tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29868569656371448662024-03-12T18:49:29.957-07:00Craft, Thrift, or DieI do thrift stores. I re-fashion clothes. Sometimes I make things. These are my stories.Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-49316427743247232202020-08-24T17:30:00.002-07:002020-08-24T17:30:18.528-07:00Oh My God We're Back Again (with a Terrarium Lamp)<p>This post is me picking up from where I left off in my last post. I'm surprised I'm actually doing this. If you don't recognize the title, that's the first verse in "Everybody (Backstreet's Back)" by the Backstreet Boys. </p><p>In my last post I was bragging about how great my vintage thrift store lamp makeovers are. I mean, I think they're cool because I designed them myself. You might not agree. </p><p>I came up with idea to make a terrarium lamp a while back. Not sure where I came up with it; I think that I wanted plants in a jar and I just happened to have a glass lamp. I Googled my plan and found only one example of a fake terrarium lamp in a blog post. Great, my idea was slightly original! Wait, what's a terrarium you ask?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kPJnq-RYS0/X0RNcOel9oI/AAAAAAAAG68/8vUaKUro178utr_3xPzAfS6GDp08DgGDACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collageterrarium.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8kPJnq-RYS0/X0RNcOel9oI/AAAAAAAAG68/8vUaKUro178utr_3xPzAfS6GDp08DgGDACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collageterrarium.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>These are. There's something very "70s-nature-boho" about these plants growing in jars. The 1970s was a time when crafting and indoor plants were popular and terrariums were both of those things.<br /><p></p><p>Here is my ultra obvious "how to" on my terrarium lamp! See this:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyOhklpC2zw/X0RFlc9LDcI/AAAAAAAAG5w/cDaLR-uL6VAYYS6rrVVFl2TyTWQrjJovwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/vintage-seashell-filled-glass-ginger-jar-table-lamp-with-shade-3278.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1181" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vyOhklpC2zw/X0RFlc9LDcI/AAAAAAAAG5w/cDaLR-uL6VAYYS6rrVVFl2TyTWQrjJovwCLcBGAsYHQ/w295-h512/vintage-seashell-filled-glass-ginger-jar-table-lamp-with-shade-3278.png" width="295" /></a></div><p>The humble glass jar lamp. Often seen filled with shells, sometimes hexagon shaped. Notice this is an actual old ginger jar lamp, not a Mason jar! Look in your thrift store lamp aisle.<br /></p><p>I like to start with one of those. If empty, cool; if not, de-shell. See that round metal base? It unscrews from the bottom for a jar entrance! I gather up some artificial plants and other things. </p><p>These "other things" might be found in a thrift, but you might have to hit up a crafts store. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-AdN2t7xrs/X0RGobHN0lI/AAAAAAAAG58/cxF7QEy1qGYRHvmzjQbqWj-s3pT_cetQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200808_190044.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n-AdN2t7xrs/X0RGobHN0lI/AAAAAAAAG58/cxF7QEy1qGYRHvmzjQbqWj-s3pT_cetQQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200808_190044.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">There's my work station and supplies. Let's break it down and use pictures:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9WpjChHCDg/X0RJAvgD8lI/AAAAAAAAG6I/_-kB4t_-SOUjudrYelGAMzlxI4W8193YwCLcBGAsYHQ/s512/artificial-air-plants-10-inch-assorted-colors-variety-set-of-4-koyal-wholesale-2_512x512.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="512" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9WpjChHCDg/X0RJAvgD8lI/AAAAAAAAG6I/_-kB4t_-SOUjudrYelGAMzlxI4W8193YwCLcBGAsYHQ/w410-h410/artificial-air-plants-10-inch-assorted-colors-variety-set-of-4-koyal-wholesale-2_512x512.webp" width="410" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Artificial air plants</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgHzlm69CdM/X0RJJ2f4gcI/AAAAAAAAG6M/PKfiUBk7Qwo9Cyo0Bwhr8RRLWjq-jR9pwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1500/81kmA%252BthqYL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="512" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NgHzlm69CdM/X0RJJ2f4gcI/AAAAAAAAG6M/PKfiUBk7Qwo9Cyo0Bwhr8RRLWjq-jR9pwCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h512/81kmA%252BthqYL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="512" /></a></div> Artificial succulents</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uEk_CZp3Jo/X0RJVxauxgI/AAAAAAAAG6U/i9VcAvmoR3QbPwmAzypxc3zmoHWSUuo3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s522/81bhfE5t3RL._AC_SX522_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="522" height="399" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9uEk_CZp3Jo/X0RJVxauxgI/AAAAAAAAG6U/i9VcAvmoR3QbPwmAzypxc3zmoHWSUuo3QCLcBGAsYHQ/w418-h399/81bhfE5t3RL._AC_SX522_.jpg" width="418" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moss chunks</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2JPknSqcds/X0RJetZ-GhI/AAAAAAAAG6c/ZCL7nsmGDWodSFRUuer2whtgIhbm0LV8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/M10284152_1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="540" height="346" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l2JPknSqcds/X0RJetZ-GhI/AAAAAAAAG6c/ZCL7nsmGDWodSFRUuer2whtgIhbm0LV8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w346-h346/M10284152_1.webp" width="346" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moss!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gUJpnpQ3-o/X0RJoC8Y-zI/AAAAAAAAG6k/w_3Ki4YPGzE24Vguu2Qwo8t3b4jS2AY2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s570/018197ffcfb9399ffdd54f48a7fb9404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="570" height="342" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3gUJpnpQ3-o/X0RJoC8Y-zI/AAAAAAAAG6k/w_3Ki4YPGzE24Vguu2Qwo8t3b4jS2AY2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w456-h342/018197ffcfb9399ffdd54f48a7fb9404.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Driftwood</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsMeEwTiscw/X0RJ0luD3VI/AAAAAAAAG6s/D5L4f5hNWYkVYUlAUrZPWcfXAlgJD7wMACLcBGAsYHQ/s475/2558171-center-1.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="475" height="380" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JsMeEwTiscw/X0RJ0luD3VI/AAAAAAAAG6s/D5L4f5hNWYkVYUlAUrZPWcfXAlgJD7wMACLcBGAsYHQ/w380-h380/2558171-center-1.webp" width="380" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aquarium pebbles</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I pick out some of those things. Then I put the things in the lamp. You following? Need further directions? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But seriously...this is not a difficult project. Add a lampshade for an additional challenge. Here are some of my results!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJGQjGxnJOg/X0RUO90_3fI/AAAAAAAAG7k/7Yx6MXcktSA-GEoCsmw1oqdveYpo5fn3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collagetwo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">T<img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yJGQjGxnJOg/X0RUO90_3fI/AAAAAAAAG7k/7Yx6MXcktSA-GEoCsmw1oqdveYpo5fn3ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collagetwo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXrXI6l_-R8/X0RQHL8rVzI/AAAAAAAAG7U/9dUkMj9UOEYPyCE2mG8FBwfanUvk6GzmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1969/20200625_152348.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1969" data-original-width="1889" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aXrXI6l_-R8/X0RQHL8rVzI/AAAAAAAAG7U/9dUkMj9UOEYPyCE2mG8FBwfanUvk6GzmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200625_152348.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peFUp6GrCzo/X0RUYZmF2zI/AAAAAAAAG7o/APG0MyZzNWsnY0Av_7qzgazSzqmNUk-SACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collagecoolshade.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="732" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-peFUp6GrCzo/X0RUYZmF2zI/AAAAAAAAG7o/APG0MyZzNWsnY0Av_7qzgazSzqmNUk-SACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collagecoolshade.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This one is my favorite because of that cool shape.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4pBbAixeko/X0RUvt2Ak5I/AAAAAAAAG70/J_fNCfMy_8YHCsx9Fon6NCpo83aOraHYACLcBGAsYHQ/s540/coolshade.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="422" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l4pBbAixeko/X0RUvt2Ak5I/AAAAAAAAG70/J_fNCfMy_8YHCsx9Fon6NCpo83aOraHYACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/coolshade.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also really like that one with the mid century mod lampshade.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skUJAjbJud4/X0RVvmZ67AI/AAAAAAAAG8A/986G1YqMPLs4-PcI5RX5lc88eGnc6t4mACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200814_163054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1818" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-skUJAjbJud4/X0RVvmZ67AI/AAAAAAAAG8A/986G1YqMPLs4-PcI5RX5lc88eGnc6t4mACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200814_163054.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeAGR5eI5Vw/X0RV-ddrmMI/AAAAAAAAG8E/VH8Cm8WG61U9QjgJ43v_kFfvZ3KKYkQxACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200606_140010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1757" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MeAGR5eI5Vw/X0RV-ddrmMI/AAAAAAAAG8E/VH8Cm8WG61U9QjgJ43v_kFfvZ3KKYkQxACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200606_140010.jpg" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I tend to stage them next to owls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhcQe8uXva8/X0RWPxzbrsI/AAAAAAAAG8Q/6UOcl-ftOwIS3qXpLwj_ZRh_4CsY98hNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200625_152642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1710" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LhcQe8uXva8/X0RWPxzbrsI/AAAAAAAAG8Q/6UOcl-ftOwIS3qXpLwj_ZRh_4CsY98hNwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200625_152642.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Are they not kind of cute?! </p><p style="text-align: left;">I have also filled a few glass jar lamps with other things!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjBA7HzZ_Jk/X0RXBUE_-nI/AAAAAAAAG8c/qDjQRbJRPoAVik_yGKxCn0u6JvGbfy_-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/button2s.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="479" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gjBA7HzZ_Jk/X0RXBUE_-nI/AAAAAAAAG8c/qDjQRbJRPoAVik_yGKxCn0u6JvGbfy_-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/button2s.png" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">Buttons and other sewing supplies!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqPRttzseJo/X0RXSAqUVVI/AAAAAAAAG8k/iKZnUm0BHsAPtjp6owysmfaHjqKVR3_TACLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collagetoys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqPRttzseJo/X0RXSAqUVVI/AAAAAAAAG8k/iKZnUm0BHsAPtjp6owysmfaHjqKVR3_TACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collagetoys.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Tiny vintage toys! I thought that one was so much fun but it collected dust for about two years before it sold! The buyer's review stated that she loved it and also called it "fun," so I'm glad someone appreciated it.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUfd_eAxiLc/X0RX11lWFuI/AAAAAAAAG8s/hPrOjMSQuYAEpwxvCT4xZiv5rSjKDXPNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/xmas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NUfd_eAxiLc/X0RX11lWFuI/AAAAAAAAG8s/hPrOjMSQuYAEpwxvCT4xZiv5rSjKDXPNgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/xmas.png" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;">I made this Christmas themed lamp...about three seasons ago. Still for sale! </p><p style="text-align: left;">Here's the before and after!</p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJAlzeAWy7g/X0RZIFFe33I/AAAAAAAAG9A/T3tYeLOxeRcLH69kQfzUMxlfOeAcFpCBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collageterra1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qJAlzeAWy7g/X0RZIFFe33I/AAAAAAAAG9A/T3tYeLOxeRcLH69kQfzUMxlfOeAcFpCBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collageterra1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Thrift store lamp upcycle!<br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-2991545294641000732020-08-10T14:45:00.032-07:002020-08-24T15:33:31.427-07:00DIY Lamp with Extra Shade<p> I know that I post roughly once a decade but if I was a regular blogger I would blog about things that I like. One of those things is lamps. I'm a vintage seller and I'm hitting up them thrift stores on the reg always hunting for things like lamps. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBbW6i0Wva4/XzB5YrmDyhI/AAAAAAAAG28/RawgpQomn0QAyK0jbwGMBtt0--bLGlS2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1998/20200223_135054.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="1824" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBbW6i0Wva4/XzB5YrmDyhI/AAAAAAAAG28/RawgpQomn0QAyK0jbwGMBtt0--bLGlS2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200223_135054.jpg" /></a></div>Look at that one! During one of my last thrift trips before it all closed down in March I found this thing of beauty. It was just sitting on a shelf in Goodwill, $8 in mint condish!(How do you feel about abbreviations like that? Too annoying maybe?)<p></p><p>That one I found and sold "as is" with no need to fix or change anything. What about lamps that need help? Or could be made better?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drgXdu03gqQ/XzGhAEEabTI/AAAAAAAAG3I/YHJQLJuGJjE0AVkZnmzrAExNkMjWA0LCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200430_174005.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2042" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drgXdu03gqQ/XzGhAEEabTI/AAAAAAAAG3I/YHJQLJuGJjE0AVkZnmzrAExNkMjWA0LCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200430_174005.jpg" /></a></div><p>Like this one did. Looks great doesn't it? That's because my dumb ass didn't get a before picture because of course I didn't. When I bought it it was mostly gold with a black plastic piece in the center. I spray painted it in that blue color. </p><p>...But I couldn't just leave it alone. I had a perfectly lovely lighting piece but maybe I could make it even cooler? I took inspiration from another thing I really like:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZOgYpIY4rk/XzGmP_wdg-I/AAAAAAAAG3U/YeD-edNOCbcgTZbusCBie7Fnp60bCFbhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collagespeckle.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YZOgYpIY4rk/XzGmP_wdg-I/AAAAAAAAG3U/YeD-edNOCbcgTZbusCBie7Fnp60bCFbhwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collagespeckle.jpg" /></a></div><p>Speckled paint and/or drip glaze! Those are a few I've found and sold along the way. Many were hand painted in the mid century era by amateurs. Because people chose which colors and techniques they personally liked it's as if a lot of them are one of a kind! </p><p>I decided to try the speckling technique of flicking a paint covered toothbrush at my lamp.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh9ryaHqfk8/XzGnJh3NDoI/AAAAAAAAG3c/GfWJAE0NF2g0TO4xI1l7lMoD5lHqIFPYACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200430_174730.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Mh9ryaHqfk8/XzGnJh3NDoI/AAAAAAAAG3c/GfWJAE0NF2g0TO4xI1l7lMoD5lHqIFPYACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200430_174730.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I started with a yellow tone. It looked kind of nice!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cghi2Pg6wJE/XzGnbrR3VWI/AAAAAAAAG3g/VDFfcyuVCqQOwvA4mjsq0JSxI0ksm0j_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200430_182214.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1917" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cghi2Pg6wJE/XzGnbrR3VWI/AAAAAAAAG3g/VDFfcyuVCqQOwvA4mjsq0JSxI0ksm0j_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200430_182214.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>But why stop there?! You've got the speckle, why not the drip?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzW49DMydJQ/XzGnuhIZqaI/AAAAAAAAG3s/CPAW0g6uZ_gLKE-Wm3aZLcX_2pieWNdqACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200430_182228.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1561" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dzW49DMydJQ/XzGnuhIZqaI/AAAAAAAAG3s/CPAW0g6uZ_gLKE-Wm3aZLcX_2pieWNdqACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200430_182228.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Maybe a bit much? Have I made a huge mistake?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LC2bjBvZ2Ek/XzGoG1q9c6I/AAAAAAAAG30/B3vY0hBIfs0ks0U7Xp6NEsciJPj-eA6qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20200503_142533.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1627" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LC2bjBvZ2Ek/XzGoG1q9c6I/AAAAAAAAG30/B3vY0hBIfs0ks0U7Xp6NEsciJPj-eA6qgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200503_142533.jpg" /></a></div><p>😔 I may have overdone it but what was done was done. I didn't feel like starting over. I added a lampshade, glued pom poms around it then staged it up. Somebody purchased it and their review claims they really like it!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfID71b8YmU/XzGotNvyslI/AAAAAAAAG38/ulbtk-spj6MF8kdMvLlsLQc6WQQCLWN5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2029/20200503_141811.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2029" data-original-width="1860" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EfID71b8YmU/XzGotNvyslI/AAAAAAAAG38/ulbtk-spj6MF8kdMvLlsLQc6WQQCLWN5gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/20200503_141811.jpg" /></a></div>I wanted to do more one of a kind lamp art. I did some Google image searching and Pinterest scrolling. I was much disappointed. Search terms like "thrift store lamp makeover" and "DIY lamp" did not bring me much in terms of creative inspiration. I found lots of things that seemed to be in opposition to being one of a kind. I feel a rant coming on... <br /><p></p><p>Hey DIYers! Why is everything a fracking "farmhouse?" Are homes on farms full of whitewashed furniture and jars!? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TO9-2zOFcOM/XzGr3semrGI/AAAAAAAAG4U/_OgvuZ9qpHM1awygtsGyV13w9ol1VXMhgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/12b141ef52eccd91767ccdd754fa4091.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TO9-2zOFcOM/XzGr3semrGI/AAAAAAAAG4U/_OgvuZ9qpHM1awygtsGyV13w9ol1VXMhgCLcBGAsYHQ/d/12b141ef52eccd91767ccdd754fa4091.jpg" /></a></div><p>Chalk paint everything! </p><p>Pop of color? How about NO color!</p><p>Make everything white!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFDDeQpiQkI/XzGwUlWfbVI/AAAAAAAAG4g/gTdFvteUAuoDRHzdhUFHA3BotbuHNy3rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/collagewhite.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iFDDeQpiQkI/XzGwUlWfbVI/AAAAAAAAG4g/gTdFvteUAuoDRHzdhUFHA3BotbuHNy3rwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/collagewhite.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It just seems like so many makeovers took the bold choice of making their lamps fade right into the background. Even most of the shades where white. A lot of pins and pictures said stuff like "Make your own Pottery Barn lamp" or "Just like the mass produced junk at Walmart!" It grinds my gears because a lot of old things in thrift stores are unique because they're not made any more; you can't just walk into a store and buy them. Why make them look like something you <i>could</i> just walk into a store and buy. These two gave me a little frown:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fFzs6YCFdc/XzGyUJUxqbI/AAAAAAAAG4s/xyYJmlBfvAkEmjxxu7a84m7g-_f5T_HnACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Thrifted-Upcycled-Lamp-Makeover-at-thehappyhousie-1024x512.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2fFzs6YCFdc/XzGyUJUxqbI/AAAAAAAAG4s/xyYJmlBfvAkEmjxxu7a84m7g-_f5T_HnACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Thrifted-Upcycled-Lamp-Makeover-at-thehappyhousie-1024x512.png" width="640" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI5wZJr8z_s/XzGyahMJ8bI/AAAAAAAAG4w/irYUZuOYp_cTii80ZNHI_263TuSHqC9XACLcBGAsYHQ/s564/bd9c16ac0c1e2d6b07a599e7ef8e43a4.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="564" height="413" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BI5wZJr8z_s/XzGyahMJ8bI/AAAAAAAAG4w/irYUZuOYp_cTii80ZNHI_263TuSHqC9XACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/bd9c16ac0c1e2d6b07a599e7ef8e43a4.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><p> That one's not actually a lamp, but I thought it was. Look what they did to my boy! His '70s glory; gone! <br /></p><p>I should take the time to say "no offense" to folks who stumbled into this salty ramble. I can imagine comments saying, "Why don't you let people like what they like?!" as if I'm wrestling a bottle of flat matte ivory colored paint from someone's hands. Obviously, I'm happy that these crafters made something that they like. I'm just so sad that someone took that kitschy '70s owl and turned him into a ghost. </p><p>However...I didn't hate everything!<a href="https://deeplysouthernhome.com/five-ugly-ducks-and-how-to-create/" target="_blank"></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJMQK_Yoo4E/XzG2rYLQ2KI/AAAAAAAAG48/eEHnT69_8LkQ9-XRl65FbgWmqPHxtVAmACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/ceramicdriplamppin-300x300.jpg" width="640" /> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I like that one! Here's credit to the blogger: <a href="https://deeplysouthernhome.com/five-ugly-ducks-and-how-to-create/" target="_blank">Drip lamp made from '80s duck lamp</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">I also liked these:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aa7neXUPN3I/XzG7KNYvJaI/AAAAAAAAG5I/aKYflq55eksc2Zcp3Ony-4MpF3X17o4gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/Thirft-Store-Lamp-Makeover-Before-and-After-Plaster-Disaster.webp" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="1024" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aa7neXUPN3I/XzG7KNYvJaI/AAAAAAAAG5I/aKYflq55eksc2Zcp3Ony-4MpF3X17o4gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Thirft-Store-Lamp-Makeover-Before-and-After-Plaster-Disaster.webp" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">A blogger team (lucky) bought these lamps and both women took one home. The each made their own lamp design and they both came out pretty cute! Source: <a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.plasteranddisaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Thirft-Store-Lamp-Makeover-Before-and-After-Plaster-Disaster.jpg">Lamp makeover X2</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">Now that I've sufficiently thrown shade at some perfectly nice (probably) fellow bloggers, what do I have to show for myself? </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">These: <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYD8VuntYyk/XzG-B-654zI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/g-222R1PnjQy5a-7TMt0K6s0gaH4j4cEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/coolterralamp.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="526" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CYD8VuntYyk/XzG-B-654zI/AAAAAAAAG5Y/g-222R1PnjQy5a-7TMt0K6s0gaH4j4cEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/coolterralamp.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfsRuKmEPS0/XzG9_bBjVEI/AAAAAAAAG5U/ZE0_zH6YsqgrAVcjsqEuivw7qAGk5TpZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/cat.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rfsRuKmEPS0/XzG9_bBjVEI/AAAAAAAAG5U/ZE0_zH6YsqgrAVcjsqEuivw7qAGk5TpZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/cat.png" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;">Those are two examples of lamps I "made" by attaching things to things. On that note, I'll finish up here. I'll do a post about that glass jar lamp another time. <br /><br /><br /></div><p></p>Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-83340431701642807502020-04-25T15:11:00.000-07:002020-04-25T15:11:51.636-07:00Too Much Time On My HandsIt's a song by Styx, seen here recreated by Jimmy Fallon and Paul Rudd. <br />
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Even with no other responsibilities, I'm having a hard time starting this post. I think the feeling of having infinite time to do things makes me feel I am in no rush to do those things. <br />
We're all trying to adjust to this dystopian new world in which we've been thrust into due to the Covid 19 Pandemic. Some of us have lost a lot. I have only lost a little and for that I'm grateful, but I'm sad as hell because those little things are important.<br />
You get on social media or Reddit and everyone's posting things they have accomplished with all their free time.<br />
Everyone: "Now's the time to work on that project you've always wanted to start!"<br />
Me: <br />
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Lol, the mocking Spongebob meme is one of my favorites. For whatever reason I don't have that motivation do any projects. I love projects!<br />
Here's a project: remote teaching/learning. When this started, I assumed I'd be jobless. I help children with special needs do their work. Half of that job is convincing my main student to do said work. I can picture how that would work remotely...<br />
Me: Hey, let's get a little bit of math done! Then we can-"<br />
Little girl: (presses a few keys.)<br />
Me: Don't you close out of this Zoom meeting!"<br />
Little Girl: <i>Little Girl has left the chat.</i> <br />
Instead, we are fortunate enough to be able to stay employed by doing read alouds online, class meetings, professional development, etc. "I can do that!" I said cheerily with a smile and a positive attitude. I've always wanted to do tutorials on Youtube.<br />
The first project I did was a decoupage. You know, Mod Podge. That's always a fun and easy thing. <br />
So here it is, decoupage tissue paper collage!<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NbZaQHlPURM/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NbZaQHlPURM?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
There's part one because I don't know how to edit videos. (It's on the list.) Here's part two:<br />
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That's pretty cute, right? If you didn't watch the video, here's a spoiler.<br />
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A minimalist mountain sunset! I also have another one.<br />
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I am actually somewhat proud of these things! I used stuff that I already had to show kids to be creative with junk around the house. And! I'm doing the "craft" part of Craft, Thrift, or Die!<br />
I have a lot to talk about. Let's see if I write more or! Let's see if I can hold onto that positive "can do attitude!" Maybe I'll even do part two of that post about crewel embroidery!<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-18845944492454470272020-02-13T15:08:00.000-08:002020-04-25T15:16:34.376-07:00Crewel Embroideries: Greatest Hits Volume 1I decided I want to keep a record of my fabulous finds of yarn art. It occurred to me that I could have a colorful, kitschy gallery of gorgeous had I kept my crewels instead of selling them for money.<br />
As of lately, these are my current "thing." You know, the thing I'm obsessed with at the moment. I've been very lucky! Here is a little retrospective from my first six years as a vintage seller.<br />
Thing is, a lot of these are older pictures that I just saved from my Etsy account. I recently switched computers and haven't transferred many files over. I probably should have because some of these pics are potato quality.<br />
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I kept this big beautiful willow tree. ($5!) It's still hanging in that same spot.<br />
I think I'll try and separate up this mass of pics into themes. I guess I'll start with larger sized ones. Here are some other big crewel wall hangings. <br />
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So awesome! The sun with a face really sold this one for me. One of my favorites and it was sold along with some other stuff as a prop for a Netflix show.</div>
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It's not exactly huge, but seem to remember it being...not small.</div>
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I found this biggie at my local thrift, OutFITers and after listing it sold immediately. Then I regretted it. I really should've kept this one.<br />
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This beautiful forest was actually found at the bins! The Goodwill Outlet, where people throw and grab aggressively. I just looked over and saw this standing up among other items in a bin that no one was looking at. I quickly ran to it, assuming the worst but much to my surprise it had no damage! A god damn miracle! <br />
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This one wasn't exactly huge either, but I remember it hung around for a good while. I feel like I usually sell southwestern themed stuff pretty well, so I was annoyed that I had to mark it down.<br />
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This is one from the string of autumn color crewels I had for a while. When I go into my local Savers the first thing I look at is the wall hanging wall. I soon found this one and noticed its cool 3D flowers. It was found along side this little one:<br />
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This next one is a favorite. <br />
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A short time later, I was looking in the exact same spot at Savers when I spotted this. For real, my jaw dropped. This big pink masterpiece was incredible! It sold within 24 hours of listing. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xAXK26R-aU/Xj86YVFJKgI/AAAAAAAAGwE/gSmxkg1wgKMb6jkA1zkmG1CcbxRqjutcACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/pinkclose.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="413" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--xAXK26R-aU/Xj86YVFJKgI/AAAAAAAAGwE/gSmxkg1wgKMb6jkA1zkmG1CcbxRqjutcACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/pinkclose.png" width="488" /></a></div>
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Here's a closeup.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRRi7slCAg4/Xj86zDtsZVI/AAAAAAAAGwM/3y43bSWfg98DG2MM7LZZmiZeWGTDTJ9hACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/bigframeflowervase.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="457" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mRRi7slCAg4/Xj86zDtsZVI/AAAAAAAAGwM/3y43bSWfg98DG2MM7LZZmiZeWGTDTJ9hACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/bigframeflowervase.png" width="540" /></a></div>
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I had a similar experience with this one. I was in OutFITers when I glanced over and saw this leaning against a bookshelf with a shopper precariously close by. I made a dash for this thing before someone had the chance to knock it over or put it in their cart. </div>
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This one is like the Cadillac of crewel art. It's big, unique, and expertly done. The frame is professionally done, heavy and high quality!<br />
I mentioned earlier that I had a run of good luck with Autumn flowers. Let's transition to embroideries made of brown, orange, rust, avocado, and harvest gold...<br />
But first this one:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Q6o0OUgb3w/Xj883WeBAWI/AAAAAAAAGwY/vGCBvw8DOq4akSPnsgxAkU9bB7lCJv_2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ladder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="468" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--Q6o0OUgb3w/Xj883WeBAWI/AAAAAAAAGwY/vGCBvw8DOq4akSPnsgxAkU9bB7lCJv_2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/ladder.png" width="554" /></a></div>
Here's the story. Over the summer, I thrift like maniac. I was on my way back from a trip to a Savers and Goodwill a few cities over. Apparently, I hadn't had enough because I stopped into OutFITers on my way home.<br />
One of the employees approached, "Hey, you look at wall art a lot, right?" Once confirming, I was led into the backroom and shown a large canvas cart of wall hangings. They had just come in and hadn't even been priced yet. I excitedly looked through the treasures, where I immediately spotted that one with all the plants and the wood stand.<br />
Score! A framed crewel! "Definitely want it!" I said, greedily. Then I found this:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMxTuphhSJc/Xj8_jIa2DpI/AAAAAAAAGwk/MoMLHCqDJgg23C4-hFZw2oSsw1GKj6MFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/autmunbouquet.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="490" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eMxTuphhSJc/Xj8_jIa2DpI/AAAAAAAAGwk/MoMLHCqDJgg23C4-hFZw2oSsw1GKj6MFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/autmunbouquet.png" width="580" /></a></div>
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Like the first one it was made by "A.J. Stanley." Then I found this one:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA1Cuxd580A/Xj9AMbSSHxI/AAAAAAAAGws/AzWQEqy-c084BlFM_vNjtXAsQzRdl_wzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mill.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="540" height="624" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pA1Cuxd580A/Xj9AMbSSHxI/AAAAAAAAGws/AzWQEqy-c084BlFM_vNjtXAsQzRdl_wzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mill.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Thanks, A.J.! I told the woman I would take all three and thanked her for sharing these treasures with me. She pulled out a price gun and said she would ticket them. $3 each. Three professionally framed, hand embroidered artworks for a total of $9.<br />
At some point afterwards, I actually found another one just like the blue/orange/brown flowers in a basket.<br />
Also, this one.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci6FHpCagjQ/XkXOD7ZQWLI/AAAAAAAAGw4/k6pUaSKdKL88MtP1MTVkZgsZHqBcOetiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/autumninbucket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="471" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ci6FHpCagjQ/XkXOD7ZQWLI/AAAAAAAAGw4/k6pUaSKdKL88MtP1MTVkZgsZHqBcOetiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/autumninbucket.png" width="558" /></a></div>
This one fits both themes; it's seasonal and it's large. I believe that was a Goodwill find where a week later I also found...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1-Lp0jgRDQ/XkXOmmJAP2I/AAAAAAAAGxA/VPWWOj_aNvcGkDg11cUHVLnHodaCYidegCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/fishing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="540" height="393" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1-Lp0jgRDQ/XkXOmmJAP2I/AAAAAAAAGxA/VPWWOj_aNvcGkDg11cUHVLnHodaCYidegCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/fishing.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Fishing supplies. I don't love the subject, but great execution!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCYnN4UburI/XkXPwaHxspI/AAAAAAAAGxU/Bj_yJ5qFV5Eb3DW8pgSS9DAgnRgX2lDbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/owls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="455" data-original-width="339" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eCYnN4UburI/XkXPwaHxspI/AAAAAAAAGxU/Bj_yJ5qFV5Eb3DW8pgSS9DAgnRgX2lDbgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/owls.jpg" width="476" /></a></div>
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Oof. Not a great picture, but I can assure you these owls on a branch with an orange background was great quality! I can say that about this next picture too!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLOzK1InROA/XkXRk3oAkWI/AAAAAAAAGxg/_7FK3YNYLrYJzOYgRSk38QlqFwexWWPGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/owlspillows.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="393" data-original-width="540" height="464" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SLOzK1InROA/XkXRk3oAkWI/AAAAAAAAGxg/_7FK3YNYLrYJzOYgRSk38QlqFwexWWPGQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/owlspillows.png" width="640" /></a></div>
They're pillows!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86Rpr_IoWpM/XkXSB6T0I4I/AAAAAAAAGxo/ZwAFQaL4sSAoatCYxFb9TqY5QtYrqLw3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/chipmunk.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="362" data-original-width="540" height="428" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-86Rpr_IoWpM/XkXSB6T0I4I/AAAAAAAAGxo/ZwAFQaL4sSAoatCYxFb9TqY5QtYrqLw3QCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/chipmunk.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Look at that little cutie. I don't know whether the quote is suggesting that the chipmunk listen for the earth's music, or that the chipmunk is going to sing for us. I'm not a huge fan of their music; their voices are way too high pitched. (Get it?)<br />
This charming cottage looks autumn-y.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T78dpbCWIAk/XkXTERc56RI/AAAAAAAAGx0/NK0bxqbCeZw3k774XBPHKJ59a0j-DvFLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/oldcottage.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="540" height="508" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T78dpbCWIAk/XkXTERc56RI/AAAAAAAAGx0/NK0bxqbCeZw3k774XBPHKJ59a0j-DvFLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/oldcottage.png" width="640" /></a></div>
All right, let's wrap this up with some sunsets.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0H10FqotgA/XkXTZrgIHKI/AAAAAAAAGx8/_QRiG5ycOhEmCBfY_5RlvsqwBoAn88BUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/orangesquare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="520" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I0H10FqotgA/XkXTZrgIHKI/AAAAAAAAGx8/_QRiG5ycOhEmCBfY_5RlvsqwBoAn88BUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/orangesquare.png" width="385" /></a></div>
This style is called "long stitch." Man, I love a good '70s landscape. This one has a matching orange frame!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsF6m__0kJ8/XkXULfHtKgI/AAAAAAAAGyQ/hWzrkHmhdtw2Qqqn7Pxau7NiuFdF9jwEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/orangesunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="415" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bsF6m__0kJ8/XkXULfHtKgI/AAAAAAAAGyQ/hWzrkHmhdtw2Qqqn7Pxau7NiuFdF9jwEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/orangesunset.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
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Awesome shades of orange on harvest gold.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oDSN0XNkzw/XkXUmff9A7I/AAAAAAAAGyY/mahuZ7Tok3EA89pdoUuS0b9UGY0KoG15ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/orangechurch.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="447" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0oDSN0XNkzw/XkXUmff9A7I/AAAAAAAAGyY/mahuZ7Tok3EA89pdoUuS0b9UGY0KoG15ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/orangechurch.png" width="528" /></a></div>
This one is somewhat similar. Isn't it kinda creepy? I love that.<br />
Join me next time for some more yarn art!<br />
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Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-34372185607381220252019-05-01T18:29:00.006-07:002019-05-01T18:29:59.389-07:00Moody and her Ghosts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ahem. About the title...<br />
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The song is actually called "Jenny of Oldstones."</div>
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It's Game of Thrones Season!</h2>
There are few things I love in this world more than Game of freakin' Thrones. At the time of this writing, there are three episodes left. Three glorious Sunday nights and then there will be no more Westeros, no dragons, no Kings Landing, and no more Jon Snow.<br />
Anyway, I was rifling through the bins at the Goodwill outlet last week when my eyes spotted this:<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="1600" height="251" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rebKwlCMyTU/XMooNhHhEdI/AAAAAAAAGj8/GxPle48fsFwDHZf2sb6CGi5OBPEvpt-EwCLcBGAs/s400/20190427_164342.jpg" width="400" /> </div>
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It's a pillow sham. </div>
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If you've watched any of season 8, you might see where I'm going here. That faux fur reminded me of something!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGQJjixA-2E/XMopcwDyYWI/AAAAAAAAGkI/q_u6t5ddCjoPZKtm_Mbud_ialUrRt7SDgCLcBGAs/s1600/_MnbkXcQ_400x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lGQJjixA-2E/XMopcwDyYWI/AAAAAAAAGkI/q_u6t5ddCjoPZKtm_Mbud_ialUrRt7SDgCLcBGAs/s320/_MnbkXcQ_400x400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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********Spoilers Ahead!*******</h2>
The show (and yes, also the books) is full of symbolism. Even the costumes help tell the stories. Here Daenarys Targaryen, who's spent the last seven seasons trying to reclaim the throne once held by her father, as she was believed to be the rightful heir.<br />
This season, she rode her dragons to The North with Jon Snow. Since winter has come, she wears a luxurious fur coat. She looks cold as ice as she prepares to rule the Seven Kingdoms.<br />
Only thing I rule over is a wrestling ring.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8FQ3AO2rJQ/VQs5WzxafmI/AAAAAAAAEZI/v5OfZKRZIoo7kt24pG62K0uc4r6owhVsgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/alwaysbehindyou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="436" data-original-width="610" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8FQ3AO2rJQ/VQs5WzxafmI/AAAAAAAAEZI/v5OfZKRZIoo7kt24pG62K0uc4r6owhVsgCPcBGAYYCw/s400/alwaysbehindyou.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Well, sometimes... (Check posts tagged WAW Wrestling for the background.) My boyfriend Chris hasn't wrestled since our last stint four years back where we did a GoT gimmick with fur capes and whatnot. He agreed to do a short stint for a special event; but he needed a story.<br />
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Here's how our story played out! </h3>
This time we did it as our oldschool characters. Our angle started when Christian Sain, (my guy) stormed the ring after a long absence to flip out on Derek Conway, a commentator who brought up his name during the previous show. It was a paranoid meltdown where he raged against Conway for "saying his name!"<br />
The next week, he came back and pulled the same stunt. But this time he swerved and instead of taking issue with Conway, he called out: "Stop saying my name... Henry!" <br />
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It was like in this scene when Sansa turned the tables on Littlefinger</div>
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Henry is our very popular, good guy announcer. Now Chris has really hammered it home that he's the villain. Conway came in to save Henry and there was a brawl. This week, the company president intervened to put a stop to her man. (That's me.)<br />
I apologized on behalf of Christian Sain and promised to keep him away. Conway wasn't convinced. I left the ring while he looked at me with shifty eyes.<br />
This was meant to put suspicion about my true intentions into the viewers' minds. Of course, Conway called for a match with Sain, who refused saying he was a 4X WAW Champion and would only do a match if it was for the WAW title. And he knows that his girlfriend will make that happen.<br />
Hmmm...will I be a fair and just queen? Or would I take the side of my partner and screw everyone over?<br />
That's what they're doing with the Daenerys' storyline. Will she bend the knee for Jon Snow when she finds out he is actually the heir to the throne? Or will she just have her dragon shoot fire and burn everyone like her father, "The Mad King" would do?<br />
There is a 0% chance that anyone who saw my costume for the Special Event Show, Legacy, understood that my costume was a reference to the small similarities to our stories. It's like an Easter egg, a symbolic thing that no one will notice.<br />
So what will I do with that pillow sham?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km6nlv03O_w/XMo_B9uYlLI/AAAAAAAAGkU/rYIscH-yCNkA1geDAZJjsjK3ir30NntkgCLcBGAs/s1600/20190430_194151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1171" data-original-width="1600" height="234" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Km6nlv03O_w/XMo_B9uYlLI/AAAAAAAAGkU/rYIscH-yCNkA1geDAZJjsjK3ir30NntkgCLcBGAs/s320/20190430_194151.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's a no-sew!</div>
I draped it over my shoulders and safety pinned it under the arms like that. It was like a "shrug" top like this:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZtdRZ9fqZA/XMo_ihxdTnI/AAAAAAAAGkc/dVltmfnQDdENbAkLxyNW9hMH0EMbcC6aQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190430_194404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1600" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BZtdRZ9fqZA/XMo_ihxdTnI/AAAAAAAAGkc/dVltmfnQDdENbAkLxyNW9hMH0EMbcC6aQCLcBGAs/s400/20190430_194404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Dragon Queen always displays her house sigil and has a huge, sparkly dragon thing on her coat. My "house sigil" is a bee or a star (my name is Moody Starr so that checks out.) I pulled out some pendants and pinned them on with a medieval looking brooch.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7keEa1ycx4g/XMpAwkD2k6I/AAAAAAAAGko/HlHCPa5EeQEI_2xQqARP5zTZS7J3-MAEQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190430_194525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="921" data-original-width="1600" height="230" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7keEa1ycx4g/XMpAwkD2k6I/AAAAAAAAGko/HlHCPa5EeQEI_2xQqARP5zTZS7J3-MAEQCLcBGAs/s400/20190430_194525.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's what it looked like! <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhnDEa9bWq4/XMpBUCxXbEI/AAAAAAAAGk0/22C9ewDXxqMxQGWb4EfXS0skwkgt2HmJACLcBGAs/s1600/20190427_200219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XhnDEa9bWq4/XMpBUCxXbEI/AAAAAAAAGk0/22C9ewDXxqMxQGWb4EfXS0skwkgt2HmJACLcBGAs/s400/20190427_200219.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
That's "backstage" maybe I'll check Facebook for an in-ring shot later.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVC352QpPpE/XMpB79UrSEI/AAAAAAAAGlE/N-29baMXob0m16_9wsuF9LN1inYM23MtQCLcBGAs/s1600/20190427_200024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1600" height="310" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RVC352QpPpE/XMpB79UrSEI/AAAAAAAAGlE/N-29baMXob0m16_9wsuF9LN1inYM23MtQCLcBGAs/s320/20190427_200024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you're still reading this, thanks! <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov4DM2QhPt4/XMpFSuu_HRI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ZrVlGnBOIEUBZMDbxDr9OUPPcFciCkoAgCLcBGAs/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="1200" height="352" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ov4DM2QhPt4/XMpFSuu_HRI/AAAAAAAAGlQ/ZrVlGnBOIEUBZMDbxDr9OUPPcFciCkoAgCLcBGAs/s640/collage.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
And if you're wondering what happened at Legacy? You're probably not, but just in case...<br />
I told Christian Sain that he <i>would</i> be fighting for the title and he would be in the main event...but not tonight.<br />
I demanded he give Conway the match. They fought and Sain was defeated but then they shook hands to great applause and it was a happy ending.Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-78106337039338746302018-08-16T17:57:00.000-07:002018-08-25T17:43:49.977-07:00Can You Dig it? Sucka?!That title is referencing the theme music for the wrestler/now commentator Booker T.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_8ReSlHkMY" target="_blank">Here is a link to the song. Enjoy.</a></div>
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In this case "sucka" refers to "seersucker." Seersucker is a puckered, lightweight cotton fabric usually with thin stripes. Most commonly, blue and white stripes.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICtbagE0OrQ/W3YTJA4OVLI/AAAAAAAAGek/WK-FSU-BuU0XEMJIEo1V9ZyiG0wZcgYXwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_184142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="834" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ICtbagE0OrQ/W3YTJA4OVLI/AAAAAAAAGek/WK-FSU-BuU0XEMJIEo1V9ZyiG0wZcgYXwCLcBGAs/s640/20170715_184142.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
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Here's my seersucker dress!</div>
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<a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/style/fashion-trends/news/a3163/the-history-of-seersucker/" target="_blank">Here is an article about the history of seersucker. </a></div>
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You see, seersucker is historically worn in the south where it's hot. There's even a seersucker day in Congress where the senators all wear it! My dress would be perfect for sweaty school days!</div>
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I bought that dress last year at Savers then spent all summer of 2017 trying to make it work. As you see in the picture, it's mostly just long. I thought it would be an easy fix. Nothing's ever easy for me!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAbMYrfD-yI/W3YUIE9IACI/AAAAAAAAGes/07rtPADPMg0F8aLpRQsj_8RIPuWLLuDFgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_192437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UAbMYrfD-yI/W3YUIE9IACI/AAAAAAAAGes/07rtPADPMg0F8aLpRQsj_8RIPuWLLuDFgCLcBGAs/s400/20170715_192437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's the first step! Little off the bottom, little off the sleeves... (Moody likes mid length dresses and short sleeves!) It was not a bad start...just a little loose fitting in some areas.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x34JfMouEw8/W3YU3QnT9-I/AAAAAAAAGe0/u6xqDyl24eE80qmFlfQU5g3tzc8grMZMQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_184934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="1600" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x34JfMouEw8/W3YU3QnT9-I/AAAAAAAAGe0/u6xqDyl24eE80qmFlfQU5g3tzc8grMZMQCLcBGAs/s400/20170715_184934.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's my testing out some fabric pinching with some safety pins. I put a few gathers in the back. Gathers? Darts? Don't know the proper term for this. Starting to look better...but something was off.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvoNNdpXIQ4/W3YWFpu2LCI/AAAAAAAAGfA/OX2AXiKFgY85ah_DVuKOvrnthiZsT_9VQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170715_191950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="917" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SvoNNdpXIQ4/W3YWFpu2LCI/AAAAAAAAGfA/OX2AXiKFgY85ah_DVuKOvrnthiZsT_9VQCLcBGAs/s400/20170715_191950.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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Does that look cute to you?! Nope. It does not. It's that damn collar. Well, I know what I've got to do.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tne2jQ2_dYU/W3YWmsWTC8I/AAAAAAAAGfI/Q3r0qxVVk7QVoFYnXkviy6R95Ae9OX8tACLcBGAs/s1600/20170718_210729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tne2jQ2_dYU/W3YWmsWTC8I/AAAAAAAAGfI/Q3r0qxVVk7QVoFYnXkviy6R95Ae9OX8tACLcBGAs/s400/20170718_210729.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Seam ripped the collar and made a v neck. Hello, sexy new neckline!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw_tCdHFiqg/W3YW9k4r2WI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/1H8bEw_JPGI3u5CpaDcFQ1NHyoEms2AXgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170728_175158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1600" height="273" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hw_tCdHFiqg/W3YW9k4r2WI/AAAAAAAAGfQ/1H8bEw_JPGI3u5CpaDcFQ1NHyoEms2AXgCLcBGAs/s400/20170728_175158.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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NO. That is not a sexy neckline. It's not right at all. </div>
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Undeterred, I stood in front of the mirror with my pins, adding more "darts". Then I hacked more sleeve off. Here's what I got:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/---GhGVewSZc/W3YZIBQcsEI/AAAAAAAAGfk/PuQOkFXCkJQUrGUmaJnKZY0tHz3G21v1wCLcBGAs/s1600/20180731_123137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1059" data-original-width="1412" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/---GhGVewSZc/W3YZIBQcsEI/AAAAAAAAGfk/PuQOkFXCkJQUrGUmaJnKZY0tHz3G21v1wCLcBGAs/s400/20180731_123137.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love it. I wore it to school and received many compliments! Here's the big finish:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kV-Xvtue0R4/W3YbQ2vM4mI/AAAAAAAAGgE/3zcA2SgaiNM9vntxJ9lhgWtdU7yXADzhwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180731_123354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="705" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kV-Xvtue0R4/W3YbQ2vM4mI/AAAAAAAAGgE/3zcA2SgaiNM9vntxJ9lhgWtdU7yXADzhwCLcBGAs/s640/20180731_123354.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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Sorry, I took a lot of pictures.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzoHLzRuIio/W3YbAxPmXkI/AAAAAAAAGf0/yQPxooea2p4xflD0I3BgckzWbfQf4gtkQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180731_122946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="652" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tzoHLzRuIio/W3YbAxPmXkI/AAAAAAAAGf0/yQPxooea2p4xflD0I3BgckzWbfQf4gtkQCLcBGAs/s640/20180731_122946.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSD3HOYewqc/W3YcwflGSEI/AAAAAAAAGgU/kXTpCsE428gZWn1imrcHDMfGNzxlpfIpACEwYBhgL/s1600/20180731_124023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="692" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pSD3HOYewqc/W3YcwflGSEI/AAAAAAAAGgU/kXTpCsE428gZWn1imrcHDMfGNzxlpfIpACEwYBhgL/s640/20180731_124023.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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There's the little sash belt.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovcjfLR9TLY/W3Ya19_wj4I/AAAAAAAAGfw/vHsV2AE-HXYSVMdv8SqObdhcGMSEISlFgCLcBGAs/s1600/collagesucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ovcjfLR9TLY/W3Ya19_wj4I/AAAAAAAAGfw/vHsV2AE-HXYSVMdv8SqObdhcGMSEISlFgCLcBGAs/s640/collagesucker.jpg" width="576" /></a></div>
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So school was a little different last year. I've spent the last 6 years in kindergarten and first grade. In September, 2017 they sent me upstairs. With the big kids. I spent my days shuffling between several fourth and fifth grade classes. I was reunited with my old friends! My first babies from kindergarten 2012-2013 "graduated" from fifth grade. I may have teared up a bit. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9fYgLvA-Pk/W3YdLl9AVCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/D2DNm5_MQlEpWeG-Dp4jqGbA7tovRdKvwCLcBGAs/s1600/collageseersucker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g9fYgLvA-Pk/W3YdLl9AVCI/AAAAAAAAGgc/D2DNm5_MQlEpWeG-Dp4jqGbA7tovRdKvwCLcBGAs/s640/collageseersucker.jpg" width="608" /></a></div>
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Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-46217088547020700672018-01-18T16:37:00.000-08:002018-08-25T18:13:19.364-07:00Never Gonna Give You UpGo ahead...click <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHg5SJYRHA0" target="_blank">this link.</a> It's harmless and totally worth it...<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iZKFuUx0hQ/WmFJ0OLk8JI/AAAAAAAAGbI/epi4yPiv2RsNbdWrIWmHkTNM_3SKMxfjgCLcBGAs/s1600/5bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="480" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6iZKFuUx0hQ/WmFJ0OLk8JI/AAAAAAAAGbI/epi4yPiv2RsNbdWrIWmHkTNM_3SKMxfjgCLcBGAs/s400/5bf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
LOLOLOL, <span style="font-size: large;">😂😹ðŸ˜<span style="font-size: small;">Did you click it?! Ha! It's 2018 and I used that old gag! The joke cycled back around and got funny again!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sure I haven't posted all year (by that I mean school year, I always go by that calendar) but I'll never give you up, blog! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, this old thing: </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FJQRVI_tZA/WmFPiZU4sKI/AAAAAAAAGbY/R4hWTnC5OKMqTbV1QGnZxmxONoMT6w-AgCLcBGAs/s1600/vdayquicks%2B012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="979" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6FJQRVI_tZA/WmFPiZU4sKI/AAAAAAAAGbY/R4hWTnC5OKMqTbV1QGnZxmxONoMT6w-AgCLcBGAs/s400/vdayquicks%2B012.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I picked up this beauty back in the early part of the decade and even then it didn't fit well. Here I am wearing it with some control top tights and a wide belt:</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxH-TYIqcEk/WmFRcEBc-2I/AAAAAAAAGbk/XydC0MOxdwQyURG-UK0MBVWK0-aAelAxgCLcBGAs/s1600/collage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1200" height="355" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sxH-TYIqcEk/WmFRcEBc-2I/AAAAAAAAGbk/XydC0MOxdwQyURG-UK0MBVWK0-aAelAxgCLcBGAs/s400/collage3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Look at the print. Cats. Kitschy looking cats with tiny pink polka dots. I love the print and I love cats! It's a sheer, woven acrylic. This dress was not comfortable and (when not posed and with a filter added) not flattering. But still; I held onto it. What can I do with a too small dress? Make an infinity scarf? Give it to a kid? No.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmu8ph5UR_0/WmFTKxFWh2I/AAAAAAAAGbw/g3MG7yUCcr4BVItC4UGRwE1Om1IaDxHGgCLcBGAs/s1600/20160624_180917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="972" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vmu8ph5UR_0/WmFTKxFWh2I/AAAAAAAAGbw/g3MG7yUCcr4BVItC4UGRwE1Om1IaDxHGgCLcBGAs/s400/20160624_180917.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Cut that shit in half.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">By the way, I do most of my sewing at night that's why the pictures come out terrible.You can see, right? I cut the dress right down the middle. This is not a new trick for me. Browse the archives, you'll find a few button-up dresses being worn unbuttoned and layered over other clothes. Another thing I do a lot?</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM5mR2VEQoQ/WmFUsyWO0OI/AAAAAAAAGb8/0BYt_0Ck46cXHCOqjsIy0JqckxfWi-kzQCLcBGAs/s1600/20160719_204301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1389" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BM5mR2VEQoQ/WmFUsyWO0OI/AAAAAAAAGb8/0BYt_0Ck46cXHCOqjsIy0JqckxfWi-kzQCLcBGAs/s320/20160719_204301.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I take collars off. They bug me.</span></span></div>
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Yeah, so I removed the button placket (placket? wtf is that?) and sewed up the raw hem on each side. Now I have this!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDcZdwQksu8/WmFWDLmPkiI/AAAAAAAAGcU/OYefbny_108JGujyz8JmOiYrDp71yntJwCLcBGAs/s1600/20180117_161114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="795" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dDcZdwQksu8/WmFWDLmPkiI/AAAAAAAAGcU/OYefbny_108JGujyz8JmOiYrDp71yntJwCLcBGAs/s400/20180117_161114.jpg" width="197" /> </a> </div>
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It's like a sheer vest thing! Isn't it kinda cute? When I'm not wearing a dress I'm wearing tight, stretchy pants. The tights black pants and top combo becomes a blank canvas for something like a kimono or long cardigan. Long is the key word here. </div>
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These pics were taken at the end of a day with some shit lighting. Didn't much feel like attempting to smile for the camera. I did my usual "look down at the floor" thing, it's just easier for me.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KA6zfVIiGeE/WmFVzIeBfTI/AAAAAAAAGcQ/9lcoPeTXnVEGki4CQe77qD_jMHX-XAzHQCLcBGAs/s1600/collagecatdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KA6zfVIiGeE/WmFVzIeBfTI/AAAAAAAAGcQ/9lcoPeTXnVEGki4CQe77qD_jMHX-XAzHQCLcBGAs/s400/collagecatdress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here's a close-up selfie:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxJi7vo9ROM/WmFYtZBQpPI/AAAAAAAAGck/W2RZjdFZW38T3VKL6D6bLTnPE4kCSHEaQCLcBGAs/s1600/20180117_161323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1292" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NxJi7vo9ROM/WmFYtZBQpPI/AAAAAAAAGck/W2RZjdFZW38T3VKL6D6bLTnPE4kCSHEaQCLcBGAs/s320/20180117_161323.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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And here's the side by side:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YAMmitpT4/WmFZA13m7sI/AAAAAAAAGco/2ITq4x0OlBI5cTwB2JpsNp-plIBQ6hLFACLcBGAs/s1600/collagecatBA2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1188" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n4YAMmitpT4/WmFZA13m7sI/AAAAAAAAGco/2ITq4x0OlBI5cTwB2JpsNp-plIBQ6hLFACLcBGAs/s400/collagecatBA2.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-50383124268341786692017-08-14T16:39:00.001-07:002017-08-14T16:39:25.486-07:00I tri so hard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I actually didn't "tri" that hard. I'm singing that song by Linkin' Park (RIP singer) but my post is about triangles so...word play?</div>
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I'm following through on something, even if it does take me a decade or two. Months ago, I <a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2017/05/little-dress-on-prairie.html" target="_blank">previewed three dresses </a>that I said would be "coming soon." I was only wrong about the "soon" part. <a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2017/07/what-i-did-on-my-summer-vacationlast.html" target="_blank">I did the first one,</a> (spring green with the circles) and here's the second one. It's got triangles.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHcJblH5ktE/WSt957-ysbI/AAAAAAAAGSA/K69nbPtsCOczf22lrjmsC-UTnA9tIW3DACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/20160924_192645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="815" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHcJblH5ktE/WSt957-ysbI/AAAAAAAAGSA/K69nbPtsCOczf22lrjmsC-UTnA9tIW3DACPcBGAYYCw/s400/20160924_192645.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
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Bleh, I am repulsed by that picture. It's a very '80s style by that Leslie Fay label I see so often. Here is an extreme close up of the print I'm going on about.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBh1UvNnMhc/WZIfUx9pSwI/AAAAAAAAGWc/IQ7Cbm_kEPkhMVo56Up8Jit4XcKSH9N5QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170812_182315%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="697" data-original-width="760" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hBh1UvNnMhc/WZIfUx9pSwI/AAAAAAAAGWc/IQ7Cbm_kEPkhMVo56Up8Jit4XcKSH9N5QCLcBGAs/s320/20170812_182315%2Bclose.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I'm honestly not sure when geometric patterns in fashion were a thing, but I'll just go with the '80s as that's when these frocks were born. There's something I like about the shapes, and the points, and straight lines. No flowers here, folks, just geometry.</div>
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Here are some other examples!</div>
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I had the black and green diamond pattern (known as harlequin) with this piece from last Winter.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNxl3q_XO8E/WZIgalfR7yI/AAAAAAAAGWo/vw4RNpytwA0_2C14AZP6XIu6xH6WUV5wgCLcBGAs/s1600/collagegrndress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1020" data-original-width="1200" height="340" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cNxl3q_XO8E/WZIgalfR7yI/AAAAAAAAGWo/vw4RNpytwA0_2C14AZP6XIu6xH6WUV5wgCLcBGAs/s400/collagegrndress.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here's an unusual, asymmetric dress from the past that I sold in my Etsy shop.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY-qHXVZDIg/WZIifo77QII/AAAAAAAAGW8/JBTtaNQdUHQwOR-PT-hrhbhdR31E0uD3gCLcBGAs/s1600/20160708_145553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1586" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YY-qHXVZDIg/WZIifo77QII/AAAAAAAAGW8/JBTtaNQdUHQwOR-PT-hrhbhdR31E0uD3gCLcBGAs/s320/20160708_145553.jpg" width="317" /></a></div>
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Another find that I had to sell. I didn't think I altering it would have been wise.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCh5qWV0ggc/WZIiPg514MI/AAAAAAAAGW4/k9p3ut6E9LwwuDN-59xFKEElEwBndq9iQCLcBGAs/s1600/collageblkgeo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1092" data-original-width="1200" height="363" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCh5qWV0ggc/WZIiPg514MI/AAAAAAAAGW4/k9p3ut6E9LwwuDN-59xFKEElEwBndq9iQCLcBGAs/s400/collageblkgeo.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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This '60s maxi skirt sold fast and I regret that I didn't wear it first. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7ZfRYT_43I/WZIjAw9vkHI/AAAAAAAAGXE/4SLLQJzareU6ndIC0yNGbyub_NTWvsg3wCLcBGAs/s1600/collagepsychskirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1140" data-original-width="1200" height="380" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C7ZfRYT_43I/WZIjAw9vkHI/AAAAAAAAGXE/4SLLQJzareU6ndIC0yNGbyub_NTWvsg3wCLcBGAs/s400/collagepsychskirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's bring it back to the main subject with the very simple alterations I made to the dress I showed you back up there. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDAlK91f1mw/WZIjyoWIydI/AAAAAAAAGXM/YMV_TIldsRQVBzqEjKD5BofB82IOi71fQCLcBGAs/s1600/20161018_204342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1034" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RDAlK91f1mw/WZIjyoWIydI/AAAAAAAAGXM/YMV_TIldsRQVBzqEjKD5BofB82IOi71fQCLcBGAs/s400/20161018_204342.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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It looks like I took it in ever so slightly on the sides, then chopped some of the already short sleeve off. In a previous post I mentioned my new thing which is removing collars. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-61ypDcGPI/WZImPfK9Q1I/AAAAAAAAGXY/9domb5iNj7QeyDGbV1q0-ydsEi1Mq77CgCLcBGAs/s1600/20160924_192630%2Bclose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="937" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j-61ypDcGPI/WZImPfK9Q1I/AAAAAAAAGXY/9domb5iNj7QeyDGbV1q0-ydsEi1Mq77CgCLcBGAs/s400/20160924_192630%2Bclose.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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See what I did? The top part of the collar that goes around the neck was hacked off. The front part (the lapels?) were spared. </div>
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I took a few inches off the bottom. Of course, only a <i>few </i>inches. I like my dresses long and my tops tight. After reviewing the after pics, I considered that I may have wandered into too unsexy territory.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drM2iTH8WBE/WZIs-rasXiI/AAAAAAAAGXo/H-sHA4wfZ9sPaNOuDGgNwz7lm3dhmK7lACLcBGAs/s1600/20170812_182312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="758" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-drM2iTH8WBE/WZIs-rasXiI/AAAAAAAAGXo/H-sHA4wfZ9sPaNOuDGgNwz7lm3dhmK7lACLcBGAs/s640/20170812_182312.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I actually do like it, I just don't want to come off as so conservative or modest. That ain't me, man! I just like mid length dresses and '40s style! </div>
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I wore a black sash to try and tie it in with the shoes and necklace. It's a triangle necklace, by the way. I have been seeking out necklaces with shapes other than just circle.</div>
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Here's a little close-up... </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQj10nNXOLY/WZIujMUo1aI/AAAAAAAAGX4/zQXMRUdBikUF08qloJqw5t3g9ihN2oH1ACLcBGAs/s1600/20170812_182315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1154" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UQj10nNXOLY/WZIujMUo1aI/AAAAAAAAGX4/zQXMRUdBikUF08qloJqw5t3g9ihN2oH1ACLcBGAs/s320/20170812_182315.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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Here's a little closer.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNgu7bC-tCs/WZIvkinfkiI/AAAAAAAAGYA/BAaBmbYVujI59Gofoyr6oqpN5Pky6KhtwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170812_182324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1142" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mNgu7bC-tCs/WZIvkinfkiI/AAAAAAAAGYA/BAaBmbYVujI59Gofoyr6oqpN5Pky6KhtwCLcBGAs/s400/20170812_182324.jpg" width="356" /></a></div>
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I'm pleased with how the top of the dress came out. It seems like it fits so much better without the collar. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_e_arFepvw/WZIyChQb71I/AAAAAAAAGYM/MSOJ1swsBoEz4yy496Apc-hdq9sYCoJYQCLcBGAs/s1600/collageblutri.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f_e_arFepvw/WZIyChQb71I/AAAAAAAAGYM/MSOJ1swsBoEz4yy496Apc-hdq9sYCoJYQCLcBGAs/s640/collageblutri.jpg" width="568" /></a></div>
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Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-39866180999180253222017-07-22T10:29:00.000-07:002017-08-16T06:32:32.575-07:00What I did on my summer vacation...last summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Talk about running late! Not only have I not blogged in months, I'm showing off a dress from a whole year ago. Let's get started!</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbHK09vNuQM/WXKlwugFvTI/AAAAAAAAGSw/-Da2JTtkNN0oxkGLUJfgMn859ksXnqTYQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF1298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="753" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AbHK09vNuQM/WXKlwugFvTI/AAAAAAAAGSw/-Da2JTtkNN0oxkGLUJfgMn859ksXnqTYQCLcBGAs/s400/DSCF1298.jpg" width="187" /></a></div>
A typical '80s made disaster...and the dress looks funny too. Ha ha, self deprecation...<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XV1jFvLLYoU/WXKncDA2RjI/AAAAAAAAGTA/z9yhyGCMkpIbauGfu2OBDJnGHuBc_mKuACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1387" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XV1jFvLLYoU/WXKncDA2RjI/AAAAAAAAGTA/z9yhyGCMkpIbauGfu2OBDJnGHuBc_mKuACLcBGAs/s400/DSCF1299.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look at that weird, triangle shaped belt. Nice! A vintage dress with its original belt! It's by this label called "Lisa Petites."<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FnEzkCzQ-0/WXKo-5nhzcI/AAAAAAAAGTM/InkH32yLtMc2VNNRydw5bPg44xmZ4qHSgCLcBGAs/s1600/20160721_144545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="998" data-original-width="1600" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7FnEzkCzQ-0/WXKo-5nhzcI/AAAAAAAAGTM/InkH32yLtMc2VNNRydw5bPg44xmZ4qHSgCLcBGAs/s400/20160721_144545.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I seriously can't tell the size because it's smudged. Size 18? Dang. Anyway, the label is mildly interesting to me as I have two other dresses by this maker. <br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8u3lYB5bDCs/VAuoTZXJ1LI/AAAAAAAADrs/kK9GzrM03gEDmgIdOF1x0P9IVr-gwHn_wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Nauticalskirt40sdresses%2B019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="804" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8u3lYB5bDCs/VAuoTZXJ1LI/AAAAAAAADrs/kK9GzrM03gEDmgIdOF1x0P9IVr-gwHn_wCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Nauticalskirt40sdresses%2B019.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Like this one! It's a '40s style dress in an extremely '80s print. Like, that's the most '80s print I've ever seen. I'm all about the novelty prints. Here's a closeup of the green one:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXPqZIaeAOA/WXKrP9Rm0qI/AAAAAAAAGTc/1T5OXH78_xgrWVoARz-sFEX37Cdv3N2QwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF12962.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1361" data-original-width="1075" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXPqZIaeAOA/WXKrP9Rm0qI/AAAAAAAAGTc/1T5OXH78_xgrWVoARz-sFEX37Cdv3N2QwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF12962.jpg" width="504" /></a></div>
There, I made it huge. What a cute retro print! White half circles with a black edge. That sold it, I was keeping/altering/wearing that dress.<br />
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I guess I didn't take any pictures of the process, so you'll have to use your imagination. I did my usual removal of the sleeves and lowering of the neckline. Then I hemmed it up a couple inches. I can show you what I did with the belt.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7o3zFRmdVjw/WXN7CFgrgLI/AAAAAAAAGT8/DYWD516hjfwFhoAle0e7Arz857aatphMACLcBGAs/s1600/collagegrnbelt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1200" height="347" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7o3zFRmdVjw/WXN7CFgrgLI/AAAAAAAAGT8/DYWD516hjfwFhoAle0e7Arz857aatphMACLcBGAs/s400/collagegrnbelt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I changed the buttons to some cuter black buttons. I was going to wear the belt backwards. I had some other accessories I decided to add. By the way, I took pictures of the finished dress on the day that I wore it to summer school, last year. I just never got around to posting them because that's just how I am!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeNBmyxy5V0/WXN_5j5TjmI/AAAAAAAAGUU/GTxsGst7NmEOBAE9KVeXzDEB9h6pfk6DQCLcBGAs/s1600/20160804_152050close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="1450" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IeNBmyxy5V0/WXN_5j5TjmI/AAAAAAAAGUU/GTxsGst7NmEOBAE9KVeXzDEB9h6pfk6DQCLcBGAs/s320/20160804_152050close.jpg" width="312" /></a></div>
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So, there's the bodice...in hindsight, I see that wearing that thick black chain necklace may have seemed like a good idea at the time but it was not.<br />
However, the other little baubles; those are clip on earrings. I used them on each strap(?) to gather up the material for cuteness purposes. Here's the full after shot:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykH3n8sXhrU/WXOD97uPOmI/AAAAAAAAGUo/n7fvE7bNEpwRNfglfZHMYKCi6iugDZHDwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="893" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ykH3n8sXhrU/WXOD97uPOmI/AAAAAAAAGUo/n7fvE7bNEpwRNfglfZHMYKCi6iugDZHDwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF1330.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
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I had dark hair for a short time last summer because I really thought this particular color would look...not like that.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VokqQfTEA94/WXOF7F6ORlI/AAAAAAAAGU0/dcJWrPTxkx8swdSy-vDcZMYEQTG-cYY1wCLcBGAs/s1600/collageretrogreen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1032" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VokqQfTEA94/WXOF7F6ORlI/AAAAAAAAGU0/dcJWrPTxkx8swdSy-vDcZMYEQTG-cYY1wCLcBGAs/s400/collageretrogreen.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
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I must have really wanted to wear this thing if I got all fancy for summer school. My summer gig is 8:00 - 12:00 in a different school with two teachers and two paraprofessionals as the only staff. I do remember that I was complimented for my dress by one of the kids in my class. Whenever a first grade boy takes time to notice your outfit, you know you've got it goin' on. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSfypKPDrVg/WXOKbgmutsI/AAAAAAAAGVI/uba1gudeBfcaEM-ARw-SeZCWz5hAULHLACLcBGAs/s1600/collagegrendrss2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DSfypKPDrVg/WXOKbgmutsI/AAAAAAAAGVI/uba1gudeBfcaEM-ARw-SeZCWz5hAULHLACLcBGAs/s400/collagegrendrss2.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-62949327075205688002017-05-28T17:07:00.000-07:002017-05-28T18:53:18.032-07:00Little Dress on the PrairieMore like <i>big</i> dress on the prairie, am I right?<br />
The content of my blog posts typically consist of three things:<br />
1. Apologizing for the length of time between my infrequent posts, despite how few are actually reading.<br />
2. Complaining about how the weather never cooperates with my outfit choices.<br />
3. The frustration I experience with the oversized, tent-like '80s dresses.<br />
This one hits all those marks. Le dress:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqIRJJaJmiI/WStKUJuyzFI/AAAAAAAAGP4/awTdhk-U9gMU-Oo_VjJRJD-PSYEZndGwACLcB/s1600/DSCF1316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1056" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JqIRJJaJmiI/WStKUJuyzFI/AAAAAAAAGP4/awTdhk-U9gMU-Oo_VjJRJD-PSYEZndGwACLcB/s400/DSCF1316.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>
Many of these dresses are by Liz Claiborne and this is one of them. They're always so big. It's only a size 4, and in the Savers dressing room I thought I could easily make this wearable. Nothing is ever easy, really.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNU6OZHMi2g/WStNNeiGXNI/AAAAAAAAGQE/w1yEf_s3ptw0b2UjLqNNY9dkpr4UPqgwQCLcB/s1600/DSCF1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1567" data-original-width="1600" height="313" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FNU6OZHMi2g/WStNNeiGXNI/AAAAAAAAGQE/w1yEf_s3ptw0b2UjLqNNY9dkpr4UPqgwQCLcB/s320/DSCF1314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's always the bodice and its extraneous folds of ballooning material. As usual, I'm drawn to the print. It has a romantic boho kinda style. To start:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUnJBGbD978/WStNp_mf7XI/AAAAAAAAGQI/HVP5vjXH1csKlNPmiovvN__cYFe-8HbiACLcB/s1600/20170111_202001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IUnJBGbD978/WStNp_mf7XI/AAAAAAAAGQI/HVP5vjXH1csKlNPmiovvN__cYFe-8HbiACLcB/s400/20170111_202001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This will be the start of my de-collaring series. You see, taking in the sides of these things never does the job. I figured that I could try to take it in from the middle. Also, I ditched the long sleeves. This is all part of my effort to take a big dress and make less of it. This also included taking about 4" off the bottom.<br />
It was still kind of big, but of course I had to wear it before it was too hot for rayon. That's why the wide belt is here.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHQLEuzoomA/WStfcgBdzmI/AAAAAAAAGQY/NA7603iSPusCtiUJDQ1lbLTJQ7r27lgdwCLcB/s1600/DSCF1436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="840" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHQLEuzoomA/WStfcgBdzmI/AAAAAAAAGQY/NA7603iSPusCtiUJDQ1lbLTJQ7r27lgdwCLcB/s400/DSCF1436.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
Creative pose + filter = nice picture. They're so heavily edited because they were taken at night using flash and on an older camera.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekgux43x3pc/WStf0_rN2OI/AAAAAAAAGQc/u6SmVheF0nALf4NliA21tLPRf_kRhT3dACLcB/s1600/collageblckprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1164" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ekgux43x3pc/WStf0_rN2OI/AAAAAAAAGQc/u6SmVheF0nALf4NliA21tLPRf_kRhT3dACLcB/s400/collageblckprint.jpg" width="387" /></a></div>
Look, it has pockets. I wish you could see the little circular floral things that make up the print.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMmwqzc12I0/WStg41fGZII/AAAAAAAAGQo/g15sYmy6r4ockRE6S94FrmFSC3Vmb6PDgCLcB/s1600/DSCF1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1471" data-original-width="1600" height="367" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MMmwqzc12I0/WStg41fGZII/AAAAAAAAGQo/g15sYmy6r4ockRE6S94FrmFSC3Vmb6PDgCLcB/s400/DSCF1440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Bodice closeup. I actually decided to take it in from the back after these pics. Size 4, my ass.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zf3OpNMIkbI/WStmBM2mt5I/AAAAAAAAGQ4/nU9r8ugsRaQbfo1THfY5yfk2IvZX6DU-QCLcB/s1600/collagebanda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1044" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zf3OpNMIkbI/WStmBM2mt5I/AAAAAAAAGQ4/nU9r8ugsRaQbfo1THfY5yfk2IvZX6DU-QCLcB/s400/collagebanda.jpg" width="346" /></a></div>
Coming soon!<br />
Other dresses with unflattering styles but great '80s prints!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHcJblH5ktE/WSt957-ysbI/AAAAAAAAGR4/kWdx6RtRof0BgMSpa3-B0PFxzh_NiqSGACLcB/s1600/20160924_192645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="815" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LHcJblH5ktE/WSt957-ysbI/AAAAAAAAGR4/kWdx6RtRof0BgMSpa3-B0PFxzh_NiqSGACLcB/s400/20160924_192645.jpg" width="203" /></a></div>
And this hit from the 1990s!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ2-6lli1fY/WSt-y1ZnX4I/AAAAAAAAGSE/tjrpsoRZVuc7R30tINocxDz7_RR2nLclQCLcB/s1600/vdayquicks%2B012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="979" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZ2-6lli1fY/WSt-y1ZnX4I/AAAAAAAAGSE/tjrpsoRZVuc7R30tINocxDz7_RR2nLclQCLcB/s400/vdayquicks%2B012.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-27144076299021859472017-04-02T15:03:00.000-07:002017-04-02T15:14:11.904-07:00'Cuz you're hot and you're coldIt seems like just a couple weeks ago, the kids were shedding their coats at recess and I was putting both my Uggs and faux Uggs in the closet. Yea, spring time!<br />
Not so fast. Suddenly the temps dropped...the spring coat went back on the hanger as I retrieved my furry boots. Before I knew it, it was April Fool's day and I was clearing several inches of heavy wet snow off my car. New England winter came right back like some unfunny internet troll whom you thought was banished.<br />
So I guess I had the chance to do another winter refashion or two. I quickly took a "before" pic of this mohair sweater. I know I did. Seriously, how the frick do I keep mysteriously losing my "before" pictures! This one's an easy fix:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gop_BG_aCVA/WOFs_i5WZ3I/AAAAAAAAGOI/aQuHNguA_9kPTldHhsajlk5vU1p39keVgCLcB/s1600/DSCF1455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gop_BG_aCVA/WOFs_i5WZ3I/AAAAAAAAGOI/aQuHNguA_9kPTldHhsajlk5vU1p39keVgCLcB/s400/DSCF1455.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
I took an "after" shot and edited it back to its original state! It was a plain black sweater dress with a high neck. It was a Goodwill half-off item and made of soft, fuzzy... mohair? Fake mohair?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SV7uyffl1uo/WOFuH9iDsbI/AAAAAAAAGOU/p33taqFyYtYJyQ4znx-n2U6mtWpwD3ITACLcB/s1600/20170304_145336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SV7uyffl1uo/WOFuH9iDsbI/AAAAAAAAGOU/p33taqFyYtYJyQ4znx-n2U6mtWpwD3ITACLcB/s320/20170304_145336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
That's how much I cut off the hem. Just a little, knowing it would curl up. Hoping it would. It was actually a wide hem, like a cuff. I removed the same little cuff-like piece from the neck. I did it with scissors and it was so easy I just kept cutting!<br />
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That right there was a bad idea. I felt the pockets didn't look right as they were in the front thigh region. You can't just slice off pockets and move on. I sewed that thing right back on.<br />
It needed some "jazzing" up...finally, an opportunity to browse my extensive button collection! <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJpakldeuNw/WOFwur9f9II/AAAAAAAAGOs/ONXr0LWs12sCP4XLcutl3xqFxqPdEjN4wCLcB/s1600/20170304_155129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BJpakldeuNw/WOFwur9f9II/AAAAAAAAGOs/ONXr0LWs12sCP4XLcutl3xqFxqPdEjN4wCLcB/s400/20170304_155129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I chose three round, white dealies with little sparkles in the center. Anyway, here it is with some jeggings.<br />
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You know how I took this picture? I moved my bedroom mirror (which just leans against the wall, unattached) into the kitchen with that white curtain I use for a backdrop. My room is too messy for mirror selfies.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SymUJVufkcY/WOF3iE79qSI/AAAAAAAAGPI/ZY06RInUyYoMO_PbovlqR8bd-bbR3QSowCLcB/s1600/collageblack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SymUJVufkcY/WOF3iE79qSI/AAAAAAAAGPI/ZY06RInUyYoMO_PbovlqR8bd-bbR3QSowCLcB/s400/collageblack.jpg" width="395" /></a></div>
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-78313296624723836532017-03-08T18:20:00.000-08:002017-03-18T17:08:18.713-07:00Forever in blue-green, babyYou have to sing the title. It's "Forever in Blue Jeans" by Neil Diamond. Google Will Ferrell's version for a little chuckle.<br />
Velvet is so beautiful and luxurious... but it's also very impractical. I mean, it's not like I'm some medieval queen on a throne. "Ooh, look at meee! I'm dressed in my fancy velvet fineries!" I love fancy stuff, but I'm realistic.<br />
Look at the beautiful color on this vintage thrift store thing.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_0FNz0aO2I/WMCqlL36XXI/AAAAAAAAGL0/MgGMXbWa3BkTszdQKqSGu-Dulosf-Lg2ACLcB/s1600/DSCF1392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e_0FNz0aO2I/WMCqlL36XXI/AAAAAAAAGL0/MgGMXbWa3BkTszdQKqSGu-Dulosf-Lg2ACLcB/s400/DSCF1392.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
It had these little button details. I like the idea, but not the execution. Looks bad.<br />
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It had those stupid poofy shoulders that I hate. By the way, this is the front. Here's the back:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGGsznOq8I4/WMCrMkyw5PI/AAAAAAAAGL4/ovdZ6bEInMYeY6uNit4qkgcpGTvxF-34QCLcB/s1600/collagebefvelvet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iGGsznOq8I4/WMCrMkyw5PI/AAAAAAAAGL4/ovdZ6bEInMYeY6uNit4qkgcpGTvxF-34QCLcB/s400/collagebefvelvet.jpg" width="327" /></a></div>
This dress needs a complete 180. That back should be the front! I was going to turn that thing around...you know...a 180.<br />
But first; I took off the sleeves. I just don't mess around with sleeves, I'm not patient.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZbjrAT8HUA/WMCt4F6F0pI/AAAAAAAAGMM/XWhYgaU3N8UaZd0YZz7dl9KR-cpX91AlACLcB/s1600/20170114_170826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RZbjrAT8HUA/WMCt4F6F0pI/AAAAAAAAGMM/XWhYgaU3N8UaZd0YZz7dl9KR-cpX91AlACLcB/s400/20170114_170826.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Then I turned it inside out and trimmed/sewed a bunch or random crap into place. What even is this?<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNJ-1K4HLYQ/WMCuMpzrDFI/AAAAAAAAGMU/OlWWnKz6_iEnyF81S6CVUdpbGqO6p-BuwCLcB/s1600/20170114_170913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FNJ-1K4HLYQ/WMCuMpzrDFI/AAAAAAAAGMU/OlWWnKz6_iEnyF81S6CVUdpbGqO6p-BuwCLcB/s400/20170114_170913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I had to do some sewing down the front on each side to keep some extra material in check and working with velvet can be challenging. I wasn't eager to take it on the sides but this dress was shapeless and unflattering. Surely, there's some kind of shortcut I can take? There was. Behold:<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YyBDxpV-KQ/WMCxSw0ibXI/AAAAAAAAGMg/m4vt49QUcq8RsENu2UFzvm1EH-YlNcQOwCLcB/s1600/DSCF1427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7YyBDxpV-KQ/WMCxSw0ibXI/AAAAAAAAGMg/m4vt49QUcq8RsENu2UFzvm1EH-YlNcQOwCLcB/s400/DSCF1427.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
Do you see what I did there? I just folded one side over the other and secured it with a belt. This worked because of the velvet texture which keeps it from sliding.<br />
Now, it's not only impractical because of its material, it's also not structurally sound!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EwxKk_DZCMM/WMC3gt9ku3I/AAAAAAAAGMw/KosPw73DfxIJjnJUCsD0M4NKK_UnSg3OQCLcB/s1600/collageblvelvt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EwxKk_DZCMM/WMC3gt9ku3I/AAAAAAAAGMw/KosPw73DfxIJjnJUCsD0M4NKK_UnSg3OQCLcB/s400/collageblvelvt.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
Side by side! That before pic is bad, huh?<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-81769371738754874802017-02-18T17:11:00.000-08:002017-02-18T17:11:38.929-08:00Valentine GirlThat title actually is a song title. "Valentine Girl" from New Kids on the Block. Not sure if they were describing a girl as a "valentine girl" or if they were addressing the object of affection as "girl". Like, "Will you be my valentine, girl?"<br />
You don't even know what I'm talking about. Here's the "before" incarnation of my Valentine's day dress:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDoMMWUb5Ok/WKjMaqsnnAI/AAAAAAAAGHw/BRIMde5ormoBD1xU3aqNmM1gBjDVTYECwCLcB/s1600/DSCF1443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EDoMMWUb5Ok/WKjMaqsnnAI/AAAAAAAAGHw/BRIMde5ormoBD1xU3aqNmM1gBjDVTYECwCLcB/s400/DSCF1443.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
It was great, it looked like a big sack of nothing, thus easy to work with. It's made of a polyester-textured material. I really liked the shirred waist which had sadly lost its elasticity over the years as had the elastic around the cuffs.<br />
I was just planning on wearing it to school for our little first grade party. I was envisioning a cheapo version of a romantic era dress.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcTBk-19Les/WKjOcAuuLoI/AAAAAAAAGIA/9o7MDJFt7RI3SpmEVVhWNdvDKAAGoqsEQCLcB/s1600/892faccb2ed16a5911fb3c870cac0205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcTBk-19Les/WKjOcAuuLoI/AAAAAAAAGIA/9o7MDJFt7RI3SpmEVVhWNdvDKAAGoqsEQCLcB/s400/892faccb2ed16a5911fb3c870cac0205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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What?</div>
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Actually no, I have no idea what I'm talking about. I guess I was thinking about bell sleeves, jacquard ribbon, cameo jewelry, and velvet. Ummm...the period costumes from the 1994 adaptation of <i>Little Women</i>? </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaGwqSu5uNQ/WKjPPyqsP3I/AAAAAAAAGII/dZ5CfflkgKI54sl5OBRC3CmjKAXv5SJQACLcB/s1600/littlewomen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IaGwqSu5uNQ/WKjPPyqsP3I/AAAAAAAAGII/dZ5CfflkgKI54sl5OBRC3CmjKAXv5SJQACLcB/s400/littlewomen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I could only find a few pictures of this lovely gown worn my Winona Ryder as Jo March. I went for a veeery loose inspiration of that.<br />
First thing I did was remove the nasty old elastic from the sleeves before figuring out how to deal with that waist. I had a trick in my pile of sewing supplies that could totally work.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Iskj8G2w-M/WKjQGSxwhwI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/jncNAWYw19MFa9gGNI8mfxwRfjP2lb8vwCLcB/s1600/20170209_191828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Iskj8G2w-M/WKjQGSxwhwI/AAAAAAAAGIQ/jncNAWYw19MFa9gGNI8mfxwRfjP2lb8vwCLcB/s640/20170209_191828.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(Made big to show details of package.) Looks like you just sew it on and then pull those little elastic strings. How could that go wrong? Did I mention this is a secondhand item that came in a big box of notions?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ6eLT6H9ls/WKjQv6IAfoI/AAAAAAAAGIY/v1PamdrsXFcQvQEjEq9XM-jR91m5GN0_gCLcB/s1600/20170209_203831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SZ6eLT6H9ls/WKjQv6IAfoI/AAAAAAAAGIY/v1PamdrsXFcQvQEjEq9XM-jR91m5GN0_gCLcB/s640/20170209_203831.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(Once again; picture embiggened.) This doesn't even show the full scope of damage this damn thing caused. You see, after sewing the damn thing in place I went to pull the elastics only to have them disintegrate into waxy little pieces that become stuck during the process. Oh, it was nasty.<br />
At this point, I really should've given it up. This is not some one of kind, designer piece. It was a non-remarkable, simple shapeless dress made of acrylic fabric.<br />
But I'm stubborn and not in the good way. Have you heard of the sunk cost fallacy?<br />
It's defined as <i>"Reasoning that further investment is warranted on the fact that the
resources already invested will be lost otherwise, not taking into
consideration the overall losses involved in the further investment." <a href="https://www.logicallyfallacious.com/tools/lp/Bo/LogicalFallacies/173/Sunk-Cost-Fallacy" target="_blank">Here's the source.</a></i><br />
So, I sat down in front of the TV and seam ripped out the whole thing. At this point, I had used up all the perfectly matched thread from a small spool that I happened to have on hand. I would have to buy more. (Once again; I should've just tossed the thing.)<br />
New thread in hand, I decided I might as well take in the dress just a tiny bit.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIdSaKEr5es/WKjUGUB6TUI/AAAAAAAAGIo/ZVYaZ0rxOjg-Px3JsSiZI5XLWT2qu9AMgCLcB/s1600/20170211_112512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIdSaKEr5es/WKjUGUB6TUI/AAAAAAAAGIo/ZVYaZ0rxOjg-Px3JsSiZI5XLWT2qu9AMgCLcB/s400/20170211_112512.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
Nope, needed to be taken in quite a bit more. Unpinned and repinned and finally sewed. <br />
Now...the waist. I sure as hell wasn't going to re-shir it. What I did was sew in a wide elastic band and didn't take any damn pics. You just pin it on and the stretch the elastic while sewing. <br />
I also lowered the neckline and cut off a few inches from the bottom. I considered using this awesome ribbon that I knew I had stashed for something, possibly the neckline.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Muh-0dcvIZM/WKjs_sOgyEI/AAAAAAAAGJI/WezUClMH_N0qzr_UqI4RfmU7wEl8o9B8ACLcB/s1600/20170214_171923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Muh-0dcvIZM/WKjs_sOgyEI/AAAAAAAAGJI/WezUClMH_N0qzr_UqI4RfmU7wEl8o9B8ACLcB/s320/20170214_171923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
When I went to retrieve said ribbon, I realized all I had was the tiny section seen here. I'm sure it could've been useful, but I had wasted too much time for creativity. The after:<br />
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Not exactly exciting, but comfortable and practical. I do have several cameo style necklaces, but I went with the roses pendant on a chain.<br />
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Here's the side by side:<br />
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I have so many mostly completed projects that I want to show off. So...I'll get right on that.<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-61761322167478225612017-02-12T12:10:00.001-08:002017-02-12T12:10:52.523-08:00Big Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hi there!</span></div>
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After typing in title of this post, I started singing the actual song in my head. </div>
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The 1986 hit "Big Time" by Peter Gabriel starts with the singer cheerfully greeting "Hi there!" before the song about what a big time hot shot he is. </div>
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The subject of this little post here is big thrift scores. Not big in quantity, big in size. I'm specifically talking about large wall decor! Since I'm not the dedicated blogger I was when I started, I'd like to take the opportunity to share some of the big-ass pieces I've loved.</div>
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Long ago, I posted about one of my most excellent finds; this ginormous '70s, silk screen canvas.</div>
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I just love big wall hangings! I can't put my figure on why, and no I'm not going to make any more Freud jokes. I guess I like a big statement piece, the more old fashioned the better. For instance, the great unicorn art that greeted readers who clicked this post is bigly. I was very excited to have found it at the Goodwill one night for $6. It was a three-fer: It was oversized, had unicorns, and it was a painting on black velvet! I sold it though. Gotta pay rent.</div>
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It was a lot like this one from years ago that I purchased for a whopping $3 at a yard sale. Of course, when selling items like this, their size does pose a challenge. You pretty much have to build your own flat box using cardboard, a box cutter, and a shit ton of shipping tape. I don't care I just want to share my love of fine art from decades past with others. <span style="font-size: x-small;">In exchange for a little money for which to buy food.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="font-size: small;">There's another biggie that I found while searching through the archives. That one was cool.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">The coolest one of all might have to be the map. A great roll-up wall map like those that once hung in classrooms can be quite rare. So I couldn't believe my luck when I found this:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Wow. I get a wistful sense of longing when I look at this picture. This was taken in last year's kindergarten classroom which was the best school year ever! It took me a week or two, but I finally noticed that the only way to really hang this up so I can photograph it would be to use the little clips, like they have in schools like the one I work in. When I shot some of these, my precious little AB (read posts from last summer) was looking on and in a few pictures. Miss her and that class so much! As I can tell from that 5 on the whiteboard, I found this in May at Savers for a very fair price of $19.99. It has such great colors and in such good condition. I gave it a nice little price and it was quickly purchased. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">That brings us to the piece that I still currently have in my apartment. It's a little hard to describe, but I know I've seen something like this before. It's a tree and sun scene made with carpet and attached to a big piece of wood. </span></span></div>
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Earlier this winter, I was leaving school when I got a text from Greyson, a buddy of Chris and I. He asked if I wanted this thing; his parents were just going to curb it!<br />
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It's such a cool '70s piece. It's made out of carpet! It was free! </div>
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I have to remind myself to share my story of selling stuff to the set of a Netflix show. I'm gonna do something else now, bye.</div>
Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-90541712781944919822017-02-08T19:12:00.000-08:002017-02-14T14:41:27.617-08:00Double Vision It was a snow day...and by that I mean it had snowed the night before but the school cancellation that we anticipated didn't happen so I had to go to work. I wanted to wear something comfortable and warm. I had a great idea for a quick no-sew!<br />
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Except I didn't even have time to do that. I had to go to school. I don't refash in the morning before work. That dress in the godawful mirror selfie is a great winter piece. It's a nice thick cotton made by LL Bean and it's an extra small! (With adult clothing labels like LL, XS is good.)<br />
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It's hard to tell in those pictures but the dress has a nice blue-gray color. If I can be all poetic and shit, I'd like to call this color "storm blue" or "stormy skies" or this:<br />
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After I brought it home from the Goodwill and laundered it, I noticed it seemed familiar.<br />
I looked in one of my vintage suitcases full of garments to be refashed and what do ya know?<br />
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It's another LL Bean dress in the same color. If my memory serves, I picked it up at the Goodwill outlet over the summer and stashed it away. Yea, two dresses. That one looks like a nightie. Blank canvas!<br />
First on the chopping block: the longer one. I cut off part of the sleeves. I don't know why, but I'm into medium
length sleeves, I always do that. Then I cut off the that neckline right
around the seam.<br />
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I was thinking about doing some sort of weird, jagged hemline but I didn't have faith that I would do it right. Maybe that would be better with a thinner material. So, I went with the ol' high-low.<br />
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See? You just fold it sideways, with the side seams together. Then chop a triangle shape off. So, there's that.<br />
I had plenty of excess material for a sash belt (the elastic waist was funny looking) but I used a black sash from a previous project. No-sew! Here it is.<br />
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Did I mention the pockets? Nice, it's got pockets. They're a little big, though, they add some bulk that hip section doesn't need. Still like it.<br />
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<i>"I want to stick around 'til I can't see straight."</i></div>
Look at that picture, it's all blurry. It's like the lyrics I just quoted from that song by Foreigner from which I took the title of this post.<br />
And the other dress. Here's what I did:<br />
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First step; an asymmetric hemline! I laid it flat and cut out another triangle. Now one side is longer.<br />
Then, I put it sideways and cut off some of the neckline in front. Then I cut the sleeves again.<br />
I actually took it in on the sides. I didn't want to, because I wasn't sure it was worth the effort. Yes, I am that lazy. Everything's a damn project to me.<br />
After that, it still bored me. I looked through a bunch or sewing notions and scraps for something to make the dress more interesting.<br />
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How about just a zipper. Yeah, that will work. The hardware gives it a little "edge" along with the slashed hemline. I just sewed it on there and called it a day. Oh, no. I did another thing. Belt everything! I used the excess fabric from the bottom of that last dress and made a sash for this one. Ta da...<br />
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I like it. I don't like how my boots are all scuffed. Also, look at that pose, I'm so tough.<br />
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The before and afters look bad because of the color variations. Before=late night, After=day time.<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-26758601910448381052017-01-01T17:16:00.002-08:002017-01-01T17:16:36.717-08:00"Christmas Wrapping" by the Waitresses, 1981<i>Wrapping</i> it up, that is. Christmas Wrapping is one of the handful of Christmas I can appreciate.<br>
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Lyrics like "Evergreens. Sparkling snow. Get this winter over with!" give it a snarky, sarcastic tone, but it's actually kind of corny. I love its frantic, fast pace that matches so well with the tone of the season.<br>
I shall now bring you the tale of my ugly sweater Actually, it's not just a sweater, it's a sweater-dress. Also, it's not all that ugly. Here it is in "before" form:<br>
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The cliche that is the "ugly sweater" hails from the early 2000's when hipsters started hosting parties where guests were encouraged to wear an obnoxious and tacky garment from a second-hand store. Today, ugly sweaters are so ubiquitous that you can buy them right off the rack at Walmart and Target.<br>
I found this dress at an early fall Savers sale and thought it would make an easy refash that stood on the border between cute/tacky.<br>
My process: Removed shoulder pads. Cut the elastic cuffs off sleeves. Trimmed the hem.<br>
I rolled up the sleeves and left a raw edge of the hem. A no-sew! Here's how it looked.<br>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PiEPnk-RBxg/WGmNUSANt0I/AAAAAAAAF-o/zWcYKOsmnn4kWBds17QzHAYZsyhaOC3lwCLcB/s1600/DSCF1384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PiEPnk-RBxg/WGmNUSANt0I/AAAAAAAAF-o/zWcYKOsmnn4kWBds17QzHAYZsyhaOC3lwCLcB/s400/DSCF1384.jpg" width="240">+</a></div>
It actually looks pretty cute, but I was having a problem with that waist. I guess I wanted to make it a little more snug or maybe higher. I tested this out with safety pins.<br>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgGIz8v6_UY/WGmOcCMrp3I/AAAAAAAAF-s/yBOayq88XqwUAZN_8h6HytCotR4Gx_xBwCLcB/s1600/20161229_180553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DgGIz8v6_UY/WGmOcCMrp3I/AAAAAAAAF-s/yBOayq88XqwUAZN_8h6HytCotR4Gx_xBwCLcB/s320/20161229_180553.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
I just pinched up the waist and safety pinned. This worked for me.<br>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eQYYV7RGE0/WGmQk64Y1hI/AAAAAAAAF_A/I1QQkVytuUQS08W_eHg9JE-YupIGM9tzQCLcB/s1600/DSCF1382%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eQYYV7RGE0/WGmQk64Y1hI/AAAAAAAAF_A/I1QQkVytuUQS08W_eHg9JE-YupIGM9tzQCLcB/s400/DSCF1382%2B2.jpg" width="212"></a></div>
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Well, that's a natural looking pose. Sleeves are rolled again. The sparkly metallic gold thread seems dated, but I must admit; it's not ugly. I was now low on time and needed this to wear to work. I figured I could add a tacky corsage thing?<br>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dyNOy_tACY/WGmRoKo-5cI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/zoqQ93l30pIU50p5Y7uVonO-Je9AUbklQCLcB/s1600/20161229_201458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dyNOy_tACY/WGmRoKo-5cI/AAAAAAAAF_Q/zoqQ93l30pIU50p5Y7uVonO-Je9AUbklQCLcB/s320/20161229_201458.jpg" width="320"></a></div>
I had a bunch of plastic, Christmas-y, flower decorations. I took that piece and pinned it to my dress. I also added the little Santa hat I picked up that week.<br>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atm7hw9powY/WGmSO7uvznI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/eXwN6tWcr54RoTydrjTqKDQtsARxt37nQCLcB/s1600/DSCF1376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-atm7hw9powY/WGmSO7uvznI/AAAAAAAAF_Y/eXwN6tWcr54RoTydrjTqKDQtsARxt37nQCLcB/s400/DSCF1376.jpg" width="230"></a></div>
That outfit gets a "meh" from me. I like the hat and big brooch thing, but they don't go with the sweater dress. I think it looked best after the first cut; the picture seen after the "before" pic.<br>
Finally...the green, silky, fancy holiday dress!<br>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tso5H75A4OI/WGmXDwTj9TI/AAAAAAAAF_o/DlQ92MGSV2sXxPeJprJoimk-T-b3Mo6NACLcB/s1600/beforegrndress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tso5H75A4OI/WGmXDwTj9TI/AAAAAAAAF_o/DlQ92MGSV2sXxPeJprJoimk-T-b3Mo6NACLcB/s400/beforegrndress.jpg" width="258"></a></div>
There's the "before." I got it a few years back on the cheap and figured I would sell it on Etsy. But as you can see, it just doesn't look appealing. The only thing I liked about it was the little diamond print. I didn't see it selling, so I kept it around as an eventual refashion. I finally got around to it.<br>
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It's a big '80s dress, so I'd have to start with my usual routine of paring it down. Off with the sleeves, in with the sides.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ctGQwzTqIc/WGmYaY3IeTI/AAAAAAAAF_w/3ea2xeEyEFAmZxFHeWgBH9L2DMVrQAuPgCLcB/s1600/20160609_201332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0ctGQwzTqIc/WGmYaY3IeTI/AAAAAAAAF_w/3ea2xeEyEFAmZxFHeWgBH9L2DMVrQAuPgCLcB/s400/20160609_201332.jpg" width="235"></a></div>
See those pleats? They were a problem. They seemed to stick out. So, I carefully sewed down each little pleat. I pinned down one side of the asymmetric button down bodice, leaving the buttons on the other side. It had a cool, kinda "new wave" look. Still, the length of the dress was too long.<br>
Despite my love of long dresses, this one definitely held tight to its old lady look even without the sleeves. I was about to cut and pin the hem and I was like, "ughhh...I don't feel like it." There's got to be something easier, right?<br>
Here's some clickbait:<br>
<b>What I did to this dress will leave you speechless! </b><br>
<a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2017/01/christmas-wrapping-by-waitresses-1981.html#more">Read more »</a>Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-4988726618961577172016-12-30T18:29:00.002-08:002016-12-30T18:29:47.423-08:00Holidazed <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm glad the holiday season is about done, but I still get those "party's over" blues. Also, I concur with many others who have shared this sentiment when I say that 2016 can suck it. I'm never ready on time to share seasonally-appropriate material on this blog or in social media. That's why I'll be showing you an "ugly Xmas party sweater" long after I wore the damn thing.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G772NXcXvSE/WGcNS5VTMbI/AAAAAAAAF9U/TfsJv_hAynwwxjND8hXf-AEX0GDtDuPDQCLcB/s1600/20161001_153501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G772NXcXvSE/WGcNS5VTMbI/AAAAAAAAF9U/TfsJv_hAynwwxjND8hXf-AEX0GDtDuPDQCLcB/s400/20161001_153501.jpg" width="207" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's not it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Let's do a little review of the last two months. </div>
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November brought us the election and an end to all the annoyance that comes with it; and it ended in a horrible twist that I sure didn't see coming. Not sorry for the political opinions. I do feel sorry for anyone who had to discuss our president-elect at their family Thanksgiving table. </div>
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Thanksgiving. I had been dreading it for months. Mom said we had to all agree that there would be no political talk as it was going to be hard enough for us due to our huge loss.</div>
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Jesse...months go by and still I think about him every day. <a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2016/04/world-is-so-cold.html" target="_blank">Here's the full story.</a> Thanksgiving and Christmas are prime grieving seasons and I knew I'd be missing him the most during these times. Sometimes I think back to last April and the accident and I think, "Did that <i>really</i> happen?!" His absence at the table really drove that truth home. </div>
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I made something, though!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83dF5Xajwd0/WGcLZLOVsAI/AAAAAAAAF9I/aHkoL9YrQLEBPWYObPtM-X09KUgsNUn7wCLcB/s1600/20161116_172907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-83dF5Xajwd0/WGcLZLOVsAI/AAAAAAAAF9I/aHkoL9YrQLEBPWYObPtM-X09KUgsNUn7wCLcB/s400/20161116_172907.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
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See that? It's a big sweater with some clothing scraps. I combined them. </div>
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I don't know where I got the idea. I guess I wanted to make a memorial that wasn't so obvious. I decided on that black sweater in that picture up at the top. That would've been a "before" shot, but it wasn't working out. I bought another long, black cardigan as long sweaters are something I pretty much wear round the clock in winter. (Savers $3.50, by the way.)</div>
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The scraps that I would use like patches were from t shirts that I'd been collecting. I wanted angel wings, cars, and I wanted sneakers. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70WVTehtztw/WGcOtE6LaTI/AAAAAAAAF9g/IqS8Zf4TulMC8JiYYsCnbyTPAJnT5qMAQCLcB/s1600/funeral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-70WVTehtztw/WGcOtE6LaTI/AAAAAAAAF9g/IqS8Zf4TulMC8JiYYsCnbyTPAJnT5qMAQCLcB/s400/funeral.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
That was his thing, he liked collecting sneakers. I was thinking I would have to print out an iron-on or something if I wanted sneakers. I actually looked through boy's clothes at Goodwill and found a red t shirt that was exactly what I needed.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGWM4jH8bLQ/WGcPqCEUmdI/AAAAAAAAF9o/8GMawfHZofY9nBrYSc0ekoL6wkDKPEQuQCLcB/s1600/20161116_174835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PGWM4jH8bLQ/WGcPqCEUmdI/AAAAAAAAF9o/8GMawfHZofY9nBrYSc0ekoL6wkDKPEQuQCLcB/s320/20161116_174835.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
I decided where I would place them and pinned them in place. The sneakers would be the focal point on the back with this wings over them. The cute little muscle car would go on the front, but it looked odd due to its small, elongated shape. I sewed the car to a scrap from the shirt I got the wings from so there was less negative space on that side of the sweater. Then, I carefully sewed them in place.<br />
I finished it just in time for Thanksgiving.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB478197dRM/WGcQz59UmWI/AAAAAAAAF90/gngS5hwdciUCWjs8rA14V8zbx0-ESYFVgCLcB/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cB478197dRM/WGcQz59UmWI/AAAAAAAAF90/gngS5hwdciUCWjs8rA14V8zbx0-ESYFVgCLcB/s400/collage.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
The picture is all filtered and really doesn't do it justice. I grabbed a few pics one night at my aunt's request. My family loved it! I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but my aunt, uncle and other cousins really thought it was great.<br />
The dice are mostly symbolic of the arbitrary nature of the events in his life. I found myself taking a chance on college because of his inspiration. Then, out of all the schools and grades in my city, I ended up doing observations in his kindergarten class. It's been said that having a baby is like playing the genetic lottery and my aunt rolled the dice on this one and managed to hit the jackpot. And in the end we all lost.<br />
Wow that's depressing! I'm gonna call it quits for the night, here's a preview of what I hope to share within the next 24 hours.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WreM_UG692o/WGcWkJrrblI/AAAAAAAAF-E/DxQt-cnQh80yopQifyzjDTvJN-ORavvHACLcB/s1600/20161229_201458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WreM_UG692o/WGcWkJrrblI/AAAAAAAAF-E/DxQt-cnQh80yopQifyzjDTvJN-ORavvHACLcB/s320/20161229_201458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BofGtfpVmBQ/WGcI-FH6PlI/AAAAAAAAF9A/wKsZMotPSGkqvR9dHL_rQwC3te7DY2_XgCEw/s1600/20161113_144544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BofGtfpVmBQ/WGcI-FH6PlI/AAAAAAAAF9A/wKsZMotPSGkqvR9dHL_rQwC3te7DY2_XgCEw/s400/20161113_144544.jpg" width="196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4_qCt6N3fU/WGcWtflW1FI/AAAAAAAAF-I/HCqH5pkqEtcn1c5XwtIc1CocZGDvT12TQCLcB/s1600/beforegrndress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y4_qCt6N3fU/WGcWtflW1FI/AAAAAAAAF-I/HCqH5pkqEtcn1c5XwtIc1CocZGDvT12TQCLcB/s400/beforegrndress.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
To be continued.<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-69295234257437996442016-12-11T15:57:00.000-08:002017-01-03T14:32:55.601-08:00You must be my lucky starYeah, I know these blog posts are coming fewer and fewer, my bad, so sorry, etc. Here's a great refash of a really cool dress.<br />
There's more...more of my poor blogging habits. There's no "before" picture. I know I took one at some point, but it doesn't seem to exist. That's because I started this project awhile ago and I'm just writing about it now.<br />
Fear not! I drew up an artist's rendition of it:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_5FK_vH6QY/WE3PjhM8FMI/AAAAAAAAF5w/mp98ebXXT-EUow-mCD5IBfwADcCdKWlHQCLcB/s1600/20161204_175908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_5FK_vH6QY/WE3PjhM8FMI/AAAAAAAAF5w/mp98ebXXT-EUow-mCD5IBfwADcCdKWlHQCLcB/s320/20161204_175908.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
LOL you guys. As you see, this dress has many of the common themes of '80s clothing. Actually, a common theme of my refashioning is complaining about the problems of '80s clothing. Such as:<br />
-Oversized fit.<br />
-High necklines. <br />
-Poof sleeves with shoulder pads and when you take the pads out, you're still left with a bunch of room at the top of your dress.<br />
-Weird waistlines. Dropped waist? I don't get it, I don't want to have a square shape. The darling dress as depicted in my little drawing had a regular elastic waist. What it also had was an extra layer sewed into the shoulders and neckline and falling below the natural waistline.<br />
One of my biggest complaints is a large top that flows over the waist band like so:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZp3cD_ZAH8/WE3TPnxG5cI/AAAAAAAAF58/V1e_UMbk8sEd01sOvYoKmPHF3urIqBlSACLcB/s1600/collageblousy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZp3cD_ZAH8/WE3TPnxG5cI/AAAAAAAAF58/V1e_UMbk8sEd01sOvYoKmPHF3urIqBlSACLcB/s400/collageblousy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
What you haven't seen is the incredible print my dress has.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVoQ-gchPI0/WE3UemT-E4I/AAAAAAAAF6I/ucVSYDYte_EmwVPZhr2m3jL6H8MdEC-xQCLcB/s1600/20160610_143611close.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wVoQ-gchPI0/WE3UemT-E4I/AAAAAAAAF6I/ucVSYDYte_EmwVPZhr2m3jL6H8MdEC-xQCLcB/s320/20160610_143611close.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
Stars. Black background, silver/blue/pink stars. I should have sold it, but I needed this incredible print to be mine.<br />
I really dropped the ball on the pictures for this project. I actually did something really cool with it. I can try and describe. Oh, and I can wear it three ways!<br />
I took off that extra top layer.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v90eMSSWcFo/WGwit-8eZNI/AAAAAAAAGBE/W9_oSEbY3youNHVXVPZtQXYFesNu74MJwCLcB/s1600/20160325_183603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v90eMSSWcFo/WGwit-8eZNI/AAAAAAAAGBE/W9_oSEbY3youNHVXVPZtQXYFesNu74MJwCLcB/s400/20160325_183603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Since it was all connected I had to repair the neckline and I went ahead and made it a little lower. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CW4QgeD4Cg/WE3ZExpEn4I/AAAAAAAAF6o/xQCd9vaNTkUFX0RT1ji65io58VAJa6l_QCLcB/s1600/DSCF1242closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5CW4QgeD4Cg/WE3ZExpEn4I/AAAAAAAAF6o/xQCd9vaNTkUFX0RT1ji65io58VAJa6l_QCLcB/s400/DSCF1242closeup.jpg" width="350" /></a></div>
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Pardon my pretentiousness. I'm like, "oooh, I'm glamorous!"I also hemmed it like, one inch. I think I actually took a small chop
off the bottom and then realized I should not have. I folded the hem
once and then used this stretch lace <br />
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</div>
to hide the raw edge:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vSucxUtKOo/WGwkzxrD5dI/AAAAAAAAGBU/ZhlFzMbQpAg9PsAvcnba621XDKxkhLUPQCLcB/s1600/20160329_174335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vSucxUtKOo/WGwkzxrD5dI/AAAAAAAAGBU/ZhlFzMbQpAg9PsAvcnba621XDKxkhLUPQCLcB/s320/20160329_174335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I just wanted to show that cool vintage packaging. <br />
So, I had that top layer I wanted to do something with so I did. I just can't exactly what. I think maybe I sewed up an arm hole and used the neck hole for...let's just look at the pictures shall we?<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE9s9lJUrOs/WE3fyBq4aHI/AAAAAAAAF64/mwZDPFrCuv8ksGmhEi0wHGQatIyVLHBSQCLcB/s1600/DSCF1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JE9s9lJUrOs/WE3fyBq4aHI/AAAAAAAAF64/mwZDPFrCuv8ksGmhEi0wHGQatIyVLHBSQCLcB/s640/DSCF1234.jpg" width="331" /></a></div>
Ok, so here's the dress with the top layer. (Look, a star necklace too.)What's happening here is I've got one arm through it and the ties (scroll back up to my drawing) are still connected to the top and are tied around my waist so it's like a wrap dress that has a peplum look on the left (your left) side. Close up?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRs6C0lYGDQ/WE3hbsxxqYI/AAAAAAAAF7E/ohB3WHvDVAMQ05EkUfc9-682Xb6bLts-gCLcB/s1600/DSCF1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zRs6C0lYGDQ/WE3hbsxxqYI/AAAAAAAAF7E/ohB3WHvDVAMQ05EkUfc9-682Xb6bLts-gCLcB/s400/DSCF1233.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
I love a good asymmetric look. Here's another way to wear this thing:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cz-dQGLABBA/WE3iZomN3wI/AAAAAAAAF7M/9mpKYdqBhH8yngO8cjXuu9exKryGdIfhgCLcB/s1600/DSCF1238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cz-dQGLABBA/WE3iZomN3wI/AAAAAAAAF7M/9mpKYdqBhH8yngO8cjXuu9exKryGdIfhgCLcB/s400/DSCF1238.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
Now, I've got the top on sideways or something giving me one side with a big, flowing arm hole. Words are really not working with me here. More close up.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX6IwexlJhM/WE3jJRbBDiI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/IaO5q9RIzRIB_Vf1zYJaXIMIFoo2_g-5gCLcB/s1600/20160610_143611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX6IwexlJhM/WE3jJRbBDiI/AAAAAAAAF7Q/IaO5q9RIzRIB_Vf1zYJaXIMIFoo2_g-5gCLcB/s400/20160610_143611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
That's a selfie closeup. Can you see I connected the two layers with a brooch? Here's a picture of it alongside the necklace so they can be better appreciated:<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bXVXKo_wek/WGwlnVd9yKI/AAAAAAAAGBg/exJ6PzgEB_sPoMDGZKMGZxEMx-3BjEJAQCLcB/s1600/20161229_201351.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9bXVXKo_wek/WGwlnVd9yKI/AAAAAAAAGBg/exJ6PzgEB_sPoMDGZKMGZxEMx-3BjEJAQCLcB/s320/20161229_201351.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is the dress with a belt on it:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPpzRZ__oZ8/WE3jztZ3mcI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/V0J7epB4y5QWGnYenlGJvsTGyVjdvJddQCLcB/s1600/DSCF1240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPpzRZ__oZ8/WE3jztZ3mcI/AAAAAAAAF7Y/V0J7epB4y5QWGnYenlGJvsTGyVjdvJddQCLcB/s400/DSCF1240.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
Here's a line up! The one labeled as 3 is my favorite.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLHKLi-o2j8/WE3mykVB1nI/AAAAAAAAF7o/qmeSl7Gv1FUMOOlmnOh-8wX_7kS5QwzSACLcB/s1600/collagestardress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="497" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XLHKLi-o2j8/WE3mykVB1nI/AAAAAAAAF7o/qmeSl7Gv1FUMOOlmnOh-8wX_7kS5QwzSACLcB/s640/collagestardress.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-40814721339418771102016-11-02T16:11:00.000-07:002016-11-03T16:39:01.802-07:00Hello Halloween!I mean "Goodbye Halloween." It's November, but I wasn't gonna finish a project early just so I can blog about it in a timely fashion.<br />
In my youthful days of joy, I would spend weeks planning a costume. Something sexy and fun, but not totally cliche. Then, I would prepare Halloween themed desserts, sometimes even a cocktail and celebrate the shit out of that holiday at what was always the party of the year.<br />
Now, my sad ass just dresses up for school. I knew what I wanted to wear, whether it was age appropriate or not...<br />
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Helloooooo</div>
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So, if you read my blog over the summer, you'd know that I like Hello Kitty now. (Waves fist) You better be ok with that! <a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2016/06/how-do-you-talk-to-angel.html" target="_blank">(Why I like Kitty.)</a> It's "kawaii" which means "cute af" in Japanese from what I can gather. The whole Sanrio-Kitty world is just so cute and endearing. The simplicity is what makes her over the top cute.<br />
Oh, and I do remember the news story that came out awhile back declaring Hello Kitty "not a cat" and I declare "bullshit." Paws, whiskers, little cat ears...yeah, that's a cat, you can't pull a fast one on me!</div>
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Anyway...my costume. I searched Pinterest and Google images for some inspiration.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hymRmi0KLIg/WBpmQOF2wwI/AAAAAAAAF3A/Rqst1s2o0OEQwzKDJQfnZQqng0g1fr89ACLcB/s1600/HKinsp1collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hymRmi0KLIg/WBpmQOF2wwI/AAAAAAAAF3A/Rqst1s2o0OEQwzKDJQfnZQqng0g1fr89ACLcB/s400/HKinsp1collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I wanted a cross between that strapless dress and that cute baby. She looks so comfy. </div>
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Here are some other ideas that could possibly be work appropriate. If I wanted to be recognized I needed the cat ears and bow, which I bought. For the clothing part, Kitty's usual outfit seems to be a jumper; something with shoulder straps like overalls. Her colors seem to have two basic schemes: classic red/blue/yellow or girly red and pink.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNJDPldp_Xw/WBpn1L_-fUI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/4oq1JEM_CE0_aEIsulAskjaArxdmuP2hwCLcB/s1600/HKinsp3collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNJDPldp_Xw/WBpn1L_-fUI/AAAAAAAAF3Q/4oq1JEM_CE0_aEIsulAskjaArxdmuP2hwCLcB/s400/HKinsp3collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I didn't want to go subtle, so I figured I would construct a dress with images of Kitty herself. Even though that's kinda like this:<br />
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Milhouse: <i>Check it out Lisa! I’m Radioactive Man!</i></div>
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Lisa: <i>I don’t think the real Radioactive Man wears a plastic smock with a picture of himself on it!</i></div>
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Milhouse:<i> He would on Halloween!</i></div>
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I started with this stupid garment:</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJJ3wvU5QC4/WBpq5qWgnqI/AAAAAAAAF3g/PC_Ao7MTtIsvkdlKcu6LjfXSw5xJ0F2kwCLcB/s1600/20161029_163647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rJJ3wvU5QC4/WBpq5qWgnqI/AAAAAAAAF3g/PC_Ao7MTtIsvkdlKcu6LjfXSw5xJ0F2kwCLcB/s400/20161029_163647.jpg" width="218" /></a></div>
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I did not waste time modeling a "before" shot because it's not funny looking, it's just one of those terrycloth beachwear things. Obviously not a jumper, but it worked for me. Then I hit up the little girls' department of Savers and found this:</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfjjm7lKrxs/WBprje2bxcI/AAAAAAAAF3o/aH2wsgf3WxEmSgTqJeWAe9zJOj7mGardwCLcB/s1600/20161026_192310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hfjjm7lKrxs/WBprje2bxcI/AAAAAAAAF3o/aH2wsgf3WxEmSgTqJeWAe9zJOj7mGardwCLcB/s400/20161026_192310.jpg" width="337" /></a></div>
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I almost felt bad about destroying it just for the picture of Kitty with the 3D bow. But I cut her out right around the head. The stretchy bathing suit material was kinda worn and pill-y. </div>
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Then I went to Goodwill and found this one:</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uukfkar-Chk/WBpsTZAoWeI/AAAAAAAAF3w/3CttDc5MhwAtbxi0MzQiC3IM1SX4ej72ACLcB/s1600/20161029_161506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uukfkar-Chk/WBpsTZAoWeI/AAAAAAAAF3w/3CttDc5MhwAtbxi0MzQiC3IM1SX4ej72ACLcB/s400/20161029_161506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oooh, sequined Hello Kitty face! Now, I want that one. Both dresses were $3 each, so...probably not money well spent for scraps. </div>
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The transplant took place and the sparkle head was added to the front of my red "jumper." Then, I looked at the other one and wanted that one too. I made a pocket with it!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwHTW4Kd3SM/WBpuemx53tI/AAAAAAAAF4A/YfamR5vbQ6kngx9xoosh3s-qlh1K86lYACLcB/s1600/20161031_181631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gwHTW4Kd3SM/WBpuemx53tI/AAAAAAAAF4A/YfamR5vbQ6kngx9xoosh3s-qlh1K86lYACLcB/s320/20161031_181631.jpg" width="305" /></a></div>
I didn't get a real picture, I just zoomed in.<br />
Who has a pair of white leggings? Couldn't find any, until I asked my mom the night before. She said "Yeah, I think I do. And I don't think I've ever worn them. Why do I have them?"<br />
The finishing touch was a really fun Hello Kitty necklace for $1.99. Actually, I drew on some whiskers. That was the finishing touch. <br />
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Just a mirror selfie. My mirror just leans against the wall in my bedroom so I moved it into the kitchen for the white background. Here's one without the white:<br />
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The children loved it, and everyone was reminded of my darling little friend AB who attends a different school this year. (Scroll up and click the link in the second paragraph, that will tell you who AB is.) I definitely sent a pic to her Nana's phone so I could say Happy Halloween and remind her of how we all miss her.<br />
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Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-32452989735964973602016-10-21T18:09:00.002-07:002016-10-21T18:10:59.522-07:00Quick! Just blog something! Here's a necklaceSo, it's fall now. I haven't blogged. When school starts, I seem to go through a little transition period. I'm like, "Woah, I have to get up and go to work everyday and get used to a new assignment! My mind is blown!" So, I haven't blogged in almost two months. I figured I better get something posted to break the blog fast. It's a necklace put together from scraps of three other necklaces.<br />
I started with this:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjC80JYRQpg/WAqeQ0pCf6I/AAAAAAAAF1o/CTVTncEW4kIuqno1XdcupPoGG1aVbcwJQCLcB/s1600/20160828_123531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wjC80JYRQpg/WAqeQ0pCf6I/AAAAAAAAF1o/CTVTncEW4kIuqno1XdcupPoGG1aVbcwJQCLcB/s320/20160828_123531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A silver tone octopus pendant. Not exactly a rare find, but I found it at Savers for $1.99 and had a plan. You see, I love necklaces. I rarely wear my bracelets or rings any more and I almost never wear earrings. But necklaces I have in abundance. I like to find the right piece of neck jewelry to flatter my outfits.<br />
When I wear something like a solid color t shirt or anything that lacks detail in the bodice section, I like long necklace. Not a long chain or strand of beads; I've found that I'm so damn particular that I can describe exactly the necklace I want to pair with a t shirt. It's got a cluster of stuff...<br />
It has a long and multi-piece pendant and not a long chain. So, the good part of the necklace takes up space, not the chain. Examples from the internet:<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFGzQeiSqU/WAquoSIEdGI/AAAAAAAAF10/n5v7g_QOEnYXMCBoClNP55KgNMwiiwthgCLcB/s1600/collagencklcex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NTFGzQeiSqU/WAquoSIEdGI/AAAAAAAAF10/n5v7g_QOEnYXMCBoClNP55KgNMwiiwthgCLcB/s640/collagencklcex.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I needed a chain about 24".<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6yl3FTx_Qo/WAqu7DJbyNI/AAAAAAAAF14/DXF1O-NzdEcxnEwYRs-h5rG4oYxVoeBzACLcB/s1600/20160828_123459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K6yl3FTx_Qo/WAqu7DJbyNI/AAAAAAAAF14/DXF1O-NzdEcxnEwYRs-h5rG4oYxVoeBzACLcB/s400/20160828_123459.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
All photographs were taken using a Canon digital SLR potato. I added those tassels to that chain about two years ago <a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2014/04/paint-it-black-shirt-to-kimono-refashion.html" target="_blank">(here's that post</a>.) So there's that part.<br />
Now scroll back up and look at the octopus. See how there is an extra hole there on its bottom arm? I don't know what that hole is called. I just needed something to hang from it.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_aWHFd0MeU/WAqxFZ77gbI/AAAAAAAAF18/mBNjWf6peOYkJ664ID-QqOdnTFscfAJ2ACLcB/s1600/20160828_123629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_aWHFd0MeU/WAqxFZ77gbI/AAAAAAAAF18/mBNjWf6peOYkJ664ID-QqOdnTFscfAJ2ACLcB/s320/20160828_123629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Here is an understated little cubic zirconia necklace that I haven't worn in a while. This was easy to transfer because the bale was easily opened and closed. So, there's something. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Pj3I6XQz4/WAqx5z03KjI/AAAAAAAAF2A/DMhXSSZm1-8F-4iqZ7I2cgBEkIN4uV22ACLcB/s1600/20160902_114822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J6Pj3I6XQz4/WAqx5z03KjI/AAAAAAAAF2A/DMhXSSZm1-8F-4iqZ7I2cgBEkIN4uV22ACLcB/s400/20160902_114822.jpg" width="355" /></a></div>
Nice, but nope; it still needs more. How about one of them black tassels? Sure.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7bAspoNhww/WAqyoefV9TI/AAAAAAAAF2E/r0WgrV4BPQwWUFXhBIDbZPyGfiMHjY2ewCLcB/s1600/20160902_115102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a7bAspoNhww/WAqyoefV9TI/AAAAAAAAF2E/r0WgrV4BPQwWUFXhBIDbZPyGfiMHjY2ewCLcB/s400/20160902_115102.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
Aaaand that works for me. Didn't feel like fancying up for any decent pictures. Here's the necklace on a shirt!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDRcRHT255A/WAqzg4-QwlI/AAAAAAAAF2M/DW9jsNzpDtoQF3rzCwHKL6s9ajKWESlXwCLcB/s1600/20161014_185252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nDRcRHT255A/WAqzg4-QwlI/AAAAAAAAF2M/DW9jsNzpDtoQF3rzCwHKL6s9ajKWESlXwCLcB/s320/20161014_185252.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
I'll write about the school year next time, I have other news. That necklace ain't the only thing that's been chopped up. Look at this pic from a little while back:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w91LJLdUCIM/WAq0nO5gE1I/AAAAAAAAF2Q/uMvk77PWE3AeuOwuNhYqtC9i2Itya27ggCLcB/s1600/20150624_171709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w91LJLdUCIM/WAq0nO5gE1I/AAAAAAAAF2Q/uMvk77PWE3AeuOwuNhYqtC9i2Itya27ggCLcB/s320/20150624_171709.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
Look at the neck area. See anything? Here, I'll embiggen and circle it...<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuiS6-Nmnqs/WAq1eaGEK7I/AAAAAAAAF2U/R4B7rNiTuD8tTQlFOZjCi6OQpaW00U-QQCLcB/s1600/20150624_171709%2Bcircled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XuiS6-Nmnqs/WAq1eaGEK7I/AAAAAAAAF2U/R4B7rNiTuD8tTQlFOZjCi6OQpaW00U-QQCLcB/s400/20150624_171709%2Bcircled.jpg" width="368" /></a></div>
I can barely see it either. That's because I tend to make them disappear in my pics. Here's the dark secret I've been hiding!<br />
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Nice to mole you.</div>
<br />
Remember 2002? Here...<br />
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I've been very bothered by 3-dimensional birthmarks for quite some time. They don't look awful in the picture, but I assure you I noticed and the damn kids <i>definitely </i>noticed and some were curious enough to ask "What is that on your neck?"<br />
Finally...nothing. Nothing's on my neck. Despite them being benign, I recently had them removed via surgery. Which I may not have elected to do had it not been for that other thing.<br />
There was a huge, hideous bump in the back of my scalp near the hairline. I've had it since birth, but only in my adulthood did it grow to ginormous size. I did not get a picture of that. Nor did I get a picture of the fourth thing. The third now-removed mole, once located on my right axillary. That's the armpit.<br />
On that note, I'll wrap this up. I have many, many refashions to show you so you better come back!Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-12857116135918991332016-08-30T16:42:00.001-07:002016-08-30T17:55:07.837-07:00I will definitely sinkIt's like the tattoo or maybe a picture shared on Facebook; the image of an old-timey anchor along with the words, "I refuse to sink."<br />
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Look, I know it's not supposed to be literal, but the picture and words just don't match for me! If you've got an anchor that refuses to sink, then you've got a crap anchor and soon you won't have a boat.<br />
August is almost almost over and that is sad because it means I can't really wear my nautical themed stuff. (It's the law.) I guess I was too lazy to do a proper "before" picture.<br />
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There it is on a hanger what do you want from me I must have been busy. I got that at Goodwill over the winter from what I can recall. I seemed to remember a certain dollar day when I said, "fine, I'll do something with it for a dollar." Here's a closeup of the bodice.<br />
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While researching dresses from the company "Lanz Originals" on Etsy, guess what I happened to come across?<br />
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Well, look at that. It's by a cool vintage dress label and WHERE'S MY LITTLE SWEATSHIRT/ JACKET?!<br />
I knew this was going to be a nautical-sailor themed dress that I have such a fondness for. So, when summer came around, I pulled this out of hiding. I decided that I hate square necklines, so I did that thing I always do where I pinch a little gather in the center of the bust area. I'm pretty sure I took a picture, but I did this months ago and I'm just know realizing summer's death is imminent and need to post about this asap. No time to search through all my pics, you'll have to wait until the end.<br />
Look at how full the bottom of this thing is:<br />
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I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but decided not to mess around. I just cut about 2" off the bottom for the sash. It wasn't fraying so I didn't hem it. Corner cut. Now scroll up a bit and look at those odd little sleeves.<br />
God damn it, I need to keep my pictures better organized! You'll have to imagine how those pointy ends this dress called "sleeves" made it look like I had wide shoulders. I cut them off, but don't worry I did hem the armholes.<br />
So, I was getting somewhere. I went through a bunch of appliques and buttons to look for some sort of boat/anchor to add. That way there would be no mistake that this dress was nautical. I rememberd that several months ago, I pulled this out of the bins at the Goodwill outlet:<br />
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Cool, a sexy Halloween costume! Everyone knows that when you wear rubber gloves and dig an item from a large bin of undesirable castoffs, said item should be laundered immediately. Unless...<br />
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I want my $.70 back. Can't wash it in any way? I'm guessing the cheap blue dye would run over everything else. I figured I could use it for spare parts. I was reminded of something I've seen when browsing vintage nautical dresses.<br />
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Look at that wacky, waving mannequin. See how there's a large anchor right up at the top? Maybe? I seam rippered the gold applique off my costume. Here's a preview with the bodice with the bust gather and anchor.<br />
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I'm glad I made the sash belt, because an actual belt might be overkill. I did add a few gold studs to it for some reason.<br />
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Done. <br />
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I guess this is the demure and modest pose that doesn't fit with the style of the post or the dress.<br />
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See you when school starts.<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-1537123208680812992016-08-24T16:00:00.000-07:002016-08-24T16:00:06.457-07:00A crap-ton of candles and a lot of cakeIt is my birthday. Well it <i>was</i> my b-day on Sunday, but I like to take a whole week. This post has a dress refashion! Which I will get to at some point. Preview?<br />
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There's the "before." But, <i>before</i> I get to re-do, I'd like to address something...<br />
Earlier this summer, Facebook showed me one of those "memories". From that wacky, manic, sexy summer of 2012; this picture:<br />
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So, Facebook asked me if I remembered when I shared this pic. I sure do. I lightly dented the Internet with this one! It generated some great buzz! Awesome! I was modeling a cute little vintage one-piece. I used to love those. I even made it a tag back then!<br />
It was a grainy mirror pic, but if you see what I see, you see a fine young thing. I looked so thin and in such great shape!<br />
It wasn't that long ago...four years. Well, I guess I've made some changes since then. Here's a more recent picture from earlier this year:<br />
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That's a "before" shot of a referee-like dress that I haven't refashioned yet. Not a flattering look, I know. Does anything stand out to you? Here's another. <br />
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Looks like I put on a couple of lbs! Rounded out a bit! Added an extra layer of fat! Look at this:<br />
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Can you believe I posted a pic of these short shorts in 2013? <br />Over my birthday weekend, Chris and I went out for breakfast where I had a big-ass Belgian waffle and some sides. Upon my return from the restaurant, I felt like taking a nap and Chris lagged on the couch. "Why are we so tired?" I asked. "Because we're old as fuck?"<br />
"Old as fuck, fat as fuck, and lazy as fuck," Chris replied, listing off some reasons we were headed for a food coma. I LOLed because it was such an exaggeration. I mean, we both look fine.<br />
It was back in the winter that I first noticed that much of my clothing was simply too tight. I was horrified, but it made sense. In recent years, I have done some serious gorging on goodies like donuts, cake, cookies, etc. Up until late 2013, I had a part time retail job which kept me more mobile than I currently am when I'm listing crap on Etsy. Look, things happen!<br />
I've started doing better. I'll probably never be that young gal in that picture again, but I've cut way back on the morning donuts (like hardly every get one) and I've started drinking fruit smoothies for lunch. I've had less ice cream than I would've liked to have this summer.<br />
So, that dress:<br />
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What is that? A muu muu? The picture doesn't quite do it justice. Look at all that room in the armpits, and it really didn't have much of a waist. I thought this would be an easy fix. For once, I was right! It was easy!<br />
I'll spare you the process, because once I took it in on the sides, I felt like it was mostly fine just like that. I also shortened those arm straps, they were quite long. <br />
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It's not very noticeable, but whenever I'm doing something with pink flowers I'm afraid of not looking cool. So, I pulled the old BeDazzler out and put some little round studs along the top of the dress and on the straps. Added my favorite helper, the waist cincher belt too.<br />
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Now look:<br />
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The pictures came out a little soft, but doesn't that dress look perfectly cute with a rockabilly vibe? Did you also notice those lovely shoes? Aerosoles! Brand new from Savers, $7!<br />
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It's kind of cheating, because I really just made it smaller.<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-30952274454402257252016-08-18T06:59:00.000-07:002016-08-18T06:59:51.739-07:00No creative title; tiki skirtI have a lot of refashions to post. Let's get these done. I'll start with a skirt resizing. So...not really a refash, but it's a great skirt.<br />
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That skirt is too damn big. Too long and way too much room in that big fold-over waist at the top.<br />
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Can you see the pattern on that?</div>
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It's great. What are those tiki...things? Tiki statues? I bought it for three or four bucks, it was half off something. I knew it was too big, but small-ing it would have some challenges. For starters, it was in two layers. Underneath the visible layer was an additional layer to give it some poof.<br />
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I just cut out the whole inner layer. By now it was early June so that would be better. One problem solved. See that waist area? It's just a big folded over thing with no elastic in it. It was way too big and I seriously didn't know how to deal with that.<br />
I decided I should probably take in the whole damn thing. There was plenty of room. I cut out sections from each side, but left the top portion intact so I could deal with that later.<br />
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What's that saying? Cut several times, measure never? Yeah, that's right. Let's see...<br />
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Ha ha ha, that happened. My estimates were way off! So, I went ahead and took in the sides of that knit waist area. Then I did this:<br />
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See that elastic piece that I just used to fill in the too small area? That would be the new waist. The material on top of that would fold over, hiding that "fix." This also solved the problem of the too long length.<br />
It worked!<br />
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It's my favorite summer jam: the full midi skirt with cropped tee!<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-66185763183145776432016-07-15T16:15:00.000-07:002016-07-15T16:15:09.282-07:00Throwin' shade; (and Mod Pdge Fabric)If only...I wish this was a scandalous blog post where I call out some unnamed hater and drop the mic on some fool who did me wrong.<br />
This post isn't even about sunglasses...it's about lamp shades.<br />
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Woo hoo, look at those beauties...I bet I'm totally capturing readers with this image, drawing you in with a great pair of boring old lamp shades.<br />
Even though I have a huge backlog of sewing projects to show you, I feel like it's been a while since I did a non-clothing DIY post. Here's how I did something to some shades. I'll throw in some pictures of lamps, too!<br />
So, those are two small fabric lamp dealies. They're boring and beige but they were $1 each and just the right size for some $2 lamps I recently brought home.<br />
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Just a couple of fancy ceramic pillars painted to resemble french vanilla ice cream with the little black specks. How can I make them more appealing? With fancy shades. Or regular shades that I would fancy up. When I got this idea in my head, I impulsively got up and went to Savers to look at fabric remnants and pillow shades. I had a plan.<br />
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A plan that included Mod Podge for Fabric that I had to acquire. (I added that brand name to the title because maybe this post will come up on Google searches.) So, with my blue-labeled decoupage medium and two floral place mats --that's what I found at Savers-- I was down to do this thing. I cranked on the air conditioner and for ready to attach some things to things.<br />
That's pretty much my way of describing most of my projects. I take two or more items/materials and some kind of adhesive then join them together: attach things to things.<br />
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The place mats were very 60s-70s floral with a barkcloth feel. There's a hastily snapped picture of one of the place mats before I tore into it with some new fabric-only scissors.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVCh9f98-Iw/V4ljU19XTEI/AAAAAAAAFrg/fY_iimXzJv4b-i6QNoQedkTufkEyxFP7gCLcB/s1600/20160617_172848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVCh9f98-Iw/V4ljU19XTEI/AAAAAAAAFrg/fY_iimXzJv4b-i6QNoQedkTufkEyxFP7gCLcB/s400/20160617_172848.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and here it is after.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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What did you think I was going to do? Take measurements, mark where to cut, do geometry, and then cover the shade with properly sized fabric? That's what a good crafter would do. I decided to cut a bunch of the flowers and leaves from the mat in various sizes. I was going to do this collage style.<br />
After a shit-ton of cutting, I grabbed a paint brush and started painting the backs of my cut-outs with Mod Podge, paying no mind to the fraying around the edges. Because screw it. I let my hard work dry overnight before adding the top layer of Podge to my masterpieces. Eventually, I had these:<br />
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Closer look?<br />
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High five me because I created these and these are great. The flowers are kinda 3-D, kinda trompe l'eoil (prob spelled that wrong), and maybe a little shabby. Buy my lamps.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4y5BKxMWLY/V4lml83pTqI/AAAAAAAAFsA/bqhqmjbcn7se-VazJcEAafeRJ3LOXG6KgCLcB/s1600/20160624_145533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B4y5BKxMWLY/V4lml83pTqI/AAAAAAAAFsA/bqhqmjbcn7se-VazJcEAafeRJ3LOXG6KgCLcB/s320/20160624_145533.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/462442137/vintage-bedside-lamp-pair-white-black?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank">available on Etsy</a></div>
High on my own personal satisfaction, I overestimated my technique and hauled one of these babies out of hiding:<br />
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Just the shades, not the granny lamps. Those are two perfectly good, huge, drum shaped lamp shades that also happened to be all dingy and ugly from their years. I got a fix for that.<br />
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The picture doesn't do it justice, but it's a glorious large pillow sham featuring botanical-looking wildflowers in beautiful colors! I repeated the above process...<br />
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Nope. That's a no for me, hard pass, do not want. I guess from a distance, it's doable but it just reminds me too much of a poster that has been plastered with images cut from magazines and layered with Elmers.<br />
But, you should see the lamp I planned on pairing it with:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxMS0kdC3QI/V4lrIc2u4FI/AAAAAAAAFso/BflZ-0aOshsUfG4Bc6cqBfv9kc1Ep_xMgCLcB/s1600/20160630_113152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yxMS0kdC3QI/V4lrIc2u4FI/AAAAAAAAFso/BflZ-0aOshsUfG4Bc6cqBfv9kc1Ep_xMgCLcB/s400/20160630_113152.jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
Nice find, right? It's all swirly and 70s colored. Mint condish, lamp lovers...<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/463452727/vintage-mid-century-lamp-golden-yellow?ref=shop_home_active_12" target="_blank">for sale on Etsy.</a><br />
I've got a whole lamp party over here. Boatloads of lighting! Stick around and I'll do a whole post of 'em, nothing but pictures of lamps.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meh.</td></tr>
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2986856965637144866.post-9252017587326222692016-07-10T17:03:00.000-07:002019-08-22T16:55:06.098-07:00I guess this is growing upSo, to conclude my story about the 2015-16 school year...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cat interpretation of me and my little girls as we strut down the hall.</td></tr>
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It was a good school year. It was nice sitting at the end of the table with AB on one side and RW on the other. It was fun referring to them as "my girls" because I usually have "my boys" and this was a nice change of pace. I loved the whole class, really. I wasn't the only paraprofessional in
the room. Christine was there too, so we had three adults as well as
several students that needed attention. We had EJ, a boy with autism and
a big mouth who had a hard time controlling his body. He was also smart as a
whip and affectionate with friends. AB is not a cuddly child, but when
EJ ran and hugged her, she allowed it as if she knew that physical
connection was something he needed.<br />
We had this sweet little curly haired boy, RD (not special needs) with a brother in first grade. Brother was always in trouble. In May, the "troublemaker" brother was hit by a car and had to be put into a medically induced coma. So, that was sad. I saw curly haired boy at Savers with his grandmother and I told her that it was really important to me that this boy come out of this, as I had just lost a family member.<br />
The point of all this is uh...just pointing out the hard things that kids have to go through. I'm just glad we had such a good group of diverse children.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is a picture of me with a spring dress to break up all the text.</td></tr>
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So, as the spring went on it was clear that AB and her siblings were in good hands at their grandparents' house. I hoped that this would become her "forever" home. This would be good for her to have a stable home life, but...not so good for me.<br />
You see the grandparents live a few towns over. AB and her sister GB were only finishing the school year with us and assuming they stayed with their grandparents in the fall, they should be at their neighborhood school. My little girl would be away from me.<br />
AB, GB, and I never talked about this. I didn't want her to spend her last weeks at PV (our school's initials) having anxiety about the next year. I just wanted to enjoy the time we had together.<br />
We started practicing songs for our kindergarten "graduation." One was a
cheesy graduation-themed cover of "Dynamite" (you know the one). The
other was a corny but seriously heartwarming rendition of "Lean on Me". <br />
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During one of our rehearsals, I told our class to really <i>listen</i> to the words. "The song's about helping each other through our hard times that we have," I said without being too specific. I told the class how they were there for me when I was sad. In my mind, I thought about RD and his brother's accident; I thought about WT, the brilliant Vietnamese boy when he had to serve a detention after ignoring the warning about running in the hallway (he was horrified!); and I thought about all the hardships AB had been through that brought us to this moment.<br />
Four kindergarten classes would be performing and doing a little commencement activity on the last day of school, so we practiced on the stage ahead of time. During our first stage rehearsal, the other para, Christine was absent so I was looking after all of the children with special needs. One girl, LL, wanted no part of practice and left the stage, walking out of the auditorium. That would mean I had to chase after her, leaving AB and RW.<br />
I hadn't mentioned LL, as she was sort of an antagonist in AB's story. Her behavior was not always so good and my little angel was often the victim of it. Sometimes they were friends and sometimes LL pushed, teased, and even stole from AB. I wanted LL to stay away from her, but AB always gave her more chances.<br />
LL was having a "sticky fingers" problem and her favorite thing to steal was Play-Doh. Yes, fistfuls of it would be hidden in her pocket. Therefore, she was not allowed to play with Play-Doh.<br />
One lazy afternoon, the children were moving about the room doing different activities. AB, RW, and some others with playing with the stuffed cats and dogs (and Hello Kitty) at the "vet center." They were socializing appropriately and I was so happy to see there little hands flapping with joy. (Side note: AB does not have Autism, she was flapping because she wanted to be like her friend.)<br />
LL came into the room after speech services and saw that her table group was playing with Play Doh. She was reminded that it was off limits to her and that she could pick another group. Sadly, she whimpered that what she really wanted was to play with Play-Doh. She was near our group as Christine consoled her, reminding her of the consequences of theft and telling her to pick a different activity.<br />
Then this happened: <br />
AB picked up her own Hello Kitty plush, walked over to LL and handed it to her. My jaw dropped as I witnessed the most compassionate act I'd ever seen from a child. You see, a few days earlier, LL took a tiny Lalaloopsy doll out of AB's backpack and attempted to take it home by concealing it in a bag of chips. And AB couldn't tell anyone or do anything about it. Luckily, Christine thwarted the heist, but this was upsetting to AB.<br />
Less than a week after this betrayal, here she was consoling the girl who stole her doll by offering her another of her toys! Without the use if words, AB invited LL to join her group. The little girl who was too shy to point to the bathroom pass when she needed to go, had the courage and empathy to reach out to her intimidating classmate in that classmate's time of need. If she had been using her voice, I imagine what she was saying was: "You look very sad, like you need a friend to help you. Here, take my precious Hello Kitty which I trust you to have, despite your previous actions. Let us now play with stuffed animals."<br />
My heart heart melted. This would be the time to play...<br />
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<i>It's "The Most Beautiful Girl in the World!" by Prince! If it's not taken down yet. </i></div>
Our class had done two concerts with the music teacher and neither time, did AB want anything to do with being on stage. On the day of this rehearsal, she was trying. As she stood on the risers, I told her that I had to go make sure LL was safe and asked her to stay with our friends. I would be right back.<br />
I was, and she did. She stayed on the stage. I was so proud that I told her I would find a graduation Kitty with a little graduation cap and diploma. Like this one:<br />
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I should probably get a graduation Minnie too. Neither of which I was able to find in stores and had no time to wait for delivery. I ended up with these:<br />
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I was going to remove the caps from that bear and smiley face and place them on Kitty and Minnie. I decided that the Lollipop Kitty wasn't right and managed to find one (at Savers again!) that was just perfect, albeit a little large. I forgot to take "after pics", but I have one of Big Grad Kitty:<br />
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You should have seen the delight on her face when she saw that. Here's the little lady herself in one of the photos Christine took for me. I wish I could show you that face.<br />
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That morning of our graduation party was beautiful. All the children were dressed up and excited. It brought back memories, like from a few years back when B (<a href="http://craftthriftordie.blogspot.com/2014/08/gimme-some-rope-im-comin-loose.html" target="_blank">Read about him here</a>) was leaving kindergarten and I told him that I'd always be there for him. I had made the same blue cupcakes that I did in 2013. In February, I had to say goodbye to B, as he left our school to join the program for emotionally handicapped children; he needed more help than we could give.<br />
The clock of my memories rolled back even further back to Jesse's kindergarten graduation. I recalled how we mingled in the classroom after the ceremony. Jesse lifted his arms to hug his mom and asked to be picked up. Even though he was headed for first grade, he looked so small in my aunt's arms. <br />
These days are so bittersweet. As I looked at the glowing, happy little girl before me, I noticed that she was a world away from the one who started school in September of that year. Where there once stood a terrified, scruffy lost soul, was standing tall as a beautiful, proud first grader.<br />
Had she been staying in the neighborhood, I would've been looking forward to another awesome school year together; but I would have to say goodbye.<br />
The others, I would see next year, except for EJ who I would also miss terribly. Even though I will see them again, it won't be the same because they won't be the same. There is no other year like the year they are in kindergarten. They grow up and us adults are forced to stand by and watch with nothing we can do to stop it!<br />
Sometimes they grow so fast that you can no longer help them and for their own good, you have to say hope they are in a better situation.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year I said goodbye to one of my angels, when we could no longer meet his needs.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Or sometimes, you watch one grow into a wonderful young man only to lose him forever.<br />
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So...I guess what I'm saying is that life is cruel. Children should stay little forever and should definitely never die.<br />
So, that was my school year! When times were bad, I was fortunate to have had some sunshine in my life at work. I'll never forget that little girl and I know I'll see her again. I will never forget any of them.<br />
The end.<br />
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<br />Erica Moodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10685441918053093470noreply@blogger.com0