Denim Jacket has been finished...

and I'm so pleased with the results, but I'd love comments from you. So take a look.

And here are a couple more views.

This shows the back. I widened the ruffle at the bottom at the center back area, much more flattering. Note the use of the clothing labels at the shoulder area.  The ruffle and the large applique were cut from an old linen blouse. I lightly padded the applique and added some French knots with embroidery floss.


The jacket is size large and is a Gap jacket. All the bleaching and distressing were added by me. It was perfectly new looking when I adopted it from the thrift store.

This has just been added to my Etsy shop.

Distressed denim jacket

is really still alive, just not finished. 


Of course, real life did get in the way a bit, but I'm headed back to the sewing machine as we speak so I'll be back with you soon.


I did make a trip to the thrift shop today to get a few "essentials". I was greeted by freezing rain when I stepped out of the store.  A few days ago, we were in the 80's, but I know there's a light at the end of that tunnel.

A Lot of Distress, literally...

went into this jacket. Honestly, most of it was accidental, but when you have lemons...well you know the rest.

After bleaching (diluted next time) I just winged it. Some times it's hard to stop when you refashion a denim jacket. It's just so easy to add everything that you've stashed away, but I restrained myself. Of course, I'm not quite done so one never knows where it will end.

 Here are a few pictures of my journey. I'll skip the throwing in the bleach part.


What can I say?

  



This is a much loved and well-worn linen shirt.



I used Fusible Fleece and did some free motion sewing.

At least there is something to look at other than bleached denim. I also took a large doily apart and attached it to the collar.





I'm not done yet, but getting close and I'll post the final pictures as soon as I'm finished.

Just ran across a nice blog by Diane Ricks www.wonderfulwearables.blogspot.com  Her blog is inspiring and reminds me of how much I like working with dye.

See ya soon.

Let's put that dress on the back burner...

since I just took some new pictures and forgot to include that one!

So onward to the next dress. This one, from the thrift shop, of course, was already pretty cute, but it needed a major chopping. It was way too long. 

 So the ruffle had to come off, groan, and had to be gathered again. I have to admit...this is not one of my favorite things to do. Also had to shorten the lining. The fabric is a very thin cotton.  I made a rolled fabric flower thanks to the tutorial I found at http://jonesdesigncompany.com .  They have lots to choose from so check them out when you're in need of a flower idea. I put a pin on the back.

Yes, it's time to chop of that length.

 See all that thread in the background? And still I always have to buy more!





All finished and ready to go to my Etsy shop.









The flower was done while watching "Project Runway" reruns.

Okay, I always have a few things in the works so off I go. Talk to you soon!

It seems like forever since I was here...

but I have been busy, just like all of you. 

I have worked on the dress and it turned out cute, but I think I'll be doing some new pics soon.  However, it is finished and it will be perfect for spring and summer and a young person to wear it. Just took a look, wow, that sure is green!  Looks brighter than it really is.



I trimmed the armholes with matching fabric.

 



The lace on the bodice was perfect for the pink silk ribbon I had in my supplies.




I did a little gathering at the hem and added a small bow of the pink silk.



Honestly, had forgotten how simple it is to cover buttons!

I do have a few other things partly made which probably means I must have a short attention span and happily jump to the next adventure.

Actually, my biggest accomplishment this week was "organizing" my sewing/computer/exercise room. Bought a label maker and I'm sure that will fix everything!  Great fun!

Talk to you soon.

Just the beginning...

of a cute dress. Anyway, that's the plan. I'll keep you posted on my "progress".

How quickly things change...

like the weather. Yes, I know that is a boring subject, but right now we have a couple of inches of new snow. So my outdoor photographs will have to wait.

Plus, the doc wasn't thrilled that I was even walking around. The cast has come off, but now I'm stuck with one of those gigantic boots for several more weeks. Deja vu allover again, as they say.  Last year it was the other foot. That was a nasty break and took almost a year to really heal.  So enough of all that.

I've been looking at some vintage garments I have and haven't picked up the scissors yet.  Decisions.

I'll show you what I did complete recently. It's a fun babydoll style dress that's made using cotton sweaters, plaid cotton and linen. This is a pre-snow pic.

This has been added to my Etsy shop http://ecothreadscouture.etsy.com/

Wonder if I can convince hubby to take me to a thrift store this weekend. ?