Fezzes are cool - bead patterns and Halloween pics

I've mentioned before that my daughter is all about Doctor Who right? I mean, the rest of the family likes it of course. But her favorite color is TARDIS blue, she can name everyone who played the Doctor in order, including the people who were on Comic Relief. So her costume was decided ages ago.

She made the fez, and the bow tie, for the bow tie, she took apart a clip on we got at a thrift store and used the pieces for the pattern. The fez is made with broadcloth over buckram. The jacket and shirt are both from thrift stores, and she added the patches to the elbows. The sonic screwdriver is purchased from ThinkGeek.

I graphed out these two bracelet patterns. I'm going to make both for her for Christmas this year. I hope you enjoy them too. Odd count peyote. First picture is a preview, second picture is both bracelets vertically oriented for printing out the patterns. Click on the second image to download the full size pattern.

Printable Paper Wallet- octagon- swirl

This is based off an old style of leather coin purse that dates back to the first part of the 1900s. Recreated in paper, it can be used to hold flat items like pins, earrings or pieces of candy for favors and gifts.

Print on cardstock at 100 ppi. Score all lines before folding. Really really important with this one to score the lines first. When you're folding, work from the outside in. Folding the center lines for the petals first, then the inner lines, then finally the lines on the inner octagon. As you fold each set of lines, the next inner round folds more easily. When it's done the whole thing goes together very easily. Arrange the petals so they overlap in the same direction. To open, hold two petals that are opposite each other and pull gently. After it's folded together right, it closes just as easily.

You can buy a blank 300 ppi digital delivery version of this template at my Etsy shop.

Click on the images for the full sized version.

2011 Bright Calendar- year at a glance

I'm planning to do a few more calendars in the next couple of weeks, but here's the first one! Click on the image for the full sized version, and print at 300 ppi.

Please take a moment to vote on Spoonflower's Calendar Contest. 

This is my entry, I resized it to 25% of the original, the art I submitted to Spoonflower is a lot bigger. If you'd like, feel free to print this one on landscape settings. I really don't expect to even get in the top 10 this time. There are some amazing designs!!! Including a gorgeous quilt inspired design that I'd love to hang on my wall.

Book Review- Little Green Dresses

Little Green Dresses: 50 Original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts and More by Tina Sparkles is themed around the very popular idea of making new clothes out of old clothes. There are lots of books covering this subject but this one takes a very different take on the concept.
Instead of being another how to turn jeans into skirts or teeshirts into shrugs type of book, this one is about actually drafting new patterns and creating very polished finished pieces of clothing. It's very in depth about how to make patterns to fit you perfectly.
For that reason, it may not be good for re-vamping an existing wardrobe of clothes that already fit you well, but it's a great use for thrift store and garage sale clothes and linens that will have the yardage necessary to completely remake them into something very wearable.
Most of the patterns are geared towards a younger audience, stylish 20 somethings, but the skirts and dresses are easily lengthened for people who more comfortable in more modest clothing.
The other thing I like about this book is that the pattern drafting information can also help someone fit their existing wardrobe better.
There is a lot of information in here and a lot of very nice clothing designs. Skirts, tops and dresses that have classic lines and are well tailored and fitted. The patterns you draft for yourself can be used and worn for years. In someways it reminds me of my Mom's old Vogue sewing book, but with designs that are a lot more current and suggesting use of  salvaged table linens and curtains instead of buying new fabric. Although new fabric is completely usable as well.A wonderful addition to a sewing library, and a great resource for people who want to learn how to make clothes to fit them perfectly.
You can get this book directly from Taunton Press or below from Amazon.com (affiliate link)