To go make something outta nothing.  Or make something outta something else. :)  Here are some ideas from the Thimbly Things archives:

1. Romantic Blouse from frumpy nightshirt

2. Girl’s Easter Dress from Mommy’s old shirt

3. Fashionable Skirt from incredibly frumpy thrifted dress (And here’s another one.)

4. Chic Dress from perhaps even more incredibly frumpy thrifted dress

Happy Earth Day!  Go redeem something old and ugly!!!

Don’t stop.

Don’t stop ’til you get enough.  -MJ

Apparently, I haven’t had enough yet. :)

Whilst cleaning out the cabinets to prepare our house to show, I found 7 little cupcake liners in pretty pastel hues.  For a moment I thought about tossing them in the trash, then a thought occurred to me.  Why not refashion them?

So here’s what I did:

Step One: Fold liners.

Step Two: String ‘em, space ‘em out, knot ‘em, and fluff ‘em.

Step Three: Hang garland.

The garland is so lightweight that you can tape it up with Scotch tape wherever you please.  Perfect in a little girl’s room or as a last-minute party decoration.  And with the multitude of cupcake papers available, you’re sure to find some that fit your style and color scheme.  I used a thin cotton crochet thread and a large needle to string mine. :)

This is all very, very unfinished and kinda top-secret.

But I’m showing you anyway because I have no self-control.

;)

Can you guess where this is going?

P.S. New mugs in the shop.

Well, sometimes I am.  Lately, I’ve been trying to reign it in a bit — making multiples of like objects and such.

But there’s no denying that I like (or love) a lot of different stuff.

Not the least of which is making clothing.  Remember this top?

I made this last spring out of another shirt.  And really tried to finish in time for Spring Top Week… but I was about an hour too late, I do believe.

Alas, I’m happy to announce that Rae of Made by Rae has asked me to be a judge for this year’s Spring Top Week.  I feel honored to be amongst some of my favorite bloggers judging some of my favorite things.  Woo-hoo!

You can check out the Spring Top Flickr group here and see last year’s tops here.  Get inspired, pull out your sewing machine, and get to work! :)

Here at Thimbly Things (or Kristena’s House), it’s been a quietly productive week.

We did run out of coffee, which caused a stir.

To make up for my quietude:

• Flower Garland by Cakies
•  Soft Book by Chez Beeper Bebe
• Happy Hangers by dottie angel
• Paint by Number Mural on Design*Sponge
• Pins by Elsa Mora

Are two Dala Horse wall hangings.  See more here.

Thanks, everyone for telling me about your sewing machines!  I’m so glad I didn’t make a snap decision at the sewing machine store.  Thanks to you guys, I learned about brands I didn’t even know existed!  Take a look at the comments section here if you’re also overwhelmed by sewing machine choices.   It’s nice to know what other people (like you) are using!

which means time for other crafty projects.

And time to research sewing machines.  I’d love to hear about yours!  What do you use?  What do you love about it?

I need some advice.  I’m looking for a sturdy “work horse” but nothing high-end.  Just the basics.

Here’s the advice I’ve gotten so far…

My first original pattern drafted using knowledge gained from Cal Patch: a tank top.  I plan to make a few adjustments and grade the pattern.

Maybe I’ll even sell a few in a lovely Japanese print.  Maybe.

Makes you want to lay out a picnic blanket, no?  Too bad it’s 48 degrees out.

But it won’t be forever.  And I’m going to be prepared this year. :)

I’m lucky to have a nice community of nice, encouraging people right here at my fingertips.  Thanks for all the kind comments on yesterday’s tutorial!  I so appreciate it.  Hope you all make lots of soft books for the little ones in your lives! :)