Creating Bits of Envy

Convertible Cowl... My Must Have Accessory For Spring...

2014-02-02T17:06:00.001-08:00

I have a confession... (if you have been reading my blog, it may not be that much of a surprise) I am a scarf-a-holic... Lately I have been wearing one every day! I can't help it... they are so comfy and cozy. My obsession has lead me to some great ideas, and I am soooooo excited to share my newest one with you!
I call it the Convertible Cowl...

It can also be worn has a hooded cowl... but that is not the awesome part. After playing around, I discovered it is very versatile...
Here are some other ways to wear it...

Unbutton all but three buttons... put it over your head with the opening on the side...

You've now got a caplet...

With it all the way unbuttoned... place it lengthwise behind your neck. Grab two corners...

...and button together...

And voila! You now have a vest...

Take the front flaps while your wearing it as a vest... and overlap them with the buttonholes on top... Fasten in place...

You now have a wrap shirt...

Connect just the top button... place it over your head with the drape in front...

You now have a long drapy cowl...

Take your drapey cowl and button the other corners(ends) behind your back...

And you get a draped top...

Overlap three buttons... and place over your head... with the buttons running up and over your shoulder...

And you have a different top...

Give the middle a twist... and place over one shoulder... connecting the buttons on the side with the buttonholes in the back...

Bring the rest of the fabric across your chest... and connect the remaining corners on the other side...

Ta-Da! Now you have a one shoulder top...

Place your handy scarf behind your neck... take the top corners in the front and overlap them(with the button end on top)...wrap the buttonholes around to the back... fold under the first two buttons on the top... and fasten your buttonhole end(from behind) to the third button down...

Handkerchief cowl...

With the scarf behind your back... bring up the top corners and fasten one button behind your neck...

Now you have a High-Low vest...

Ok... this next one next one might be a little confusing, but just stick with me... Start with four buttons overlapped... Place the overlap going over your shoulder with the buttons in front... Temporarily, unbutton the first button...

Next... Bring the button hole end that's flapping behind you... under your arm... and attach it to the same button that that we just undid(I pinned up my other corner so you could get a better view)... Now re-button the first corner back down(both corners should now be overlapped on the same button)...

Shall we call this one a shrug...

This one is easy... Button the top button... and place the ends coming up and over your shoulder(with buttons in front)... Scrunch up the fabric on your other shoulder(so it's not hanging down)... Then add a belt...

And you have another top...

With the scarf buttoned around your shoulders... Unbutton the top two buttons...and the bottom five(leaving just two that are buttoned)... Fold down the top corners... making a collar...

And you have another caplet... that can be worn with the buttons down the middle... or off to the side...

Have I blown your mind yet?
Saving the best for last... The next way to wear your convertible cowl, is for sure outside of the box thinking...

As a skirt!

Wow! Is that too much fun or what...

I easily came up with 16 ways you can wear the Convertible Cowl... I'm sure there's more.

Thanks for letting me share with you my latest product. If are hooked and telling yourself you need one too... you can find them here...

***Jennifer

How To Make Stamps Out Of Wine Corks...

2014-01-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Well... my new venture (Bits of Envy on Etsy) has started off with a bang! Within less than a week, I had three orders. One of them shipped to Australia...So... I guess I can now say Bits of Envy has gone global! However, I was so focused on getting my shop up and running... that I completely over looked how I wanted to package my items for shipment. Luckily being my thrifty crafty self, I took stock of what I had on hand...
Brown paper (check!)
Twine (check!)
Buttons (of course... double check!)
But... when I wrapped my order up... it looked a little blah...
Back to the hoard...(I mean drawing board) I went... to see what I could find...

I remembered that I had some corks... And thought to myself stamps!

I printed off my saying in a font and size I thought would be good ... and got to work...

I taped the letter to my cork... remembering to place the letter up side down otherwise it would have been backwards...

Using an X-Acto knife I traced around the letter...

Then I cut around the side about 1/4 inch down... careful not to cut under my letter...

Taking out small chunks at a time... I worked my way around... until...

...All that was left was my letter...

I had more letters than corks... so I carved out both sides...

The end results... Now my package is ready to ship!
Happy Stamping...
***Jennifer

New Year... 2013 recap...

2014-01-11T01:40:00.001-08:00

Wow... it still doesn't feel like 2013 should be over with! As much as I am dragging my feet(...still have Christmas up... says through a muffled cough...) I am looking forward to a fresh start. Before I move on thou, I thought it would be fun to revisit the top 10 posts from 2013. Here are they are...

*1 Handmade gifts... pencil cases...
*2 New life for an old leather coat...
*3 Best day ever...

*4 My latest knitting project...

*5 Blue Quilted Jacket...

*6 Inspiration from the movies... Rosemary's Baby...

*7 The Coffee Date Dress...
*8 Butterfly tutorial...
*9 Skirt Week...

*10 Spring Purse...

There were a lot of fun projects in 2013... but I have a feeling 2014 is going to be my best year yet!
It's already gotten off to a great start with the launch of my Etsy shop Bits of Envy...
You can check it out here...
Happy New Year!
***Jennifer

Wearing A Maxi Skirt In The Fall... My New Go To...

2013-11-18T05:00:00.000-08:00

I... like a lot of people I know, completely jumped onto the maxi band wagon... with both feet... I even drafted a pattern using one of my favorites... I have not however, worn one in the Fall.
That is about to change...

Meet my new favorite GoTo Maxi....

I made the skirt using this tutorial... The fabric is a super soft knit that I picked up for a $1 on one of my recent thrifting excursions...

The pattern was super simple... Your waist measurement + 1 inch... Measurement from waist to floor + 1 inch(your length)... I used 37 inches for the bottom width of the skirt...

Super cute... and super cozy! Ready for the cold weather that is coming our way...
P.S. If you haven't seen it already... I also have a super easy tutorial for the scarf I'm wearing here...
***Jennifer

My Latest Knitting Project... Buttoned Lace Vest

2013-11-14T05:00:00.000-08:00

This project would be more accurately categorized under Latest "Finished" Projects... because I started it at the end of May... took a break from it July/August... and now in November just getting around to completing it! The pattern is from Vogue Knitting... spring/summer 2011

I am pretty happy with how it turned out...

The yarn I picked up for .50 cents a skein at an estate sale... So my total cost for this number was a whopping $1.50...

Being my usual thrifty self, and only using what I had on hand... A little problem on the back arose, when I ran out of the colored yarn... And to top it off I only had a small amount of the cream... soooo... I basically just made up the top portion using what I had left... It was a make it work moment!

Of course I finished it with mismatched vintage buttons...

Happiness is a completed project no matter how long it took...

Happy Knitting!

***Jennifer

Savoring Fall... Living In The Moment...

2013-11-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

A little late posting, but this is my favorite time of year... and I want to savor it! Let's not talk about Christmas yet... There are plenty of things to enjoy now.
So, I am pushing the pause button... and Savoring Fall...

I love it when the leaves change color... they're beauty always captures my heart... I also get excited to wear tights and boots... Silly... I know...

Going to the Pumpkin Patch... An annual tradition...

Fall decorations... I was lazy this year, and reused my wreath from last year. Except for the corn... I made it from yard clippings(to change it up I added the leaves this year)...

I love decorating with nature... gathering up treasures found on walks around the neighborhood... I can always find them a good home...

I also made a few of these paperback pumpkins... super easy... you can find tutorials for them all over Pinterest...

Together with my found items... they made the perfect center piece for my table.

Making Halloween costumes... always a good time...

This year my son wanted to be Steve... a character from the game Minecraft...

My daughter took it easy on me and went as Super Girl...

We always enjoy carving pumpkins, and roasting the seeds... My sons reached a whole new level of scary this year...

Trick or Treating... We tried out a new neighborhood this year, and enjoyed how festively the houses were decorated...

And to top it off... The first Eggnog latte of the season...

Happy Fall!

***Jennifer

The Coffee Date Dress...

2013-08-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Tis the season for weddings... and the eternal question... What am I going to wear?!!!?
As I was contemplating my options, and catching up on the blogs I read... I stumbled upon this...
The Coffee Date Dress Sew-Along Linky Party!!!!

Over at Project Sewn...

I read over the details, and realized... wait a minute... I have this pattern! (I found it on BurdaStyle) It's only been sitting in my To Do pile for probably two years. After I dug it out, feeling very triumphant that I did find it, I decided this would be the perfect dress to wear for the wedding I was attending.

Since mine was still in a printed out pile... I quickly got to work assembling the pieces...

And adding my seam allowance...

It came together quickly... The only change I made... was adding some vintage lace trim...

Here I am at the wedding... wearing my Coffee Date Dress... and a very serious expression...

Although... clearly my dress and I had some fun too!!!

Here's how it looks unbelted...

Thank you Ladies at Project Sewn! You gave me the kick in the butt I needed to make this cute dress... and the satisfaction of getting a project done out of my To Do pile...
Happy Sewing!
***Jennifer

Summertime Journal 2013...

2013-07-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

It's not summer without at least one wedding to attend... and my daughter was so excited to be a Bridesmaid... It was very special to be included on this wonderful day... and fun helping set it up! I can't believe how grown up my daughter is... I am so proud of the young woman she is turning into(sniffle...sniffle)...

More wedding fun... this time in the form of burlap and lace... Decorations...

Sparkle... Sparkle... everywhere...

So, when a friend of the family asked if I would like to help out with her wedding this summer... I of course was more than happy to. And...when she asked my daughter to be a Bridesmaid it warmed my heart... So when she ask if wanted to make my daughters dress... I said sure... She already had the fabric... Great... Little did I know I was about to meet my nemesis... The Coral Sparkle Lace... It may seem innocent, but it's presence is left all over my house... From my studio it has spread like the plague... no surface has been left untouched... SPARKLETASTIC!

On our way home to Oregon... The drive was a little bit shorter since we left from Mammoth... It only took 11.5hrs... Proving that I can dominate any highway...

Our last night... We had a big campfire and made double chocolate s'mores(roasted marshmallows, chocolate bars, and chocolate graham crackers)... Yummy!

We found a bear in our camp site! Thankfully, we followed all of the food rules and had nothing out that would attract it... So it moved on without incident...(It is hard to see... but our visitor is under the canopy, next to the chairs!)

Mammoth Museum...

Hiking around the camp... we found an abandoned cabin...

We enjoyed trips into town also... shopping, the fishing festival, and Rite Aid ice cream...

Today we conquered the hike up to Sherwin Lakes... It took us over an hour to hike up the mountain side (no roads to this one), but our picnic lunch by the lake when we got there... was more than worth it!

Enjoying the scenery at Lake Mary...

Violet caught her first fish in the creek next to our campsite...

Our last hurrah at the end of our trip... camping in Mammoth! We started off with a gondola ride up to the top of the summit...

3rd Sunday of the month... Long Beach Antique Fair... My idea of paradise... need I say more? A much loved tradition, my Mom Katie and I love to browse the isles... hunting for treasure. We usually find at least one thing we can't live without. This year it was a pair of salt and pepper shakers, and an unusual necklace...

Off visiting our friends in the cute little town of Claremont, CA... We had a fun time walking around downtown, making wishes at the fountain, playing games(headbandz... probly the funniest game I've seen in awhile... lots of laughs), movies in the park, and a hike in the foothills...

Tuesdays and Thursdays... On these mornings we get to start out the day with private swim lessons right across the street... I love these mornings, because I get to walk over with my cup of tea(shoes optional) and soak up some sun while the kids swim in the pool...

Visited one of our favorite places today... Fashion Island...

I'm loving my new purse... We just go back from the movies... You can read more here!

We made it to California safe and sound... the kids are already enjoying their time with Papa and Grandma... working on projects, baking cookies, and playing dress up...

Heading back to Cali... Loaded up and making our annual 14 hr drive from Oregon to Southern California... Looking forward to three weeks of beaches and sunshine!

Since we got back from camping... I have spent all of my free time trying to make a bathing suit for our annual trip to California. I have taken apart the top three times, and still can't get it to fit right...Aaaggghhhh!!!... I have come to the realization that it's is not going to be finished in time... So... Here it sits on my sewing table awaiting our return...

Our summer started off with a camping trip at the lake... We had lots of fun exploring, spending time with cousins, and making Smores...

New Life For An Old Leather Coat...

2013-07-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

A while back someone asked me if I wanted this long old leather coat...

Not one to turn down something for free... I of course took it gladly. Warning that I was probably going to cut it up... and cut it up I did... quickly deconstructing all of the pieces that caught my eye...

As I was laying out the useable pieces I stumbled across this old writing on the inside... 1920... my favorite era. I love that it has a story...and now this leather will have a new chapter... as a purse...

The shape of the purse was truly influenced by the shape of the jacket...

Flipping the back piece upside down... the shoulder darts and side seaming formed the perfect shape. Then I added a couple side pieces to match the front. As the purse started coming together, I realized that there wasn't enough usable leather(i.e. not stained, scratched, or worn)... so I had to get creative...

Using coffee and vinegar I dyed the big pocket for the front and part of the shoulder strap... Then with black food coloring and vinegar... I also dyed the pocket flaps and buttons...

I love the results!

I finished off with printed lining and a magnetic snap... this old leather purse is ready to start a new chapter!

And I'm ready to go on some new adventures with my new purse!
Happy Sewing!
***Jennifer

Skirt Week 2013...

2013-05-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

*** Update***
Although I didn't win... my Anthropologie inspired skirt was featured in the top 10 for straight skirts! Yay! It was so fun to see me up there with some really fabulous skirts... P.S. I'm #4...

Hip Hip Hooray! It's skirt week!
What is skirt week? Well you can read all about it here... It is a weekof sewing skirts for you... Yes! I said it selfish sewing... and with summer just around the corner, it is perfect timing... Here is what I contributed this year...

Anthropologie knock off...

I made this skirt a while ago... by modifying Simplicity pattern #2512... but never got around to taking a picture of me in it. This was the perfect opportunity to do it... You can read more about it here...

I love the fabric combinations... and the pockets!

Tween Maxi Skirt...

I just finished this one up for KCW...

The pattern I used was Gloria's Tween Maxi Skirt from Creative Kids Couture... It met all of my daughter's requirements (Long... and good to twirl)... She loves it!

Vintage Knit Skirt...

Super comfy pull on skirt... from Simplicity pattern #2258... I did not have enough fabric to cut out the ties, which would have been a cute detail... But, that's the nature of dealing with vintage fabric...

I also hit a small stumbling block when I cut out the pockets... none of my scraps were big enough! So I cut them out of a different fabric... and grafted (zig zag stitched in place)pieces of my main fabric on the part that shows... It was definitely a make it work moment...

Not very exciting on the hanger... but I like it... and it was super fast to make...

Ruffled Hi-Lo Skirt...

Making a long skirt for my daughter... made me want to have one too! So I pulled out this pattern from Simplicity #1662...

I am still a fan of the Hi-Lo hem...

The only changes I made were... widening the waistband... and adding a second ruffle. This is an easy to wear skirt...that looks great dressed up, or dressed down with sandals and a t-shirt...

I have been a busy bee... but it's worth it!
Happy Sewing!
***Jennifer

Spring Top Sewalong...

2013-05-26T12:05:00.000-07:00

I am really late on joining in... but I couldn't miss the opportunity to do some selfish sewing for the Spring Top Sewalong with Made by Rae. Here are my contributions for this year...

Same Pattern 2 Ways...

I love all of the options with this Simplicity pattern #1693... On the first top, I made the sleeveless view with the peter pan collar. The second top added the cap sleeves, but no collar. I am still a fan of the high/low hem, so I used it on both tops...

The fabric for this top was a vintage lace curtain panel....

...and this top I cut out of a vintage tablecloth...
Both tops have a simple loop and button closure... and were seriously easy to sew up!

Peplum Top...

This is a current trend that until now... I have not been able to wear. Being freakishly high waisted, the waist of every peplum top I've tried on in the stores hit me at my hips... not a good look...

Then I spotted this McCall's pattern #6754... and knew with a couple of adjustments (bringing the waistline up 2 inches), I could jump on board!

Using the stripe on the bottom of some vintage knit I had in my stash... I cut out the peplum... I had wanted to cut the whole top out of the stripe, but it just wasn't possible. So, I was able to squeeze in the center bodice... and the rest I had to cut out of the top white portion... I love it! Now I can wear a peplum top like the rest of the cool kids...

Well that's what I did for the Sewalong...
Happy Sewing!
***Jennifer

KCW Spring 2013... Day 7...

2013-05-10T22:07:00.001-07:00

Yes... I am well aware that KCW is over... but I was determined to finish my projects for the week! Between my husband being out of town, baseball(boy), kickboxing(girl), and working on school art projects, there simply was not enough time to squeeze in even an hour of sewing...(hence the other meager posts...here...here...here...and here...) So, with the hubby now home(and the art projects completed), I was finally able to wrap up my week for KCW... and get some pictures taken...
For my last project I wanted to make Gloria's Tween Maxi Skirt from Creative Kids Couture. My daughter kept asking if I could make her a maxi skirt, and I had purchased this PDF pattern a couple weeks ago with KCW in mind... so... I could not end the challenge without making the skirt!

After I printed out the pattern... I was very happy to find out that all of the pieces were straight cuts(that meant no pattern pieces to cut out and tape together)... All I needed was a ruler, pen, and scissors. Thank you CKC for such a cute and easy Pattern

It was an instant hit... after the twirl test... of course... (and paired with the top from day 6)

She didn't want to take it off... and kept coming up with different poses...

This one is my favorite!
I also managed to get her into the first two items I made... I know it sounds corny... but the patterns I drafted using The Perfect Fit, really are a perfect fit! Here's the proof...

Love the way my sailor inspired shorts turned out... and the top is pretty cut too!

I'm glad I added the panel on the bottom of the top, because it made it long enough to tuck in too! Now you can see all of the cute buttons on the shorts...

That's my end to KCW... I'm glad I took the time to finish... Better late than never...

Happy Sewing!

***Jennifer

1000 Cranes... A Farewell Project...

2013-05-10T16:35:00.001-07:00

Last year... I mentioned working on art with the kids at my children's elementary school. Every year our school(Yujin Gakuen Japanese immersion school) hosts a dinner and auction to raise money... The main attractions are of course the classroom art. I have had a hand in many of these pieces over the years... I seem to start traditions, (like the 2nd grade origami people) and have so many great memories working with the kids and other Moms... It has truly been one of the highlights in my life... And now, as this year comes to an end... my youngest is moving on to middle school... so our time at the school is also coming to an end. Since this was my last piece of artwork, it seemed fitting to repeat 5th grades artwork from last year... A landscape made out of 1000 origami cranes, folded by the kids themselves. 1000 cranes is a symbol of good luck in Japan... and to me, it also symbolizes the kids taking fight and moving onto the next stage in their lives. And since it is a send off for me too... I wanted to create two landscapes...

Day...

...and Night...

The kids did an amazing job... and folded 2000 origami cranes from 6x6 sheets of paper(this took about a month and a half). After they were folded, I counted and then sorted them by color/shade...

Next, I roughly sketched out the landscape on a piece of poster board... and started gluing them on... one by one... row by row...

Forming the hills, sky, and river as I made my way down...

It took about 40 hrs to complete each landscape... with a lot of late nights... and multiple cups of coffee...

But, when the last rows were laid out... and I could see an end in sight... I kept thinking about my time at the school coming to an end... and it was bittersweet...
I have given gladly, all of the hours... days... and weeks... that I have volunteered at the school...I will never tire of singing praises for our dedicated teachers and staff. The time I've spent on artwork through the years, was hopefully letting the teachers know how thankful I am for all that they done. Our children have been given such a strong foundation...they are ready to take flight...
Arigato!
*** Jennifer

KCW Spring 2013... Days 4, 5, and 6...

2013-04-27T16:42:00.000-07:00

Boy has my week been crazy... and KCW is almost over! I just can't seem to get a free moment to myself... let alone sew! Oh well... I managed to get something done(I suppose that's the point... even if it's not as much as I had planned to do). Here's how the last couple days have gone...

Day 4... sewed the lace to bib front...

Day 5... Sewed the bottom panel too the shirt...

Day 6... I finally had more than 15 minutes! The shirt is done!

I am glad I took the time to add the bib front... It is a nice detail...

Well, tomorrow is the last day... and I hope to finish this week with a bang! Also... I plan to pin my daughter down and take some pictures of her in her new spring clothes! Wish me luck!

***Jennifer

KCW Spring 2013... Day 3...

2013-04-24T18:23:00.000-07:00

Another hectic day... before I could get my KWC hour done...

Yesterday I drafted this shirt pattern for my daughter... and today I cut it out of some vintage Dotted Swiss... I also managed to sew the darts, shoulder seams, and the side seams...

After a quick fitting on my daughter... I decided it was to short, and cut a panel to lengthen the bottom...

Tomorrow I hope to sew on the front bib, facings, sleeves, bottom panel, and hem it... phew... just saying it is making me tired... Oh wait... I mean... Yes I can... Yes I can...

Happy KCW Week!

***Jennifer

KCW... Spring 2013... Day 2...

2013-04-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

Ok... So far the KCW challenge seems to be more about finding the time vs. actually sewing... My week is soooo busy... and I see no end in sight... All right enough whining, on to the clothes...

I did finish the sailor shorts, and I have to so say they are pretty stinkin cute! Although I had no time to put them on the girl(another thing to add to my list...sigh)... I did fit them to her once, for a split second, so I can tell you that they looked good! Look for a photo in the near future...

In the time I had left, I quickly drafted a shirt pattern(again using The Perfect Fit). Hopefully tomorrow I can cut it out, and start sewing...
Wish me luck!
Happy KCW week!
***Jennifer

KCW Spring 2013... Day 1...

2013-04-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

Phew... Between school projects and baseball... Day 1 almost didn't happen! Luckily I squeezed it in, before we were off and running again...

As I was racking my brain, I realized that The Perfect Fit that I have been making patterns for me out of... would also work for my daughter(who's now in tween sizes)! So excited, because so far everything I've made with it has been right on size wise... I figure why not try?

I quickly drafted out a pull on short pattern...

...And quickly got to work...

Not wanting them to be just Plain Jane shorts... I added some front plackets with piping, to hopefully achieve a sailor inspired look... Fingers crossed... Tomorrow I hope to finish the waistband and bottom hem...
Happy KCW!!!
***Jennifer

My Latest Knitting Project...

2013-04-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

To knit... Or... to sew? That is always the question when I find myself with free time... Although, if I am being honest, most of the time I sew during the day and knit at night. No sleep for the eternal crafter! This weekend though, with the end of my knitting project in sight... I decided just to knit...

Here is the pattern I used... From Vogue Knitting Magazine(spring/summer 2011)... View 3

Super cute! I did change the yarn weight from a [4] to a [2]... so I also had to go up two needle sizes. I find by doing this... I can create the same look without the bulk, and the garment lays on the body better...

I love the detail around the neck and sleeves...

Today I wore it layered with a denim shirt... cute and comfy...

I think this sweater might just need a twin in a different color... I don't usually remake something, but this sweater was pretty easy... and a good fit!

Happy knitting!

***Jennifer

KCW... Spring 2013!

2013-04-19T04:00:00.000-07:00

Kids Clothing Week(Sewing one hour every day on clothing for kids) is starting on Monday over at Elsie Marley! I know you have been waiting for it to come around again... So... raid your fabric stash... get out that pattern you've been wanting to try... and come sew with me(and a bunch of other talented crafters). This will be my 4th time joining in, and I've got to say it has been a huge motivator. I am always amazed at how much I get done(even when things don't go so well)... and it always feels good to cheer each other on. Here is a peek at what I've done in the past...

Ruffle Top and Pink Skirt...

Rocker Sweatshirt...

Vintage Skirt and Shirt pattern...

I can't say that I am prepared for next week yet... but I am ready in spirit! When day1 comes, if I have to spend my hour coming up with a game plan... and cutting things out...well that's still working on kids clothing... Right?(I can't be the only procrastinator out there...).

See ya back here on Monday... and I'll give you a report on the progress...

***Jennifer

A Tisket A Tasket... A Blue Quilted Jacket...

2013-04-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

***** UPDATE!!!*****
I am super excited to share with you that my Blue Quilted Jacket was picked from the Sew-Vivor Flickr Pool as a winner! Just goes to show even if you take awful pictures... A well made garment can speak for itself...(Thank goodness... because I fired the model and the photographer) You can check it out here, and you should because the actual Sew-vivor winners are amazing! (And they take great pictures)
*****
SO... I don't know if you've heard... but Rach over at Family Ever After... Has been hosting her Sew-vivor competition(You've got to check it out!). She has presented her contestants with three different challenges... and I thought it would be fun to play along with this weeks challenge... Something Quilted... I have never, ever, ever... Quilted or worked with quilted fabric! I thought this would be the perfect time try it out...

For my first attempt... I'm pretty pleased...

Using my Perfect Fit pattern maker... I drafted out a jacket and shortened it to a cropped length. Since the quilted fabric I was using was double sided... I decided to bind all the seams in a bright yellow...

Time consuming... yes... but well worth it...

I also made some bias tape out of a striped fabric for the raw edges... If I was going to cover the seams... I might as well go all the way around! And I used these lovely yellow vintage buttons...

The fit of the jacket is great, and not as bulky as I thought it might be. However... taking a decent picture of me in it... nearly impossible...

Hmm... is that a cobweb in the corner...

Or... was it that corner?

Yup... definitely some dust bunnies on the floor...

Surprise! ...Pop of color...

All buttoned up... and apparently my lips are too...

The back view...

But wait!... I think that might be a ghost of a smile...

So... yes, I think the jacket is a keeper... The model... definitely should keep her day job...
Happy Sewing!
***Jennifer

Friday Thrifting...

2013-04-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

I love Fridays... It is the one day, that I let all of the hustle and bustle of the week go... and after dropping the kids off at school(because a Mom is never truly "off" the clock)...It Is Me Time!!!(until I have to pick up the kids... sigh...) I start off with coffee and a fresh bakery treat... and then I'm off to thrift... Lately, I have been finding the coolest stuff... so I just had to share...

I hit the jackpot on vintage patterns... 5 for $1.00... I find it amusing that while I was digging through them, I kept saying to myself ... "Oh! I've got that"... I may be developing a small pattern hoarding problem...

Ahh... I just love vintage fabric... It makes me giddy! The two on the left are knits I found for $2.00 a piece, the red is a dotted swiss($1.00), and the white is an eyelet($1.00)...

This fabric deserved to be photographed all by itself... I was absolutely gaga over it... at a mere $2.00 for 4yards! My biggest dilemma is what to make out of it. I know it will be a dress... but it has to be the perfect one!

I saved the best for last... I found this vintage fan for $7.00! It works perfectly... but there was a loose nut... a problem that was easily solved by my handy husband. I have wanted one for sooooo long, and can't believe the price I paid for it!

I can't wait for friday to get here... I'm ready to go out again! There are treasures to be found... Items to discover... And prices to be bargained with...

Get Thrifting!

***Jennifer

P.S. I found this during my travels... I didn't purchase it, because it was wwwaaayyy out of my price range, but the saying struck a chord with me... It is so true, and I thought it was worth sharing. The wheels are turning... as I ponder ideas to recreate it...

Until then, it's definitely taken up residency in my heart...

***(In case you can't read it)***
THIS BRIGHT, NEW DAY...
COMPLETE WITH 24 HOURS OF
OPPORTUNITIES, CHOICES, AND
ATTITUDES. A PERFECT MATCHED
SET OF 1440 MINUTES. THIS
UNIQUE GIFT. THIS ONE DAY.
CANNOT BE EXCHANGED, REPLACED,
OR REFUNDED. HANDLE WITH CARE.
THERE IS ONLY 1 TO A CUSTOMER...

Spring Purse...

2013-04-16T11:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back... I saw this bag on Pinterest...

And knew it had to be my purse for spring...(click here for Bend Beanies free pattern)

I of course made a few modifications... It needed to be bigger, so I added 20 increase rows to both ends...

After I finished crocheting the body of the bag... I wove 1inch strips of vintage fabric along the top...

Here is how I started(secured) each woven row(from the back side)...
1- cut a small slit in the end of your strip(you will thread your needle with the other end)
2- from the backside insert your needle where you want to start your row... and come back through... placing the silt end of your strip on the needle...
3- pull needle through the slit in the fabric... until the end is snug up against the backside of your work... now you can start weaving...

I also used the fabric strips to crochet matching flowers...

After I wove in the strips, added the flowers, and finished the straps... I cut out lining for the inside of the purse. To do this, I pinned the front and back together... and after getting it as flat as possible traced the shape onto the fabric... then I added a half inch seam allowance on all sides...

I also added a big inside pocket... to hold all of the loose stuff that otherwise ends up on the bottom and is hard to find...

Then came the not so fun part... pinning and hand sewing the lining in place... Make sure you clip the curved edges... It will make your life easier...

I love the end result!

I am glad I made it bigger...

I tend to lug a lot of stuff around...

Now I'm ready for spring!

Happy Crafting!

***Jennifer

Best Day Ever! My blog featured on Sew It Girl...

2013-04-05T20:37:00.001-07:00

Today was the best day ever... because my blog was featured over on Sew It Girl! Talk about being excited!!! (You can check it out here) It was really fun to be interviewed, and to see my blog through someone else's eyes... "Jennifer... writes a blog titled “Creating Bits of Envy.” That is exactly what she created in me when I stumbled upon her blog! She has great style and is not scared to try new things! She inspired me to do some digging to find my own copy of “The perfect fit.”" ...So great to know that my blog has fulfilled it's purpose... inspiring people to go out and create! I owe many thanks to Zoe and her awesome website (who by the way... has a fun sew along in the works so check back on her web site or you can be the first to know by liking her FB page!)

Happy Crafting!
***Jennifer

Happy Easter... Butterfly Tutorial...

2013-03-31T00:45:00.001-07:00

Spring is here... the flowers are blooming... cherry blossoms are filling the hills around me... AND IT IS Easter! Every year we gather at my house for a potluck lunch...Aaackkk!...Yep, I said my house...forcing me to get motivated and do some spring cleaning. I don't know about you, but I need a little kick in the pants to get started...

As soon as I got that out of way... I got creative with my decorations...

The best part... is I used stuff I already had...

First... I raided my studio for some white lace, and then draped it over some white lights(leftover from birthdays past)... that I strung across my living/dining room...

Then... I cut apart the garland from Easter 3yrs ago(on the left)... and added these segments onto the lights(on the right)... I made these circles out of printed velum, pressed flowers from my yard(in between wax paper), and buttons...

Last... I added these butterflies I spied on Pinterest... I have been wanting to make them for awhile, and used pages from an old Anthropologie catalog to put them together(see my how to at the bottom of this post)...

I went with simple table decorations... Gathering up my jars filled with treasures we've collected over the years from the Oregon coast... Stacking my cake plates, I piled them with lichen and twig "nests" from the yard for the kids colored eggs... and of course a few more butterflies...

I also recently purchased some air plants... that I added to the jars... I am proud to say they are still alive after being in my care for awhile, and may be the only plant that I have not killed... yet...(fingers crossed)

I think it is going to be a fun day... I can't wait for my guests to arrive...
Happy Easter!
***Jennifer

P.s. Here is my inspiration for the butterflies... and how I put them together...

The inspiration...I am not sure of her name because the Blog is written in German... but these are the fabulous butterflies she made(you can see her post here)...

This is my interpretation...

You will need to cut out two pieces of paper( I used an Anthropologie catalog)... The top piece will be slightly larger... these are the dimensions I used...
Small
4 1/4 x 3 inches
3 1/4 x 3 1/4 inches
Medium
6 1/4 x 5 inches
5 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches
Large
8 1/4 x 7 inches
7 1/4 x 7 1/4 inches

Next... accordion fold the top rectangular piece on the diagonal... and the bottom square piece horizontally...

They should look like this...

Fold both pieces in half(the rectangle will be diagonal)... Place on top of one another, and pinch the centers together... then wrap with a piece of wire(or tie with string)...

Open up your folds... and you will have a beautiful butterfly...

You can leave them as is... or you can add more detail...

I used them to decorate my living room, but these butterflies are also a great way to decorate a gift... I just attached them to a long piece wire, arranged them at various heights, and then twisted the wires together...

I know you want to make some... get to it!

***Jennifer

Another Day... Another Cowl...

2013-03-01T04:00:00.000-08:00

My love of infinity scarfs and cowls is pretty apparent... seeing how I've blogged about them... here...here...here... and here...(see I told you!)

Well I bring you yet another, because it is tooooo simple to keep to myself... and it's no sew! I spied it a while back on Pinterest... And thought I'd give it a go...

Here's how I did it...

First I raided my husbands t-shirts... ssshhhh... he won't miss it...

Then I folded it at the arm pits... toward the hem...

This gave me a nice straight line to cut along...

And off it came...

Next... starting from the hem up... cut your fringe...

Do this all the way across the bottom... mine are about 6inches long... and 3/4of an inch wide...

Give each one a little tug...

Now it is ready to wear!

Seriously... so easy!

If you want a smaller cowl... I believe my inspiration picture is using one of her own t-shirts... I also think layering a smaller one on top would be cute too... I might have to try that...

Happy upcycling!

***Jennifer