Recycled Sweater Coat

This past Monday was Value Village's 50% off sale, and I had the day off work. Actually I should admit something.. I took the day off work. There were a few things I wanted to make, I knew I'd need quite a few supplies for it, and there was no way I was waiting until after work to go down there. Who knows what I would have missed out on if I waited all day?! Oh no Sir, I got up early and was there within the first hour they were open. I got a few things for a final item in my Secret Santa swap item (which I will show you on or around Dec 8th when we open), and as many good brown sweaters as I could find. I think the total was about 8 or so. This is one expensive project for anyone willing to tackle it.

The end result? This.

It started with a pile of sweaters, then several piles of cut up scraps, and it slowly started to come together.

I actually really enjoyed making this! I learned a lot on how to improve it should I decide to make another one, and you know what? I had so much fun that I'm sure I'll make more.

The hardest thing about making these is I constantly was sewing 'right sides together' by reflex and had to resew pieces the opposite way. I think it would look really beautiful if the seams were hidden though instead of exposed...

Fun facts:
Bottom hem measurement: 174 inches! That's 14.5 feet!!!! That's insane..
One of my serger spools ran dry making this, and I had to trade in one of the black threads for burgundy near the end.
It weighs almost 3 pounds, which doesn't sound like a lot but you notice when you're wearing it!

Thanks to the Mr for putting up with me not once but twice to help me get pictures.

Leaves in Resin

I'm not quite ready for winter to come, as much as I'm loving all the chunky knit sweaters and cozy tights everywhere. I've been collecting and drying out leaves, which are now beautifully displayed in resin!

I love these! And when I say that, I mean it. Out of everything I make, it's rare that I make something that I'm as happy with as these. Perfectionist to a fault, possibly, constantly wanting to do better. There was actually a fifth but the oak leaves dried a boring brown and left the rest of the pendant looking flat. I didn't even finish it and it went in the garbage.

They're crystal clear and super colourful. I can't wait to get a few more mold shapes (I have no idea what happened to my rectangular one...) as I feel these would look great in an assortment of shapes and sizes. Also, their colours are going to hold me over all winter when it's cold and I'm longing for my favourite season to come back again.

I took all my leaves and tucked them into the heaviest book I own (The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy), and left them pressed between parchment paper for a few days. Once they were done I put them right away into resin in hopes of preserving as much color as possible. I'm not sure what these will do long term, but for the time being I think they look wonderful.

Fresh out of the book!

The obligatory work in progress shot.

Abandoned Everything

I went down and applied for another craft show yesterday, the same one that I did last year around this time. I had forgotten about it for a while so I assumed it filled up but when I emailed she said there still might be a chance so hopefully I hear back some positive news in a couple of weeks. I would love to be able to get another show in so soon after the other, and then keep it going at that speed.. :P

While we were out we did some exploring of some more abandoned places. I didn't get any good pictures of the first one but this old train bridge was really cool. All covered in graffiti, this one being my favourite. 

 I don't know who was writing this, but they will just have to accept that their clever drawing of a dinosaur within the word RAWR will be used by me from now on and there's nothing they can do about it. It's too good not to spread around.

Absolutely gorgeous colors are out now. I think now is the time to try drying out leaves for experiments.
Ever notice how making jewelry can make one sound like a mad scientist? Experiments! Buahahaha.

We also found these interesting photographs pasted around a bike trail, though most were defaced stupidly, they were also beautiful. 

This was the closest thing I've gotten to a hike in a long time, and it was wonderful.

Kick drum on the basement floor.

Is this not the most beautiful photo ever? I can't find who owns it to credit it. If you know please tell me!

Wow, it's the end of August. Where did these past few months go??? Time has been flying and I'm getting into the mood where all I want to do is go on hikes in crisp air with crunchy leaves. Along with these feelings, I'm trying to figure out.. What shall I be for Halloween?? I can't believe I haven't decided yet. Sheesh.

Cheshire cat, cannot find the source, but amazing.

Glitterati 

Photo from Imats Makeup Convention, I do believe.

From Comic Con, I believe.

Invader Zim.

So many inspiring possibilities. Who else is thinking this far ahead?

I feel like I've been letting this blog slip over time, and I'm sorry for that. I want to get some more interesting posts on the go from now on, though I believe not having a car is definitely affecting things since I don't have as many adventures to talk about. I promise to put more effort forth though!

More comics

I found some tiles, which is making my life substantially easier with making my comic necklaces. Takes a lot less time and a lot less resin per piece. Although some of these pieces have some serious resin staining, it's all in the learning process :).

This one got pretty wrecked :( Too bad.

My coat is coming along, though I thought that I had fixed my serger, when I was testing tensions it sewed fine, as soon as I started with the real pieces of fabric it jammed up on me right away. I wonder if it has something to do with the speed I was using it at.. Hmm.. I also need a seam ripper cause I made a bit of a boo boo.. Will have to wait until tomorrow to get that fixed up!