Author: denise

I have done beadwork for over 25 years and got so interested in jewelry design that I took two metalwork classes at Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee from wonderful teachers Deborah Lynn Gold and Marjorie Simon. I can't choose a favorite medium. I love sculptural work and adore forming and fabricating metals, but three-dimensional beadwork is more colorful. I sew a lot! Lately I've been making lots of purses and wallets as well as upcycling used clothing into new items. Lately I've gone back to sewing and refashioning cast-off clothingâ€“mostly men's shirts, into girls' clothing. I also enjoy making handbags and wallets. They are really fun to put togetherâ€“like a puzzle.

Choices, choices…

Okay. Yesterday I bought ribbon by using a picture of the jumper on my phone. JoAnn didn’t have a greatÂ selection, but they did have some decent colors of purple to go with the plaid. These are the ones I chose.

I’m wondering about the darker one. It doesn’t really match. It was as close as I could get. Maybe with a double layer of the darker grosgrain and a ruffled or pleated lighter organza ribbon edging? Or an edging of the plaid. I’m not sure there is enough of the plaid left.

I want to make rosettes of the organza ribbon for the attached ends of the straps. I thought about making the straps adjustable or criss-crossed in the back. I don’t think I’ll do the criss-crossing. Maybe a double buttonhole for the strap and the rosettes hiding them.

Why is it that I never have the supplies on hand to make what I need? I hate buying more supplies when I have a stash, but this is my ribbon stash.

You will notice that I don’t have ANY wide purple ribbon. I have almost every other color, but NO PURPLE! Argh! This is about a 30-year supply.

Okay, on a lighter note, these three shirts coordinate.

I want to make a tunic for myself of themâ€“maybe just the top one and the brighter yellow one. Or just the top two. Or maybe use one for a skirt on a t-shirt top in an empire-waist fashion. I would need a scoop neck, not the regular neck of a mens t-shirt though.

To be continued.

Girly stuff

My granddaughter came today and ran off in the little peasant dress I made her before I could get a photo. I asked my daughter to get a photo, so here it is.

She does love new dresses, but apparently didn’t like having her picture taken.

I don’t have the straps on the jumper yet. I’m waffling between some self-straps and some made of webbing or ribbon. The dress is a light orchid. The jumper is this beautiful wine plaid. They are both made from men’s shirts that came from Goodwill.

Here is the jumper so far.

Please excuse the wrinkles. I found it under the couch. Like I said, the grandkids were here. I think it needs some dark, wide grosgrain straps and maybe some little rosettes. Suggestions?

Stray Thoughts

I’m watching The Shannara Chronicles on Netflix. I’m three episodes in and liking it a lot. Anyone else into it?

Here is a Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillar that my daughter found on my spicebush. Look at that little snakey face he’s trying to fool us with. Silly caterpillar.