African Inspired Blouse

Here lately, the only tops I've been concerned with making are crop tops. Well that and bodysuits. Alabama summers are such that you don't want to be involved with clothing alone, much less anything complicated.  I've opted for simple designs that don't require fancy closures or much ado.  That led me to designing my latest blouse.

My local mom-and-pop sew/vac shop was having a sale on fabric, and I happened to wander into there in the final day of the sale.  I had purchased some African prints from the shop before and found they had even more and they were 50% off. I ended up purchasing a couple of yards of several prints.

 Of these beautiful prints, I found this magnificent batik print cotton. It was so thin and crisp and vibrant that I had to bring it home. Initially, I was only thinking of making an accessory with it. However the more I looked at it I realized that I had some burnt orange colored shorts that this would paired excellently with.

I also knew that I wanted to give this shirt a little more visual interest, so I decided to play up the sleeves, make a tassel for the zip closure, and make a decorative hem.

I drafted a simple boxy midriff top, experimented with sleeve draping, and came up with this geometric shape that can be worn in several different ways.  I added a scoop neckline, which is not something I typically wear.   I also added a zipper to the back. It wasn't necessary; however I wanted to add the tassel, and I hate the hassle of getting makeup on EVERY.SINGLE.THING that I wear.  So the zipper opening will help with ease of use. 

I bought a bunch of crochet spools awhile ago, though I don't crochet at all.  I forget my original intent, but the thread does wonderfully for all sorts of sewing needs.  I purchased several colors when Hobby Lobby had a sale on them. At any rate, I used it and a few jewelry findings and beads to fashion myself a tassel for the back.  I think it complements the look fairly well.

To tie it all together (no pun intended,) I used the same crochet thread in my overlocker/serger and finished the hems.  I've used crochet thread to finish this way for several garments, and it never disappoints me.  It gives a hand finished look without actually having to go through the trouble of spending hours looking up tutorials. I also feel that it enhances the print on the fabric as well.

Thank you for stopping by!

Iron-on Patches + Shop Update

     Do you ever go through spells where you're really into something for a couple of days or couple of weeks and then totally into something else for a span of time?  That's pretty much my life, and I can't determine whether it's from a short attention span or some way to not get burned out on something I love.  Either way it goes, I have been completely in love with making patches and swimwear here lately.

     I think because we are in the thick of, I mean, approaching summertime here all I can think about are fun, bright things and swimsuits...so that's literally all I have been making.  I have actually been working on patches for a long time now, and I decided that I would finally place some in my shop.  Not all of the ones in the photo are available yet for purchase.  I still have some fidgeting to do with them.  But pop on over and take a look.  I will post more on my design process later.

DIY Z-Palette Tutorial

Hi lovelies!

     I know I have been missing for so long, and there really isn't much of an excuse aside from being incredible busy with school.  Speaking of which I graduated last year with my Bachelor's and started this year on my Master's.  So there is tons to talk about, but that will have to wait because today I have a tutorial for you.

     So lately (as in the past couple of months) I have been heavily into makeup.  I think my bank account, Ulta, and Sephora accounts can vouch for that!  My weakness, admittedly, are palettes and minis.  (I mean who can't pass up a tiny version of a makeup favorite??)  I do have a few cumbersome singles floating about.  I typically didn't have an issue with them...that was until I was trying to organize all my makeup into a more streamlined fashion and realized that they are just awkwardly in the way.

     Cue the lightbulb!  I figured that I have enough materials to make myself a Z-palette knock-off.  What a great way to recycle the Ulta and Sephora boxes that somehow find themselves at my doorstep weekly (no judging, okay?) and to reduce the bulk of having many little cosmetic holders all over my tiny apartment bathroom. 

     If you'd like to see how I made mine, stick around after the jump!

Shop Update

 

I have been meaning to get this posted for nearly a week now.  I have been having issues with my newest computer.  At any rate, I made a selection of pencil pouches and listed them in my etsy shop. 

 

I have them available in 7 different colors (or you may request a custom color): red, orange, yellow, lime green, teal, turquoise, and royal blue.  They are approximately 8 inches wide by 4.5 inches deep.

Since I have been into all things planner/stationery- and art-related lately, I felt it was only right to make some bags to fit my mood.  I have few other things that I am working on as well.

 

Enjoy!

Hi Lovelies + Free Design

Hi all! I know it has been an awfully long time since I've posted, about a year and a half.  There have been quite a few reasons that I haven't posted.  I won't go into detail at the moment but primarily schoolwork and my job has kept me extremely occupied even with my home life, and I anticipate the upcoming fall semester will have no shortage of busyness.  So while I have a bit of free time to post, I am going to try to take advantage of it.  But you all didn't come here to hear me ramble I know!

It seems like every time I get onto Instagram or Pinterest I come across something cute related to pineapples.  I have been into digitizing embroidery lately, so I decided to join in on the fun.  This morning I made this pineapple buttonhole design and am now sharing it with you sweeties.

Merry Christmas!

Oh my goodness!! This has been quite a few past months.  I have been so busy with school that I have barely had any time for much else.  I am so glad the semester is over, and I have a few weeks break before going back.

Let me just say how I have MISSED you all and blogging. I didn't expect to stray away for so long.  Unfortunately, to cram as much school work in as possible I have to be a tad bit more disciplined toward it.

Are you all ready for Christmas? I can't believe that it is almost here.  Seriously, only a day away!! I guess I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

So I have been working a few items for after the holidays.  I didn't get it ready in time for Christmas, but I think this break between semesters is a great time to catch up on my designing and sewing.  My sewing mood changes a little too quite frequently and honestly it drives me nuts and so I have to do things when the mood strikes me.  So lately I have been dabbling in all sorts of things.  But the most recent endeavors has included lots and lots of felt....

Another One: Sewing Plans {Printable}

I really haven't had a heap of time to sit down at my sewing machine lately.  Instead I have been constantly on my computer typing and studying.  So that leaves lots of time to make documents that are sewing-related, right? Right!