Operation Comfort Doll

This weekend I had the opportunity to craft with local ladies Rachel Carlson & Kate Matlock at SewPo. It was a night of crafting with a cause, sewing these adorable plush dolls for Operation Comfort Doll. The finished dolls are distributed to women who reside in domestic abuse shelters around the U.S. Not only was it heartwarming to make a charitable craft, but inspiring meeting more local crafty ladies!

Happy Halloween from Angus & the Majorette

Kids under the age of 3 are the best candidates for Halloween costumes because they really don't have an opinion yet - nor do they mind if you dress them as up as someone they have never heard of before. Sooooo, I chose to transform my 2-yr-old as Angus Young. Since my husband is a rock history nerd, we had to do the costume justice by adding the felt Gibson SG.
The hat, blazer and shorts were mostly taken from vintage patterns for reference, then I added a reconstructed thrift store tie which was the perfect color. Hell's Bells he looked amazing!
At age 4, most girls want a costume that is pink and has some glitter or shine component. I added a retro twist by turning her on to this baton majorette idea. She even came with me to the fabric store to pick out the pink glitter lining and silver sequin trim.
The hat was constructed out of poster board paper and was the trickiest part. Ironically, finding a baton was the biggest challenge! We ended up having to order one online. I LOVE making costumes for Halloween - as one blogger posted today, "Halloween is my Fashion Week." So true...

Pendant Cluster Necklace

When your last name is "DeHart" you tend to acquire quite a few heart-related pendants and other jewelry. I decided to cluster a few of my favorite heart lockets to create a vintage-inspired necklace.

The Appliqué Way

Unfortunately it's that time of year to start thinking about back-to-school basics for my kids (although it's currently 90 degrees in Portland! Hoodies are a staple item in this wet-weather town but I was struggling trying to find something "simple" that my 4-yr-old-fashionista would agree to wear that wasn't an explosion of bad graphics and brand logos. I found some solid-colored hoodies at H&M kids, then my daughter helped choose and cut out some floral designs from my scrap bins. My favorite part is the flower that she insisted I add to the hood. This was my first real venture in machine appliqué, but found it quite easy and addicting. I recommend using the iron-on adhesive backing which adds stability to the fabric to the appliquéd as well as keeping the fabric in place without pins.

Portland Craft Party

I had such a blast last night volunteering for the I Heart Art Portland Etsy Craft Party at the Museum of Contemporary Craft. It was an amazing night benefitting the Japan Earthquake relief. I was assigned to work the Artist Trading Cards table where I was so inspired by the amount of creative talent crafting cards from various found papers, prints, markers, rub-on letters and other craft supplies.
Not only were folks creating mini works of art, they were actually swapping their new trading cards with others and making new connections. Group hug, anyone?

Dottie Daytime dress

With Summer on the horizon, I am so inspired to finish some projects that have been stashed in my "projects" bag in the sewing closet. I love this dotted stretch knit fabric and the folks over at SewPo helped me find a fun contrasting cotton trim for the pocket and hem.
My daughter loves the bubbly print and the stretch knit is perfect for the playground.

Put a Lid on It

The sun in Portland is finally starting to come out and play and with it comes the sundresses and sunscreen. I have been dying to make a pattern out of the new oliver + s book "little things to sew". The reversible bucket hat was just the right project that I could crank out during my daughter's nap in 2 hrs. flat. Whew!
My daughter's only request was to "put a big flower on it" so I fashioned a gathered flower from the tiny bits of fabric remnants. I love the fabric-covered button made from the leftover contrast fabric. In order to keep the hat reversible, I attached the flower with a large snap so that it can be removed or repositioned on the opposite side.
I purchased the green and navy fabrics that I picked up at SewPo go so well together and the finished had fit her perfectly! I may make another version of this hat in a coated cotton for next year's rainy season.

Gather 'Round for June's "Sew.Darn.Drunk." Workshop!

It's time to start rockin' Summer frocks and plunging necklines. We're whipping up some stylish neckwear at this month's Sew.Darn.Drunk. workshop. You'll learn to make a "Gather 'Round Necklace" from fabric yo-yo's and vintage buttons. All fabric, supplies, instruction, fizzy beverage and snacks will be provided! No previous sewing experience necessary. If we see a return in warm weather we'll even set up outside the bus, Summer camp style.
Shop Lodekka for an additional 25% discount before or after the event.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 9th at 6:30 p.m.
Admission is $30 or bring a friend and only pay $25 each.
Call Erin to reserve your spot at (503) 703-3605.
Lodekka is located at the corner of N. Williams and N. Failing.
* Feel free to bring your favorite concoction if our monthly beverage is not your cup of tea!

"Felt So Good" to make this case

At our last "Sew.Darn.Drunk" workshop we created eyeglass cases and wallets from felted wool sweaters. The results were amazing, not to mention that the evening was a warm one and the drinks were flowing.

Get "Felt Up" in May!

On Thursday, May 12th we're at it again - "Sew.Darn.Drunk." aboard Lodekka. This month we'll be crafting eyeglass cases and wallets from felted sweaters. No sewing experience or craft knowledge required. We'll supply all of the materials, instruction, complimentary adult beverage and snacks. You can even score some great raffle prizes! Call today to reserve your space - seating aboard the bus is limited. Call Erin at 503-703-3605.