Vaz Modern Beauty Expo

Great turn out, vendors and part of the proceeds go to Susan G Koman

Spring is here!

Knit and Woven Spring Tunic

I have had this floral polyester fabric remnant for quite some time. I was drawn to the print but just could not decide what to do with it. I was going through my bag of rags plastic tub and found the red knit fabric. Ding! I will make a tunic that has a waistline seam. I had just enough of the red fabric for the bodice and sleeves. I also had just enough of the floral for the skirt. I had a stash of red taped metal zippers that I snatched up on clearance. I found a silver teeth one and tried my hand at an exposed zipper. I have never applied a zipper this way and it was quite interesting.

I decided to add a belt for extra oomph

I was surprised with the outcome. I tried it one just for ha-ha's to see if it would fit. Wouldn't you know, it fit and it was a perfect tunic length for my body.

So much for making the bed

DIY Jewelry Holder

A do-it-yourself jewelry holder is super easy. I grabbed a plate, candy dish, and candle stick holder from Goodwill for about $5. Attached with super glue suitable for metal and glass and in less than 24 hours (to allow for ample drying time) you have a new organization for all that loose jewelry.

Bag o' Rags Deep Cowl Shirt

As I have previously mentioned, I have an addiction to the bag of rags bags that you can buy from Lorraine's Fabric Store. I am trying to keep up my pattern and sewing skills. I pulled some fabric that I bought in these bags and then decided on a pattern to try. I went for the deep cowl tank with modesty bandeau underneath. Not exactly my style but it turned out pretty well. I even used my new bias tape maker!

Front. It sits far out on the shoulders and since my form doesn't have arms, it is hard to get the full impression

Back

Sewing Life and Time Saver

My first blog post was about the nifty loop turner that I bought. I am still in a constant hunt to make sewing simpler, easier, and more effective. Well, I have read about these bias tape makers. I was hesitant at first because I hate, hate, hate making bias tape. I like to finish seams with it, but there pre-packaged stuff always looks cheap against lightweight fabric and I loathe making it. I grabbed a a 1/2" bias-tape maker at the craft store and instantly fell in love. It worked fantastic. Not only did it save time, but it also made applying and sewing the bias tape so much easier.

Homemade Fabric Weight

I loved the pattern weights I used at university, they came in handy for manipulating patterns or holding down fabric as I cut. Trying to find these in craft stores is near impossible and buying them online is easy but shipping is awful. I did a search for something heavy at the hardware store. I found a plumbing flange cover thing for about $6. I glued some scrap terry cloth to it to protect the fabric from snagging. It is a great size and a perfect weight (and a lot cheaper).