Crafting Personal Style: Work What You've Got

The cheapest way to freshen up your wardrobe is to just change what you already own. Even the cutest peices can start feeling a little stale and boring when you've worn them fifty times. Altering and embellishing can make something old feel and look new (or at least new to you).



A little altering can make an amazing difference. Simple alterations like hemming or adjusting fit are pretty easy if you have some basic sewing skills. Marisa at New Dress a Day makes quick and easy alterations and turns $1 horror shows into adorable outfits.

The shirts my job provided were a lovely square shape, so the first order of business was to take them in a bit. (Check out this tutorial at Fashionomics.) Several of my thrfted skirts are altered too. I've found some great ones for just a few bucks and all they needed to be cute was a few inches taken off the hem. My favorite dress started life as a $2.50 thrifted kaftan. (Side note: dresses with giant peacocks on them are incredibly versatile, don't let anyone tell you differently.)


If the fit isn't the issue so much as terminal boringness then it's time to embellish. I figure the best way to distract from a boring polo shirt is with interesting and unique pieces. I can exercise my creativity and save some money towards the start up costs for my future small business (where I can wear what I want). Need some ideas?

Add some details to your basics. Plain blazers are plentiful and cheap (about $5) at thrift stores, and I'm loving blazers with contrast edging.
How easy would this be to do with some bias tape? I have a cord blazer that I think will look awesome with some scholarly elbow patches and floral print edging. Grab a bias tape maker and get to work! Bias tape could also look cute along the edge of a skirt, around the arms of a blouse, or to create stripes on a jacket sleeve or pant leg.

Appliques are an easy way to add character and interest. Most craft stores will have a selection on iron on embroidered patches. Check out Etsy for some more original options. I found these these awesome skull patches. If you want a little more glitz, go for beaded or lace appliques. Check if your local fabric store has a bridal section, or look online. I already found some I want at sequinappliques.com, including a sequin stegosaurus.

Also look at thrift stores for uniforms with patches or old formal dresses with applique pieces, the whole piece may cost you the same as a new patch would. If you want to be able to change it up a little, sew or glue a pin back or two on. (This will extend the life of you applique too, since you can take them off to wash your clothes.)

New buttons, one of the cheapest and quickest ways to change the look of an item of clothing. . If you need some instruction on sewing buttons, check out this video from Threadbanger. Take your garment with you, or snip off one of the old buttons to take with you for size. I found some disgustingly cutesy little buttons on Etsy from sellers Mr Walrus and Thai Fab Shop. You can also make your own buttons with a covered button kit and some cute fabric. I made a little skull button with a teeny piece of my embroidery.


Find yourself a stud or two. A lot of interesting looks seem to be all about mixing cute and masculine, and I'm all about metal studs for the perfect punky touch. You can grab some at studsandspikes.com, a bag of 25 will run you less than $5.00. (You can grab a kit to set them, but I distinctly remember just making do with pliers as a "rebellious" teenager.) I'm thinking floral wristbands with metal studs? Studs and chains from the hardware store could add some interest to plain boots.

Embroidery is easy, cheap, and you can even take it with you to work as a little lunchtime craft therapy. Grab a hoop and head over to Sublime Stitching or Mr X Stitch (where you can get my Internet meme embroidery patterns, by the way). You can also grab free patterns at Needlecrafters. Beads or charms would make it even more interesting.
I'd love to hear your ideas for embellishment.

Polo Anyone?

No, not the good kind with ponies. This week marks the beginning of a mandatory polo shirt regimen at work. While I don't want to complain, (to have a job at all is awesome and come November I'll have health insurance for the first time in five years), I can't help but be a bit bummed about this. The company is footing the bill for seven of the polos pictured below.



So why is this bugging me? I'm a creative person in a job that's more spreadsheets than right brain activity. Some people unwind with alcohol or video games, I use embroidery or sewing. (Stabbing things repeatedly with a needle is the perfect way to unwind after a bad day, right?) I like to wear things I've made, I'm proud to be complimented on something I put my time and effort into. It's important to me to show people that you can still sew your own clothes and make your own jewelry; these skills are not lost and they are worthy of the work it takes to become good at them. I want to be able to complement things I've made with the clothing I think showcases it best.

Another thing to consider is my participation in the Wardrobe Remix pool on Flickr, taking pictures (almost) daily since the beginning of the year. Fashion and exploring my sense of style have become fulfilling creative outlets for me, and ones I can easily tie to my other creative energies. Finding interesting mixes of pattern and color is just as much fun with clothing as with fabric for a bag. My personal style also tends towards a little more dressed than a polo shirt, something that sometimes gets me odd looks at my super casual workplace. But for me, a polo shirt feels under dressed. It makes me happier and more energetic, and I don't want to fall into a rut of jeans and schlumpy polo shirts. (Not that there's anything wrong with that if that's how you feel best.)

But I've decided not to concede, I am taking this up as a craft challenge! I'll be posting about how I intend to keep my wardrobe fun and crafty for not a lot of cash. I'd love to other people's thoughs and ideas as well.

Mission Accomplished

So here are the results of last weekend's labor. I made three skirts, one of which still needs to be hemmed. Am I the only one who absolutley HATES to hem? These skirts are full and there is a lot of hemming to be had. I modified the pattern a little (New Look 6892). The pattern calls for gathering along the front and back to make the fullness. I made a pleat in the front and a dart in the back instead. I also left off the zipper and made the waist elastic, because I kind of suck at zippers and all I had on hand were 14" black ones.

Excuse the fact that I look like I just rolled out of bed...because I kind of did. The fabric is a piece of lightweight wool or wool blend tartan that was from my dad. The pattern is similiar to our family's dress plaid. (Partial Scot in the hizzouse!) I had to get a little creative with the plaid matching as I didn't have a whole lot of fabric. Really the only place it matches is at the front waistband, which is hidden under the bow. But take my word, it is some masterful plaid matching. The waistband is lined with left over fabric from this shirt that I made for my dad awhile ago. 

This one is made from some blue cotton, it's very light and swishy. On the two previous skirts, I didn't have enough fabric to have the waistband lining match. I had enough on this one, but I kind of liked the idea of having a contrasting lining. (Like a little skirt secret.) This one has a small green striped cotton.
Boot rocking and Queen listening was also accomplished.

This Weekend's Agenda

This weekend I plan to...

...make some skirts (with large doofy bow of course)...

Rock out in my snazzy new boots...

...and probably listen to some Queen. Sounds like a good weekend to me.

A Small Infestation

Guys, I think we have a little bat problem...

Dolls, Dolls, Dolls

I've been very busy making the next batch of dolls for the wonderful folks at Southern Fried Comics. Rorschach, Etrigan, and Ambush Bug made their retail debut on the website and a new batch is on the way for the store opening early next month. This set is comprised of:



Squirrel Girl, flying in to save the day and steal your acorns. This is the first female character I've made multiples of. Her hair was a kind of a new process, but I think it turned out well. She's based on the original design.
A Skrull, in all it's grumpy glory. The giant pointy ears are my favorite and now I want to make Yodas. (Just kidding George Lucas, please don't sue me.)

Ted Kord (minus head wound) Blue Beetle. Of course plans for his good buddy Booster Gold are in the works.


I've also been playing around with a photo set up, as people will probably be more inclined to buy my dolls if they can actually tell what they look like. I already had some clamp lamps with the "natural light" bulbs. Luckily (this once) my boyfriend orders lots of toys, so I stole a big box to use as my backdrop. Just remove the top and one side, drape with fabric, and clamp on lamps. Background changes are easy and the lighting is totally adjustable. Also it's cheap, which never hurts.

Party Time

I'm going to the Craft Party this Friday, June 18th. You should come too!

Midwood Park
2100 Wilhemina Ave
6 - 8 pm

Handmade raffle
Supply Swap
Mini Terrariums
Cupcakes!

Patchwerk Playhaus
1508 Central Ave
8-10 pm

Craft circle
Screening of Handmade Nation

Check out the Facebook Group for more info.

Once Weekly

When you have limited opportunity to craft, it can be terribly annoying to have time but no ideas. The desire to be creative is present, but sometimes it’s hard not to get bogged down in all the ordinary stuff, or else to be overwhelmed with prospects. I made this list of a year’s worth of weekly projects. I’m going to try and make something each week. Hopefully this will encourage me to blog weekly as well, ha ha ha.
The purpose of these is not really to make something you love. It’s more to give you new ways to look at the world and new places to find inspiration, or just give you some vague guidelines in which to work. You can do these in any order and take as long as you want with each one. The result can be as intricate or as simple as you like. Just try to think outside the box and bring your style to everything you make.

1. Go through your craft supplies and find something that you forgot that you had. Create a project centered on this item.
2. Do a craft that you enjoyed as a child. What did you like about it then? What do you like about it now? Can you update or change the technique so it suits how you craft today?
3. Think of your favorite place to be. Make a list of all the things you enjoy about this place, describe how it makes you feel. Make something to remind you of this place.
4. Go somewhere different for supplies. It could be the thrift store, the hardware store, even the grocery store. Find something exciting to use.
5. Go somewhere public and people watch for 30 minutes. Find something inspiring in the people around you. Perhaps it’s the pattern on a woman’s dress or a snippet of conversation, be as abstract as you like.
6. Go for a walk and find something on the ground that inspires you. Embellish it, reconstruct it, or incorporate it into your work.
7. Find a craft buddy to be your partner. Each of you make a list of random words that you like. Exchange lists and create a craft based on one of your partner’s words.
8. Use something you would usually throw away.
9. Write down some of your secrets and find a creative way to share them with the world.
10. Go to a library or bookstore and find the craft and hobby section. Close your eyes and grab a random book and then turn to a random page. Make the craft on that page or use it as a starting point.
11. Go outside and cloud watch. Make a craft incorporating what you see, whether it be bunnies or boats or severed heads.
12. Grab something you own but don’t really like. Fix it so you love it.
13. Get a blank piece of material (paper, fabric, whatever). Decorate it however you like and then make something with it.
14. Go to a dollar store and make something using only things that you purchase there. Spend less than $10.
15. Grab 15 to 20 random supplies. Jumble them up, close your eyes, and select 4. You can add other things if you like, but these 4 things must be in the project.
16. Make a monster or mythological beast.
17. You’re ruler for the week. Make yourself a crown.
18. If money and time where no object, where would you like to visit? Research this place and discover its crafty roots. Is it known for a local craft? Is there a famous craftsperson from there? Make something based on what you find.
19.Take an item and make it into something else. Maybe a tea towel into an apron or some hardware into a necklace.
20.Fix something broken.
21. What scares you and why? Craft it into something that isn’t scary anymore.
22. Write down ten words that you feel describe you. Go to Google Images or Flickr and search each one. Make a craft based on an image you find.
23. What is your favorite holiday? Research its origins and make something in the true spirit of the holiday.
24. Make a gift for someone you love.
25. Are you having a bad week? Make something to cheer yourself up!
26. Embellish something you’ve bought that’s too boring.
27. You’re in a band. Make some swag for your loyal fans.
28. Learn a new craft or technique.
29. Spend 15 minutes writing stream of consciousness. Find something inspiring that’s already hiding in your brain.
30. Start an idea board or journal. Collect things that inspire you.
31. Make a list of things you couldn’t live without. Interpret one of them into craft, try and explain why it’s so important to you.
32. Use your powers for good. Make something for someone in need.
33. Make a collage. It can be out of any materials you want and in any shape you like, go crazy.
34. Create your own craft exhibition. Make small works of art and leave them around town for people to find.
35. Do you have something to celebrate? Make a cake in any way you like. Paper, fabric, metal, flour? It's up to you. Just make sure it reflects your personal style!
36. Try something you've been wanting to do but lacked the confidence to try.
37. Don't get discouraged! Finish a project you gave up on or give a project you had trouble with a second chance.
38. Break some crafting stereotypes! Do something unexpected in your project.
39. Guerilla craft time! Make something to beautify a public place (preferably something removable so you don't get in trouble).
40. Make something very big or something very small.
41. Spend thirty minutes at the bookstore or library or checking out blogs. Find a new project to try.
42. Urban life getting you down? Make something decidedly natural. (Do the reverse if you're in a more rural setting.)
43. Make something boring and utilitarian prettier.
44. Make a project based on a song or poem that you love.
45. Craft so that the finished project contains nothing purchased. You can use purchased things in the process, like glue or a blender, but the finished project must be only found and free objects.
46. Get nostalgic. Look at the library, used book store, or online for a distinctly vintage craft.
47. Make something to hold one of your favorite treasures.
48. Feeling a bit naughty? Make something sexy.
49. Chronicle something average or commonplace in you day in craft.
50. Help spread the craftiness. Teach a craft to someone else.
51. Go to a craft show or art exhibit and find something that you love. Talk to the artist. Make something that represents why you craft.
52. Make some very creative snail mail and send it to someone who inspires you.

I'll (hopefully) be posting my weekly projects. I'd love to see how other people interpret these too. If you want your project to be featured, just e-mail me a link at kittyzilla@gmail.com and I'll include it in my weekly post. (Please make the subject "Once Weekly #____" so I can keep them straight.)

Happy crafting!

Nifty Thrifty

I know there are lots of people who dislike thrift stores. They're often smelly, full of weird and dirty things, and who wants to think about where some of these items have been? Personally though, I LOVE them. Saturday morning was thrift shopping time for as far back as I can remember. I think it's the possibilities that are so exciting. The hidden corners of old stores, what treasure might be hiding in the bins and racks. Things that you can't find anywhere else. I think I've mentioned before I have an odd love of truly ugly 70's things, thrift stores are the only place to find this stuff.

Even if you don't find something you like, isn't it fun to go with someone and show each other the crazy things that can be found there? I know my mom and I were constantly calling each other over the aisle only to hold up some ghastly thing and giggle.

So if you couldn't tell what this was leading to, I had a very successful thrift store excursion.


This little guy was about $2. I have such an owl thing lately. I'm trying to decide how I want to paint him. He might look neat painted all one bright color, like turquoise or green or red?

I have had excellent luck with sheets at this store. Every time I go I've found at least one I like. It's awesome being able to get close to six yards of fabric for just a few dollars. This one has that blue and red combo I love.

E.T. sheets, can you believe it? I saw the little part with the spaceship first and immediately adored the little pink and brown mushrooms around it before I even realized what it was.


And He-Man sheets! Bats said he had these as a kid. The design on this is huge, the whole thing only repeats on the sheet three times. I want a pillow with Skeletor I think...



I also grabbed these cute plates. I found two of the second one and it was only 40 cents for all three of them. I like having plates and jars to hold things, and I think the the ones with the yellow borders would be sweet under small potted plants.

MOAR AND MOAR MEMES

Big news guys! The first batch of meme patterns in for sale through the awesome Mr X Stitch. Please buy some!

It got me all inspired again, so I decided I wanted to extend the meme quilt. There are just too many awesome memes I wanted to include. Here are some of the new ones!

The Llama Song

Bale Rant


Ultimate Showdown of Ultimate Destiny

Don't Tase Me, Bro!

End of Ze World

DO NOT WANT!


Check out the rest at my Flickr page.