SewNasty

New site!

2010-12-01T15:45:00.001-05:00

Find me now at my very own domain...

www.sewnasty.com

see you on the other side!

Mock....YEAH

2010-06-19T01:42:00.005-04:00

Trying to fall asleep late on a Friday night...and all I can hear are mockingbirds.

Reminds me of this...

"Mockingbirds are the true artists of the bird kingdom. Which is to say, although they're born with a song of their own, an innate riff that happens to be one of the most versatile of all ornithological expressions, mockingbirds aren't content to merely play the hand that is dealt them. Like all artists, they are out to rearrange reality. Innovative, willful, daring, not bound by the rules to which others may blindly adhere, the mockingbird collects snatches of birdsong from this tree and that field, appropriates them, places them in new and unexpected contexts, recreates the world from the world. For example, a mockingbird in South Carolina was heard to blend the songs of thirty-two different kinds of birds into a ten-minute performance, a virtuoso display that served no practical purpose, falling, therefore, into the realm of pure art."

Skinny Legs and All - Tom Robbins

Other than being artists and composers, I also believe mockingbirds are insomniacs.

The Peace of Wild Things

2010-06-08T00:11:00.001-04:00

sorry it's so small.

I can figure out how to scan items, but not how to enlarge them.

(Click on it!)

2010-06-06T17:49:00.003-04:00

The stronger the breeze, the stronger the trees.

What's your story?

2010-04-19T22:40:00.003-04:00

Out of Print clothing

Made to feel worn in and soft just like a good book, these t-shirts not only give you a way to sport your favorite classic when your iPad can't do the job, but the company also donates a book for every t-shirt sold via Books for Africa.

Book 'em Danno.

2010-04-13T17:52:00.002-04:00

"A life filled, if you will, with flowers."

William Carlos Williams

What's in your dreams?

2010-04-11T23:20:00.004-04:00

Awhile back - World Nutella Day to be exact - Gaby and I made fried wontons filled with Nutella and bananas and topped with a raspberry sauce.

I still dream about these.

2010-03-28T23:44:00.003-04:00

An interesting idea if you're looking to repurpose Ugg boots and beer tabs.

(At least that's my take on what this is made from)

Check out Shin Murayama's other masks HERE.

Snacks

2010-03-08T23:35:00.003-05:00

Tonight I made chocolate covered pretzels with Wilbur's milk chocolate.

By far one of the best ideas I've had in a long time...

and to think my boyfriend is helping to create such a delicious treat as we speak.

What a guy.

P.S. Turning 24 has been amazing.

Monday Nights

2010-02-15T21:27:00.006-05:00

Turkey Quesadillas with Cranberry Sauce and Swiss

(Secret Ingredient: Diced Green Chiles)

mmmmmmmmmmm.

My incredible statue of drying tupperware.

Second batch of cupcakes in 2 weeks.

That's 36 cupcakes in 14 days...

Nick has been eating cupcakes nonstop ever since Gaby's batch!

Also please note: He stuck his finger in to test if they were done.

In other news I turn 24 in four days.

I am so incredibly nervous.

2010-02-11T20:31:00.002-05:00

When I can't leave the house for days,

I begin to enjoy it so much that now I don't want to have to go.

2010-02-09T23:52:00.003-05:00

Inspiration for my birthday party:

Source

I mean I don't want to dream too big, but I think I'm off to at least what we call "high hopes".

We'll see how this goes!

2010-02-07T23:26:00.000-05:00

I miss my Mom.

Snowed In

2010-02-07T02:36:00.002-05:00

Source

This piece is titled "Sleep Heap". It is dedicated to my first snow day in 2010.

It's that time of year...

2010-02-02T23:56:00.003-05:00

Source

I want a picnic table so badly that I almost bought one on Craigslist today.

Nick gently reminded me that it is winter and I don't have a truck.

I can just picture it though, I know exactly what tree it should go under.

And then when we have Sunday brunch, we'll throw a cute tablecloth over top and set up a pitcher of mint tea.

So should I paint it red, yellow, or blue?

Birthday Wishes

2010-01-27T23:55:00.004-05:00

Link

Is it too early to start making my birthday wish list?

Both of these found by first wanting this bag:

That Mt. Hood blanket is AWESOME.

"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"

2010-01-25T21:18:00.003-05:00

Please check out www.ted.com and listen to something.

Try out Matthieu Ricard, Rebecca Saxe, or listen to Dolby + Garniez play "La Vie en Rose".

Great stuff.

2010-01-24T13:17:00.004-05:00

I came across a recipe for "Sunday Morning Crepes" and decided to give it a try (on a Saturday).

First I went to market to get some supplies...

Then I started on the batter, which is EASY! You just plop some of it down on a griddle or pan (lightly oiled) and they take about 1 minute on each side. I would recommend using a pan instead of a griddle, to get a nice circular shape - but I might have had such a rough time because our griddle pops up in the middle, making for strange shaped crepes.

Then you simply put on some jam, jelly, fruit (whatever it is you'd like) and ta-dahh!

Saturday Morning Crepes

I'm making broccoli casserole right now. I'm not sure if I'll even like it! Something about the word casserole usually makes me think "ew" but maybe this is another dish that with age, I'm learning to enjoy.

We'll see!

Cooking with Katie

2010-01-11T23:14:00.003-05:00

I got a fantastic vintage recipe card holder and the highlight of my night was writing up the index card recipes to put in it.

Oh, the little things.

Feeling the magic of winter

2009-12-20T16:45:00.006-05:00

Uh-oh...

2009-12-17T23:14:00.008-05:00

link

Reindeer Crazy?

link

Or Christmas Nuts!

link

CHRISTMAS WRAP TIME

2009-12-15T21:48:00.002-05:00

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

2009-12-10T22:54:00.003-05:00

Does anyone remember the woman on project runway who could not stop making rosettes?

I've become her.

I love them, although I have no clue what I will do with them.

I also love this shelf.

I have never been more excited to pick out perfume or a necklace in the morning.

Lastly, I love the decorations Dalanna put up in our house.

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!

Books on the Brain

2009-11-18T19:06:00.002-05:00

Book Necklace

yes. please.

2009-11-14T18:52:00.002-05:00

Preparing for book club!

Forget-me-not

2009-11-12T22:29:00.002-05:00

Purchase at Fred Flare

I find this adorable.

(Although I think I would need a sticky-note ring).

Stompin' Gwapes.

2009-10-12T19:23:00.005-04:00

This Saturday we went to Shade Mountain Vineyards for their Annual Harvest Festival. We got to stomp on some gwapes, drink wine, and listen to live music on a beautiful autumn day. The Cabernet Franc was our favorite...although there many other wonderful varieties. If you ever have the chance, you must go here!

Shupp's Grove

2009-09-07T22:58:00.006-04:00

This weekend was excellent. I ate well, I relaxed, I played, I was productive, and all in all I wish it wasn't over! Some highlights:

I ran out of ranch, which I ALWAYS dip my pizza in. So when I had already cooked my french bread pizza and found that the ranch was out, Dalanna came to my rescue and made homemade ranch. Don't even ask me what it is made out of, but it sure was good.

On Sunday, we ventured to Shupp's Grove to check out Crafty by Nature. We found likeclochework's stand and ooohed and ahhhed over her beautiful hats.
And then we bought them. Broke our budget for the entire day, but it was worth it! It didn't stop us from exploring the rows and rows of antiques and knick-knacks.

I bought about 4 yds. of a beauuuutiful fabric that I plan to craft into something this week. Stay tuned. And Dalanna, thank you for cooking for me this weekend! Your food amazes me and inspires me and makes me sleep well at night.

Hmm...

2009-08-31T22:43:00.002-04:00

Art on the Farm
Originally uploaded by SewNasty

Fall is in the air, that's for sure.

I can't wait for this.

A Mistake in Napping

2009-08-29T02:36:00.007-04:00

Dear Readers,
Sorry for the lack of excitement in my blog lately, things have just been agoin' on!

From the Gretna Art Show with my uncle...

To waiting for a tornado to strike...("waiting" keyword. It didn't.)
To planning a Bridal Shower, getting a promotion(!!!), and even a lovely Sunday Brunch...

Everything has been great lately, and of course that is why today had to be bad.

I guess my clutch went out on my car...Nick was driving to come pick me up from work and the clutch went to the floor. I had to call AAA, which by the way is very handy to have, and now my car is at Moe's waiting until Monday to be looked at. My Dad said that dad kind of thing that you already have figured out but he's just reminding you how annoying life can be, and says, "Well it's lucky you got that promotion". Right, like I want that extra money I'm going to be making, dying to have for fun things, to go right into paying for yet another dissappointing fix on my car. Boo.

So Moe (this mechanic who I never met) was incredibly nice and took me and Nick back to the farmhouse since the towtruck driver apparently is not allowed. Then we laid in bed and fell asleep for hours (me and Nick - not me and Moe), waking up around 11:30 pm. One of the only times in my life where I have felt that taking a nap was a mistake.

Nick was up building a model airplane, I've found some wonderful new blogs to read, and now we're going to watch Delicatessen. I'm pretty sure we'll both be up until at least 5 am.

At least it's the weekend!

My Friend Darcy

2009-08-02T16:01:00.004-04:00

After a lovely "goodbye Monica breakfast" this morning, I got busy taking pictures of some clothing items for my shop. The craft fair I intended on being at all day today was canceled because of the rain (it was outdoors), so I decided if I'm ever going to sell anything I first and foremost need pictures! So needless to say, my dress form and I have been spending a lot of time together this afternoon. I had noticed her chest was looking a little, let's say "rigid" in photos...which is not normal for most of my customers I'm assuming. So I named her Darcy and then stuck a bra right on her boobies. It's done wonders for our relationship.

She's looking good, no?

Well I have much to update about, but I'm going to update my shop then possibly Sunday Funday it up....you'll hear more from me later. Look for these new tops in the shop!

Sorry for the delay...

2009-07-27T22:59:00.005-04:00

I was doing so good there, updating often and such,but life got pretty rough for a few days though, so I apologize. Back to normal now, as normal as it gets!

Monica, a dear friend and owner of fancy antler vintage, is moving to New York in only a few days. We celebrated her birthday not too long ago and we had a surprise photo shoot to take pictures she can remember us by....
Look how tall our corn is!!

In other news, me and Nick got haircuts from the lovely Gabrielle
I signed up for a craft fair, and omg it's this Sunday. How come I have to go to a real job all week instead of sweating my arse off by a sewing machine? Why why why why why whyyyy?

Weekend Fun

2009-07-12T23:15:00.007-04:00

Since starting my new job, by far the biggest perk is having off for entire weekends. After years and years of being a server, I almost forgot what weekends off were like. Dalanna and I went out to the Lancaster Brewing Company for free food Friday. Happy hours are a wonderful thing but by 10 o'clock I was on the couch watching Roman Holiday and falling asleep. Nonetheless, still a very fun Friday for me.

Since I fell asleep so early, I also woke up early. 5:45 to be exact. I wandered around the house for awhile and watched This American Life episodes on Netflix. Then it was time for Saturday morning yard sales! I am so addicted.
These boys tried to talk me into buying a bun bun (only $19!) but really I just acted like I might buy one because I really really wanted to hold one. So cute. I did end up buying a flowery stamp set, a vintage dress and cardigan, Kill Bill, a six book craft series, and two framed pieces of artwork. I'm not sure I really needed any of that, but hey that's how yard sales go. Then home to my friends and family I went!
Saw the cutest little boys in the entire world...and had some Hibachi!

My brother is finally home from Europe and he dropped by with some very neat little gifts. I can't wait until my other European travelers arrive home safe and sound to me.

FINALLY!

2009-07-08T19:48:00.013-04:00

Yayyyyyy I got a new camera! I can't stop taking pictures, I've already took over 200 shots. It's addicting... So here's a few of my favorites from the past 3 hours that I've had my new toy.

Pepper...or maybe Salt?
On the way to the grocery store.
Don't make fun of how he walks.
On the way home.
Backyard beauty.
Played some music.

Recorded some music.
Shot some guns.
Played some more music.
Then played with the cat.

I haven't gotten much else done to say the least.

Rain rain go away...

2009-06-20T19:37:00.004-04:00

Stuck inside today...only left to get veggies and coffee at market. The coffee must have worked its magic though, I was hard at work all day.

New dress (I love this fabric)
New summer blouse...

Then I decided to make coasters out of old cd cases I found in my desk drawer...

But by opening them up, I decided to consider it artwork!

The images are from very old greeting cards that you can find at pretty much any flea market....this project was so simple, c'mon give it a try!

Pretty Little French Girl

2009-06-18T21:46:00.006-04:00

My dear friend Gabby is celebrating her birthday today! I made her a dress that is just perfect for her...she told me she'll be wearing it in France during her upcoming trip - SewNasty goes to France? Sounds good to me haha.

Workin' Girl

2009-06-03T19:02:00.005-04:00

Got to work today and have done some of my best sewing. It's about time, since I just got my car inspected and it turns out my car that ran just fine in my opinion had almost $700 worth of work to be done. I decided that I wish it were like the dentist and if you didn't want a filling for your cavity (work done to your car) then you could say no thanks dentist (mr. inspector). It's just too bad it doesn't work that way...

So in that case - cool stuff going up in my shop to pay for my brake drums (did you know brakes had drums?)

New Items!

2009-05-28T15:07:00.004-04:00

New items in my shop now!

and more....check it out!

Just Dandy

2009-05-21T13:04:00.008-04:00

Things have been good "down on the farm". We've successfully moved in and have begun making it our home. This house brings out a new kind of happiness...it's amazing.

I've been practicing my sharpshooting...
Having lots of friends over for food and drinks and nights on the porch....And spending lots of time decorating and organizing and cleaning (all of which is enjoyable somehow). Dalanna put candles in mason jars on our porch last night and we drank mojitos with fresh mint from her garden and it was lovely.

Now as for the craft related portion of this post....
Here's my sewing nook! I'll return soon with some new items I've been working on, but it's too beautiful out to spend another second updating my blog.

We've Been Moving...

2009-04-29T23:24:00.002-04:00

Farmhouse here we come...

Some time off

2009-04-13T14:49:00.002-04:00

I finally had a day off to catch up on Gossip Girl episodes and lay in bed reading blogs. Luckily, my friend Monica just created two of her own that are definitely worth checking out. Later on today I will probably be going home to learn an old family cooking tradition. We'll be making capaletti's (which I have no idea how to spell or make) but maybe after tonight I'll know one of the two.

I should be finishing up two projects as well today, but like I said - I'm relaxing. I deserve it! I've been working like crazy at my "real" jobs and have had almost zero time to myself lately. But there is some good news in the mix of all this....I'm moving! Into a historically preserved farmhouse that is enormous and full of little alice in wonderland doorwarys and oh my gosh it's beautiful.

As for now...I'm going to look at carpets online.

New Stuff

2009-03-30T19:11:00.007-04:00

I got a few things done today...thought I'd share.

This top was reconstructed completely from a XL tshirt. I made this on a whim, not really knowing what I was doing since I was making it up as I went, but the end result was something I am very happy with. I will keep this one for myself but next time I'll take my time and make one a little more polished.

The top of this dress was a three-quarter sleeve turtle neck that I chopped the sleeves off of, then added the bottom skirt portion of the dress made from vintage fabric. This one will end up in my shop sooner or later (I think).

This dress may not be complete yet, although it is certainly cute when kept simple. The cool part about this dress is....

It's a skirt too!

Alana has been using her design skills to help out with some SewNasty business items. The other day she gave me a SewNasty notepad...

Everytime she designs something I get so excited....I love the logo she made for me. I'm so lucky I've got such a talented friend. I think that about sums it up for now, I'll be at the ice cream parlor if you need me.

Photo Shoot

2009-03-19T14:47:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was so beautiful, Alana and I decided to take a few SewNasty pictures in our backyard. I haven't posted them at my shop yet, but they should be up in the near future. Did I mention I've been working three jobs? Yeah, I've been a little busy. Things should be settling down soon though.

I'm back and ready for action

2009-02-26T00:27:00.003-05:00

To say the very, very least Jamaica was wonderful. I had an incredible time with my family and got to see a beautiful little part of the world. We went snorkeling twice because it is just that cool (I touched a sea urchin, a starfish, and a sea cucumber), I bought artwork, jewelry, and rum that broke in my suitcase unfortunately, and hung out with some locals. OH and I saw midget Mac in the airport in Charlotte...please tell me someone else watches terrible VH1 reality tv shows and knows who that is. My sister did at least but she was busy buying Starbucks and missed the celebrity (?) sighting.

After a week in Jamaica, I pretty much thought the fun was over and back to the real world....so I spent the few last days before work spending some time with my boyfriend. He gave me my extremely beautiful birthday present, we walked around antiquing, and checked out a new diner in my hometown. Heading back to Lancaster we planned on stopping by my friend's house to say hello and to my absolute surprise my friends planned a birthday party for me. I walked in and everyone shouted and everyone was smiling and I couldn't stop giggling because I had NO IDEA that I was walking into a party for ME. I had the best night ever, full of the most perfect presents, fun stories, strange movies, and all of my favorite foods - which included homemade mac & cheese, chips and salsa, and teeny little ham & cheese sandwiches. My friends really went above and beyond with this party and I couldn't have been happier. Still smiling about it actually.

Well of course, somewhere along the line I caught a cold.
So here's a few pictures of Jamaica and thoughts of sunshine.

I miss it already.

?

2009-02-11T11:47:00.004-05:00

I swear the church across the street from my house is blasting Let's Get It On right now.

It's beautiful outside! I'm going fishing.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Edit: Nick caught a Mike Burns!

yay!

2009-02-10T21:06:00.007-05:00

First and foremost...I made my first sale on Etsy to a stranger!!! So very exciting. I was gone all day Sunday, we went antiquing and to Record Connection followed by a spaghetti dinner and nugget nectar. So when I got home around midnight that was pretty much the last thing on my mind, but I checked my email and there it was. A sale! And not for one, but two items. Yayayyaya. I needed that.

So as far as this week goes, I'm already done working. I simply need to pack, spend quality time with friends and loved ones, and then leave for a week in paradise. Sounds okay to me. In spite of not having to do anything tonight, I did want to try to be a little bit productive. I whipped up two dresses. They're fun and I used two shirts that I absolutely did not wear anymore.

This was a big ol' Cabela's tshirt that my Mom bought for me probably when buying stuff for my brother's AT hike. Not even once did I wear it. So I made it into a dress? Can you even buy dresses at Cabela's? Oh well, it's fun and good for Spring.

Excuse my face please, my bobby pin was falling out.

This dress I made out of a shirt that was too short on me. In high school this was one of my favorite shirts (and now I'm embarassed that I'm admitting I save clothes since high school). This one is good for Friday nights...a little too short to wear to work!

As far as the shop goes, I'll be putting it on vacation mode towards the end of this week and most likely not adding any items until back from my trip. I would hate to have someone order something and not be able to ship it out on time...so a short break is in order. But my little sister promised she'd do a photo shoot on the beach with me so my new etsy items will have a very fun Jamaican touch to them. Sucks for any items that I put up after that...haha.

2009-02-04T19:50:00.000-05:00

Lovely

2009-02-03T21:07:00.002-05:00

I did what I said, I did what I said!

This dress has quite a different feel to it than the one that I made yesterday, but this is more what I would actually wear in my usual day to day. The neat thing about this dress is that I can actually make more than one...therefore keep one for myself! Yay! I need help naming this dress. The naming of the items is one thing that I really dread. I want to be creative but I really just like the clothes better. I worried about words for four years in college (I was an English major)...sometimes you just don't want to think quite that hard after putting an entire dress together. So readers, if there are any - any ideas?

P.S. I won a giveaway from this wonderful shop! It made my entire day.

Jamaica!

2009-02-03T00:14:00.006-05:00

Two weeks until Jamaica! My upcoming trip has inspired me...

This dress took about two hours to finish tonight...almost sewed the bottom on backwards. I listened to two episodes of This American Life while working and really had a nice evening. I was so excited about how the dress turned out I had to put up a picture of it, and also hadn't used Poladroid in awhile. Feeling productive is good. Maybe another dress tomorrow?

Candles and Canned Soup

2009-01-28T19:25:00.004-05:00

I waited for the snow all day yesterday. I had already decided it was time to cuddle up with the covers and relax. This morning was winter wonderful, I slept in after peeking out my window to all the white. Later, I made the best lunch for days like today...toasted cheese and tomato soup with mozzarella and provolone sprinkled on top, and some spring greens from market. yummmmmm.

Then I got to work:

I think these pastels are telling me I'm in the mood for warmer days. Not to mention one is a halter top...I haven't decided about sleeves for the pink one yet, but I'm very excited about the cowl neck. Oh yes! And that's the sweater that I had a fit over a few entries back. I told you I had a better plan for it....

Last night Claire came over and we had a photo shoot for some summery tops. It was so much fun, but she was freeezing. My little space heater did not do much heating unfortunately. The pictures turned out awesome, and I'll be posting them on etsy for the next couple of days (since I learned not to put them all up at once).

You know this etsy thing can be harder than it seems, but I'm not discouraged yet. I have been getting a lot of messages about boutiques being interested in selling my items and even some custom order requests. It is all a really great learning process. And at the end of the day...there are always craft fairs!

OMG

2009-01-25T19:51:00.003-05:00

Best Day Ever.

Believe it or not, I was given this awesome pile of fabric/pattern goodies. There are even two vintage purses in there. Wow! Thank you so so so so soooo much Stellar and Nikki!

I can't wait to get my hands on this stuff.

<3

2009-01-23T00:10:00.002-05:00

I Love You More Than...

New Start

2009-01-06T00:19:00.002-05:00

I'm drinking orange juice to fight off a cold, but other than that I'm feeling quite okay. I finished off a cape tonight that I made from an old men's flannel inspired by this. My cape (which everyone has either heard as I was making a cake or a tape?) is a little different since the sweater portion didn't agree with my sewing machine. In frustration I threw the way to fluffy comfy sweater on the floor and told it it didn't belong inside my cape, but now that I'm thinking about it I have a way better idea for it anyway. Fate I tell you.

I also made a shirt from rainbow fabric that I told Alana reminds me of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Raincoat? I knew that didn't sound right. Well anyway the shirt only looks cute with a belt. But sometimes shirts are just like that.

My current productive streak has me feeling pretty happy. Last night my wonderful friend cooked dinner for a few of us as well, whole wheat ravioli with asparagus, chicken, and the most wonderful secret sauce. I licked the plate and she thanked me for it. We ended the night watching This American Life episodes and drinking leftover eggnog. That made me pretty happy too.

Bad weather tomorrow! Watch out for black ice, it'll get ya. Already this year I was stranded alongside the road for 3 hours. Worst scenario ever, especially since I had a full blown panic attack (although Nick thinks I use that word to loosely he knows for a fact that in that case it's true). I cried before I even went down the hill that I got stranded beside. Yikes. At least I only have to walk to work tomorrow. Although I wipe out walking too (icy bricks...) Oh well.

Be warm.

Oh hello

2009-01-02T20:52:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! I know I sure did. Santa even brought me my very own dress form, which I plan to put to good use very, very soon. I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks, now that I will have some free time (sort of). You will hear from me soon.

Possibilities

2008-12-16T17:39:00.003-05:00

Snow today so I've been under covers ever since I got off work. There's been talk of a photo shoot tonight...we'll see what happens. I made two dresses that I just cannot decide if I want to sell or not. They're pretty much the best things I've ever made and you might think that I could just keep one of them but I can't even decide which one. My life is in turmoil over this. The woes of a seamstress.

Maybe I'll have a vote? It's not like I can rely on myself to make this decision.

2008-12-14T22:44:00.002-05:00

I found out about Poladroid and I've been changing pictures into Polaroids ever since. Of course it isn't as satisfying as the real thing, but I'm into it. I am.

Tonight I'm Reading

2008-12-09T00:32:00.002-05:00

I must say I have been decently productive lately, what with putting up pictures on etsy and officially having my store running...although not quite selling yet. I even made two skirts for myself, but they were experiments so the one I'm not sure if I'll ever even wear it. What can I say, it's the holiday season and no matter what I do - there is always so much more to do. I spent the night contemplating all the things I will do tomorrow, but who knows what will really happen. Probably naps. Maybe two of them.

Anyway I did organize all of my teeny tiny sewing items into a great big sewing box that my grandma gave me last weekend. There is still a lot of space to fill, but I have decades for that to happen. I also found a book that I had forgotten about (I love when that happens). It's called The Tightwad Gazette: Promoting Thrift as a Viable Alternative Lifestyle. Great stuff, especially since I am officially on a budget - which is the positive way of putting it. My real problem is I will celebrate the fact that I did so well not spending money. I didn't spend any money at all for about 3 days so I went to Border's and bought a craft magazine. Unnecessary to say the least. And to make it worse I haven't made anything out of it yet....which Nick said he knew would happen.

There is one thing that really did make my week though. My good friend Steph asked me to be her maid of honor in her wedding next year! I started thinking of good websites to look up how to make centerpieces and the other fun things you need for weddings...and then I remembered I GET TO PLAN THE BACHELORETTE Party!!! Soooo exciting. I also need to look up how to be a good maid of honor, because I really know nothing about the position. Any advice? It was ridiculous how many times I wanted to say that I felt honored to be the maid of honor, but yeah I really did.

cool stuff.

Success!

2008-11-24T22:51:00.004-05:00

Last week I ended up being part of not only one, but TWO craft fairs! The Punk Rock Flea Market was so exciting and went incredibly well for it being my very first craft fair. So many of my friends came out to support and my family even made it's way to Lancaster for the event. My little sister bought a dress from me that I knew would look awesome on her (it was my favorite creation), while my dad "felt cool" walking around looking at art. Here is my table, it was hard to get a good shot but you get the idea!

I shared the space with my friend Lindsay and we had a great day together. When a friend from WIXQ stopped by and told us about Q-Stock we both decided to go for it and do another event on Wednesday. Again, the whole ordeal was so much fun and successful. Here I am at our table at Q-Stock.

After two very positive experiences selling my SewNasty items, I'm off to work on my etsy site. I am putting up pictures of a few things tonight, but I need a model! So I'm working on that and should have even more items up in the very near future. Keep Posted!

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2008-11-11T14:14:00.004-05:00

Halloween was wonderful, our party a success.
Nick wouldn't be the tin man but a robot is just as nice.

This is my favorite thing I'm selling at the Punk Rock Flea market so far. AH a body pillow...lovvvvve it.

SO busy. I need change, chairs, lights, boxes, tablecloth, etc. Filled with anxiety but also could be the large amount of espresso I had today. Nonstop sewing lately. My fingers hurt so I started using a thimble. I can't believe it. I also doubt that I'm using it correctly.

As I sit here I already thought of three more things I need to do.
oh shoot.

Big News!

2008-10-27T22:59:00.004-04:00

Well since my last post, something big has happened. I guess it is a little sooner than I thought, but I'm going to be selling at the Lancaster Punk Rock Flea Market! I realized that if I wanted to do something so badly that I might as well go for it, so I signed up and I'm more motivated than ever. I will be selling everything handmade from clothing to pillows to hair accessories, and my roommate will be sharing the table with me and selling her own water-colored postcards and artwork. Let's just say we've got the "itch" and now crafting is more fun than anything else.

The craft fair we went to a couple weeks ago was fantastic and it was hard to not spend the entire contents of my wallet.

Here we were picking out hats that were lovely and only $3! I passed because my friend Candice just made me one, but I think my roommate bought two he liked them so much.

Here's a few of the friends that I went with hanging out on the bleachers....

And here's what I bought!
The fabric baggie has Alana's birthday present in it, so that is obviously a secret.
As for everything else:
2 blockheads (the funniest/cutest things made by a dad)
2 soy candles that don't even need to be burning to make a room smell SO GOOD
1 wooden postcard
1 bloom card (it opens up like a flower)
and a refashioned dress that was made by an extremely talented young lady that I hope opens up an etsy shop soon.

This seller also had the best jewelery selection but since she has an etsy, I decided to make a purchase at a later date (or I really would have spent all my money).

Well I'm going to go try and get some work done.

A Finished Project

2008-10-16T23:54:00.001-04:00

This shirt has been a work in project for awhile, simply because I procrastinated. The final result is a refashioned men's button down shirt. A nice summery tank top that I wore out last night since it has been warmer out once again. You can see I chose to use some other fabric to brighten it up...but it was a simple reconstruction since the body of the shirt is just the bottom of a the men's shirt, tailored to fit a bit tighter. The straps were made out of the sleeves of the shirt. Fun!

Well other than that I have been making postcards lately, and I joined a swap group! More on that later. Candice dropped by to deliver the hats she made for Nick and I and I made us some lunch. (I will put up a picture of the hat once I get my haircut haha but I made an appointment at Salon Fin which I hear is aweeesomee.) It was so much fun and we even made plans to go to the Homegrown Indie Arts Fair this Sunday. I would love to sell at one of those things someday...

I watched Atonement this evening, which I actually enjoyed. I wonder why I heard bad things about it? Well I'm going to crawl into bed and read more of my brother's trail journal. It is by far one of the coolest things I've ever read.

Trail Magic

2008-10-13T23:38:00.000-04:00

My brother was finally home from hiking the Appalachian Trail, but he'll be off again in no time at all to finish up. We spent almost the entire week together traveling around and doing fun things so he could visit all the people that he's missed. The highlights include drinking wine, slicing tomatoes incredibly thin, lunch with a few hiker friends from the AT, and best of all was brunch. A beautiful Sunday brunch was held at my friend's house where we all sat around a long table and had wonderful freshly cooked food and champagne and it felt like the tea party from Alice in Wonderland.

Here is the table before everyone sat down...notice all the boys are sitting around while the girls were frantically trying to get everything ready in the kitchen.

Then we had left-over french toast triangles that were turned into a game of football, the one everyone played in study hall where you flick the paper over the "field goal posts" but instead this invovled really great food. My brother tried to catch it in his mouth...

I'll miss that guy for the next couple of months, but gosh it's fun when he comes back.

Need a new winter hat?

2008-09-29T23:45:00.000-04:00

Me and Nick are going to get custom made hats!
My new friend Candice makes wonderful knitted hats...
Check her out here...
And buy some of her awesome stuff.

2008-09-17T23:13:00.001-04:00

What is amazing about this dress by Derek Lam is that even when being sold in a sample sale, it still would wipe out more than half of my bank account. I signed up on this great website to be notified about all designer sales that are sometimes up to 75% off. If you're interested in becoming a member (which is completely free) please let me know and I'd love to sponsor you.

I am getting somewhere I swear!

2008-09-17T23:13:00.000-04:00

Well although I haven't been updating, I truly have been getting somewhere. I tend to spend every evening before bed looking for ideas and bookmarking them, finding new blogs to watch after, and thinking in my head about all the wonderful crafts and outfits and presents that I will make. A lot of things I won't be able to even try to do for years, but there are some that I plan on tackling in the near future:

First of all this project is adorable.

Um and these look funnn...

and I wish I had this outfit.

But I tend to act shy around my sewing machine...I'm still getting used to her.

I started a new job (which totals 2 for me now, yowzah) and driving home I drive right past good ol' JoAnn Fabrics. I already bought 3 yds. and one pattern plus thread to match....but it was a good purchase considering I already am almost done. The pattern seems very simple so far, but I'm still getting used to
a.) following a pattern
b.) my new sewing machine
and c.) not being able to stay up all night working on a project - yes. new job.

I did manage two shopping sprees in one week, although the one was completed with gift certificates from my dad. He gave me $80 to spend before expiration at Classic Furniture. I ended up buying a $30 pillow and two picture frames since everything was so darned expensive, but it was free money - and I got a free pen.

My other shopping "spree" consisted of me buying a lot of professional looking attire, but all of which was on sale. So I didn't do too much damage. I think my favorite item is a high waisted skirt (yes I'm into those) that is made out of this beautiful fabric...Well I do work tomorrow so I better be off, unless I find a good tid bit of a link.

UPDATE:
Finished the full body of pattern, everything is together...just need a few finishing touches.

Goodnight!

Excuses!

2008-08-19T23:26:00.000-04:00

Well, as it seems I am busier than I thought and updating my blog keeps slipping my mind. I have been having all sorts of fun around town and our new roommate even cooked us dinner! It was absolutely delicious...and fun.

I also attended a wedding this past weekend, Nick's friend got married and he was part of the wedding party. He looked very sharp in his tuxedo. But the great thing is, I wore a skirt that I made to the wedding and therefore I am back on track and have something to talk about on SewNasty.

The skirt is made from a fabric that my mom has been saving since the 70s. I've always loved it and have been waiting to find a good project so as not to waste it on something unsuccessful. I have to admit though, I am very happy with this skirt (but I need to give the hem a good ironing).

Now that I'm back to my apartment I finished up a reconstruction of a skirt that has been sitting on my chair (where all unfinished sewing projects sit). I drove past a yard sale and slammed on my breaks when I saw this satin plaid material. I initially thought that it was a dress since it was quite long and had the structure of what I thought was a strapless dress, but instead it was a skirt, a small waisted very long skirt. I changed that right up, thinking at first I'd go ahead and make it that strapless dress that I thought it was....but after some solo fashion shows I think I prefer it as a high-waisted skirt. I chopped off quite a few inches on the bottom and made the extra fabric into a bow that secures the back and holds it up. Topped off with a simple black tee I think this outfit is pretty snazzy.

Of course I need to iron this hem too, I only noticed when I saw the picture. I need to get better at that! Well hopefully I'll be updating soon, if only to get this chair cleaned off.

P.S.
I gave my first chicken parm dinner a shot when I cooked for me and my boy. How's it look?

My weekend was Sew Nasty

2008-08-03T18:51:00.000-04:00

Hello everybody, welcome to SewNasty! I have come to realize that I thoroughly enjoy sewing and now that I've gotten semi-good at it, I feel like sharing my projects with anyone who cares to visit my site. Feel free to leave comments, questions, and even helpful sewing tips!

Over the weekend I finished reconstructing a dress that I had bought at a yard sale. Taking old dresses and making them more modern is sewwww easy. Here's the original dress.It's a bad picture, I know...but you get the idea. Full on grandma dress, which are fun sometimes but since it was all black and had all the makings to be something better I decided to turn it into a cute little black dress. I took the sleeves off, leaving only the neck ruffle covering my shoulders and then also hemmed quite a bit off the bottom. Here's the final product that I wore out to First Friday. That's also my roommate Josh, he looked nice in his work clothes so I made him pose with me.
My other roommate Alana wanted to wear another dress that I had altered that we call the "tulip dress" for good reason. It's by far one of my favorite dresses and she looked amazing in it.
Well there it is, my first post. It's a Sunday evening so maybe I'll get out my machine and try to tackle a few more dresses. We'll see!