skip to main |
skip to sidebar
Since my last pettiskirt giveaway had such an amazing response I decided to make another one to give away. Who knows, this could become a regular thing!
This time I made a black skirt. I chose black because I had a couple commenters tell me that they strangely wanted black. My first instinct was to think....black, ugh, no way. Then I thought about it some more and looked at few photos of the black skirts and found myself strangely liking them too!
Besides the fact that they are a deviation from the normal pettiskirt hues, I think they look GREAT paired with BRIGHT rainbow colors to offset the dark tone. Which is why I chose these pieces to couple with the skirt.
The boots were the perfect touch. I bought them at Target for $16.99. The rainbow stockings were borrowed from a Rainbow Brite halloween costume. I bought the tank top at Walmart for only $3. That deal was so good I bought one in every color and the jacket was a gift from a friend who worked at The Children's Place.
Here's a little secret....it's actually for Molly but I thought it looked like a cool cropped jacket for Lily. It seemed to fit her shoulder width which is the most important part. I don't think you should feel trapped by label sizes with children's clothing, especially skirts. Sometimes, cropped looks better!
I had originally wanted to photograph Lily stomping in a deep puddle during a rainstorm and yesterday would have been the perfect day. BUT FOR, the fact that it is still pretty cold here when the sun is hiding. So that was out of the question. I'll have to save that idea for a nice hot summer evening. You know, the sort of rain and heat that makes steam rise from the pavement. God I miss summer.
Oh I almost forgot, I bought the umbrella at Urban Outfitters. You might not be able to tell from the photos but it is one of those umbrellas that have a bell shape so less rain can fly in your face. Not only is it fashionable BUT FUNCTIONAL!
Later, Lily and I went to Rita's Italian Ice and bought some chocolate custard. Speaking of Rita's did any of you pay them a visit for their 'first day of spring' free ice day? I'm sure some of you might have a chain where you live. I did, and found it to be quite impractical.
Well, as usual the first day of spring was freezing. So what did we do? We all huddled in ridiculously long lines, in light jackets and sipped on warm, toasty, ICE!
And then, did we at least gather indoors to eat our reward? No. Because Rita's doesn't have an 'indoors'. All of this was under the guise of 'free'.
And in case you all are scolding me for complaining about something that is 'free'. I have to forewarn you that Lily (and myself) don't really like Italian ice and ordered custard instead which of course, was not....free.
But on behalf of those of you who didn't mind the cold, enjoy Italian ice and all complimentary things, I have to thank Rita's for their generosity:)
Oh, and in case some of you attempted to recreate the instructions I linked to in the last pettiskirt post and were frustrated I have your solution....
As I mentioned in the last post, Kaiya Eve's instructions were not very thorough, left out a lot of details and (I forgot to mention) were only for an 18-month old. If you found these things out the hard way, I can truly empathize! But a fellow blogger and pettiskirt maker, Kerri Krueger has created a very thorough tutorial to recreate a boutique-style pettiskirt in sizes 3 months thru 12 years. She sells them through her site. You can purchase it here. Then get out your sewing machine and make a hundred for just the cost of material!
If you're on the fence about purchasing the tutorial, keep in mind that it includes some good tips that will shorten the time it takes you to make a pettiskirt as well as improve the quality. And that is priceless!
Kerri also answers all questions about the the tutorial within 24 hours.
Be sure to look for lots of new giveaways next week. Brian is wrapped up in his fantasy baseball league all weekend so I will have some time to myself to sew, sew, sew.
Oh and by the way, I named this the twilight tide pettiskirt because, to me, not only does the ruffle fluff at the bottom look like the spray on ocean tides but it feels soft and foamy to the touch.
Last day for posts is Wednesday 4/08/09. Winner will be announced Friday!
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this pettiskirt just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Create a Link
All you girly girls out there please welcome Grosgrain's newest sponsor: Primp and Tell.
Ever seen an ad for a new Cover Cosmetic and didn't want to spend your own money to see if it was everything it promised to be? I know I've felt that way! Eyelash plumpers anyone?
Everyday, Missy and Kelli try a new cosmetic product (makeup, hair, etc.) and dish out all the good....and ugly details, saving you the time, trouble and tender!
And who better to review the fine points than someone who's tried them all!
Not only do they do review but they also host giveaways. And I'm sure my readers can appreciate that!
Today's latest scoop. Maybelline's Dream Matte Powder.... I myself had considered buying this at one point but decided not to for one reason or another. I think I thought it would be too dry. What do you think they actually said? Why not visit and find out for yourself!
Check out their sidebar for all their recent posts.
Here's a little bit about the girls behind Primp and Tell. Creator Kelli, loves cosmetics. A LOT. Especially skin products and eye shadow colors. She loves lip stains and under-eye concealers. She love hair conditioners and anti-wrinkle creams. Give her some shimmery powder and a non-smudging mascara, and she's yours forever. She reads beauty and fashion magazines like they are the manual to life. But she is also a mother of three on a strict budget, and it always makes her laugh in magazine spreads where they put their “budget-friendly” 
buys—where “budget-friendly” only means it’s a $95 face cream instead of the $175 one. Whose budget is that?! She's easily suckered in by the
promises on a label or magazine ad. And her cabinets are full of stuff she's used a few times and gave up because they didn’t deliver. If you are like her, then this website is for you. Here is where she'll report her results on the products she loves—or hates.
Missy is a working mom and wife and commits lots of fashion and style faux pas. She leaves her make-up 
on when she goes to sleep. She buys most of her
beauty products at Target, conditions and flat irons her hair every single day. She started wearing make-up when she was 13 years old. Now 15 years later, she's mastered some skills (eyes), fretted over others (cheeks, eek!), and only dream of discovering the secrets to perfect skin. With red hair, brown eyes and fair skin, tackling the primping world is never easy, but she loves a challenge, and she never EVER leaves the house without make-up on! Here she'll dish more of her primping faux pas, show you her go-to favorite products, great new finds, and help save you time and money.
Yesterday was Brian's sister- Melody's- birthday. She's currently in college. I remember as a college student I was always in need of pretty things. Pretty pillows, pretty sheets, pretty shower curtains, pretty plates, pretty glasses. SO, that's what I decided to get for her.
Seeing as it was too late to order something online, I thought the local Target might have something to that effect. To my delight they had some totally kitchy Orla Keily fruit tumblers online....online....being the keyword. Their in-store selection was quite another story all together.
Sure, they had kitch. They had kitch in every plastic form imaginable. But ask for a sea foam ceramic bowl or a flower patterned high ball glass, you'd be plum outta luck.
So disappointed, I found myself back at square one. Ugh. I had a couple hours to go until the party and didn't have a hallmark card to my name. Desperate, I went through my fabric stash and happily found my plan B.
Still, kitchen related....I whipped up a reversible cottage chic cooking apron. I had never made an apron before but they seemed easy enough. I didn't have time to go out an buy a pattern so I simply measured and cut and came up with this.
Now, I know there are some AMAZING apron patterns out there! If time were on my side, I would have went out and purchased one because I lLOVE the way some of them look! But, I just wanted to show everyone that if you don't want to spend money on a pattern or don't have time, you can make one yourself
I think it's the perfect last minute project for any young girl, whether mother or college student....or both....especially if both!
Melody, now one year older and one apron richer, was kind enough to pose avec apron.
If you ever find yourself in a gift giving pickel here's how I did it (in only 2 hours!)....
First I cut two pieces of fabric 18" x 24". One of the front blue flower pattern the other of the pink and orange pattern. I folded them in half and rounded the bottom left corner creating a wide U shape when open.
Second, I cut two 1.5" strips. One was the contrasting polka dot pattern, the other was the solid orange trim. Both were twice the length of apron from the top left side of the U shape, around the bottom and to the other top right side.
Third, I cut two 3" by 48" strips. One was the contrasting polka dot pattern, the other was the solid orange trim. You can cut the ends to a point if you'd like.
Fourth, I sewed the 1.5" strips, right sides together, around the two short ends and one long side, leaving one long side unsewn. I turned it right side out and then ironed it flat. Then gathered it. Here's an online tutorial on how to gather if you don't know how.
Fifth, I cut out four 4" x 4" squares (one polka dot patten, one blue flowered pattern AND one orange solid color and one pink and orange pattern) and rounded the bottom corners.
Sixth, I took two and sewed the right side together on three sides. Turned right side out, folded the unsewn side inward so that no raw edges were showing then stitched across the top. I repeated this with the other two pieces. Thus making two pockets. I then sewed one pocket on three sides onto one of the 18" x 24" rectangle and did the same with the other pocket and rectangle.
Seventh, I sewed the two 18"x24" pieces together right sides together with the ruffle trim wedged between the two, leaving the top of the apron unsewn. Turn right side out.
Eighth, I then slightly gathered the top of the apron.
Ninth, I sewed the two 3" by 48" strips together around the two short ends and top long side, leaving the bottom long side unsewn. I turned it right side out and then ironed it flat. I then folded the the the unsewn side inward so that no raw edges were showing, slipped the gathered apron in between and centered, then stitched across the top.
I was so excited to post another anthropolification piece. I went out and bought material and took notes but when it came down to it I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for. I didn't want to go half way and make something that sort of looked like an Anthropologie piece. So I decided to wait until I found what I was looking for.
But while I was looking, I found something else. And then it dawned on me. It doesn't have to be like Anthropologie to look good, although it can't hurt. This is what I found. See the last picture for the before photo. It's my new series,...Thrift Store Refashion!
I wanted to show readers that, if you learn to sew, you really CAN live frugaly. I can't tell you how many times I've seen something at a thrift store that was either WAY too big or WAY too homely or just plain old WAY too ugly. All it takes is a quick snip, snip and stitch up here and there and VOILA, you have a fantastic new garment for only $1.50!
This theory can also be used for department store sale racks too!
I bought this little (I mean BIG) frock for $2.99. When I first saw it I almost put it back. It was just HUGE! I wasn't sure if I could salvage it. But it had a summery retro quality that I just couldn't pass up.
What I did first was take in the sides. Then added a zipper to the right side. This changed the look of the sleeves. Instead of looking like a sleeveless dress, it became more of a capped sleeve which I thought was a good thing. Sometimes, when you're trying to revamp something you end up with happy accidents like these.
Then I made a yellow belt to match the yellow trim on the collar and sleeves. I added a brown square buckle and I looked totally ready for a summer picnic in 1969.
Also, if the winning blogger leaves a comment I will include the yellow hair handkerchief featured in the photos.
If you don't like to shop for used clothing that's fine too. But me, I'm a confessed dumpster diver. Well, okay maybe I wouldn't go that far. (Although I did get my daughter's crib AND my front porch Adirondack chairs on the side of the road, another story) But I LOVE going to thrift stores, especially the salvation army close to my home.
As I've mentioned numerous times, I am a shopaholic AND live on a budget. Sometimes, all I need is that shopping 'fix'. You know? It doesn't have to be anything big, just something to bring home, take out of a bag and put somewhere to admire. Which is why the thrift store is sooooo perfect for me! I've gotten some super cool finds not limited to, but including: a brand new patio table from target, a bubble jet spa, kids clothes GALORE, shoes, an antique birdcage, an Anthropologie-like tray for my jewelry, an armchair that I reupholstered AND a toddler bicycle.
Now, not all thrift stores are created equal. I've found that, around here, the Salvation Army is the best. It's big and has enough clothes to fill a Macys. Although there is a goodwill store in Harrisburg that accepts all the reject furniture from Target. And on the weekends all their inventory is half off! I bought that patio table for only $10. It was brand new, IN THE BOX and still retailing for $200.
And I'd say finding a deal like that is BETTER than buying something new.
And hey, if there's no one out there who wants a new used dress I think I'd be more than happy to keep this little number for myself! If there are some of you on the fence, to ease your mind the dress has been washed and ironed before sewing.
When I see this dress, I think of the song 'Half Acre' by HEM. That might be because it's been playing the entire time I've been writing this post. But I think it's fitting.
I took these photos with my new AMAZING light boxes, 300 watts a piece. The difference between having them on and having them off is night and day. How did I ever live without these?! I haven't quite mastered how to position them but I hope to take a studio lighting class next month. So hopefully I won't be a complete amateur forever.
Oh and the flowers were a happy coincidence. Brian had brought them home after work two days ago. When I went upstairs to take these photos I quickly snatched the vase on the dining room table and used them for the photo. It was all just meant to be.
The size of the dress is small. It has a 26 inch waist line and a 34 inch bust line but the dress was not tight around the waist. So I would say it could fit up to a 27" or 28". If the winner of the giveaway leaves a comment I will also include the striped hair scarf featured in the photos.
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.
Okay. Here is the before photo. Yeah, yeah, I know, I really uglied it up. Didn't wear makeup, didn't smile, didn't wear shoes, shot the flash at my face. I thought you might get a kick out of that. I wanted you to see that ANYTHING is salvagable in some way. There are better ones than others but if you're open minded you can always find a bargain.
But really, look at the difference! It's like night and day!
There are finds like this everywhere. And best of all, it only took me about an hour to do! If you like the thrift store refashion posts please let me know. I think I like them and hope you do as well!
And if you'd like to see more refashioning NOW, I recommend Wardrobe Refashion's blog! Nikki vows to abstain from the purchase of "new" manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 2 / 4 / 6 months. Instead she refashions, renovates and recycles preloved items for herself with her own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of her contract.
IT'S A MOVEMENT!
Create a Link
Recently, I had come across a post by one of my favorite bloggers A Little Sussy who wrote about an artist who creates surreal worlds in her photographs. I was so impressed with what I saw I was inspired to attempt a few of my own. And although the process turned out to be quite tedious, I think the result was well worth it! If I had more time I would have made a dozen of these. I had about a dozen ideas. But it took me until 3am last night to make
the two I included in this post. Perhaps another day.... another dress. The dress itself is perfect for these photos because, to me, the idea of a modern pirate involved both make- believe and whimsy. What gives this dress a modern feel is the navy and white polka dots that make up the body and skirt. What gives this dress a pirate feel is the protruding rounded sleeves, pettiskirt and squared ruffled neckline reminiscent of the 1700s fashion.
The final look of the photos reminded me of a sort of Smashing Pumpkins "tonight, tonight" feel. I really enjoyed this sort of project. I must have origami on the brain! It's just too beautiful to only use once! I only wish I had more time to create more 'worlds'.
I just bought a green screen last week which, according to UPS, is scheduled to arrive at my home tomorrow, so be sure there will be more to come!
This dress was made to fit Lily so I would say it should fit a size 3T to 5T.
As usual, if you would like a chance to win this dress just link back to this post. If you have any questions see the "questions and answers" link to the right. If you use blogger just use the "create a link" link at the bottom of this post. If you don't use blogger, that's fine too. Just create a link on your page as you normally would and I will see it using Technorati.Create a Link
Since I love fabric, especially Japanese fabric, I'm so excited to introduce my newest sponsor: Mwendas.
Fridah, the busy shopkeeper behind Mwendas, offers Japanese fabrics, craft books, supplies and other useful whatchamacallits for your crafting needs.
Japanese fabrics are so much fun. Whimsical and GREAT for quilting. I love to use them in my sewing projects for babies. The only problem is, where to find them? Difficult to acquire at chain stores, Mwendas has a wide selection at great prices!
And if you reffer a buying customer to Mwendas you will receive a free 1/2 yard to her shop. Just get your referral to mention your name in the notes to seller and you get a free 1/2 yard with your next purchase.
Now, a long way from where she grew up, she calls Singapore her home now.
Says Fridah, "Its been quite an interesting experience I can tell you that. What with oodles of rice (I never thought there were so many ways of cooking rice) for breakfast and frogs legs for dinner, really what else could you possibly ask for?"
Between being a new mom to her little angel, Danielle (born Oct 2008) and her full time job, she manages to squeeze some time and indulge on Etsy in between feedings, nappy changings and drool.
For inspiration, get your creative ideas flowing by stopping by!
Now here's a site I could spend hours on! Please welcome Grosgrain's newest sponsor: Craft Gossip!
CraftGossip is your place to hear about the latest gossip in crafts and DIY ideas put together with the help of a dedicated team of editors.
Confused about everything crafty out there? Not sure where to go and what to buy for your latest craft idea? Can’t find that kitsch pattern that everyone else is talking about? Well worry no more!
CraftGossip covers news written by craft people telling you about all the good stuff. They scour the net looking for the best craft ideas and projects and review them for you.
They have divided their blog into many sub-blogs, covering topics ranging from knitting, crochet, bath and body, jewelry making, scrapbooking, sewing crafts, recycled crafts, needlework, edible crafts, indie crafts and felting. Each of these sub-blogs is managed by its own dedicated editor, so you know that you are getting personalized attention.
And if you come across a new crafty idea, gossip or story that you think their readers should know about, or perhaps you would like to tell the whole world about your Etsy shop, or your own online store or website then tell the editors about it!
It is best to post a few samples in the Flickr CraftGossip pool. CraftGossip editors regularly prowl this group and pick creations from here to feature in their respective blogs.
Happy Crafting!
Like not spending money? 