Sweater to Purse

Before:

This sweater was given to me by someone who used to worked at my company.  This sweater is very likely as old as I am.  It was limp and unshapely and dated.  I wanted to make something out of it using the best pieces.

After:

Ta da!

A fun purse with a vintage feel!

I got the instructions from here.

I used a yummy orange for the lining.

I bought the wood handles at Hancock Fabric's and used a faux leather material to attach them to the purse.

And I added a removable rose pin!

This was the most detailed project I've done to date, but I was so proud of myself!  Although the purse looks simple, the process is very professional, and the purse turns out looking seamless!

Tutorial: Fashion Statement Necklace

I love big and bold fashion pieces, but I do NOT love the big and bold prices that usually come with them.  So I found an easy solution and made my own!

Materials:

1 curtain tie back (I bought mine at Hancock Fabrics.  I bought multiple colors for multiple necklaces!)

Pliers

Jewelry wire

Necklace clasp

1) Fold the tie back in half so the ends meet

2) Wrap jewelry wire around both ends (since jump rings are too small to fit around the ends)

3) Attach the ends of the claps through the wire

(click pictures to enlarge)

Now you have your own snazzy necklace for a fraction of the price!

I will have some silver and white necklaces like this for sale at Hillcrest Harvestfest!

linked up to:

 

Apple: Cider & Pie

Colin and I have been a bit under the weather since we got back from South America.  Coughing.  Runny Nose.  The usual suspects.  So we needed some treats to make us feel better.

First treat: apple cider

Colin loves apple cider.  While I'm not much of a fan, I thought it might have some healing powers.  And again, Colin really likes it, so I knew just the smell of it would make him smile.

The recipe is simple.  I added a bit more cinnamon and nutmeg since I left out the "cocktail" part.

Second treat: caramel apple cheesecake

This was what I chose to make myself feel better.  Apples are good for you, right?  Colin took one bite and then giggled.  That's how good it is.  I had a piece last night.  And I might have had a piece for lunch (and nothing else...it's that good!).

The recipe came from the same gal, Emma of Food Coma.  That girl's got skills.  I didn't have any fun cinnamon sticks, so I sprinkled some cinnamon on top.  I couldn't find any last minute gluten free graham crackers, so I'm gambling with the crust.  So far it hasn't made me sick...but it would be worth it!

Isn't it pretty?

While these treats realistically haven't made us get over our colds, they made our tummies happy!

Announcement: Hillcrest Harvestfest

I keep telling you that details are coming soon on something...

...well the something is Hillcrest Harvestfest!

My sister-in-law (Loren) and her boyfriend (Destin) and I will have a booth at Hillcrest Harvestfest!

We'll have lots of handmade items!  Loren is an interior designer, and Destin is a graphic designer and artist.  And well, I like to craft.  So we will have some fun stuff available!

The week of the event I'll be blogging about items that I have for sale.

If you're in central Arkansas, mark it on your calendar and come see us!

Applique Onesies & Slice Fabrique Review

I won this Slice Fabrique in a blog giveaway a few months ago.

The first time I used the Slice, I got very unhappy and frustrated and gave up.

Then I decided to give it a second run and still didn't turn out thrilled.

I appliqued a few onesies (for others...not for me!) using the Slice:

Complaint 1: I still had to trim the pieces, because the razor did not cut all the way through.  I even followed directions on adjusting the blade.  The parts of the material that did get cut were fuzzy on the edge.

Complaint 2: You must iron interfacing to your fabric.  I wanted to just cut the fabric, but the blade will get caught and move the fabric around unless it's ironed to interfacing.

Complaint 3: You waste quite a bit of fabric getting your shape.  You cut a square of fabric to fit on the cutting board, and you can get only one good shape out of it.  You can get two shapes if you cut the smallest size possible.

I like the concept, considering it's much easier for a machine to cut a shape than for me to try to draw/trace a shape and then cut it to where it looks professional.  But overall, the Slice falls short.

I'm going to give it a few more go's to see if it gets easier or works better.  I've already read the instruction booklet a dozen times, but here we go again!

...to be continued...