Texas Summer Time Garden Update - Whew its Hot

Well, I can't help but wonder if I'm wasting water as I continue to try to keep these plants alive during the Texas heat.  We finally dropped below 100; but that was very short lived.  Its still pretty darn HOT!

This is a single canteloupe growing from the "container" it is growing from.  It looks pretty good; but its the only one I see.  I absolutely cannot forget to water this; because one day without water and it looks dead.

My sweet bell peppers are still producing; but the fruit is smaller and turns red much quicker than before it got so hot.

This littly cutie patootie is probably the last tiny tomato that I'm going to wait for from my Persimmon Tomato plants.  They look very tired and I think I just may put them out of their misery.  They are growing in grow bags and dry out incredibly fast.

I really tried to get a better picture of this little "Delicious" tomato.  Its a little bigger than a marble and is the only one from 4 plants. 

Many of my friends in this area are preparing for their Fall gardens.  I'm still undecided whether to abandon what is still growing and starting anew; or stick it out a few more weeks.

Sewing Books on Amazon

Book recommendations from Amazon for sewing enthusiasts.
















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Refashioned Dress into A Maxi Skirt

Welcome All, I'm excited about my latest refashion project.  Especially since I'm a newbie.  I picked up this dress at Goodwill and posted about that thrift haul last week.  You can read about it here, if you missed it.

 

Dress - Before



Not a very attractive dress; so I refashioned it into a maxi skirt.

The process was relatively easy even for a beginner.

• First I put the dress on my newly acquired dressform; and proceeded to cut just below the arm holes.
• Then I cut a strip of 1/4" elastic about 2" longer than my waist measurement. 
• I tried on the skirt after pinning the elastic to it to see how it fit.
• I removed the elastic (careful not to let the fabric slip off the dressform by using pins).
• Then I adjusted the elastic a little and stitched it together.
• I put the elastic back around the new waist of the skirt; repinned it and stitched it.

And... voila!

 



Skirt - After



Initial "My Double Deluxe Dressform - Small" Review

This is an initial review of the "My Double Deluxe Dressform - Small".  I got her all put together last night.  Instructions were relatively easy to follow.  The adjustments are plastic and not difficult to turn.  But after turning multiple times my thumb was a bit sore.  The small barely adjusted fully to my measurements, so I better not gain any weight  lol...........  I can't wait to get started, and hopefully I can put her to work this weekend.  I want to give her a name, so I'm racking my brain trying to come up with something.  I may have to add some padding in the backside, since the Lord blessed me with a little more padding than I'd like to admit. 

Disclaimer:  I have not be paid in any way for my review of this product.  I purchased this item with my own funds and the review is my own opinion. I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program; so if a purchase is made relative to the links below, I may be compensated accordingly.

To order one of your own from Amazon; you can click on the link below.

Mother / Daughter Thrift Haul

Today's post is a selection of garments my daughter and I picked up at one of the Goodwill Stores we shop. 

This picture doesn't do this purple shirt justice.  It is a very rich royal purple with beautifully designed embroidered detail.  GW price $3.99.  I do not plan to refashion this.  Its beautiful just the way it is.  My daughter suggested wearing it over a top and leave the front open; or wear it with a cute belt.  (I'm not big on belts.)

This dress is a ladies large.  The plan for this garment is to refashion it into a maxi skirt.  There is plenty of material and I think it will be relatively easy.  GW price $5.99.

This is a men's XXL sweater.  My daughter loves oversized sweaters, but this one is a bit too much.  Our plan is to refashion this into a smaller version of itself.  Fall is not that far off; and we hope to work on this project next month.  GW price $3.99.

I'm not sure if we will attempt to refashion this sweater or not.  It isn't as large as the one above.  It has interesting leather accents which are shown farther below.  This is another one my daughter picked out.  GW price $3.99 less $2 Special of the Week; end price $1.99.

This is a close up of the leather detail in the sweater above.  Isn't it cool?

Of course everything has to be washed before any wearing or refashioning begins. 



Restyle or Refashion; What's The Difference?

I may have been using incorrect terminology in some of my previous posts.  I didn't want to mislead anyone; so I have looked up the definitions.

Restyle = to style again or over.... I like # 5 in the link below:  "a mode of fashion, as in dress, especially good or approved fashion; elegance; smartness"

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/restyle

Refashion = to remake or alter.... the definition below wasn't all that helpful.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/refashion

So... in order to get it right; my terminology may be changing in future posts.
When I modify, recreate, or alter a garment it will be "refashion".
When I do not modify, recreate, or alter a garment; but update it with accessories and/or what not it will be "restyle".

Sorry for any confusion in my use of either of these terms in previous posts.

Pattern Sizing Does NOT Equal Ready-to-Wear Sizing

If you read my post about the failed project I recently attempted, then you know I was working with a size 12 pattern and it was too small.  I blamed it on the fact that the fabric was not stretchy although according to my ready-to-wear size I am a size 8. 

Restyle a Skirt into a Sleeveless Top - FAIL

Today I took on the challenge of measuring and consulting the back of the pattern below; which incidentally I purchased for $1.00 on sale at Hancock Fabrics yesterday. Ok... it/they were 5 for $5.00.  My teenage daughter picked out some patterns as well.

I have two different fabrics that I want to use to make a vest. The front will be the print below and the back will be a solid dark burgundy. At least that's the plan.

 

This fabric is from a thrifted skirt score at one of the Goodwill Stores I visited last month.  I cut off the band and the hem.  It isn't quite enough fabric for one piece; so that's why I want to do a contrasted vest.  Will provide an update when the project is completed.

So after I took my measurements on a full stomach (don't want anything too tight after I eat).  I circled them on the back as shown below.  Well.... thinking I'm thinner than I really am this shows me to be somewhere between a size 14 and 18.... remember the waist measurement was on a full stomach; so maybe its really between a 14 and 16.  This almost hurts my feelings, but it is what it is.  The measurements don't lie.  At least not today. 

I'm really glad I took the measurements... you know the old saying... "measure twice; cut once" - I think I should live by this rule if I'm going to sew regularly.

So my advice to anyone reading this post and is considering sewing; be sure not to do what I did and check your measurements before you cut. 

Lastly, I ordered a dressform in a small today.  Lord help me if its too small!



Restyle a Skirt into a Sleeveless Top - FAIL

I found this fabric at a Goodwill in Live Oak a few days ago....

The "fabric" in this restyle project started out as a ladies size 24 skirt.  I paid $2.99 for it.  Let me tell you, this was a very well made skirt.  Ripping the stitching out took quite a bit of time.  But I finally got it all taken apart.

I picked up a few vintage patterns at the Communities In Schools Resale Store in New Braunfels for $.175 each (yep that's seventeen and a half cents).  I chose the sleeveless top circled for this restyle project. 

 

 

 

I cut out the pattern before I realized this was for stretchy fabric only.  I thought "since its a size 12, maybe it will work anyway".... but after I pinned the pieces together and tried it on without stitching it, I realized "OH NO" its way too tight.  So, then I thought I could modify the design and make a vest out of it.  Cut, snip, pin; and still too tight.  So this attempt was a MAJOR FAIL!  Perhaps after a little more experience with simpler projects I can go back to this and make it work somehow. 

 

I am posting this so any other individuals who are learning to sew, know they are not alone if it results in failure.

 

Have you had a sewing failure?  Don't be ashamed, its a learning experience.  And... although very disappointed, I am not ashamed.

 

God Bless,

Blondie

Summer Garden Update in Texas

Its been 4 months since I planted my first Spring garden, and I'm a little disappointed in the results.  But, not enough to give up on gardening in the future.  Too much time and money invested in getting it started.  I had a few successes and a few challenges.

Successes
First - Cucumbers are producing nicely; 3 - 5 every other day or so.
Second - Sweet Bell Peppers are producing nicely; at least 1 or 2 every other day
Third - Jalapeno had a great start.  Still producing but seem to be winding down.

Sweet Bell Peppers 7/31/2013

Unknown
I have canteloupe plants growing; but I planted them late - so I'm still not sure how well they will do.



Canteloupe in Raised Bed 7/31/2013



Canteloupe in Container 7/31/2013



Challenges
First - I have 4 delicious tomato plants that did not produce a single solitary tomato.  I am trying to decide whether to uproot them since we are into triple digit temperatures.
Second - 2 Persimmon tomato plants that produced a about 5 or 6 tiny tomatoes that were supposed to be up to a pound each.
Third - my squash and zucchini were destroyed by the squash vine borer.
One is trying to recover; but it may be too late.

Saved $39.81 at Walgreens on 7/29/13

Here's a screenshot of my savings at Walgreens on 7/29/13

Special prices are for Balance Reward card holders and I had coupons for almost everything; and a raincheck on the Northern toilet tissue.  My store was out last week when it was on sale.  Be sure to get a raincheck on out of stock items; so you can still save after the sale has ended.

Happy couponing all!

Dressform.... Buy It or Make it?

I am considering buying a dressform.  I've found one on amazon that I like; but am not sure I want to make that kind of investment.  The price is pretty competitive.  I also found a youtube video on how to make one; but it looks like a lot of work and I'm not sure I can recruit someone to help me.... so, to my readers: what would you do?

This one is my favorite because it allows for pants.

But this one is less expensive

and finally

below is the best instructional video I found on how to make one.....

http://youtu.be/wsXOxxZhBbI

So, what's your experience with either or? 

Coupons Galore in this Sunday's Paper

According to the Sunday Coupon Preview website, we anticipate 5 coupon inserts in this Sunday's paper.  To check out the list (some are regional), please visit http://www.sundaycouponpreview.com/

Wishing all a great weekend.

Restyled Wide Leg Slacks

This was a relatively simple project.  At least I hope they will look as good on as they do in the picture. 

I have a pair of thrifted gray slacks with wide legs that are out of style and very much "dated".  I wanted to make them look a little more up to date, so I made the legs a little narrower.

• I ripped out the hem, so the fabric wouldn't bunch up when I got ready to stitch the leg. 
• I took another pair of slacks and outlined the leg width that I wanted and marked it with chalk.
• I proceeded to stitch the outside of the legs making them about 2 inches narrower at the bottom leg than they were before.
• Cut off the excess fabric.
• Cut 1" off the bottom length
• Hemmed

Since I'm re-learning to sew, I took them in on the outer leg only.  What do you think?  Did I do ok?



Before (inside out)



After



Staycation Projects

I've been on vacation this week.  Partly a mini-vacation;  but mostly a staycation.  I have a list of projects I want to work on and maybe even complete.  Some items on my list are so basic, I'm sure they would bore most anyone.  Part of that list includes simple projects like hemming a couple pairs of slacks.  I've been looking for patterns, fabric, and thrifted treasures.  Today I went to pick up my son in San Antonio, and while there located Hancock Fabric on N 1604 in Gateway Shopping Center.  I'm still very shell shocked over the price of quality fabric and patterns.  But luckily, they had Butterick patterns on sale for $1.99 each.  I found three that I can use multiple times.  I'm looking forward to giving my sewing skills a re-try.  Just down the road from the fabric store is a Goodwill store; so I scored some extra large skirts ($2.99 each) to refashion into something else... and a pretty sheer window panel ($1.99) I also plan to turn into a blouse.  It is beautiful fabric; and of course a camisole will have to be worn underneath.

There are no "fabric" stores in New Braunfels other than a quilting store and Hobby Lobby, so I have to be creative. 

First project is to refashion a pair of work slacks I've had for a few years.  Hoping to post that by the end of the week.

Well that's all for tonight folks.  Have a good night.

Mini Harvest from My Garden

This is just a small (mini) harvest from my garden.  I left several jalapenos on the plant too long and they were turning very dark.  Those will be added to the compost bin. The tomatoes are very small and I am not sure why.  They should be up to 1 lb each.  This cucumber is not as pretty as previous ones; but I'm sure it tastes just as good.  I pick about one bell pepper every other day or so, and they are delicious mixed with eggs, salad etc.

Next year:  A bigger garden!

My Mentor's Garden

I am so happy to share pictures from my gardening mentor.  Mr. Harold Walsh; up in the northern part of Texas has talked gardening with me for several months now.  He has provided excellent advice and tips for my gardening projects (in the Fall 2012, and Spring 2013.  He has given me permission to share these pictures of his garden on my blog.  I hope you all enjoy it.

Restyled Thrifted Retro Artichoke Designed Desk Clock

Thrifted Clock

Cost:  $2.00 (plus tax)

Paint:  $2.95 (plux tax)

Sandpaper:  on hand

Total cost:  $4.95

This clock definitely had a dated look.  Not 100% sure it is "retro", but I thought it was kind of cute and with a little sprucing up, might look pretty decent.  The old paint is a lacquered reddish burgandy and before spending a whopping $2 on it I tested the clock mechanism just to make sure it worked.  (I keep batteries in my purse for my camera; so I was lucky to have them with me to test.)

After a light sanding with 60 grid sand paper, I proceeded to give it a fresh coat of gray paint.  I learned pretty quickly that I need a trigger sprayer contraption to reduce the stress on my index finger.

Not quite there with one coat of paint; so I let it dry about 30 minutes before spraying on another coat of paint.

And afterward.  I think it turned out pretty nice and am looking forward to my next restyle project.



 

After

 



Happy Independence Day - Texas Style

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Isn't this one of the most amazing silhouettes you have ever seen. 

This picture of my honey was taken in July 2012. 

It fits today's theme perfectly.

#independenceday #silhouette #texasstyle

Office Attire - Thrifted Pieces make the LOOK

I work in an office where business casual attire is the standard policy. 

This is a look I put together using several thrift store purchases.  All of these pieces can be mix and matched with other pieces in my closet for several looks.

I'm all about saving money... so I am always looking for a bargain.

Top: JM Collection - $4.00 (2nd Chance II, Bryan, TX)

 Pants:  Rue 21 - FREE (CIS Resale Store, New Braunfels, TX)

 Shoes: What's What by Aerosoles - $9.99 (Goodwill, Bastrop, TX)

Earrings:  (not pictured) GIFT

The total look:  $13.99 (excl tax)

Estimated Retail Value $128.00 (New)



Prop (Camero) courtesy of Carmen C.
Picture courtesy of Rachel G.
and yes.... it was windy

What look have you put together lately?  I'd love to hear from you.



Thrifted Fabric Turned Pillow Cover

This is my first actual sewing project since I purchased my Vintage Singer Sewing Machine a few weeks ago. The upholstery type fabric was purchased at the 2nd Chance II Resale Shop in Bryan, Texas for a mere $2.50. I purchased a few other items that will be subjects of future posts.

It was about 2 + yards of fabric; and it will make several pillow covers.  I followed most of the instructions I located on eHow with the exception of adding a stitch allowance.  This fabric has no "give", so I wanted to make sure the pillow would slip in without ripping the fabric or the stitches.

I forgot to copy the link to the instructions; but I got them off the internet.

This is how I made the pillow cover:

For this a 12" pillow

• I cut 28.5" x 12.5" fabric
• Stitched the long ends to prevent fraying
• Stitched a 1/4"-1/2" hem on the short ends
• Marked 8" from each end for the folds.
• Stitched along the long ends to close allowing for the envelop style flap to insert the pillow

 And.... ta da! I think it turned out beautifully and look forward to being more creative in the future.



 

What do you think?  Am I a seamstress or designer in the making?