a skirt refashion that is a sort of fail

I totally forgot to take a before picture but the skirt was the same style as the skirt I refashioned a few weeks ago.

I made it pretty much the same way as the last dress... I took in the skirt until it fit Sutton's body. Using the excess material I made the straps and ruffled sleeves.

Again with the wrinkles. You probably think I don't own an iron. I do, I'm just lazy.

I used the contrasting material from the bottom of the skirt to make a pleated ruffle between the straps.

I used more contrasting material on the back because I am sort of a prude when it comes to modesty, especially when it comes to my children. Only, I think it looks a little weird and doesn't cover that much. I may just take it off.

But that isn't the worst part. Look closer. Notice how the ruffled sleeves are totally uneven? Crappy workmanship right there.

The sash was part of the original skirt. All in all, it's not so bad. Just don't look too close!

Luckily Sutton isn't as nit-picky as I am!

hello again!

I kind of disappeared there for a bit, didn't I? It wasn't intentional, there was just so much going on with the wedding (which went off without a hitch, by the way!). After the wedding we took off for a few days at the lake. We rented a beautiful house on an inlet with a private dock and beach area. It was just what we needed to unwind after the stress of the reception!

I'll post pictures of the wedding + reception and the lake soon but for now check out these animated GIFS I put together. They're so fun!

My brother-in-law Andy (we affectionately call him "Hobo"because of the hair and beard, he's a rockstar):

My brother-in-law Jon (the General Contractor):

My sister-in-law Laura (check out those calf muscles- yowza!):

Next time I will definitely bring my tripod so the background doesn't move. They are even more fun in reverse:

Check out Liz's Animated GIF How To to make your own!

this and that

July really snuck up on me. I didn't even decorate for the Fourth of July holiday! I had really wanted to make this banner from A Bit of Sunshine. I got the paint chip cards from the store but then got busy with other projects. Next year, I guess.

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We spent most of the holiday weekend in Asheville, NC with my brother-in-law Jon and sister-in-law Jen who will soon be Ashevilles newest residents. Asheville is a fun little city and we are excited to be able to visit often!

Jon + Jen's cute new home

Liam and Sutton playing in the fountain at Pack Square.

Ezra and Gemma passed out in the strollers. Look at their little red cheeks. It was a hot day!

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Several weeks ago The Long Thread hosted a knock-off series called handMAYde is better. As someone who is not a stranger to knock-offs I was a little surprised at the backlash her series caused.  I have thought about this subject a lot since reading Ellen's opinion and her readers comments. My opinion is that it's fine to copy or be inspired by others work (independent artists or big companies) as long as you are clear in stating the source of your inspiration and you are not selling the knock-off. It is never okay to copy someones work and claim it as your own design whether or not you would be making money off the item.

I am bringing this up because last night Michael had me watch a series called "Everything is a Remix". The author claims that there are no truly original ideas. All ideas are an improvement or a combination of others ideas/creations. It's a fascinating argument and I am inclined to agree with him. Watch it, it will make you think!

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My husbands younger sister, Kate is getting married next week. So much to do so little time. Last night I made a bunch of pinwheels. Tonight I am making a sash for the bride. Busy, busy!

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I hope you are having a great week!