Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Sweet Costume Craft-Along!

Sad is the day when your children start to have special requests for Halloween costumes. More than likely they're the predictable princess or fireman. This year I decided to do a costume mash-up of the two things my daughter likes best: fairies and cupcakes. She was thrilled with the idea and I get to get my craft on.

What better way to share my process by inviting all of my craft followers in a Craft-Along! I'll be posting steps to this unique costume in various entries as I go along. Many of the supplies you should be able to pick up at second hand or dollar stores as well as some basic supplies at your local fabric store.

Think whisk wands, layered tulle, rick-rack and lots of foil baking cups. Hope you'll craft along with me and please send me your pics to post at the end of the project.

Steps include:
* Cupcake Fairy skirt
* Cupcake Fairy apron with cupcake appliqué
* Whisk wand
* Fairy wings & tiara made with silver cupcake papers

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Another Skirt Transformation

Ever have those garments that you never wear, yet you can't part with the fabric? Well, this not-so-flattering on the hips mini skirt was one of those items in the back of my closet. Rather than tossing it into the giveaway bag, I decided that this playful stretch-knit piece would make a great maxi sundress for my 3-yr-old daughter.

I constructed the top bodice out of the waistband panel and used some elastic smocking along the back to make it fit without having to add a closure. Next, I gathered the skirt fabric and re-attached it to the new bodice. Even though this was a mini skirt on me, I wanted to add some more length to the hem to give the dress some more weight and added contrast. I found a black stretch-knit fabric remnant which did the trick.

I love the final flower detail in which I used some additional skirt remnants, gathered and shaped to make a floral broche. The raw edges mirror the raw edge seam used to attach the bottom of the skirt panel. Inside the flower I added a black vintage button to add some sparkle and hide those inner seams.

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Northern Exposure

CB and the Family have made the big move from San Francisco to Portland! So much creative energy and inspiration that I'm trying to take it all in. I still don't own a hooded jacket (maybe next craft project?), but I did get myself a spunky little blue bike. The kids are experiencing this season they call "Summer" and I'm always looking for excuses to make sundresses and skirts. Looking for local stitch-n-bitch groups to invade so give me a holler if want to craft with me!