As most of you know, late last year I made a big career change from being the Grants Manager at the SC Arts Commission, to working in Community Impact at United Way of the Midlands. I loved working in the arts and continue to support the arts in every way I can. But as I looked at the people around me in the city I happily call home and saw how many were hungry, homeless, uneducated, and suffering, I wanted to help.
When United Way launched National Volunteer Week with their Day of Action and needed volunteers to help give out information about our services at the Soda City Farmers Market, I happy signed up!
There was just one thing…I had to wear this shirt…
It’s not bad, but…
It’s a perfectly fine T-shirt. But I wasn’t really in the mood to wear a boring T-shirt on one of the few gorgeous sunny days we’ve had here lately. So, I pulled out my tailor’s chalk and got to marking!
I folded it in half so both sides would be Even Steven!
Then, I got to cut along that chalked line. This left some raw edges that needed closing, so I got to it!
See?
I stitched the front and back of my new top down…
Whirrrrrrr!
…then I pinned those cut-off sided together and stitched them down as well!
First ya pin, then ya stitch!
Almost done! I just needed a couple of straps to hold my new top up. Luckily, I had a spool of black grosgrain ribbon on hand!
Buy a spool today! It comes in so handy!
After two more short little whirrrrrs, I was all done!
The last step!
My new top was comfy as could be for a day spent in the warm sun!
Don’t judge the harem pants, mkay?
I could have made my top a bit more fitted, but as I actually work for United Way, I kind of wanted to be as non-provocative as possible. I’m sure you understand. :)
While out at the market, I ran into a couple of fun friends!
Hiya Allie! :)
One lovely pal even gave me a very thoughtful gift! :)
Thanks, Cole!
By the end of the day, I just wanted to unwind a bit, so I did. :)
Vitamin C is good for you…even in a mimosa! :)
I hope you all make the time to give back to your community (no matter where that is) this week, as well as all year long!
Cheers!
Warmth is finally here and it’s here to stay! :) Huzzah!!! One of my favorite things about warmer weather is how nicely it pairs with a walk down Columbia’s Main Street to check out some fun local art!
When If found out there would be Monsters on Main Street for April’s First Thursday on Main monthly art event, I knew I had to see them (and defend my fellow citizens if necessary)!
After work, I ran home for a quick costume change, but all I could find was this $1 thrifted find:
I clearly didn’t look on that rack directly behind me. ;)
This is such an easy one, and it doesn’t involve one teensy bit of sewing!
First, I got rid of these little guys…
I’ll miss you guys (not really)!
Then, I just buttoned the dress up except for the top button and tied the arms around my waist.
TA-DA!!!! Instant Dress!
Don’t fret! I’m wearing a strapless slip underneath!
I was happy to see lots of people out and about, including The Godzilla Guy, Sean McGuinness himself!
We ain’t skeered!
Other artists managed to make it out as well!
It’s Faith Mathis and Blue Sky! :)
And of course, Arts Leaders are people too!
My tied-on dress stayed up just fine…
I love that golden hue! :)
…and luckily those monsters kept to themselves!
Why can’t all traffic cones look like these? :)
So yes, this was a totally simple refashion, but I’m okay with that. Just playing with drape, twisting, and tying can really get your creative juices flowing. I plan on doing another refashion with this shirt that actually involves sewing, but I’ll miss my tied-on dress when this happens. :)
Cheers!
Thanks to everyone for your sweet words of encouragement after my last post. :) You’re all pretty much the nicest readers anyone could possibly have and I want to bake a batch of cookies for each and every one of you. I don’t want you to worry about me though. Creative slumps happen. I’ve dealt with them before, and I’m sure I’ll deal with them again. But the blog must go on! :)
Hoping to escape my slump, I booked a place on airbnb, packed up my mini machine, and headed off to Athens, GA to catch some awesome live music and a bit of vintage shopping!
It’s as if my carry on was made for this.
My machine didn’t travel alone! I tossed in this dress to refash as well!
Hmmmn…
Total basic 90′s boringness here. But the print is so nice! Surely there’s something that can be done!
I started with a big chop!
Chop!
Then, I pinned that raw edge down!
Has Mini Pincusion. Will Travel.
I ran this through my lil machine, like ya do…
Mini-Whirrrrrrr!!!!!
I pressed my new hem the best way I knew how…
Desperate times call for desperate measures! :)
…but still wasn’t too thrilled with this frock yet.
I cut a (really jagged…sorry!) square from the cut-off bit.
It looks like I let a 4-year-old do it!
Then, I pinned the raw edges down as I pinned it to my dress.
Future Pocket!
Looking forward to a lil storage space!
I cut off a bit of that bottom scrap and used it as a sash for the waist of my new frock (because old habits die hard), although it would also be cute with a free waist too! :)
Can you tell I’m freezing?
Unfortunately, the weather report for that day was a wee bit optimistic. It’s still chilly here in the south (Good God, WILL IT EVER END?!?!?). Luckily, I brought a thrifted chambray shirt to cover up with!
Do I look like I’m trying to hard to be a hipster?
I really liked this outfit, and enjoyed wearing my sweet secondhand Aldo studded brogues (a steal at $15!) and my fun minty tights. :)
Can you tell it’s reallllly windy?
My pocket was pretty swell as well!
a happy hand holder!
I fell in love with this delightful little vintage shop that had everything one could possibly desire:
Jillie loves Cillies!
Many treasures await!
Seriously…just looooook!
Need a pair of boots?
How about a lovely frock?
Lots of vintage purses!
You can check out this sweet shop’s Facebook page right here!
I somehow managed to escape with only a silly little fish necklace.
I think I’ll name him Phil.
Cheers!
