabby Apple Dresses

2009-11-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

A couple more Shabby Apple ideas just for fun. I will make these in real life at some point I think.. This dress is designed for breastfeeding mums who are sick of wearing only button up shirts and the like.. the top can lift up at the tie part(which ties in the back) and there is an under panel beneath it. I think it might be neat if Shabby Apple could do this dress, for all those moms out there who would appreciate it...

These are all as yet un-realized ideas waiting to be created. The charcoal one would be a nice, thickish soft knit. The other would be perhaps silk, or a cotton blend.

Colors- bright and classy happy reds, greys, browns...

I know these don't translate as easily as a made dress. But thanks for looking anyhow. Everyone go to Shabby Apple to check out their stuff!

Another Dress Design for Shabby Apple Dresses

2009-11-03T21:35:00.000-07:00

Another idea for Shabby Apple

Many thanks to my model Lindsay here, who makes the dress look quite nice, I think.

With this dress I have the idea of using suiting-type fabrics with a vertical pattern-not necessarily limited to pinstripes, (which are awesome) but perhaps a herringbone, twill or other vertical stripe-ish themed fabric-on the thicker side, but not too stiff- texture would be nice. (here and here and here for possibilities..)

What I started out thinking here was a business-like, yet fun. Work, or play...

I hope it is a dress that could go with many different accessories, or none at all... that you could be excited to wear to work, or out for a day off.

Note, it has pockets hiding in the lower seam of the waist, in a nice spot that fits in with the dress design. A nice place for the couple little things you need...keys, candy, phone, etc.

I will call it the "Happy Monday for Frances" dress. Because Frances seems like an interesting person I could be friends with. (ok. I'm a blog stalker, I stalked your blog, Frances. (if you're reading this, hi, nice to meet you? don't be scared, I promise I'm not creepy!) I'm sorry... I just wanted to know more about these people behind the Shabby Apple. It's cool that you can read about the people that do these cool things like help run dress companies. )

Ok, we could just call it 'Happy Monday' too.

Anyway.. While you're here, Shabby Apple folks, I'll wish you good luck deciding whose design to pick---

Because, being my curious self, I've googled "dress design for Shabby Apple dresses" and I discovered that there are a whole lot of talented people out there. Good work everyone!

Yay for awesome dresses!

A Dress design for Shabby Apple Dresses

2009-11-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

My first design for Shabby Apple Dresses

Thanks to Maddie for telling me to enter this contest. It's been fun.. I don't expect to win or anything.

But either way, I'm going to be designing and making...

First.

This once was my my Grandma A's old pillowcase which she donated to me last time we visited- (I wonder if you recognize it, Grandma A?)

Now we can call it Pillowcase Dress... very creative name...

I thought the print was too cute to leave as a pillowcase, so I designed a dress using it and some blue linen.

Shabby Apple would of course have the option of finding awesome pillowcases (which would be cool! But perhaps not practical...though if they want to hire a pillowcase huntress that would be a fun job description.)

Or...
they could use a really cute regular print... But either way, I think this size of motif and the variety of color in it works well. I like the pencil shape skirt and the fun petal sleeves. The flower is optional.

On my version of this dress the top can lift up to breastfeed. (sorry, i know that makes some people nervous...but I was just experimenting to see if it would work. It wouldn't have to be included in the design - in my illustrated version, it's just a solid non-breastfeeding dress...)

Alterations

2009-10-24T08:09:00.004-06:00

Hi! Thanks for taking the time to check out my blog-- (I'm currently in the process of re-locating- Feel free to follow my blog for updates!)

Here is a partial alterations price list--
For many of these alterations, there is a range depending on exactly what needs to happen, but this is a good estimation in general. I am also open to bartering, if pre-arranged and agreed upon by both of us.

Minor repairs (button replacement..etc) are always free with any major alteration.

If you have several different needs, (for example, a dress hem, jean hem, and a jacket that needs to be taken in...) I'll add up your total cost, and then subtract a couple of dollars, for a 'bulk' discount of sorts... just because I like that sort of thing. More for your money, right?

As far as my experience---(and you have a right to know it) I'm not just some girl who happens to own a sewing machine-- I do know what I'm doing. I've been doing wedding and suit alterations for over 8 years.

I had a paid position for 4 years in college, in our Theatre Department's Costume Shop. We dealt with a huge variety of alterations all the time. The practice and learning that came with that isn't something easy to replace with say, one or two sewing classes...

I also designed and sewed costumes for the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone for 2 seasons (2008-2009)

I've started this blog to try to document my projects more for reference-- So feel free to take a look around at my past and current projects-

The point is, I won't mess up your clothes, or be careless.
If I happen to encounter something I haven't done before that I think would be above my ability, I will not pretend to know what I'm doing and chance messing it up---

(: I always figure you should watch out for people who pretend to know everything...

Jeans
Hem $5
Patching/worn knees/rip repair usually $1.00-2.00 or less, unless you've got Tons of damage to fix...see note below--minor repair free with other major alteration.
Replace Zipper $10 (includes price of zipper, which I will provide, unless you already have one-that's fine too.)
Dresses
Hem $10 (this one depends too- if your dress has 10 layers, obviously that will take more than one... For a dress that needs 3 layers hemmed, I usually do $20-25)
Let out -$10-25
Take in at waist $10-25
Take in at Shoulders $15 ($10 for most sleeveless items)
(all prices can vary, depending on the case- For example if your dress has extensive beading or other details it can be more-it just depends. Contact me with questions.)
Replace Zipper- $10 (includes price of zipper, which I will provide, unless you already have one-that's fine too.)
Add Sleeves- $25 for a simpler job, up to... well, it just depends on your dress and what it needs.
Slacks/Dress Pants
Hem $5
Take in $7-10
Let out $7-10
Replace zipper $10 (includes price of zipper, which I will provide-unless you already have one-that's fine too.)
Suit Jackets (men or women)
Take in $15 with vent $10 without
Lengthen sleeve $7 for plain-$15 with buttons etc. (most men's suits)
Shorten sleeve $7 for plain-$15 with buttons etc. (most men's suits)
Let out $15 with vent $10 without
Shirts- if it just needs to be taken in, $10, perhaps more if it needs more, major work...
Coat/Jacket Zipper replacement $10
Replace buttons, small rips etc... Free with a Major alteration, or a small fee depending (if you somehow had 50 buttons to replace, or several torn things... we'll just decide case by case there...)
Custom Projects, Design, Pattern making.... Varies, let me know what you need and we'll talk

There are always new and different things that come up which I don't have listed because they don't happen all that much. If you have something unique we can take a look at it and decide on a good price.

Thanks for your time! Let me know what I can do for you, and if possible, allow around 5 days to a week for project completion. (not that it will take me that long- usually not, unless you have multiple items... It's just good to have a buffer time to make sure I can complete everything in good time. I usually have many projects going on at once)

I will do rushed items for an additional fee which varies depending on what it is- (usually add $5 if you need the item within 24 hours. If it's a huge job, it may cost more, but also may not be possible to complete within 24 hours- Try to plan ahead so you don't get stuck in that situation) I'm happy to help with your last minute needs, when it's possible to do so- I know it's frustrating to be stuck!

Be creative with your wardrobe! You may think something is ruined by a stain or hole... But there's usually something that can be done- check out my Etsy shop for some examples of clothing that I've remodeled.

Also, keep in mind that I love fabric, and if you happen to have good pieces (most vintage things-even nice pillowcases or sheets with neat prints, even your old clothes that have small flaws-- I love recycling things ) that you want to get rid of, I can usually work out a discount/trade of some kind-

Bartering is great!

Thanks for your support! Email me or call and let me know what you need

madetofit@gmail.com

(:

I change my mind

2009-10-15T17:30:00.000-06:00

Sometimes when I start new things I think it has to be all planned out A to Z. This planning/perfectionist part of me has the idea that I should know exactly what to blog about before ever doing it... and that I must explain myself and justify the existence of my blog.

With that in mind, I was going to delete that first 'test' post my sister did for me, (sorry, Amelia) and replace it with some kind of introduction/justification... or something, who knows. (Why did my sister do the first post on my blog? Well, because I am sadly that intimidated by computer things... I needed someone to show me how to do this crazy blog stuff. Now that I realize how easy it is, I feel a little silly about that. But that's how it is. Sometimes you just have to have someone prove things can be done. At least I do.)

After debating about that first post for a while, I thought, 'why not? It's a true post. I sometimes make hats. That was a fun hat I made--I enjoyed that summer and its adventures. I sometimes have a really messy work area. I sometimes don't look that great....'

Despite all those truths, I was still going to delete it anyway.

But then, throwing all the non-materializing plans of a 'perfect first post' out the window, I realized that the shirt I'm wearing in that picture is Exactly the same one that just today I turned into This---

For little Lucy, who was sleepy when she tried it on.

That's just cool, and I couldn't have planned it if I tried.

put it on your head

2009-10-09T12:07:00.000-06:00

She makes hats. wow. isn't that cool?