Refashioning A Long-sleeve Into A Cardigan

I love this shirt, however being busty, I didn't like the way the stripes landed on my body. I wasn't ready to give it up since it is so comfortable! Plus as a cardigan it is more versatile, and can be worn with both denim and yoga pants.

Here is the shirt before being refashioned.

First, I folded the shirt lengthwise, with the front side up. This allowed me to position where I was going to cut the shirt.

Here is the shirt cut down the middle.

Next, I pinned both sides where I wanted to hem the edges of the front. Lorianne and I have been having tension problems, despite many attempts at many levels. I ended up hemming the edges using Heat 'n Bond. I applied the Heat 'n Bond with my flatiron, because why lug out the ironing board, if not needed? However, if you and your sewing machine are getting along, two straight stitches would suffice for hems.

Finished product. Please excuse the "in the mirror" photo, no one was home to photograph me!

In Lust: Fancy Tiger Crafts

Today, while journeying down Broadway I stopped into Fancy Tiger Crafts. As soon as a stepped through the door I fell in love and became obsessed. This store was made for me. I wandered the shelves of fabric bundles, organized by hue, mesmerized by the textures, patterns, and color combinations. Across from the fabric was (almost) ceiling high selves stuffed with every shade of yard imaginable. I'm still in awe.

Photo credit: Fancy Tiger Crafts

Located at 56 Broadway, this wonderful abode hosts all things needle craft created, from sewing and quilting, knitting and crocheting, to spinning and loom work. I could get lost in this store for hours. Hell, my mind is still lost in that store. They provide classes in all of the above for a reasonable price.

While more expensive than more common crafting store like Micheal's and Joann's, the quality is in the product. The fabric feels richer than its counterparts. The yarn is made from genuine wool, rather than mixed fibers. Needless to say, I'm in lust, and on the brink of love.

Here's what I got away with. 6 yards of fabric in 4 different patterns, and a skein of baby alpaca yarn.

Delhi Blue Ty Pennington Impressions

An impulse buy at the counter while I was paying, but well worth it! I'm thinking a dress or messenger bag!

Pineapple Harleq Turquoise Palmer

I'm thinking a dress or skirt for this beauty. Perfect for the fall months!

Foulard Teal Victoria & Albert Garthwaite

I'm so excited to make an end of the summer bow clutch with this gorgeous fabric!

Fine Feathered Whisper Anna Maria Horner Field Study

This is my personal favorite fabric find of the day. I want to make everything out of it! But, for starters I'm going to start with a pocketed tee or tank!

I fell in love with this alpaca yarn. Better yet, it's from Cascade Yarns in Seattle, another love of mine. No wonder it jumped out at me, even though I didn't know it's origin until I got home. Warm mittens for the Colorado winter to come!

DIY Maxi Skirt

With fall coming, back-to-school sales are continuously calling my name. However, my current budget doesn't allow for my dream shopping spree. Ho hum. I stopped at Goodwill today to hopefully fix my shopping itch.

I found this cute dress, by Forever 21, for $4.99. However, in all honesty my boobs won't fit into the top of the dress. I walked around the store three times and couldn't get the fabulous tribal print out of my mind, so I decided to transform it into a maxi skirt.

I cut the top of the dress off, attempting to cut evenly along the pattern.

To make the dress into a skirt I attached it to elastic (not stretched). I measured my waist and added 2 inches. The extra inches allow for seam allowance and makes the skirt easier to get on and off.  Fold the elastic in half and sew allowing a 1/2 inch allowance.

Fold the extra tabs of the elastic back and sew flat.

After looking for my straight pins for 10 minutes, I then folded the fabric over the elastic loop and pinned in place.

I sewed the elastic along the bottom edge of it, grabbing the fabric along the way. Loraine (my sewing machine) and I got into a fight half way through the skirt, where I had to rip the seam and start over, but it was worth it!

Cute and comfy skirt!!

Cost: $7.00 (dress and elastic) Time: 15 minutes