to Polyvore. This may not be anything new to you, but I just found out about it a couple weeks ago. I knew at once that as soon as I gave myself a chance, I would become an addict. And I am. I wasted–ahem–spent 2 days avoiding actual productivity in favor of forming expensive outfits that I could never afford to buy and have likewise pledged not to. But it was great fun. And I keep telling Evan that this is “important design practice.” Whatever that means.

Consider this a cautionary tale. If you let yourself have at it, you will be hooked.

Want another one? Okay!

First off, thank you for all the encouraging words on my last post!  You folks are so kind.  I hope these next 6 months are thoroughly enjoyable on my end and on yours.  And thanks for stopping by!

On my desk today is an almost-finished tunic from the Built By Wendy Simplicity pattern 3835, fabric I’m considering, and the book In Print by Cath Kidston, a gift from Jillian (my sweet sister-in-law).  I had a little trouble with the back of the yoke on my shirt and have been putting it off for a couple of days.  It’s a funny garment–sometimes I look at it and think I could never pull that off.   But when I put it on, it seems to work.  I guess I just need some feedback from The Ladies.  Husband appears to like it…

Wardrobe Refashion doesn’t officially begin until July 1st.  Anticipating this (and ever determined not to break my commitment), I bought some jeans from Old Navy today.  I figured that would be wise since I doubt I can make jeans, and even if I could, they probably wouldn’t fit.  And I don’t want to depend on the thrift store (as awesome as it is) to have my petite size.  It’s hard enough to find any that fit from major retailers.  I chose “skinny” jeans to be trendy and trouser jeans that need some alterations but should look nice.

So now I’m game to make all manner of garment for the top half of my body.  As long as I have a pair of jeans to go with.

Today I signed up for it.  We’re talking 6 months of making new stuff from old stuff.  I’m game!  I got a head start this month as I tried my hand at sewing my own clothes for the first time.  Here’s one shirt I made from an old skirt I bought at the Gap several years ago.  I wore the skirt on my graduation weekend.  It was a size ZERO!!!

I can’t believe I ever fit into it…although, I’m remembering, it smooshed my internal organs quite a bit.  I must have found it on sale.  Anyway, I used Simplicity 4589 for the yoke and kept a lot of the fullness of the skirt.  I suppose it can double as a maternity shirt at some point (but not yet, for goodness’ sake!).

So I may be dressing like a dork for the rest of the year, but I will be a handmade dork!  Somewhere along the way, I hope to acquire a sense of style.  I can tell what’s fashionable when the clothing stores put it on the racks, but I’m not sure that I can make it from scratch.  We’ll see.  Everything I’ve made so far smacks of the country side of “Town & Country.”  I’ll attempt to make more “town” looks in the future, since I don’t actually live on a prairie.

Oh, and expect to see more pictures of me gazing awkwardly out of this window. :)

The Pledge

I, Kristena Derrick, pledge that I shall abstain from the purchase of “new” manufactured items of clothing, for the period of 6 months. I pledge that i shall refashion, renovate, recycle preloved items for myself with my own hands in fabric, yarn or other medium for the term of my contract. I pledge that I will share the love and post a photo of my refashioned, renovated, recycled, crafted or created item of clothing on the Wardrobe Refashion blog, so that others may share the joy that thy thriftyness brings! Signed Kristena Derrick.

Here is something I’m pretty sure you’ll love if you’re female and have babies.  And if neither of those things are true of you, you still might enjoy it.  But no guarantee.

We got a package in the mail today.  Yes.  Another.  Because we have so many kind and generous people in our lives.  Evan’s parents are packing up their home and moving, so a few neat items were passed on to us in the process.  Mom D also made Emily a dress, but I have to do a little something to it before it’s finished.  Then I’ll share.

Aren’t these plaques adorable though?  The first one reminds me of Emily and Jacob.  The second reminds me of my niece, D’Lorah.  I never see her, but I imagine she looks something like this.

I found a similar plaque at the QTS a while back.  These two were made by Mom D.  And the potholder was made by her grandmother.  It’s destined to go on the wall too.  But I might frame it first.  Hmm.

Welcome to our home, sweet little sentimental things.

(The “Sugar” and “Coffee” needlepoints were thrifted from the Salvation Army a few months ago.  I just never got around to sharing.)

Yesterday was Jacob’s 2 month birthday.   This is the best picture I could get of him almost-smiling.  He can roll from his tummy to his back and can turn 180 degrees in his bassinet.  And I think he sees us all pretty well now.  We love him.

We had a cookout in the park with friends, went to the zoo, had a chocolate cream pie milkshake from Sonic, and ate at Daddy’s favorite local restaurant.  We also got all caught up on Battlestar Galactica.  What wonderful things did you guys do to celebrate your daddies?

To all the daddies in our life!  We love you all.

Grama Debbie sent a package to Emily and Jacob this week.

Now they have new summer wardrobes.

Thanks, Grama Debbie and Grampa Scott!

I’ve had more sewing adventures that I’m eager to share, and we’ve had plumbing problems that I’d rather not talk about (blah).  Anyway, I will try to update more this weekend and stop being such a slacker!

I missed this last week, but on my desk today are pattern pieces, elastic, woven fabric in navy and green, and some shirts than need to be spiffied-up.  I love this Built By Wendy pattern.  Over the weekend, I finally tried it out (a year after purchasing it), and the results were not too shabby.

I shortened the sleeves from what you see here because I looked very much like a yellow triangle.  Then I wore it out last night, and it got stinky from a bonfire–so no pictures.  But I really like it!  Now I want to make another one in a more flattering color and a thinner fabric.  Meanwhile, I plan to use the pattern pieces to add new yokes to old shirts.  I’ll let you know how that goes.

I’ve had to simplify life while Evan is away, and that’s why I haven’t been able to update much.  Really, it’s because I’ve got my hands full with these babies.

Emily has been a constant source of entertainment, singing on the phone for Grama Debbie and Grampa Scott and saying, “Ponies!  I love you!” during Mansfield Park (which seems to be scorned by many of the reviewers on Amazon.  I’ve never read the novel, but I enjoyed watching this adaptation.) and begging a stranger for a banana in the waiting room at the doctor’s office.   And Jacob has been smiling more than ever, which is just great.

So I haven’t had time to craft since I’m squeezing Wii Fit in every chance I get.  I love love love this new contraption.  I love unlocking new exercises.  I love checking my BMI.  I love seeing improvement on my balance.  Wii Fit is just about the most genius way you can spend $90.