Array of Texture

A New Look

2013-05-20T21:49:00.000-07:00

In my efforts to simplify, but also to get back on track, I have updated my blog! A new look, a new topic or two, a whole lot-a fun!

To start, click on Shop to check out my new items on Etsy! I've put in some work since my last post in October and just wanted to share.

Also, find and Like Array of Texture on Facebook!

An Array of Texture, Halloween Accessory

2012-10-16T22:33:00.000-07:00

It's time to break out those costumes, cake on the makeup, and get spooky!

With Halloween right around the corner some terrifying texture is a must. I was brainstorming ideas when I came across this old skeleton ring hidden in my jewelry box. Cool hu?!

...but to be stuck on my finger, where only the occasional eye sees it, nah. This needs to stand out, attract attention, make a statement.

I started by ruffling a piece of lace into a circle.

Then I slipped the skeletons through the hole and secured the ring into place.

I left the actual ring attached to the skeletons because I thought maybe I'd keep it as a ring.

But my goal was bigger than that. So I took some more lace and made a headband.

I secured the ruffle skeleton piece to the headband, but still left the ring attached just in case I ever want to wear it that way. To cover up the silver from the back I attached a black feather.

Here's the finished piece. Sorry my hair is so dark, it blends right in. But I still like it!

Autumn Goods

2012-10-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

Oh the simple pleasures in life...

Yesterday we made a day of Liepold Farms. On Sawyer's first Pumpkin Patch experience he learned what a donkey sounds like, that you have to have patience while waiting for momma to pick a pumpkin (I told Bryan "it's like going to a restaurant with a large menu, how are you supposed to decide!"), and how to open a can of red paint! It's amazing what's at his level that we can't see.

It was a beautiful day to "stop and smell the roses" or as I would say, to "stop and pick a pumpkin", or two, or three, and a stroller full of gourds!

Inspired by Autumn, I thought I'd decorate...

A vertical Fall banner, made with burlap and painted letters. An easy 10 minute project to spruce up my window.

Also, a 3D star made out of twigs. A little trickier, this project was made a few months ago to serve as a mantle piece. It's fallen off and been re-glued two too many times, so it was time for this star to find a new home; my other window!

An Array of Texture Tuesday, Little Black Dress Refashion

2012-10-09T21:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Tuesday!

The Little Black Dress, a must for every woman's wardrobe. I know I've said this before, but it's true. It's just too easy to dress up or dress down and wear it in so many ways.

Although my wardrobe does include a few LBD's, I always find reasons not to wear them... That one's too fancy, don't like this one's material, that ruffle looks like I'm trying to hide something. It's exhausting trying to feel comfortable in my own clothes. My goal today is to actually feel comfortable in a piece of clothing that should be easy to wear. Needless to say, the ruffles gotta go!

Don't get me wrong, this is a very nice dress so I am a little nervous about changing the look of it, but something has to be done. I can't wear a belt or a cardigan with it and it always makes me feel like I have more under the ruffle than I really do. So here it goes.

First I had to go about deconstructing the ruffle. After carefully ripping seams between the ruffle and the dress, I decided that maybe I should use the fabric from the ruffle instead of taking the whole neckline apart to get it off. Note the wrinkles, I was experimenting.

Inspired by a few of the 1950's necklines, I decided to make a rosette from the attached material, using an easy twist and roll method. Securely fastened in place with a few thread darts, this is what I ended up with...

I haven't had a chance to try it on yet, but I already like it better! I'll let you know how I truly feel about it after I've worn it. Until then...

Time To Get Cozy

2012-10-03T21:21:00.000-07:00

All year long I've been a little disappointed with the empty space that is our home. But when you're on a budget, it makes decorating kinda hard. Working with what you have on hand and around the house requires creativity and patience; one with which I like to think I have some of and the other with which I have zero! To say the least, it's been an ongoing battle between these large walls and me.

Autumn is my favorite season. A time for cozy sweaters, shorter days, changing colors, and yummy spices. A time to get my act together and make this home Fall ready!

After decorating and undecorating these two walls time and time again, I finally found something that gives the room a more comfortable feel.

It's amazing what you can make with some foamboard, old book pages, and Mod Podge. Just trace your letters onto foamboard or cardboard, cut out, and cover with book pages, scrapbooking paper, or anything else you might have using Mod Podge. The frames I found at the Dollar Store, I took out the glass for a more subdued look.

Originally I made these negative film strip frames to hang solely on the wall, but of course, the wall dwarfed them. Then I thought..."Oh! I have that painting that would be glorious in this room next to those!" The painting is one of my favorites and up until yesterday, I thought my husband despised it. That's why it was always hung out of sight, but to my surprise he didn't make a smart alec comment about it being there! Apparently he likes it.

These frames I also found at the Dollar Store. I always ask myself why I save things like these negative film strips, because seriously, when will I ever need them. What can I say, I am my mom; but guess what, I used them, just like I thought I would! I stained a piece of cream colored card stock with used coffee grounds to give the background an antiqued look.

An Array of Texture Tuesday, Bib Tee

2012-10-02T20:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I was going through Sawyer's plethora stuff, as I do every week for things he's outgrown (a little sad, right?), when I came across this...

I'm 99% positive it's a bib, but I've always been a little curious as to how this hand-me-down worked and I've come to the conclusion it's missing a piece or two. But to throw it out would just be silly.

I know I've recently done a bib cover tutorial, but I didn't want to have to wait to use this. So I'm taking a simple tee, particularly this burgundy one (I feel manly in this color), and I'm dressing it up for a more feminine look.

First, I carefully took off the trimming, so I just had one layer to work with.

Then I shaped the top of the bib to match the neckline of the t-shirt

and

attached it to the shirt with a zig-zag stitch.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy! ...I know, most of the work was already done for me, but hopefully I'll enjoy it a little more!

If you were wondering...Bryan and I had a great time last night, kiddo free! We spent the evening enjoying the new country band, Florida Georgia Line, singing and dancing till our voices and feet hurt. They rocked the house! I was hoping to post a few pictures, but sometimes I forget I have a cell phone to take pictures with; when you have zero cell service at home and mainly use a house phone, it's bound to happen. But here's Florida Georgia Line's new single, Cruise, if you want a peak at what we relished in last night.

A special thanks to my Aunt Carla for watching our little monster!

Twiggy

2012-09-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

I've probably talked of Twiggy before, but lets talk a little more... A 1960's fashion icon, her "twiggy dresses" were dead-on. Known for her thin build, not to mention she was quite skilled.
Okay, I'll stop. Tonight's story time involved something with a rhyme, it's Dr. Seuss and it gets me every time. That was the last one, I promise!

In 1967 she released her first line of clothing called "Twiggy Dresses". Aimed at the teenage market, these dresses were made to give thin women a fuller shape. They had a short hem and a loose fit.

Since 2005, Twiggy has acted as the face of Marks and Spencer in their advertising campaigns. Her most recent collection was called "Twiggy London", which featured clothes, handbags, shoes, and accessories.

The reason I am writing of Twiggy and her collections...

I found this poncho shawl at TJ Maxx many years back for something ridiculous, like maybe $10. I fell in love with it; the color, the fit, the style. Then, the first time I wore it in front of a man he gave me a funny grin and asked curiously what I was wearing. Like most men, he had no sense of women's fashion styles, but being the shy girl that I was, that comment was enough for me to never wear it...so sadly it was sent to that dark corner in my closet, but luckily, not the Goodwill.

Good news, I found it today! To say the least, I will never let a comment drive me to hide a piece of clothing again, because I will be frolicking in this all season! Besides, why should it matter what other people think...oh yeah, it doesn't.

On another note, don't wait up for me tomorrow! It's my first night out in over 3 months and I'm very much looking forward to it. A night free of drool, spilled milk, and baggy sweats. Hello, boots, beer, and country music!

Burlap Wreath

2012-09-27T23:14:00.000-07:00

Wreaths are a great way to decorate; the front door, an empty wall, for every season, holiday, or special event. With a million and one different ways to embellish a wreath and seeing them everywhere with the upcoming seasons, I was itching to try something!

Most wreaths are made using a foam ring, blah. I didn't have one on hand and didn't plan on running to the store to spend money on something so frivolous. So I decided to get crafty. My first thought was to head outside to raid mother nature of her fresh branches and form my own. But I didn't feel like going on a treasure hunt at the time. I do, however, still plan on using that first thought, eventually. My second thought, a wire coat hanger and burlap!

This wreath is fairly simple to make and takes no time at all, so let's get started. First, form the wreath with the wire hanger and leave it open ended. After fudging and bending to get the perfect circle, cut 4" wide strips of burlap. Pull a thread from the middle of the strip to ruffle your fabric.

Next, thread the burlap onto the wire, accordian style, pushing the burlap around the circle as you go. Fill the wire until desired fullness.

Note: The length of my burlap was 64" long and I needed 3 strips to fill the wire for a full look after ruffling.

Twist the ends of the wire together to make an enclosed circle. You'll have to play with the burlap a little to cover up the showing wire.

Lastly, I made some paper flowers from old book pages, glued them to a piece of cardboard, and attached a clothespin to the back for easy removal from the wreath. This way, I can make an embellishment for different seasons and holidays without having to make a new wreath!

Here's the How To for the paper flowers.

An Array of Texture Tuesday, Scarf Wrap

2012-09-25T20:39:00.000-07:00

It's Tuesday again! As I was a little unprepared this week, I decided to make a simple fix for an easy project. Since the cold weather will be calling all warm clothes, I figured restyling a few things would make it feel like I have a new piece to wear, rather than just the same, boring items I've been sporting for the last three years.

So without further ado, a simple fix... A long, flappy scarf turned into a modest, secured scarf wrap!

First off, I picked this scarf because I hate the tassels on the ends...they drive me absolutely crazy, bonkers, nuts!

Make sure each tassel is knotted tightly at the base of the scarf.

CUT the dang things off! It may look a little rugged on the ends, but in my opinion, that only adds some flair.

Add a few buttons to one end of the scarf. On the other end, match placement of the buttons and make button holes. *With the knitted design of this scarf I just used the loose knit as a button hole.

Now all that's left to do is wrap and secure in place.

In the end, I decided to take the middle button off. It was just too much for me. On the contrary, I don't think I will be having any drafts on my neck this fall, that's for sure!

Garter (stockings)

2012-09-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

Nowadays, a garter is known to be part of a wedding tradition; a bride wears a garter to her wedding, towards the end of the reception the groom removes it and tosses it to the unmarried male guests, thus symbolising deflowering. The belief behind this tradition is that if an article of clothing was taken from the bride it would bring good luck. Fun, yes? Of course! Although the actual use of a garter is for holding up a stocking or sock...

During WWII when nylon and rayon had restrictions, hose manufacturers created garters to help keep up the stockings. In this photo you can see she is wearing hold-ups (stockings with an band of elastic attached to it) and a garter belt (suspenders worn around the waist with 2 or 3 elastic strips attached to each side) which both help to hold up the stockings, but in this case the garter is being used to prevent bagging at the knees.

When nylon production came to a halt, women resorted to penciling in seams on the back of their legs with eyebrow pencils...a little off the subject of garters, but I thought it was a fun fact about the restrictions of WWII!

Not only were garters used to keep a messy look from occurring, but were a convenient way for ladies to carry small valuables, in place of a purse. Ah ha! Lightbulb...time to make a garter!

An Array of Texture Tuesday, Sweater Boot Socks

2012-09-18T22:08:00.000-07:00

Well, another late post tonight; what's new, I know. Sorry for the lack of anything exciting this week. "Summer got the best of me" as my mom would say, not because I lost inspiration, but because I was having too much fun in the sun! And it did it again. With very few warm days remaining, we took that camping trip. And boy was it fun!

My boys enjoying the river.

Not to worry! I made it back in time for another textured Tuesday...

After months of asking Bryan for items from his closet, he finally made a gracious donation, a sweater, for this week's An Array of Texture! Although, I was very hesitant about cutting into it; he's not the sweater type but he did like this one and it always looked so good on him. Sadly, it just doesn't fit, his shoulders are too broad anymore. So for now, I will only be taking the sleeves for a warm pair of boot socks, who knows, maybe I'll turn it into a sweater vest for him!

Cut the sleeves off of the sweater.

To fit my leg better, I turned the sleeves inside out and sewed a straight line up to the cuff. Trim the excess fabric.

Turn the raw edges under and sew two rows for a clean finish.

Accessorize if you desire! I left these plain because I enjoyed the simple look.

Ready for fall; a cozy pair of boot socks! Although, wearing these with boots cover up the design, so another option...

A fun pair of leg warmers!

1920's Finger Waves

2012-09-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

Finger waving is the moulding of wet hair into an "s"-shaped wavy form with fingers and a comb. It was a very popular hairstyle that developed in the 1920's, to add style and to soften the appearance of the bobbed hairstyles, and stayed popular throughout the 1930's.

How did the women from these eras have the drive to get up and do their hair in the morning? I wish I had that urge to want to do my hair everyday. Go figure, it's the one thing I'm particular about before leaving the house, I just wish it was easier. Finger waves could be a great way to take control of the messy-mom-bun on top of my head. Not to mention, how I'm always being rushed out the door by my husband because my hair is holding us up.

Finger waves are a beautiful look and they may just have solved our problems. I noticed this tutorial on a site I follow from time to time called Glamour Daze, a vintage fashion and beauty archive. Although, if I waited around all day for my hair to dry after being pinned up, we'd never leave the house. But we all want a happy husband, so in order to save time, that impatient grin, and still come out with a timeless look, sleep on it. Let your pinned hair dry and take shape while you sleep and all that's left to do in the morning is comb them out and add a little hairspray. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

An Array of Texture Tuesday, T-shirt to Tank

2012-09-11T22:18:00.001-07:00

Yes, we will miss the warm weather and the sun, our golden tans and the clothing. Those simple pieces of an outfit that make you happy, such as a pair of sandals and a tank top. So to inspire the last few sunny days of summer I am turning a simple t-shirt into a fun and flirty tank.

Before

After

Again, I apologize for the lack of pictures and I promise to improve on it...

To start the transformation from t-shirt to tank, cut off the sleeves of the shirt on the inside of the seam, leaving the raw edge. Note: The raw edge look is intentional and most t-shirt fabrics won't fray, just make sure your cuts are smooth.

Next, cut off the hem of the t-shirt, leaving the raw edge as well.

With the leftover fabric from the sleeves, sew together smalls strips, 1/2 inch wide, long enough to make a ruffle all the way around the neck hole and attach it to the shirt.

To add a little more flair, attach a small yo-yo to the side of the neckline.

There you have it. A simple tank to show off those golden arms (okay, mine not so much) a few more times!

Goodbye Summer

2012-09-10T22:23:00.000-07:00

Well, it's inevitable, summer is fading, with less than a two short weeks left... So while the weather still allows it, take that camping trip, wear those shorts, sandals, sunglasses, and tanks, and throw one last barbecue! As for my end of summer to do, I will be revamping a t-shirt to add one more piece to my very little collection of summer items; before they all end up in the back of my drawer until next season. Check out An Array of Texture Tuesday tomorrow to see how the revamp turns out!

While summer may be coming to an end, autumn is nearing with a few of my favorite things. The cold weather brings the modest look of layers, slip-on boots, comfortable scarves, and accessories. But that's not all; beautiful colors, sweet smells, hot apple cider, and pumpkins! I am surely ready to fall head first into the new season.

Tea Time

2012-09-07T21:00:00.001-07:00

Where was this dress when I was shopping for my wedding gown!

Besides the length, which I love by the way, it's everything that I wanted in my wedding dress. Funny how things change when bridal consultants start giving you random dresses to try on. My wedding dress was completely opposite of what I wanted, but I was totally in love with it.

I'm thinking if Bryan and I ever renew our vows, a simple lace tea length gown is what I will wear!

An Array of Texture Tuesday, Bib Cover

2012-09-04T21:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome back to another Tuesday filled with layers and layers of texture! Today I will be using some fabric scraps to change the look of a dress, so that maybe I'll want to wear it. I received this dress as a hand-me-down over a couple of years ago (I also have one in black). I love the style and fit of the dress but never wear it because I try to avoid wearing anything with a label and as you've probably noticed, I'm not much of a skater.

The style of this dress reminds me of relaxed summer fashion and a nautical look is what came to mind, so I just went with it. I knew to cover up the label I'd need to put a bib style of some sort on it, but I also wanted to add character to the dress, so pleats were a must:

I frayed all of the edges of the fabric, then I pressed the pleats into place, and sewed right above the fold for a crisp look.

At this point I thought it needed something more...sailorish! I grabbed some navy blue scraps and whipped up a small ruffle to line the bottom with (sorry about the limited pictures). The tricky part was attaching the bib to an elastic neckline. I pinned the bib to the fabric right under the elastic as it was stretched out and sewed it into place. As you can see in the picture below, it shapes with the elastic when it's relaxed. However, when it's being worn you don't notice it because it's stretched out.

To finish the look, I attached two buttons on one side of the bib.

Here is the finished look! Now, if someone could navigate me towards the ocean...

I found my way to the ocean once before, nine months pregnant: here is the same dress in black, worn as a maternity dress because it was super comfy! If only I had thought of this before.

Beret

2012-09-02T21:40:00.000-07:00

Coming to you from last night, letting you know how it went...

I think it turned out pretty darn good! What do you think? I wasn't too rusty after all and I finished it by time the football game ended. A functional accessory for the upcoming season!

I used a super simple pattern that is very easy to follow that can be found here. I added two more rows onto the expanded part of the beret for a fuller look.

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Supporter of new blogs? My sister, Casual, started an awesome new blog about her, as she would call them, unfortunate quirks (I would call them hilarious, because that's what she is; hilarious!). She is a comedian by nature and it's about time she started sharing her stories with the world. As she would say, It's Never A Casual Friday! Check it out, just don't laugh so hard you fall off your dinosaur... (Step Brothers...get it?... Anyone? ...we're big on movie quotes around here)

Oregon Ducks

2012-09-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

Dishes are done, toys are picked up, Sawyer's in bed, Bryan's on shift, the house is quiet, and I'm kicking off the season with a delicious bowl of popcorn, a beer, and a hook, which may be replaced with a book! Go Ducks!

Tonight I'm taking the night off from sewing and breaking out my dusty crochet hook, with my limited stash of yarn, and plopping down on the couch in my great attempt to make a beret. We'll see how far I get...it's the first game of the season for the Oregon Ducks, so I'll already be a little preoccupied. Not to mention, the book series my sister gave me to read, which I am absolutely addicted to. I'm not much of a reader because I would rather be sewing, making, or decorating something. So the fact that I'm already half way done with the first book and it's only been a week is pretty impressive. If I'm feeling a little rusty with my crochet hook or I get frustrated, I will be moving on. I'll let you know how it goes...

First Birthday

2012-08-31T21:35:00.000-07:00

Well, it's come and gone. My baby is no long a baby, but a toddler...

My little man turned 1 on August 21st. I guess I'm finally at the point where I want talk about it since 10 days have already passed. Does it always grab a hold of you like that? Where did the time go? And how did my baby get so big? It's a bitter sweet emotion. But he'll always be my baby...just like one of our favorite books, Love You Forever: I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

Of course there was a big bash held in honor of Sawyer that weekend. It turned out to be a beautiful Summer day for a backyard Birthday Party. Complete with:

A dinosaur egg hunt. Made of paper mache and filled with little goodies. The boys actually asked me how the dinosaur eggs got there...too cute!

A splish splashin' good time!

A dinosaur cake for the taking! And boy did he!

Toys, books, and clothes, galore!

Chewable gift bags!

And a happy little family!

Watching my little man close his eyes for his afternoon nap, really was the cherry on top of a fantastic day!

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the cute decorations I made for the party. Apparently I got wrapped up in the fun and left my camera sitting on the counter. Thank goodness for my amazing mother-in-law or else I wouldn't even have these beautiful pictures.

A Beautiful Disaster

2012-08-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

That's what I would refer to my motherhood as...

When we leave the house Bryan always laughs at me because I have a whole mess of stuff neatly packed into my diaper bag that never seems to be big enough. "We'll only be gone for 20 minutes." Being the overly prepared mother that I am, I know better than that. You never know when you're going to need a change of clothes for a dirt lovin' toddler, or if the weather changes from 90 degrees to freezing (evidently I'm prepared for natural disasters too), or even when you'll need to change a diaper. Then there's snacks for baby, mom, and dad, along with a sippy cup and a water bottle; Bryan is always lecturing us on the importance of hydration ("My leg hurts..." "Drink Water."). You can't forget the fundamentals; wallet, keys, phone, and sunglasses (that go into a case that's way to bulky). I even have hand sanitizer, lotion, a pen and notepad, a few First Aid items, because you never know when dad will need pain killers, ointment, and band aids, and how can you forget a few basic beauty essentials for mom; chapstick, lipgloss, bobby pins, and a manicure set. Besides, it's better to have something and not need it than need something and not have it, right? Please tell me I'm not the only obsessive compulsive parent out there...

After having gone through many diaper bags over the past year, it's obvious, I'm picky. If it lays wrong, if I don't feel organized, it just doesn't work out. So I took to making them. The most recent one I made lasted for well over 6 months and I wonder how. With no zipper, drawsting, or cinch, it was open for the world to see what I carried around with me and worse when it was placed on a flat surface.

Before: Open for all eyes to see

New and Improved! A cinched tote with room to spare, and it's reversible! My husband called it my Santa Bag, I guess it's pretty big. The tutorial I used for this oversized tote I found at This Big Oak Tree. Although it doesn't say it's reversible, it's pretty easy to make it. All you have to do is flip it right side out and weave the belt back through the button holes on the outside. Just make sure to use two different coordinating fabrics, that you will enjoy! In my case, I've been looking at these two silk pillow cases for a couple of months now. Mark it up to my frugality!

After: Privacy

An Array of Texture Tuesday, Tuxedo Blouse

2012-08-28T21:13:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the very first Tuesday of An Array of Texture! I thought I would start this Tuesday off by the use of my trusty closet. After rummaging through all of the forgotten items that have been lost in the dark over the years, I came up with my first exciting piece...

A white button-up shirt with three quarter sleeves. Not a vintage piece, but in dire need of a textile lift.

I decided to take this plain button-up and attempt to transform it into a tuxedo style blouse.

Step 1: Using a lace trim, I sewed it into place on both sides of the button holes and buttons running the length of the shirt.

Step 2: With the same trim lace, I sewed it around the opening of the sleeve.

And with these two easy steps, I created a beautiful tuxedo style blouse. Success! What do you think, does a little texture go a long way?

Inspire to Design

2012-08-26T21:59:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the blue polka dot jumpsuit?

Nullify Anew Vintage is this amazing shop that I found on Etsy that specializes in redesigning vintage pieces. They have over 150 items that include, dresses, tops, skirts, jackets, shorts, jumpsuits, and so much more. It is truly incredible what they do with the pieces that they acquire.

To redesign, reinvent, and repurpose vintage clothing; this is my overall goal. Achieving this goal on a budget has, no doubt, been tricky. In spite of the fact, I will soon flourish! I only ask of you, to please have patience with this everyday mama.

Here are a few inspiring items from Nullify Anew Vintage...

I'm diggin' on this scalloped collar!

The bib style accent is absolutely adorable!

And might I add...Yellow to my shopping list!

My Pink Rush

2012-08-24T22:59:00.001-07:00

It's common knowledge, blue is for boys, pink is for girls. If that's just the way it is, why don't I own more pink?!

I've never been a big fan of the color. Maybe because it was too girly for me, maybe because I thought it didn't go well with my skin tone, who knows. Lately though, I have this urge for pink to flood my closet. I want pink blouses and skirts, shorts and jeans. Am I out of control? Pink jeans! I think the "lazy mommy look" of loose, just throw it on, comfortable clothing is wearing on me. I'm ready for a more feminine look, and with this nice summer tan, why wouldn't pink look good against my skin.

Leave it to Pinterest... This vintage pink blouse is screaming my name! Just look at the gorgeous texture; sheer sleeves, a layered collar, the buttons, the bow, a gathered waistline. Unavoidably feminine!

Without fail, here is another Pinterest find...a simple cardigan, paired well with brown. Apparently I find myself attracted to pale pinks. Time to go shopping!

It's the Season for Shorts

2012-08-21T22:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is the season for shorts, and sadly, I don't own a pair, nor did I want to for the last year and a half. Skirts, dresses, and jeans define my closet, but recently my legs just need more breathing room, and a tan. With the scorching temperatures we've been having lately it would be nice to slip into something comfortable and lightweight, besides my gym shorts. These 1940's high waisted shorts may be my ticket to tan legs and a more stylish look!

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, in most parts of Europe and North America, shorts were worn as outerwear only by young boys until they reached a certain maturity. Men would not wear shorts as it was perceived as immature and because of social mores women did not wear them either. It wasn't until the 1930's that both men and women began to wear shorts for casual comfort.

Inspired from the 1940's look above, these shorts are fun, flirty, and on my list of Things To Sew.

Where to even begin...

2012-08-21T19:28:00.000-07:00

I could write a list of excuses for my long and excruciating absence. But so we're not here all day, I will only leave you with one; I lost it, my thoughts, my inspirations, my movements... I thought I had a good flow going, and when I turned around, it was gone.

So where do I even begin again? I need a new approach to my blog. My first thought, to have goals, with timelines. What came to mind, a weekly theme:

Starting next Tuesday I will be re-creating anything I can get my hands on. Stay tuned.