More T-shirt Surgery

Here is my latest Tshirt creation. I'm pretty proud of this one. I used two (adult size large) shirts, plus a few scraps from a third for accents. My dad came by yesterday and helped me figure out how to thread and operate my grandma's antique sewing machine, so I was able sew a lot faster and make more well made dress.
a view of the back where I made a couple darts to take it in a bit so it's not too loose at the top...
a close up view of the flower appliques I made
I made the collar from the hem cut off of a shirt sleeve and just ruffled it then attached it.

I've been doing research on Tshirt reconstruction, and have checked a few books out from the library, but I can't find any patterns for making little girls dresses, so I have had to make up my own patterns, which is saying a lot considering the only clothing I've made was in 7th grade Home-Ec. But Tshirts are fun and easy to work with; no need for hemming, already has arm holes and neck holes, and they are cheap or even free if you work with Tshirts you've had hanging around for years!

T-shirt Surgery

My first T-shirt reconstructions...
The first two I did were actually the two shirts at the bottom, I made them for my niece for her birthday.
My next project was to make a dress for Delaney... this is how it turned out. I'm pretty pleased with it! I did all the sewing by hand cause I don't have a working sewing machine, and drew the art with fabric paint and permanent markers. I'm working on some for myself, but I'm still a little timid when it comes to cutting stuff up, so it may take me a little while to actually finish my own. Next I want to try my hand at Pillow-Case dresses for Delaney! I just need to get a sewing machine!

 

 

 

Back To School

Summer vacation is officially over, and the kids are ready to head back to school, and I am cheerfully sending them on their way!!! Delaney is so excited for 2nd grade and just found out that her best friend from 1st grade is in her class again! KJ is a little apprehensive about Kindergarten, but I'm sure he'll do just grand! I wanted to take a few pics of the kids at the beginning of the school year, so we could look back and remember how much they've grown since the first of the year.

 

 

 

 

New Glasses

 
I got some "new" vintage glasses yesterday (ordered off of Etsy) and had to take a few pics to see if I liked them enough to make them my everyday prescription lenses. At first I wasn't sure, especially when I got a burst of laughter from my husband and daughter the first time they saw them on me, but after wearing them for a little while, and after playing around with these pics, I REALLY like them!! Sure they are bold, and make quite a statement, and I'm not normally a loud person who makes fashion statements, BUT I love the style, and I think they look pretty good.... but I'd love to hear any other opinions.... (I'm not asking for everyone to say how good they look, I want honest feedback. I can take it!)

Fresh, Home-made Apricot Jam

My first time making Jam was a great success. My dad and I volunteered to help pick Apricots at the Church orchard last week, and in return they let us take home some apricots. I made four batches of yummy fruit leather; Apricot-Apple, Apricot-Strawberry, Apricot-Banana, and Apricot-Pineapple-Coconut. Then I decided to be brave and try the jam. My parents had all the supplies, so I went to their house and with a little help made three batches of jam, one with pineapple. And let me tell you, it is SOOOOOO delicious!! It's sweet like candy, smells heavenly, and I think I'm addicted to jam on fresh rolls. Wish you could all try a bite!!!

Hopefully the pictures will be a feast for you eyes at least.

 
 
 
 

Eclipse... OH YEAH!!!

Chiemi and I decided to be silly and co-host an "Eclipse Movie party, girls-day out". We made matching Twilight inspired necklaces, had a "vegetarian" green salad bar pot-luck lunch, played a movie trivia game, and had some door prizes. It was lots of fun and then we all went to the movies and enjoyed a matinee of "Eclipse" (which was wonderful)!!
Thanks to everyone who came, and for bringing yummy salad toppings.
Alice
Bethany

Carly
Chiemi

Emily

Jamie

Krisitin

Karen

LaTressa

Nicole

Talia

Beautiful Flora

My flowers are blooming beautifully. Some of them were already here when we moved in, some are new that I have planted and nurtured, but all are special and beautiful in their own unique way. I was pretty impressed with the kind of pictures I was able to take with my camera!

Meet Rocki and Nygel...and guest

This is our budgie (parakeet), Nygel. We've had him since last June or July I think. He's a sweet little bird and likes to sing along with me when I play piano, or guitar. He likes to fly around his cage and play with his various toys. He makes me feel happy when I see his beautiful colors and hear his little chirping.

This is Rockifeller. He's a silly and affectionate and snuggly little puggle. He loves to cuddle with me, and play with the kids and eat whatever he can get his mouth on, including pecans that are falling on the ground in the backyard.

This is a grasshopper that I found last summer munching on my mandevilla, I couldn't believe how BIG it was, and I think the picture really captures the amazing detail in its wings and legs and everything. Nature is so amazing!!!

OH YEAH!!!

This is SO easy!!! I'll definitely be posting more pictures and blogs, I just pick my pictures, and it's one quick click of a button and VIOLA!!