Beads, crystals and belts, oh my!

I've been posting about preparing for alumni weekend. I worked out the fabric issue and picked a pattern to use as the foundation for the dress. I braved the masses and went to the new H&M store and found a very cute tote for $17.95. It has the bow accent that is also very popular right now. In previous posts, I have mentioned making a belt inspired by the bib necklaces which are becoming rapidly mainstream. (Now available at Express in various colors & styles)

Traipsing to my local Micheal's, I looked for the necessary materials: felt, beads, little flowers, etc. Still needing some extra items, I went to The Bead Room in Durham, NC. It is a wonderful store with an interesting history to it. There I got a few different kinds of beads to at to my belt.


a) gray stone beads b) clear glass beads c) silver filigree flowers d) cherry crystal beads e) gold filigree leaves f) peacock baroque pearls g) textured metal beads

I also cut out felt pieces like leaves and circles and I'll see what I can do with it. Stay tuned. ~HLS

Zebra pencil skirt, B5466

The jist: Semi fitted straight skirt, above mid knee, has darts, princess seams, waistband & self belt. Pattern Sizing: 8-14. Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?Yes it did! Were the instructions easy to follow? Didn't read them. What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? After fitting, it's a hr project.
Fabric Used: Cotton print from Lemon Creek Fabrics. Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:Shortened pattern about 4inches, inserted an invisible side zip instead of a back zip. Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes! This is me new skirt standby pattern. It's super comfortable and I've worn it a couple of times on mini vacays.
Super easy pattern!

I really wanted to sew this print more than anything! And I had fun styling it. Check that out here:















What are your thoughts? Feel free to share!

Dastardly!

Well, we all learn lessons. Sometimes the hard way. That's the adult way of looking at things. When really I'm upset and a bit ticked off. After searching for a better deal on a pink stretch twill, I came up empty handed. The hot pink cotton-Lycra blend, I found earlier was the best fabric. Notice I said was, because when I entered the store to purchase the fabric I was stunned to find that it was gone. Yes, gone. The ENTIRE bolt of fabric. It's like going to the Cheesecake Factory to order the Pumpkin Cheesecake only to have them tell you they won't have it until next fall, it's all gone. Except in my case, the fabric is not reorder-able, ever. A moment of silence for the beautiful jacquard...

Well, time is a ticking so I have to kick it into gear and be resourceful. I raced to the nearest Jo-Ann Fabrics and searched through their stretch twill fabrics. None with the subtle design that the other fabric had *sniff* (sorry, still in mourning), but aha! a nice stretch twill that is a beautiful color on my skin.
So now, I have to move quickly. The belt I'm working on will have to be tweaked a little because the colors have changed. I will post pics of the belt as soon as I have a working sample.~HLS

P.S. See "Tips" in pic on selecting fabric colors in the store.

I so need color in my life!!!!! You?

Finally, the J. Crew summer rollout came out last week! Yea! Fresh pool, golden beach & blossoms support much of the vibrant pieces. $817.99 for some retail therapy or retail binge! DIY is the plan. Stay tuned for these projects. First up, a dress inspired by the En plein air scarf, a bit of eye candy all over. ~HLT

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