Sunday, January 31, 2016

Leather and Wool

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen a teaser of this project last weekend - a black and white houndstooth, 100% wool, men's suit jacket which I got for free via my local Freecycle group a couple years ago.

Houndstooth Messenger Bag - Before

You see, I've been using my upcycled leather fold-over messenger bag almost exclusively since I made it back in August. But there have been outfits which I've felt, despite my growing comfort with mixing brown and black, really needed a black bag instead of a brown one. And though I have a couple black handbags, what I really wanted was an over-sized bag that could carry all my stuff - cell phone, wallet, car keys, house keys, sunglasses, phone charger, earbuds, knitting project, lip balm, lotion, nail clippers, emery board, feminine hygiene products, pen and paper - you know, the essentials. I had seen tote bags on Pinterest made of men's suit jackets, so I thought, why not get a little fancier and make a messenger bag instead?

Houndstooth Messenger Bag - BeforeHoundstooth Messenger Bag - Before

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Totally Rad

Last week's denim and lace project got me thinking about another denim jacket patiently waiting in my refashion closet for its turn to shine. This vintage Levi's jacket from last autumn's clothes swap was in pretty good condition other than the dirty and damaged collar. The sleeves were also a little baggier than I would have liked.

Denim & Leather Jacket - BeforeDenim & Leather Jacket - Before

I started brainstorming about how I could replace the collar and sleeves while salvaging the body of the jacket, and then it hit me. Leather! So I pulled out this long black leather skirt from last spring's clothes swap and set about recreating a Veda X Madewell jacket I saw on Pinterest.

2015 Spring Clothes Swap Haul

Sunday, January 17, 2016

Denim and Lace

Some of you may remember this white denim jacket, which had some unfortunate stripey action going on until almost two years ago when I introduced it to a bucket of bleach. Sadly, and not surprisingly, I think the bleach probably weakened the fabric, and one fateful day, rrriiiiiippp went the side panel when I raised my arm. Not to worry! I've got a too-tight lace tee that'll fill in that hole nicely.

Lace Panel Denim Jacket - BeforeLace Panel Denim Jacket - BeforeLace Panel Denim Jacket - Before

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Exsanguine

Apologies, dear readers, for my absence. I'm afraid the hustle-bustle of the holidays and an acute case of The Plague (or maybe it just felt like it) have kept me away from the blog for a couple weeks. I'm feeling much better now though and plan to get back to your regularly scheduled programming soon. But first! Knitting!

Exsanguine Shawl

Take a gander at my newest knitting pattern, the Exsanguine shawl, now available for purchase and download through Ravelry. Its upside-down hearts and aptly namely colorway - "My Bloody Valentine" - call to mind the darker side of human emotions. So whether you're commemorating the upcoming anniversary of the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre or secretly dreaming of that guy who dumped you on February 13th last year meeting a slow, painful death, you can do so in style and warmth with your very own Exsanguine shawl.

Exsanguine Shawl

Or hey, maybe you'd like a cheerier accessory for upcoming holiday of romance. Worked up in a solid red or pink, the lacy heart pattern would take on a whole new aesthetic. You could even use a fun rainbow gradient yarn to celebrate the USA's first Valentine's Day with nationwide marriage equality! #LoveWins!

Exsanguine Shawl

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
Span: 48 inches
Height at center: 19 inches

MATERIALS
Vice Blurred Lines [80% merino, 20% nylon; 457m/500yd per 150g skein]; color: My Bloody Valentine; 1 skein
US #6/4mm needles
Tapestry needle

GAUGE
20 sts/32 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

BUY IT NOW!

Exsanguine Shawl