A New Skirt and My Favorite Spring Colors

  Over Mother's Day weekend, I got my nails done, started a new skirt, and bought some fun new fabric.  As I snapped this photo of my skirt in progress, I realized I have a color palette on the brain.  Emerald, black and coral seem to be my go to colors right now.

I'm so happy with now this skirt came out and really proud to say that it is for the most part, self-drafted.

 I started with Simplicity 2226 which I've made twice before.  This one, where I sort of followed the pattern, and here again where I describe the changes I made.

 I used the pattern to draft the pockets and the yoke with belt loops and a skirt from my closet to draft the basic shape.  The invisible zipper gave me trouble on both my previous skirts, so it was nice to not have to worry about a zipper on this one.

 I really like the look of the front buttons, and believe it or not, used the sewing instructions from my Lisette Traveler's Dress to draft the button placket.

There are so many things I love about this skirt.  The fabric is a stretch poplin, so it's really comfortable to wear.  I love the color and the pockets and the fun flower print facing.  I added seam down the back which I think adds a nice simple detail.  I did have to add a little hook between the first 2 top buttons to keep it a little flatter there. I love being able to customize my clothing and not always having to rely on the sizing and fit of store-bought clothes. 

Next on the sewing agenda is a cute matching top with my new fabric find.

Finishing up Projects - Girls Tunic Dress Updated

 

 I don't know if it's because of the Spring weather, but I recently had the urge to clean up my sewing space and finish a whole ton of projects I started and never finished.  Most of those projects can be found in my etsy shop.  The last one was this cute version of my Girls Tunic Dress.

 I used the same pattern that I showed in my tutorial, only made it longer, added a ruffle to the bottom, and didn't add elastic around the middle.

 Now I'm going to make a few more just like this. It's a great dress to transition from winter to spring to summer.

 Paired with boots and leggings now, on it's own later.

Fabric:  Girl Charlee, no longer available, similar HERE.

DIY Earring Frame

 Mother's Day is right around the corner.  Here's a really easy and useful gift that you can whip up in a hurry.  Anybody who loves earring as much as I do, will be very happy to receive this, especially if it comes with a cute new pair of earrings....hint, hint...

Here's what you'll need:

• A frame - any size, big or small works.  I found mine in the back of my junk closest
• a piece of foam board or cardboard.  Thin, but sturdy is the goal.  If it's too thick, you won't be able to get the back of frame secured
• burlap
• glue gun

 Take the frame apart and use the glass to trace and cut your cardboard.

 Cut your burlap to be a few inches larger than the cardboard.

Fold over the edges and glue in place.  Trim any excess.  put the burlap covered cardboard back into the frame and start hanging your earrings.

 If you follow me on Facebook then you saw the earring frame I made for myself back in January.  Now you can make one for yourself, your mom, your sister....all the earring lovers in your life!