A Tee Story

I showed you this little tidbit the other day...and now I'm ready for the Big Reveal. (The recipient should have already opened her birthday present. Happy Birthday, Bert!)

I took a note from all the re-fashions floating around, and some great tops I found at the mall. I bought two: one in the size Bert wears (don't worry - Bert's a girl) and another in the largest size they had (XL) to use as, ahem, "garnish." From the larger shirt, I cut a few 1.5" strips from the bottom.

(Sorry about the pic - I tend to craft after the kids go to bed!)

I cut them open, into strips, and then sewed three of them together, end to end. I set my machine for the longest straight stitch I could, and sewed a long stripe from one end of my strip to the other. Then, I pulled on the top thread to ruffle up my jersey.

I ruffled it pretty tightly, and then basted it into a big spiral. Then I sewed it securely onto the top left chest, just below the shoulder.

I was really happy with how this top turned out!

Handmade Gift: Shabby Chic!

Here's Handmade Gift number one. I'm going to call it Shabby Chic...with a LoLo twist. I have the worst time following the rules. Who said Mod and Shabby can't coincide? We'll call it a hapa.

And no, I won't tell you what it is. You'll have to wait until it's done!

Handmade Holidays

Have you seen this button around?

Sew Mama Sew is hosting this fun little shindig..and it's just the kick in the pants I need. (Click on the button above, or in my sidebar, if you'd like to check it out or participate!) As I've grown more confident in my crafting this year, I've discovered that I can make beautiful things for people I love...and save a bit in the giving department, as well.

Stay tuned...and if you're in my family, pretend you can't guess which one is yours. Or at least act surprised when you open it on Christmas.

Or, since I won't actually be there for the gift opening, just call me and tell me you were surprised.

I promise to believe you.