Inspiration from the Runway!

Several months ago I found this image of a coat that I found very intriguing.  I loved the positioning of the stripes and the leather trim.  I saved the image so that someday I could create something similar.

That day finally came when I came across a free pair of men's shorts at a clothing exchange while camping last summer.  Now, you may wonder what a pair of men's shorts have to do with the striped coat, but it does fit into the story.  The pinstriped shorts just happened to be the same color of blue as a couple of men's shirts that I had.  I figured I could make the shorts into a skirt, and the shirts into the coat.  And, that's what I did!

Now I know that my creation is not an exact replica of the original, it was never meant to be, especially since we're refashioning here.  But it does have a similar feel.

Besides the two shirts, I used some faux suede that I picked up a while back at a thrift store.

I opted for buttons (from my stash) instead of snaps.

I kept the original sleeve detail and added a couple of buttons for fun.

I wanted a little more length than the two shirts allowed, so I added a band of the faux suede to the hemline, unlike the original.

After the collar and pocket were removed, and the shirt body was cut in half, the top of the shirt became the top of the coat, and the bottom half of the shirt became the bottom of the coat.  A section was cut from the second shirt and added to the middle.

The shorts were too large to take in from the sides if I wanted to keep the front and back pockets in intact.  Instead, I took them in from the front and back, which worked out well since I was eliminating the crotch seam anyway to make the skirt.  However, this adjustment made it necessary to reinsert the front zipper, but also allowed me to put a kick pleat in the back of the skirt.  If you're unfamiliar with sewing a kick pleat, Threads Magazine has a great how-to.  You can click on the image below to see the tutorial.

A close-up of the kick pleat.

  

Although I originally planned for this skirt and coat to be worn together, I think my favorite look is the coat with skinny jeans. 

I almost forgot...I also lined the coat.

What do you think...better with the skirt or the jeans?

I like to link to these great parties!

 

Mushrooms

These cute mushrooms added some fun details to a recent Mad Hatter tea party.  With a few supplies from the dollar store, and probably things you already have on hand, you can make these fairly simply.

To make your mushrooms, gather the following supplies:

plastic cups

plastic bowls

decorative napkins

mod podge

spray paint

brown acrylic paint

foam brush

small paint brush

E-6000 glue (or similar)

Begin by covering your cups and bowls with a layer of cream or white spray paint.

Next, use your foam brush to cover a section of the bowl with mod podge and layer torn pieces of decorative napkins in place.  Continue the process a section at a time.  After you have covered the entire area with napkins, paint a layer of mod podge over the top.  Repeat the process with the stem of the mushroom.  If your napkins have fun details, like butterflies, layer those on top with mod podge.

Once dry, glue the mushroom cap to the stem using E-6000, or similar.  

If desired, water down the brown paint and brush it randomly over the entire mushroom.  For added depth, darken the edges of the mushroom cap and/or the base of the stem with the paint.

And that's it!

I like to link to these great parties!

A Mad Hatter Tea Party

Recently, our Relief Society (our church's women's organization) celebrated it's 174th birthday.  We decided to celebrate the occasion with a Mad Hatter tea party theme, although no actual tea was served!  As with most activities that I decorate for, it requires scouring the thrift shops.  I can now say that I have a pretty good collection of tea pots, tea cups, and saucers!  I also added to my collection of clocks, linens, doilies, and dishes!  Everyone was encouraged to wear a fun or fanciful hat.  After enjoying a light dinner, we watched a video on the history of the Relief Society, then enjoyed the "Parade of Hats,"  where we enjoyed listening to several women share personal stories of some of the many hats they wear in their daily life.  It was a wonderful event!

The food table was filled with chicken salad sliders, salad and toppings, fruit, and desserts.

The center of the food table was decorated with a variety of items.

We covered the rolling chalkboards with quilts to make a backdrop for the speakers.  The table to the left displayed the hats that were discussed by each of the women.

I reused a chalkboard from my daughter's country wedding and added a quote from Alice in Wonderland.  I firmly believe that, as women, and with the help of the Lord, we can do impossible things!

We covered each table with several layers of mismatched linens, fabrics, doilies, and/or quilts. 

Each table centerpiece was an eclectic grouping of found items.  I really love the teapot clock that I found at a thrift store!

Several months ago I came across quite a stack of Reader's Digest books with decorative covers.  The books came in handy for the centerpieces, providing not only color and design, but height for some of the items.  

We purposely mismatched the dishes since it was a Mad Hatter tea party!

I also found seven pots of mounded roses at a thrift shop for $2 a piece.  They were a great addition!

I made some mushrooms from cups, bowls, paper napkins, and mod podge...which I will address in a future post.

I printed some Queen of Hearts cards and we tucked them into the flower pots.

A table of hats was placed at the entrance for those who forgot to wear one.

We strung some white lights and paper buntings (left over from this wedding) to help make the cultural hall more festive.

It was a fun event!  The highlight was listening to the different women speak about the various hats they wear...so much service being performed by these lovely ladies!

I like to link to these great parties!