Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Inspiration From The Movies... Rosemary's Baby...Part 1

Let me just say right off... I DON'T want Rosemary's baby... I WANT her clothes!
A few weeks ago I stumbled across the thriller classic Rosemary's Baby.  As I watched, I became completely enthralled with Mia Farrow's clothes in the movie... The suspense was lost on me, because I could not stop looking at her clothes...  For a week I kept asking people if they had watched Rosemary's Baby, and immediately started gushing about the outfits in the movie... to which I got strange looks... This only fueled my fire... That was it... I decided I was going to recreate some of the clothes from the movie!  As I began to plan my course of action... I remember this little treasure picked up months ago...
... for a mere .50 cents this early 70's pattern making kit, was absolutely perfect for what I had in mind...
I didn't realize how cool it was until I started using it... From the basic garments, you can overlay multiple combinations and design outfits... by simply tracing the sketches(i.e. adding sleeves, collars, ruffles)

Then you cut out the mini template for your sleeve, bodice, collars, etc... and tape them to a piece of pattern paper... so you can make your pattern!
It might look a little confusing... but all you do is line up your measurement on the X... place your ruler on the line(included in the kit)... and put a dot at the corresponding number...
Then you just connect the dots!
It also shows you how to move darts and waistlines that match YOUR measurements(being high waisted I find that really exciting)... and, a 1/2inch seam allowance is already built into the pattern!

But enough about my new toy... back to the clothes!
Here is my first piece.  I loved all of the simple mini dresses that she wore...
I had a hard time choosing the fabric I wanted to use... and eventually decided on this blue vintage silk from my stash...
It turned out super cute... and the dress is so versatile...
Today I am wearing it layered with a sweater and boots...

This is just the beginning of my wardrobe takeover...  And I can't wait to show you more...
Yes... Rosemary's Baby was my inspiration(says with eye roll and no... I'm not crazy look...)
***Jennifer

Monday, January 21, 2013

Making Boot Toppers... the easy way...

A couple week ago I crocheted these cute boot toppers(a.k.a. fancy name for leg warmers)...  They of course became my new favorite thing, and soon I began wonder how I could make another pair without so much effort.(When did I become so lazy?  Like the first pair were so hard to make... anyway...) After rolling this idea around in my head for a bit... an idea did come to me!
The bright idea... upcycling an old pair of wool socks... seriously so easy... I made this pair in less than 10mins(that's including all the times I stopped to take pictures)
Here is how I did it...
One pair of old wool socks...
 Cut off the top right above the heel...
 From the middle of the foot section... cut a 3inch strip...
 Fold the strip you just cut in half... so raw edges are even with each other... This will be your band...
Line the bands raw edges with the raw edges of the cut off top...
Using a zig zag stitch... stitch your raw edges together...
 Give the band a quick press with your iron... and your done! (Now go make the 2nd one!)
 See... I told you it was easy!  If your still scratching your head, and wondering what all the hype with boot toppers is all about... Other than being a cute accessory... they are great, because they can give you the bulky sock look without having to add the bulk to your foot.
 The picture up top showed the rib top... but I like the band end too!
 I also think folding them over your boot is a cute look!!!

So there you go... A fabulous pair of boot toppers is just minutes away from being added to your wardrobe...
***Jennifer