tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2905562112449084402024-03-13T23:28:58.529-07:00Handmade by Shelley FayeOne of a Kind Apparel, Kitschy Aprons and Unique Novelty Plush ItemsShelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-60337360707494464272018-05-29T17:04:00.001-07:002018-05-29T17:04:50.251-07:00I miss making DressesI've made things this year but nothing for me. I miss making dresses for myself. Back when I didn't have a reason to dress up and wear fancy dresses... I made loads of them. Now that I am working in a job that requires me to dress up and be presentable everyday... I have no time for dress making.<br />
I guess if this is my biggest problem in life... I'm still doing ok.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4aP3FikyuU/Ww3qmBgAP1I/AAAAAAAAEIU/WkdscxI12vIPMiQEQe-pYQLdKPYkURXSgCLcBGAs/s1600/fabric%2Bsample.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="598" height="307" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a4aP3FikyuU/Ww3qmBgAP1I/AAAAAAAAEIU/WkdscxI12vIPMiQEQe-pYQLdKPYkURXSgCLcBGAs/s320/fabric%2Bsample.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-2369633486249878792017-12-14T18:12:00.000-08:002017-12-14T18:12:18.394-08:00My Fabrics are available on Amazon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHbdBVkRYFk/WjMtdahic5I/AAAAAAAAEHg/lVEx3poDCvUrru7QrngZUNxGzZtviwYUgCEwYBhgL/s1600/poop%2Bdress%2Bwith%2Bfabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GHbdBVkRYFk/WjMtdahic5I/AAAAAAAAEHg/lVEx3poDCvUrru7QrngZUNxGzZtviwYUgCEwYBhgL/s320/poop%2Bdress%2Bwith%2Bfabric.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Through Spoonflower distribution, some of my fabrics are now available on Amazon! This is kinda exciting for me because I've seen a huge jump in commissions because of it. From a customer's perspective, there really is no difference on whether they buy on Amazon or Spoonflower, but Amazon has gotten quite a bit more exposure for me so I'm happy. Check it out<a href="http://amzn.to/2AIODb1" target="_blank"> here</a> or of course, you can still order on <a href="https://www.spoonflower.com/designs/4598765-poo-on-yellow-by-shelleyfaye" target="_blank">Spoonflower </a>too.<br />
Above photo is a dress I created to wear to my baby brother's wedding rehersal dinner. It was fabulous ... I just giggled the whole time because rarely anyone noticed I was wearing a POOP DRESS! I used silky faille. It lays nicely for a dress and feels so smooth. It is slightly sheer and because I didn't line the dress, it requires a slip underneath.Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-82146692355795384862015-09-15T12:12:00.000-07:002015-09-15T12:36:40.851-07:00New Fabrics!I've been working on some new fabric designs lately. All the designing part is complete, but I need to wait for the physical proofs to come in before I can make them salable. So, you're gonna have to wait about 2 weeks before you can purchase. I'm too excited to wait to show off the designs though.<br />
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I couldn't help but to giggle and giggle as I designed this one. I cannot WAIT to make this into a dress! From a distance, it isn't really obvious, but it's poop! POOP! I think it will be so funny to have a dress made from poop fabric. </div>
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The following is something I've been wanting to do for awhile but just never got around to it until now. I turned my award winning <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/1258170" target="_blank">Skelley Baby cut & sew plush doll</a> into a <i>Sugar </i>Skull baby just in time for the Day of the Dead. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqb5YO190pk/VfhxGkUiLTI/AAAAAAAAEGc/zqMv0NHFIHs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2015-09-15%2B15.18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nqb5YO190pk/VfhxGkUiLTI/AAAAAAAAEGc/zqMv0NHFIHs/s320/Screenshot%2B2015-09-15%2B15.18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I don't have a picture, but I've also ordered a reduced size Skelley Baby fabric to give that a test run. I'll let you know if it works. </div>
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And, although you'll have to wait to purchase those, I added a slightly different version of the Sugar Skull fabric that<i> IS</i> available for purchase right now.</div>
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At a customer's request, I made a new version where the Sugar Skull is smaller. The sample below is printed on Poly Crepe de Chine and I LOVE it! It is lighweight and flowy and the black is very vibrant. It is $20.70 per yard, and is 52" width.</div>
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Purchase this fabric <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/4466176" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-85940250798939464182015-06-08T06:31:00.000-07:002015-06-08T06:31:37.883-07:00Finally getting around to learning how to use my SergerI got a serger, oh I don't know, back in 2000? and I've never really used it for anything other than making the insides of my clothing have finished seams. It took me years to learn how to thread the damn thing! I used to serge everything in off-white because that was the color thread that was in it. Change a needle? never! If a needle broke, or it became unthreaded, that meant a trip to the repair shop. <!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br />
The woman who worked there was so nice and patient, she would never charge me to re-thread my machine and kept trying to show me how to do it over and over but for some reason it never clicked.<br />
Unfortunately that shop went out of business (maybe they should have been charging me!) and I was forced to learn how to thread the machine myself.<br />
I finally got confident in the threading and began changing the thread color as needed for new projects. I thought I'd conquered it all!<br />
Then, I found Craftsy. I jumped in and signed up for a class called <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=1110707&b=253536&m=29190&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Ecraftsy%2Ecom%2Fclass%2Fcreative%2Dserging%2Dbeyond%2Dthe%2Dbasics%2F204%3F%5Fct%3Dmytwuj%2Dsbqii%2Dicqbb%2Dsbysa%26%5Fctp%3D%252Fsewing%252Fserging" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Creative Serging, Beyond the Basics</a>. It is an intermediate class (because you know... I'm beyond beginner because I can thread my own machine, right?). I'm only on lesson Seven but I had to write about it now anyway. I've learned so much!<br />
I never realized that I would be good at learning sewing techniques from an online class. I was certain that I needed one-on-one in-real-life instruction but Crafty has done a wonderful job putting this class together in a workable way. I got so psyched up and signed up for several more classes but haven't had the time to start working on them yet because it's summertime and my free babysitting (aka: school) has ended. I'll report back to let you know if the rest of the classes are as good as this one, although I have confidence that they are. Many are FREE!<br />
I started doing actual sewing with the serger and went nuts making wrap skirts out of tee shirts. I've made probably 20 so far!<br />
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I didn't really need a class in order to make these skirts, but this class, forcing me to start changing the settings and perfecting the stitches, gave me the confidence to use the serger for something other than just finishing a seam.</div>
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This class has also inspired me to step it up a notch on working with knits. I've always loved wearing knits but have been afraid to work with them often. I jumped in head first and bought a cover stitch machine so that I could finish seams easily. I'm so glad that Angela Wolf included a <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="B005GXPO70" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="978cd5ca1226b295de6ea218e0857c71" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="cover stitch" href="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-2340CV-Cover-Stitch/dp/B005GXPO70/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=flirtyfootwear-20&linkId=978cd5ca1226b295de6ea218e0857c71&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_7551559" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">cover stitch</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_7551559" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=flirtyfootwear-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=978cd5ca1226b295de6ea218e0857c71&_cb=1433769935372" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> machine in this class because honestly, I never knew it existed before! It is the coolest thing ever! I can whip up a hem on stretch fabrics in no time. I am usually a super cheap skate and about flipped out when I saw the prices of these machines on Amazon. I didn't give up and kept searching for a better deal and <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=1110707&b=596711&m=53072&afftrack=&urllink=www%2Esewingmachinesplus%2Ecom%2Fbrother%2D2340cv%2Dcoverstitch%2Ephp" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">found the best deal on this site</a>. Shipping was free and it arrived quickly. I am in love with this machine!</div>
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I'll report back when I've finished the class with all that I've learned. But for now.... I (heart) Craftsy! </div>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-53759552232239976002015-05-19T19:39:00.000-07:002015-05-19T19:39:02.744-07:00Made a Vintage Reproduction Swing Dress TodayI love this one so much that I think I'm gonna make it in tons of different colors, patterns and sizes. It is classy, flattering, fun to twirl in and has pockets!<br />
This one is <a href="http://squareup.com/market/shelleyfaye" target="_blank">in the shop</a> if you're interested... more will follow<br />
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I'm so excited about this, but I finally broke down and bought a nice <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="SEARCH" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="a48e3603f545cf5a7acb351cc9801429" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="camera" href="http://amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=camera&tag=flirtyfootwear-20&linkId=a48e3603f545cf5a7acb351cc9801429&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_3952317" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">camera</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_3952317" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=flirtyfootwear-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=a48e3603f545cf5a7acb351cc9801429&_cb=1432089478768" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />. For years I've been doing all of my product shots with either an <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="SEARCH" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="dfa628a00bdc0680f982feb2146f2e46" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="iphone" href="http://amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=iphone&tag=flirtyfootwear-20&linkId=dfa628a00bdc0680f982feb2146f2e46&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_9243027" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">iphone</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_9243027" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=flirtyfootwear-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=dfa628a00bdc0680f982feb2146f2e46&_cb=1432089489663" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" /> or <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="SEARCH" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="ce952ed6801fb2ecc3c8ad00e0ae2044" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="ipad" href="http://amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=ipad&tag=flirtyfootwear-20&linkId=ce952ed6801fb2ecc3c8ad00e0ae2044&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2584146" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ipad</a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2584146" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=flirtyfootwear-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=ce952ed6801fb2ecc3c8ad00e0ae2044&_cb=1432089495893" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />. It would take forever and I could only take pictures at certain times of the day when the sun was just in the right spot and if there were clouds... forget it. Today, it took me about five minutes to snap these pictures and I still haven't even learned how to use most of the functions. I'm so happy and wondering why I didn't buy a camera sooner.<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-26861645124549027382015-04-23T19:15:00.000-07:002015-04-23T19:18:12.459-07:00Dreaming and planning for the futureI have been dreaming about having my own sewing studio for years. I am not sure exactly why having my own dedicated space is so important, but it is. It isn't about making money (because if it were... I can think of several much more lucrative options!) it is more about creating a physical place to call my own and share my love of stitches. I've always wanted to teach people how to sew. I would also love to have a shop. When I described the kind of shop I wanted to my husband, he said "oh, like a craft show, but in a store". YES! Exactly. I want to have the selection and style of handmade items but available on shelves all the time. Where everyone can have access.
I live in a tourist destination with a growing artsy downtown area that would be perfect for this sort of thing. Beautiful shop in the front, space to teach sewing classes in the back. However, as I just mentioned, I live in a tourist destination.... therefore, retail space in that downtown area is at a premium. <a amzn-ps-bm-asin="1416937854" class="amzn_ps_bm_tl" data-amzn-link-id="e65b4600e7389f2ee9b45fdef1af7150" data-amzn-ps-bm-keyword="Crafting " href="http://www.amazon.com/Big-Ass-Book-Crafts-Mark-Montano/dp/1416937854/ref=as_li_bk_tl/?tag=flirtyfootwear-20&linkId=e65b4600e7389f2ee9b45fdef1af7150&linkCode=ktl" id="amznPsBmLink_2352958" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crafting </a><img alt="" border="0" height="0" id="amznPsBmPixel_2352958" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?source=bk&t=flirtyfootwear-20&bm-id=default&l=ktl&linkId=e65b4600e7389f2ee9b45fdef1af7150&_cb=1429841741364" style="border: none !important; height: 0px !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important; width: 0px !important;" width="0" />isn't a lucrative career choice so those two things just don't match up.
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Yet.</div>
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I've been putting together a plan to have my dream but it is at least a year and a half away, but a more realistic goal would be 3 years. For now, I plan to start with the sewing studio and build my classes and clientele until I can afford to move into a larger storefront location. I am on the hunt for the perfect location for a sewing school, but for now... I will be brushing up my teaching skills around town at any place that will allow me some space. </div>
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Stay tuned, dreams will be coming true soon. </div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-52029777336991364712014-11-20T06:24:00.001-08:002014-11-20T06:24:39.771-08:00Wonder Woman Spoonflower fabric order<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNknpE2n-Jo/VG34zaY1QaI/AAAAAAAACvs/bEZm5y6sTSw/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-11-20%2B08.58.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hNknpE2n-Jo/VG34zaY1QaI/AAAAAAAACvs/bEZm5y6sTSw/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-11-20%2B08.58.jpg" height="320" width="293" /></a></div>
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I ordered this fabric in Performance Piqué. I am so excited at the result. I'm nervous to cut it because I'm still a novice at working with stretch fabrics but the way this fabric feels will be worth the extra stress. It is so smooth! This design came our very vivid and true to the image that you see on the computer screen. I love the way the fabric picks up the light and shadows too. That is an unexpected bonus. And, it comes in a 60" width!<br />
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3199111" rel="nofollow">www.spoonflower.com/designs/3199111</a><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dz3SfJrbzAs/VG349DC8HxI/AAAAAAAACv0/KW-jvnI5Vm8/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-11-20%2B08.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dz3SfJrbzAs/VG349DC8HxI/AAAAAAAACv0/KW-jvnI5Vm8/s1600/Screenshot%2B2014-11-20%2B08.56.jpg" height="315" width="320" /></a></div>
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I ordered this fabric one in basic combed cotton. The blue is lighter than it appears on the computer but this is the shade that I wanted so I'm happy with this purchase too.<br />
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3199091" rel="nofollow">www.spoonflower.com/designs/3199091</a><br />
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I'm gonna have to wait before cutting into either of these though. I've got customers who have claimed the next 3 weekly dresses and this fabric is for ME!<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-90781071089102582482014-11-07T06:46:00.002-08:002014-11-07T07:00:22.411-08:00Weekly Dress Project Update Things got a little hectic back in October due to Halloween costume constructing, my volunteer commitments at the elementary school, prep for the Day of the Dead and show planning for our upcoming <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/632246980228463/" target="_blank">Holiday Market </a>so I've been feeling like I'm pulled in every direction. Things have slowed back down now and I'm getting caught up on everything that I've been putting off (like dusting!).<br />
I have kept up with my weekly dress making, so here we go (excuse some of the not-so-professional pictures...yes, I've been <i>that</i> busy).<br />
Week 12 'Walkaway Dress' made from a vintage reproduction pattern<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilyO9VXZKBM/VFzTxFJIG7I/AAAAAAAACs4/57s0-EqHr9E/s1600/star%2Bwars%2Bdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilyO9VXZKBM/VFzTxFJIG7I/AAAAAAAACs4/57s0-EqHr9E/s1600/star%2Bwars%2Bdress.jpg" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="http://mkt.com/shelleyfaye/star-wars-walkaway-dress" target="_blank">Available for sale</a> if you are interested.<br />
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Week 13 Pin Striped Dress (kept this one for myself. Love it. And it's got pockets! I love pockets in dresses.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_tk23rK5WY/VFzUH08lBoI/AAAAAAAACtA/8IH2VqVZF7I/s1600/2014-09-03%2B16.47.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w_tk23rK5WY/VFzUH08lBoI/AAAAAAAACtA/8IH2VqVZF7I/s1600/2014-09-03%2B16.47.43.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CE_6pv78Gfk/VFzbwCGGT2I/AAAAAAAACvE/Std54D_m2nE/s1600/IMG_20141004_121343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CE_6pv78Gfk/VFzbwCGGT2I/AAAAAAAACvE/Std54D_m2nE/s1600/IMG_20141004_121343.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 14 Brown Taffeta shift dress<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajExIYM2zKQ/VFzUttaQN6I/AAAAAAAACtM/TlL3HbjeoKw/s1600/2014-09-12%2B15.41.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ajExIYM2zKQ/VFzUttaQN6I/AAAAAAAACtM/TlL3HbjeoKw/s1600/2014-09-12%2B15.41.55.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></div>
This dress above doesn't look like this anymore. This picture was taken after the dress was complete but before I appliqued flowers and Sugar Skulls to it for the Day of the Dead. It is available, I'll update when I get it re-photographed and listed online.<br />
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Week 15 Sally Dress. My client wanted a dress like Sally in a Nightmare Before Christmas but she wanted it in this mix of colors instead of the colors that Sally had. We also pieced two different dress patterns together because she liked the top section of one dress but the waist and skirt of another.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leNQ8BWG770/VFzYYIKssHI/AAAAAAAACuE/WpHyDCRrRyo/s1600/Photo%2BSep%2B27%2C%2B2%2B11%2B44%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-leNQ8BWG770/VFzYYIKssHI/AAAAAAAACuE/WpHyDCRrRyo/s1600/Photo%2BSep%2B27%2C%2B2%2B11%2B44%2BPM.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
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Week 16 Anna Coronation Day Dress<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHD4LnaqA5Y/VFzaGi6IvjI/AAAAAAAACug/n5jWAdpk2W4/s1600/IMG_20141002_223739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XHD4LnaqA5Y/VFzaGi6IvjI/AAAAAAAACug/n5jWAdpk2W4/s1600/IMG_20141002_223739.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMk6EdxDZnI/VFzVXvWZQGI/AAAAAAAACtc/yJK3j-c8pp4/s1600/1939663_10202477602282077_3840282689182300182_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMk6EdxDZnI/VFzVXvWZQGI/AAAAAAAACtc/yJK3j-c8pp4/s1600/1939663_10202477602282077_3840282689182300182_o.jpg" height="320" width="216" /></a></div>
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Week 17 Snow White Dress (my costume)<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RW4y-bzXuTg/VFzVntv0sAI/AAAAAAAACtk/5ZKdxyBWUE4/s1600/10534090_10152812521372673_5106329587036013265_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RW4y-bzXuTg/VFzVntv0sAI/AAAAAAAACtk/5ZKdxyBWUE4/s1600/10534090_10152812521372673_5106329587036013265_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 18 Elsa Coronation Day Dress<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHw79J4s8Pg/VFzZNSIVVEI/AAAAAAAACuM/7pLQwwzjjVs/s1600/Photo%2BOct%2B14%2C%2B10%2B30%2B59%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NHw79J4s8Pg/VFzZNSIVVEI/AAAAAAAACuM/7pLQwwzjjVs/s1600/Photo%2BOct%2B14%2C%2B10%2B30%2B59%2BPM.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></div>
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I made two of these.... here is a customer picture of one of them (I made the sparkly Elsa too, that was <a href="http://shelleymitchell.blogspot.com/2014/09/weekly-dress-project-week-11-anna-and.html" target="_blank">Week 11</a>) I'm pretty sure they liked them.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrP_tAjNMck/VFzc02TZvlI/AAAAAAAACvQ/w1inRLJjZyM/s1600/two%2Belsas.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jrP_tAjNMck/VFzc02TZvlI/AAAAAAAACvQ/w1inRLJjZyM/s1600/two%2Belsas.png" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 19 Elsa Sexy Cosplay Outfit (<a href="http://mkt.com/shelleyfaye/sexy-adult-queen-elsa-cosplay-outfit" target="_blank">available</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpOar3kLHSk/VFzWh4p41HI/AAAAAAAACtw/pwA_wCmvmwo/s1600/Photo%2BOct%2B28%2C%2B12%2B58%2B38%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qpOar3kLHSk/VFzWh4p41HI/AAAAAAAACtw/pwA_wCmvmwo/s1600/Photo%2BOct%2B28%2C%2B12%2B58%2B38%2BPM.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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Week 20 Candy Corn Dress (kept it for myself but will probably list it <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=10&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5335882343&customid=dresses&icep_uq=&icep_sellerId=love2dressup&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg" target="_blank">on eBay</a><img src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=10&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5335882343&customid=dresses&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;" /> next fall)<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtt-dRNoUwU/VFzXKyu7-1I/AAAAAAAACt4/ttC7mkmGQ90/s1600/candy%2Bcorn%2Bdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vtt-dRNoUwU/VFzXKyu7-1I/AAAAAAAACt4/ttC7mkmGQ90/s1600/candy%2Bcorn%2Bdress.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-45462466814909632462014-11-03T10:23:00.000-08:002015-03-11T17:23:35.197-07:00Sugar Skull Penelope Dolls Although I've been concentrating most of my time on clothing (and costume) construction, I still make dolls and monkeys. I'd been so busy with Halloween and prepping for the Day of the Dead that I haven't had much time to share everything that I've been working on. Well, the Day of the Dead was a huge success and just about everything that I put out on my display quickly disappeared. The day started off really bad. I got lost trying to get to the unloading spot, smashed my finger so bad trying to move the barricade that my nail is totally black, had grease spill all over one of my dresses and all down the front of me and then some other vendor screamed at me for the parking mess that was going on outside the venue at load-in. But, once I got unloaded and took a deep breath, everything turned out great. There were so many shoppers and everyone was so kind.<br />
I only have four Sugar Skull Penelope dolls left!<br />
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***** updated *****<br />
none left sold them all :)<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-91188710314829039442014-10-19T12:07:00.000-07:002014-10-19T18:36:42.511-07:00Strawberry Shortcake Costume for a Toddler <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwYP0njCDxg/VEQI8y5FNrI/AAAAAAAACl8/ycbOLKSUKq0/s1600/180093220_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KwYP0njCDxg/VEQI8y5FNrI/AAAAAAAACl8/ycbOLKSUKq0/s1600/180093220_o.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I made this costume for Lily when she was about 2 and a half. I designed it to look identical to the Strawberry Shortcake toy that I had from the 70's<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQLKLrPf_UI/VEQJsZjsWkI/AAAAAAAACmc/b8wOS3UhzQQ/s1600/179937765_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tQLKLrPf_UI/VEQJsZjsWkI/AAAAAAAACmc/b8wOS3UhzQQ/s1600/179937765_o.jpg" height="320" width="220" /></a></div>
I made the dress just like a regular dress and used fabrics and techniques that I would use to make regular clothing. She was so sweet in this costume but I am going through my Halloween box and realizing that some things are just going to have to go and since the now 8-year-old Lily obviously won't fit in it anymore, It's up for sale.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8cZs77rrcg/VEQI9KE93VI/AAAAAAAACmA/vm5pFSCfb9c/s1600/180093267_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I8cZs77rrcg/VEQI9KE93VI/AAAAAAAACmA/vm5pFSCfb9c/s1600/180093267_o.jpg" height="320" width="165" /></a></div>
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I'm asking only $25 for it (or a little more if purchased on eBay to cover the fees). Either way, the shipping is free. Hat, dress and apron included. Tights and shoes not included.<br />
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<a class="sq-embed-item" href="https://squareup.com/market/shelleyfaye/strawberry-shortcake-costume-t"> on Square Market</a>
<script charset="utf-8" src="https://cdn.sq-api.com/market/embed.js"></script>
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or buy <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5336159922&customid=strawberry&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FHandmade-Strawberry-Shortcake-costume-Dress-Hat-and-Apron-excellent-condition-2T-%2F111489813523%3F" target="_blank">on eBay</a><img src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5336159922&customid=strawberry&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;" />
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UPDATE: it sold right away, but I'm leaving this blog post just because I love this costume :)<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-58333791048414238362014-09-30T10:32:00.001-07:002014-09-30T10:32:10.852-07:00Weekly Dress project, Week #11 - Anna and Elsa dresses from the movie Frozen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7K6hpD1-MQ/VAB3SSHhUzI/AAAAAAAABlQ/7mKQ4YYDDAk/s1600/pattern%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--7K6hpD1-MQ/VAB3SSHhUzI/AAAAAAAABlQ/7mKQ4YYDDAk/s1600/pattern%2Bcover.jpg" /></a></div>
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For week #11 I decided to get a jump on Halloween. My eight year old daughter (of course) wants to be queen Elsa from Disney's Frozen so I used McCall's Pattern M7000. I was pretty sure that I was going to have lots of requests for this costume so when I purchased the fabrics, so I bought enough to make 2 children's Elsa dresses, 2 children's Anna dresses (and cape), 2 adult Elsa dresses and 2 adult Anna dresses.</div>
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I guessed right. In the last few weeks, I've had orders! So many orders that I'm not sure that I'm going to have time to get the other crafting done that I need to do in preparation for the craft shows I have coming up this fall. </div>
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Lots of orders is a good thing, of course, but I probably shouldn't have jumped the gun on the fabric because half of those orders aren't for the dresses you see in the pattern picture above, but for the coronation day dresses.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCAqtmUa9OU/VCrlWe-NPFI/AAAAAAAACCM/zX3jy-U3Ipg/s1600/elsa-and-anna-at-the-coronation-ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TCAqtmUa9OU/VCrlWe-NPFI/AAAAAAAACCM/zX3jy-U3Ipg/s1600/elsa-and-anna-at-the-coronation-ball.jpg" height="142" width="320" /></a></div>
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(But, those will have to wait until Week 15)</div>
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Being the costume perfectionist that I am, I wasn't satisfied with the bodice and skirt detail of Anna's dress from the pattern so I reworked the pattern to have more detail. <br />
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It took FOREVER, but I think it was worth it. I also added the gold trim at the top and bottom of the black part that was missing in the McCall's pattern.<br />
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If I make these dresses again, I'm going to paint the details with fabric paint instead of applique because they are just too small for applique! </div>
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The cape turned out super fabulous and was pretty simple to sew but the problem was that it used over 5 yards of fabric! and that is for the CHILD's costume! That works out to being a pretty expensive cape. It was fully lined so if I ever do it again, I won't bother with the lining. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70fziFwS3u8/VCrmpwmjWnI/AAAAAAAACCk/0m7d93RFkEQ/s1600/2014-09-12%2B16.50.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70fziFwS3u8/VCrmpwmjWnI/AAAAAAAACCk/0m7d93RFkEQ/s1600/2014-09-12%2B16.50.05.jpg" height="283" width="320" /></a></div>
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I didn't make any changes to the Elsa dress but did get a lot of practice using my new rolled hem foot.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jachpBE0Zo/VCrnJGKPFSI/AAAAAAAACDU/YiLp3GQa-Ko/s1600/2014-09-12%2B09.53.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6jachpBE0Zo/VCrnJGKPFSI/AAAAAAAACDU/YiLp3GQa-Ko/s1600/2014-09-12%2B09.53.56.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
I have sold all but one of the dresses that I've made, so if you are interested... I have one left and it is a child Elsa dress that would fit size 7-10<br />
<a class="sq-embed-item" href="https://squareup.com/market/shelleyfaye/queen-elsa-of-arendelle-dress-girl-size"> on Square Market</a>
<script charset="utf-8" src="https://cdn.sq-api.com/market/embed.js"></script><br />
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-1778146081059693162014-09-23T10:24:00.000-07:002014-09-23T10:24:08.119-07:00New fabrics now Available in my Spoonflower shop just in time for the Day of the Dead <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNo6Er4UzZk/VCGrprpZcfI/AAAAAAAAB3E/nnltJ5ode0E/s1600/2014-09-22%2B22.00.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bNo6Er4UzZk/VCGrprpZcfI/AAAAAAAAB3E/nnltJ5ode0E/s1600/2014-09-22%2B22.00.54.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am so in love with how these fabrics turned out! As a fabric junkie, I've seen all there is to offer at the local stores and I see the same Dia De Los Muertos fabrics over and over and over so when my sister sketched this beautiful sugar skull I had her give me permission to turn it into fabric. I am now kicking myself that I didn't go ahead and order yardages so I could be making some awesome clothes right now to wear on the Day of the Dead! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They are available for purchase in the shop now.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WOUxgBe6tQ/VCGrncMmzXI/AAAAAAAAB20/_nO-81yGY3M/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.34.21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6WOUxgBe6tQ/VCGrncMmzXI/AAAAAAAAB20/_nO-81yGY3M/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.34.21.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Large sugar skull sketch on neutral background <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507666">http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507666</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQD_2ctpsbY/VCGrod7saBI/AAAAAAAAB28/39QcFgGz2gw/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.34.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LQD_2ctpsbY/VCGrod7saBI/AAAAAAAAB28/39QcFgGz2gw/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.34.14.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Small sugar skull sketch on neutral background <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507703">http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507703</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjDSFWRKHHk/VCGrgbDf_cI/AAAAAAAAB2s/kjid5nOchS8/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.33.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pjDSFWRKHHk/VCGrgbDf_cI/AAAAAAAAB2s/kjid5nOchS8/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.33.41.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medium sugar skull sketch on purple background <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507760">http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507760</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCPHgkB-cr0/VCGreP9Lo2I/AAAAAAAAB2c/yNGiWLR7oII/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.33.52.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tCPHgkB-cr0/VCGreP9Lo2I/AAAAAAAAB2c/yNGiWLR7oII/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.33.52.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medium sugar skull sketch on black background <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507751">http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507751</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uX6IAH0dzXU/VCGrejPxhhI/AAAAAAAAB2g/cHiNacl7Woo/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.34.02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uX6IAH0dzXU/VCGrejPxhhI/AAAAAAAAB2g/cHiNacl7Woo/s1600/2014-09-22%2B15.34.02.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Medium sugar skull sketch on gray background <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507746">http://www.spoonflower.com/designs/3507746</a></span><!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-45357227522380676562014-08-26T20:36:00.000-07:002014-08-26T20:36:59.871-07:00Weekly Dress project - Week #10 - tribute to Jack Skellington <div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(I'm actually on week 12... little behind on the blogging! oops. We'll just pretend that I typed this two weeks ago and catch up from there)</span></div>
Dress #10 was a custom request from a friend. She wanted to have a fun dress to wear to Disney that was a Jack Skellington theme. <!-- AddThis Button BEGIN -->
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOhYIyyWyd8/U_1Qx9UZrjI/AAAAAAAABf0/LWSOtbYLGnA/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aOhYIyyWyd8/U_1Qx9UZrjI/AAAAAAAABf0/LWSOtbYLGnA/s1600/download.jpg" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LuU0wjymokc/U_1KsC6j1II/AAAAAAAABfU/_HdlEaNIVmk/s1600/2072line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LuU0wjymokc/U_1KsC6j1II/AAAAAAAABfU/_HdlEaNIVmk/s1600/2072line.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a></div>
We went with Simplicity 2062 but didn't do the bubble skirt thing and changed it to a simpler, more modest knee-length gathered skirt instead. I wasn't sure about fit, so instead of making a muslin, I dug into my fabric stash and just made the dress exactly as the pattern said (except for the skirt modification)and had her try on the dress to see what needed to be changed. (that dress is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199982189/black-and-white-astral-skulls-dress-with?ref=shop_home_active_3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">for sale here</a>)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npXG3SVOxXc/U_1LFOtd-mI/AAAAAAAABfc/FkvStYrb1f4/s1600/astral%2Bskulls%2Bdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-npXG3SVOxXc/U_1LFOtd-mI/AAAAAAAABfc/FkvStYrb1f4/s1600/astral%2Bskulls%2Bdress.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Turns out it was perfect except that we added a teeny-tiny small dart at the top of the bust so that it didn't gape open at her cleavage. I think this pattern was meant to be worn super tight, low and with a push up bra. My friend wasn't going for the sexy hooker Halloween costume look, just something fun.
The main issue that we had was with the freakin' fabric! After scouring the internet and local stores to find a black with white pinstripes (why is this not available? pin stripes are awesome!), we ordered some shirting fabric that arrived only 1 day before she was to leave town and it wasn't black like it was supposed to be, but gray! What do we do?
I run out and buy some awesome suiting fabric in solid black, quickly make the dress and then she pin striped it herself with paint! Luckily she is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hennaeden" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">henna artist</a> and has mad skills, so she put the paint into her henna cone and striped her own dress. All the night before she left for Disney.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ml3FVV6yM2o/U_1PubbPeOI/AAAAAAAABfo/ieffJJJQooo/s1600/1907448_10203540880215483_7606650869562475744_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ml3FVV6yM2o/U_1PubbPeOI/AAAAAAAABfo/ieffJJJQooo/s1600/1907448_10203540880215483_7606650869562475744_n.jpg" height="320" width="241" /></a></div>
As you can see.... we got it done and it was a huge success! Fit was perfect and I didn't have any trouble with the pattern whatsoever. In fact, the pattern was so fun and quick, that I decided to make a third! I've been hoarding this Halloween print since last year and thought it would be fun.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TG3Gu3mRI8/U_1R0FVjh6I/AAAAAAAABgA/d0idfp8HdtY/s1600/halloween.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0TG3Gu3mRI8/U_1R0FVjh6I/AAAAAAAABgA/d0idfp8HdtY/s1600/halloween.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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(This dress is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/199981733/halloween-dress-with-lace-up-sides?ref=listing-shop-header-2" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">for sale here</a>)<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-13762459601928701792014-08-10T16:03:00.002-07:002014-08-10T16:03:54.259-07:00Weekly Dress project week number 9 - Rockabilly Swing Dress This week I let my sister go through my pattern stash and pick the dress for me. At first I wasn't excited about the choice she made, mainly because there were several other ones that I'd been looking forward to, but I came around once I picked the fabrics. <br />
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She chose Butterick B6049 and opted for the halter neck version.<br />
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Years ago I had an online boutique where I sold rockabilly style clothing called <a href="http://addictedtorockabilly.com/" target="_blank">Addicted to Rockabilly</a> (I still have some of the remaining inventory <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=10&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5335882343&customid=&icep_uq=&icep_sellerId=shelley-faye&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg" target="_blank">up on eBay</a><img src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=10&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5335882343&customid=&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;" />). I sold a dress from Pin Up Girl Couture that looked pretty much identical to this one. They called it the Rita Dress.<br />
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Above and Below Photos from PinUpGirlClothing.com</div>
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There are some differences. Their version has the halter top with a long tie and the Butterick version has it hooking with a slide hook. The Butterick version has a fully lined bodice where I could be wrong here, but I don't believe that the Pin Up version was lined. The Butterick version also has pockets! I love pockets in dresses.<br />
I have a ton of shows lined up for this fall so in order to stock up on inventory, I cut two of these dresses at the same time. I was making the same size, so I didn't want to use the same pattern. I made one with a brown and cream cheetah print with deep red accent and the other from a teal with small lavender dots and a bright pink accent. Both dresses came out fabulous! I'm sure they will go quick when I get them listed in <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeklyDress?ref=shop_sugg" target="_blank">the shop</a>.<br />
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-69063593250114440322014-06-27T08:27:00.000-07:002014-06-27T08:27:35.577-07:00Weekly dress project - Week 5 - Simplicity 1355 JumperFor week five, I decided to make a jumper instead of a dress because I think these playsuits are fun and I was about to go on a beach weekend vacation.<br />
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In order to challenge myself for this one, I decided to make it using plaid fabric. I have never worked with plaid before, mainly because I was afraid of it. I am always annoyed when I see plaid clothing where the seams don't match up! Not only did this fabric challenge me because of the pattern, it was a challenge because of the weight of it. Matching the plaids took forever when I was cutting out the fabric, but once the pieces were all cut out, it was pretty easy.<br />
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This project was probably the fastest one that I've completed yet and that is even WITH matching the plaid. I'd imagine that if I made this one using a different fabric, it would only take about 2 hours to complete.<br />
Want me to make you one? <a href="mailto:shelley@shelleyfaye.com" target="_blank">email me</a>!<br />
I haven't gotten nice mannequin pictures yet, but didn't want to hold off on posting this because of it. So, I'll just share the pictures I took of myself when I tried it on. Please don't mind the silly hair do(n't).<br />
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I decided not to keep it and I didn't take it with me on my vacation because I really wasn't comfortable with that much back showing. I had planned to wear it over a swim suit, so I didn't think it would matter, but once I had it on, I felt really self-conscious. There is nothing wrong with showing one's back, it is just a silly quirk I have because my tattoos aren't finished yet, oh well...<br />
In the future, I may do this pattern again but recreate it to not be open at the back.<br />
I'll be putting it up in the shop once I get some nice mannequin/good lighting pictures. I'll update when I do.<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-45147800025446761472014-06-16T06:51:00.001-07:002014-06-16T06:54:32.912-07:00Week 4 of my Weekly Dress project - Lisette Sew Your Style 1419 from SimplicityThis pattern was pretty easy for me. No real challenge to my skills. All of the elements in this dress were skills that I have already mastered. I am supposed to be doing this as a way to expand my knowledge and skill base so I should have picked a more complex pattern. The thing is, <i>this</i> is the style that I like and it was already in my pattern stash.<br />
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I knew I would adore this dress so I purposefully made it too big for me so that I wouldn't be tempted to keep it. I need to sell some of these dresses or I can re-invest in fabrics in order to keep this project going.<br />
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The fabric for this dress cost me about forty dollars plus about 8 hours of my time so I think it is a steal priced at only $84. (If you are looking to purchase it, you'll <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/192850470/x-men-sleeveless-dress-with-pockets?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">find it here</a>) Maybe later down the road, I'll make this dress again for myself because I love it! I especially love that it has pockets.<br />
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I love pockets in dresses.<br />
I made the sleeveless version. The only adjustment that I made was to shorten the dress. I shortened it to 20" from waist to hem. I added a tiny tack at the base of the front facing because I noticed that it kept flipping up when I hung it on a hanger. I'm pretty obsessive about how things look from both the inside and outside so it just drove me crazy. I really prefer a lining rather than a facing for this reason. Maybe my future versions of this dress will have that adjustment.
I'm confident that I can make this dress in various sizes so this would be one that I'd be happy to create for custom projects. Let me know if you want one.<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-54936021352278620472014-06-04T07:17:00.000-07:002014-06-04T07:24:40.535-07:00Weekly Dress Project - week 3 - Cynthia Rowley Simplicity 1802 <div>
Week 3 is complete and I'm even more inspired than I was on week 1. I am trilled with the result of this dress.</div>
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I have made a ton of things over the years and I think this may just be my best work ever. Typical me would have made this dress without the piping because piping is tedious work. You have to make sure everything lines up perfectly or else your lines come out squigly and on the finished product, it draws the eye right to your mistakes.</div>
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For the piping, the pattern gave an option of using regular packaged piping or making your own "flat" piping. It called for 4 packages of piping and I am a cheapskate, so I went with the DIY version. At the fabric store, I couldn't find a color combo that I liked so I decided that I would use the same dress fabric for the piping. This dress called for a 3 3/4 yards of fabric and 7/8 yards of lining with another 1 1/2 yard for the piping. Altogether, the fabric, thread and zipper (on sale and using a coupon) came out to $36.00.<br />
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As mentioned before... cheapskate over here! I pretty much choked about spending that much on the supplies for just one dress. The next day I had a girlfriend over and we were talking about dresses and what we were going to wear to the reunion and she showed me a dress online that she was considering for the event. After seeing the almost two hundred dollar price tag on her dress, I don't feel so bad about my less than forty dollar fabric expense. I went with a sateen in a soft avocado green. I purposefully looked for green because I realized the other day that I don't have any green in my wardrobe whatsoever and it would look great with the shoes I want to wear.</div>
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Before cutting I shortened the dress by 4" and changed my mind about using the dress fabric for the piping and ended up with a full two yards of fabric left over.<br />
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Hooray, enough for another (simpler) future dress! </div>
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I took my time with the piping. Measuring and pinning and in some places, basting carefully before putting in stitches and successfully completed ALL of the piping without having to pick out any stitches. I'm so proud of myself. </div>
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At the point where I attached the very top yolk piece on the bodice, I held it up to myself and realized that it was not going to fit right. The waist was going to sit way up higher than my actual waist so I cut out a new yolk piece but this time added one inch in length at the shoulder. Good thing I had all that extra fabric! I cut a new yolk piece for the back too but for the lining pieces, just added a 1" strip of fabric. This was a little tricky, but I went slow and measured out seam allowances and everything and it was a success. Making this adjustment made the armpit hole an inch larger too. This wasn't something I thought about when I did it, but it turned out to be a happy accident too because I can't stand to have things tight in my armpits and I don't think it looks like the arm holes are too big.</div>
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At this try-on stage I was super excited. Here I could tell that everything was going to fit right. It was hard to continue to go slow and precise because I was so excited about finally making a perfect fitting dress. I had changed my mind about the piping and used the fabric that I had purchased for the lining as piping instead and used the regular dress fabric as lining so this dress looks pretty sweet on the inside too.</div>
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For now, I'm just going to post this poor-lighting mannequin pic of the dress and later, I'll update with pictures from my reunion because finally this is <i>the one</i>.</div>
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Oh, and by the way... I found a similar, less detailed version of this dress on the designer's website for $395, so yeah, $36 for fabric isn't so bad.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cynthiarowley.com/dresses/bonded-party-dress.html?color=Blue+Flower&size=0" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.cynthiarowley.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/thumbnail/629x800/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/b/l/blue_flower_fullskirt_dress_1_2.jpg" width="219" /></a></div><div>
Next week, Lissette Simplicity 1419 with Avengers fabric.</div>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-68364510338979189212014-06-02T14:00:00.000-07:002014-06-02T14:09:29.547-07:00Weekly Dress Project - Week 2 Cynthia Rowley Simplicity 1607For my second dress, I used <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?icep_ff3=9&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5337485899&customid=simplicity1607&icep_uq=simplicity+1607&icep_sellerId=&icep_ex_kw=&icep_sortBy=12&icep_catId=14339&icep_minPrice=&icep_maxPrice=&ipn=psmain&icep_vectorid=229466&kwid=902099&mtid=824&kw=lg" target="_blank">Simplicity 1607</a><img src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=9&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5337485899&customid=simplicity1607&uq=simplicity+1607&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;" />. Because my last dress wasn't a good fit, I still need a dress for my 20-year reunion coming up at the end of this month and I was hoping that this would be <i>the one</i>. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2FbyTsRSJY/U4zZO08XFNI/AAAAAAAABTY/tXzf6xWM5rc/s1600/2014-05-26+14.45.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E2FbyTsRSJY/U4zZO08XFNI/AAAAAAAABTY/tXzf6xWM5rc/s1600/2014-05-26+14.45.29.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
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Because money is really tight this month, I dug into my fabric hoard to find a suitable fabric without having to spend money. I had yards and yards of this sturdy black twill that I thought would look amazing. Being that this dress already has such in interesting neckline, I thought solid black would still be fun. I dove in and got to work.</div>
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After about 4 hours of work on this dress, I got to the part where I turn the straps inside right and when I did... the fabric just ripped apart! Completely unraveled! There was no fixing it. I thought that maybe it was because of the thickness of the fabric and that I had to pull too hard to try and turn it so I just trashed the straps and decided that I'd do white straps instead. I put in another hour or so cutting and sewing completely new straps then sewed them onto the dress. Next step....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnbH50atDIM/U4zezjiqSAI/AAAAAAAABTo/zwnMRwteyGE/s1600/2014-05-26+14.49.43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JnbH50atDIM/U4zezjiqSAI/AAAAAAAABTo/zwnMRwteyGE/s1600/2014-05-26+14.49.43.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I started to apply the waistband, the fabric from the bodice ripped as well! There was obviously something really wrong with my fabric and I'm an idiot that I didn't notice it until after five hours of sewing! The fabric looked and felt sturdy (like jeans) but if you pulled on it... zip... it would just rip to shreds. </div>
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At this point, I threw it all in the garbage and went to bed.</div>
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The next day I got myself caffeinated and started over.</div>
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The straps were pretty tricky but much easier on the <i>third</i> go round. And, besides the straps, most of the rest of the dress was pretty simple. </div>
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This dress has an invisible zipper and I've never known how to install an invisible zipper. I'm fabulous at regular zippers so usually, if the pattern calls for invisible, I just modify and use a regular one. The main reason for this weekly dress project is to improve, so I took the time to <i>learn</i> how to do it right! I started with the pattern instructions but they just left me more confused. I read the instructions on the package, nope. I dug out an old textbook from my clothing construction class in collage and that didn't help much either. Finally, I found my teacher on <a href="http://youtu.be/V2Dz6tk_fW4" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. I realized that I would need an invisible zipper foot and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IKEOE4?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B001IKEOE4&linkCode=shr&tag=power0b1-20&linkId=GOAXU7AZFUYHXTX2&qid=1401741290&sr=8-1&keywords=wonder+tape" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wonder tape</a> so I ran out to Joann. They had the wonder tape in the quilting section but no invisible zipper foot. Actually, no feet at all for any kind of machine except the one's that are sold in that little machine sales section they have and those won't fit a Singer or Kenmore. Maybe Joann should concentrate less on selling cheap holiday garbage and sweets and actually stock useful sewing items! </div>
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Sorry, I digress...</div>
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Back to the dress talk. So after calling 4 different stores, I found one that did have a universal zipper foot so I packed a lunch for my kid and drove across town. </div>
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Once I had watched Sue teach me how to do the invisible zipper about ten times, I felt confident enough to try it. Then I realized that I have no f-ing clue how to put this stupid invisible zipper foot onto my machine! It came in 4 pieces and looked nothing like Sue's! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYDl59rw0XU/U4ziHCyTiHI/AAAAAAAABT8/wCx_9qhiCm8/s1600/1204-3-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYDl59rw0XU/U4ziHCyTiHI/AAAAAAAABT8/wCx_9qhiCm8/s1600/1204-3-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
I love the internet because it only took a couple of searches to find a <a href="http://sewiknit.blogspot.com/2006/03/invisible-zipper-tutorial.html" target="_blank">helpful blogger</a> to explain things for me. </div>
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I got the zipper in and was pretty proud of myself until I tried the dress on and realized that it wasn't very "invisible" like it should have been.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cpy68eZQWLQ/U4zhwQK1pvI/AAAAAAAABT0/azY_KoMfBe4/s1600/2014-05-27+21.43.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cpy68eZQWLQ/U4zhwQK1pvI/AAAAAAAABT0/azY_KoMfBe4/s1600/2014-05-27+21.43.11.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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The Coats & Clark invisible zipper foot that I bought was pretty flimsy and kept sliding while I was installing the zipper so I figured, since I am getting serious about this dressmaking business, I'd invest in better tools and ordered a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GXU5MMC?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393185&creativeASIN=B00GXU5MMC&linkCode=shr&tag=power0b1-20&linkId=5W6FPN2WCXZJZEZ4&qid=1401741443&sr=8-4&keywords=invisible+zipper+foot+singer" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">better one</a> online. </div>
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I didn't make any adjustments to this pattern at all and surprisingly, it actually fit!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBFY3c9EIL8/U4zjcsboV8I/AAAAAAAABUE/JC4S9iASV04/s1600/2014-05-28+19.06.16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WBFY3c9EIL8/U4zjcsboV8I/AAAAAAAABUE/JC4S9iASV04/s1600/2014-05-28+19.06.16.jpg" height="320" width="184" /></a></div>
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Well...kinda. It is pretty snug. I decided <i>not</i> to wear it for the reunion because it felt a little to bondage-esque for a night out with people I haven't seen in twenty years. I absolutely love it, but it's just not the <i>look</i> that I want for this event. </div>
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I opened a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WeeklyDress?ref=shop_sugg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">new Etsy shop</a> to sell a few of the dresses that I'll be making in order to have a little money to buy more fabrics and keep this project going. So if you are interested in this dress, it is listed there now.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EH4VyzN3I9Q/U4zk30LJI1I/AAAAAAAABUM/hci0gN6fxKE/s1600/2014-05-28+19.06.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EH4VyzN3I9Q/U4zk30LJI1I/AAAAAAAABUM/hci0gN6fxKE/s1600/2014-05-28+19.06.56.jpg" height="320" width="189" /></a></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-44314421751271423882014-05-28T06:43:00.002-07:002014-05-28T06:43:26.384-07:00Weekly Dress - Make 1 Dress per Week ChallengeMy high school 20-year reunion is coming up and of course, I wanted to wear a dress that I'd made myself so I started digging through my patterns. I picked Butterick B5882 from my stash. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iHKxaiINos/U4XkRMdW01I/AAAAAAAABSw/vpqwSwU7aMg/s1600/2014-05-26+14.27.31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4iHKxaiINos/U4XkRMdW01I/AAAAAAAABSw/vpqwSwU7aMg/s1600/2014-05-26+14.27.31.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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The pattern calls for almost four yards of fabric and almost three for the lining. If you've seen fabric prices these days, you'll understand that this is quite a costly endeavor! Luckily I had a boat load of this really cute red hibiscus print cotton twill that I'd salvaged from my friend's yard sale. The fabric was really curtains and they were lined in cotton too so I used the curtain lining as my dress lining. Win, win!<br />
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This pattern wasn't nearly as complex as it looked. I sewed it quickly and was really happy with the end result.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyI7bImz4k0/U4XkeZmjzdI/AAAAAAAABS4/YrJeSiNVyLo/s1600/2014-05-25+11.32.28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NyI7bImz4k0/U4XkeZmjzdI/AAAAAAAABS4/YrJeSiNVyLo/s1600/2014-05-25+11.32.28.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></div>
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Until I tried it on.<br />
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It was WAY too big. I am so frustrated by the fact that nothing I make ever comes out the size that I think it will. Most times I have to make a dress two or three times before I can get it to fit me properly. It is aggravating to spend hours and hours working on something and (in most cases) spend a ton of money on fabric and not be able to wear it. This inability to get things to fit correctly is exactly why I usually refuse custom orders. It is just so frustrating that I have a ton of talent for sewing but can't get sizing right. Frankly, it's embarrassing.</div>
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At the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/indiecraftbazaar?fref=ts" target="_blank">Indie Craft Bazaar</a>, I had a conversation on this subject with a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-Serious-Cash-Customs/113337752060579?ref=br_tf" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">dressmaker that I admire</a>. She gave me some tips and offered to help teach me some of her tricks. I walked away inspired and ready to try again. </div>
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The next day, while on a long run (I do my best thinking while running) I just kept going over these things in my mind. I really love dressmaking. I have always loved dressmaking. I am passionate about it, but for some reason I haven't put the time or effort into improving my skills. I think I've just been siting back thinking that because I understand the basics of clothing construction, and am pretty good at it, that I don't have to keep learning. I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to realize that I have a lot left to learn. I've always just made clothing that was in my comfort zone. Things that I <i>could</i> do. I need to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to learn the master techniques that I'm missing. </div>
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So, during my run I came up with a plan to make at least one dress every single week. I'm not sure how long... maybe a year? Maybe more? Who knows. We'll see where it will take me. </div>
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Week 1 will be last week when I made my failed reunion dress. This week, I'm attempting another reunion dress and so far, I have already reached out for advice and dusted off an old college textbook for help. </div>
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I'll be blogging here about each dress after I'm finished with it and photo documenting my progress along the way on instagram <a href="http://instagram.com/weeklydress" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">@weeklydress</a> in case you would like to follow the progress. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdbq_AglBNc/U4XkjL30s3I/AAAAAAAABTE/etDQsijZxWQ/s1600/2014-05-25+11.33.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdbq_AglBNc/U4XkjL30s3I/AAAAAAAABTE/etDQsijZxWQ/s1600/2014-05-25+11.33.15.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Quick Pattern Summary/Review:</div>
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<u>Sizing:</u> I made size 12 which, according to the pattern envelope, size 12 would be for someone 34, 26.5, 36. I used 5/8" seam allowance and my dress came out with a 38" bust and a 30" waist. Not sure why there was such a huge difference or what I did wrong.</div>
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<u>Difficulty:</u> the only part that was remotely difficult was the "bra". It was quite a bit of marking and pinning. </div>
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<u>Changes:</u> I didn't adjust the pattern at all or make any changes this time. If I made this dress again I wouldn't bother with lining the skirt part (unless I used a thin fabric).<br />
<u>Fabric:</u> This fabric is a cotton blend twill, medium thickness. <br />
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-81137241492406534732014-05-26T06:26:00.000-07:002014-05-26T06:26:36.697-07:00I quit my job! (well, one of them anyway) Last month, I quit my job. For nine years I'd worked part-time from home for a ticket broker. I didn't work many hours and didn't make a ton of money, but it was a small salary that I could depend on every week. The money helped, but my whole reason for <i>not</i> having a full-time career is that I wanted to put my focus on my kids and making sure to raise them the best that I could. I found myself often allowing too much TV time, and postponing or cancelling plans with them because some concierge needed assistance <i>right away</i> for some big-wig who needed to be on the front row. I felt like I was doing everything half-assed. Kinda being a good mom, kinda making some money for the household, but not doing either of these things well. I needed to either go get a career start and make enough to pay for more than just groceries or quit and be a good mom.<div>
So I quit.</div>
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I'm loving this.</div>
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I've been attentive and the kids are loving it too. We have been playing games together in the afternoons, cooking healthy meals and overall keeping the household much more organized! Sure, it hurt on the budget end of things, but they will be grown up and outta here before we know it so I'm happy being broke for now.</div>
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One of the many perks to being unemployed, (or I guess I should say "under-employed" because I am still a partner in <a href="http://oddduckbazaar.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Odd Duck</a>) is that I am now free to spend my free time doing things that I love rather than catching up on paperwork that didn't get done. I've been focusing on making more dolls and challenging myself to new things. I've already created a new doll design and thought up an exciting new dress project! I'll share about the dress project in a future post because it is time to go enjoy time with my family. Cheers!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFgx_V_Edpc/U4M_ih3coCI/AAAAAAAABSg/DLxKCTSAFPc/s1600/2014-04-02+22.05.04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oFgx_V_Edpc/U4M_ih3coCI/AAAAAAAABSg/DLxKCTSAFPc/s1600/2014-04-02+22.05.04.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>"Corn Husk" dolls. Made using techniques that the Native American's used to make dolls from corn husks but made from modern materials. Recycled t-shirts and scraps! </i></div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-79467604006646391852014-01-30T07:12:00.002-08:002014-01-30T07:14:28.286-08:00February 9th I'll be Vending at the Indie Craft Bazaar in Fort Lauderdale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoyPlMaoOoY/UuprdPpcjFI/AAAAAAAABQU/PuNP0Ctn5dY/s1600/1625730_581792468563740_440069725_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoyPlMaoOoY/UuprdPpcjFI/AAAAAAAABQU/PuNP0Ctn5dY/s1600/1625730_581792468563740_440069725_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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February 9th from noon until 5</div>
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Revolution Live in Fort Lauderdale</div>
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I have a TON of new stuff that I just haven't had time to get posted on the web so come check it out and pick up for handmade treasures while you're at it. </div>
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<!-- AddThis Button END --><br />Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-49268489923598036402013-12-02T12:14:00.004-08:002013-12-02T12:14:34.225-08:00Why I'm NOT hosting a "Black Friday" or a "Small Business Saturday" or a "Cyber Monday" saleI'm feeling a little ba-humbug-ish about the "buying" season right now. I am subscribed to a whole bunch of company's newsletters and usually I don't mind just hitting <i>delete</i> as I'm scrolling through the hundreds of emails I get a day, but for some reason this year I'm over it. I'm burnt out.
This year it seems like the only thing people are talking about in my virtual world is shopping, crowds, how to avoid crowds, scams to watch out for, how to get the best deals, which day is the best sales, etc, etc, etc.
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Honestly, I'm bored with the whole thing. </div>
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I know that there are plenty of people in the world that need things, but most of the people I know personally don't need <i>any</i> of the crap that they are shopping for. And that is truly what most of it is anyhow.... crap.</div>
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I know I sound bitter. I feel bitter. I wish the focus was on quality and meaning rather than sheer quantity.</div>
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So that brings me to my business. There are lots of reasons that I sell handmades other than making a profit, but yes, the main reason that I produce and sell my art is to make a buck. I am in business. Therefore, I need to sell things in order to stay in business. I get it.</div>
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But by selling handmade merchandise, I don't make more profit by selling mass quantities at slashed prices. I make less. The time it takes (per item) to make 5 items is the same as if I was making 50. I am still painting doll faces by hand, I am still double stitching seams, I am still pinning and cutting the fabrics, I am still doing all the things that need to be done to make what I make. These steps don't go away just because I'm producing more. </div>
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I would much rather sell less, but still sell a quality, handcrafted item that makes me proud to put my name behind it. I am not looking to attract gobs of people to buy my stuff that are just buying to be buying. I will gladly wait until the person who appreciates my work is ready to welcome it into their home at the appropriate price for the time it takes me to make it.</div>
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Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-51289167465076863952013-10-04T06:20:00.000-07:002013-10-04T06:22:52.068-07:00Making Handmade Halloween Costumes swells my heart<div>
Last night I was working on my 7-year-old daughter's Halloween costume and I got to a point where I needed her to try it on to make sure that one piece was right. Being that it was 10pm, she was sound asleep, so I laid the incomplete costume out on the kitchen table with a note on it asking her to try it on for me.</div>
This morning I stepped out of the shower to see a wide-awake, very excited little girl in an incomplete Princess Leia dress standing there beaming! I am by far NOT a morning person but seeing her in that dress, with an ear-to-ear grin was a great start to the day.
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Backing up a little.... last weekend, we watched the original Star Wars and both of my kids have become obsessed. Being that, in the same weekend, we put up the Halloween decorations, they both decided that their costumes needed to be Star Wars related. I sat down with my kids individually and sketched out the costumes and measured them and talked about ideas on how they should look. Then I took them each to the fabric store to pick out the materials. They are so excited about Halloween right now and I'm happy that the excitement isn't just about candy. It is wonderful to hear their ideas and see their creativity blossom.</div>
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I know that not everyone can sew and I know that even some who can, don't have the time or desire to create a one-of-a-kind, complex, completely-overboard-with-detail costume like I have a tendency to want to do, but that planning time and putting the whole thing together has been priceless for me as a mother and a crafter. </div>
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Here are a few that I've done in the past and had a really great time with.</div>
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(The Jesse costume is actually <a href="http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5336004954&customid=jesse&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FJesse-from-Toy-Story-complete-handmade-costume-Halloween-size-4-5-OOAK-%2F151136243808%3Fpt%3DUS_Costumes%26hash%3Ditem23306c1060" target="_blank">up for auction right now</a><img src="http://rover.ebay.com/roverimp/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574635210&toolid=10001&campid=5336004954&customid=jesse&mpt=[CACHEBUSTER]" style="border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: none;" /> on eBay if you are interested)</div>
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I have no idea why I don't have a picture of Lily and I together in our Strawberry Shortcake costumes, but we were so cute! That's her and here was mine.</div>
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I'd made this princess Aurora costume for her 2 years before this picture was taken. The year I'd made it, she ended up sick on Halloween and because it is kinda stiff and itchy, she refused to wear it. You know how it is when you don't feel good... you need to be comfortable.<br />
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These pumpkin suits were the result of me over-booking my time. That year I had zero free time for any complex sort of costumes. Thankfully they both loved them anyway. Probably because they were so involved in the making of them. I laid out fleece and had them lie on the floor and I cut around them. They placed the face pieces where they wanted them stitched and helped me pin them. Plus, they were comfortable.</div>
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I'll share more pictures when I get this year's costumes finished. But for now,..... back to sewing.</div>
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-72780035506715800962013-10-02T06:49:00.001-07:002013-10-02T06:50:36.767-07:00preparing for the Day of the Dead celebration in Fort Lauderdale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No time to blabber much about it... I'm stitching and stitching in preparation for the Day of the Dead celebration in Fort Lauderdale.<br />
This year's celebration is going to be HUGE! You do not want to miss it! Neither do I, so I bribed my sister to work the show with me so we can take turns manning my booth so I can actually get to run around and see all there is to see. <br />
I'll be vending in the "Craft Crypt" and selling handmade Sugar Skull Penelope dolls, cross stitched art and cross stitch patterns & kits for the DIY set. <br />
See you there!<br />
November 2nd downtown Fort Lauderdale in the parking lot of Revolution<br />
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<!-- AddThis Button END -->Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-290556211244908440.post-44301205125308794812013-08-11T07:19:00.001-07:002013-08-11T07:19:38.099-07:00Published in Stuffed Magazine AGAIN!It is just as thrilling as the last time! I am down-right giddy over this. I am holding myself back from carrying this magazine around everywhere, around showing it to strangers.<br />
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This One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater was actually submitted to Stuffed BEFORE <a href="http://shelleymitchell.blogspot.com/2013/02/mildred-monster-got-published-in.html" target="_blank">Mildred the Monster</a> who was published in the Spring 2013 issue. I was nervous that he'd gotten lost or something because I moved in between when I submitted him and now. If they don't like your work... they just ship it back. They have had him so long that for awhile I'd forgotten about him. <br />
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How he came about:<br />
My friend Dickson had a little boy come into his life (who stole such a big part of his heart that he wrote a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1477275584?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=1477275584&linkCode=shr&tag=power0b1-20&qid=1376230020&sr=8-1&keywords=adventure+walks+monkey+talks" target="_blank">book about it</a>) and he asked if I could make a 'One Eyed One Horned Flying Purple People Eater' for him to give as a gift. During the design process I decided that I wanted to go a different direction from the norm. I crafted him as though the 'Purple People Eaters' were a species that has two eyes and two horns but his were damaged in some way or another. I also made him a little 'people snack' that goes in his zipper pocket mouth. I had so much fun making this guy that I was giggling the whole time. I loved the way he turned out, and so did the little boy he was made for.....<br />
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so I made another to be submitted to <i><a href="http://stampington.com/stuffed" target="_blank">Stuffed</a></i> and the rest is history! I saved the pattern, so I can make more if I ever end up with the time. Maybe you'll see more of these guys in the future. For now, just proudly walking around showing off my magazine.Shelley Mitchellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10421056593958378745noreply@blogger.com0