Skirt to Top

I took this cute but short (to me!) skirt and transformed it into a top for my toddler. I kept the zipper closure in the back, pinned it to fit, hemmed it, and added shoulder straps. Easy and cute!

I added a pair of leggings I made from a vintage thrift store fabric. The ruffles on the bum and the straps on the top are from a men's long sleeve shirt.

Cute as a button!

Alphabet Nursery Art

I made this for my niece. I used a large cut of felt, a dowel rod, and scraps of lace and vintage trim. I made a layout before I started, which I think was the hardest part! To make sure I could make all the letters fit and look appealing. Then I shaped each row at a time, adjusting according to the thickness of the trim. It takes more visual guessing and less measuring when doing each row. Then I finished the edges with bias tape, lace casing on top for the dowel rod, and wrapped (and glued) lace at the ends to hang it with.

(this is the first one I made for my daughter)

RAW Artists Showcase

Sketchbook Pro for IPad

 When I first got my IPad (for christmas a few years ago) I really wanted a sketchbook type program that was simple to use (not too many options, becomes overwhelming) and responded well to drawing with my finger. I never got used to using a stylus tool, they were just so bulky to me. I like how fine a pencil or pen can be. Now I know my finger is not like a pencil (who's is?) but I can at least feel where I am drawing.

 These are some of my sketches. They are of a variety of children's clothing that are inspired from vintage 1940's styled garments and toys.



I like to sometimes use the mirror feature on the Sketchbook Pro, sometimes not. I think it really makes the drawing look more like a picture with the mirror feature on, but as you can see with the bunny apron it looks pretty cool freehand. I think that says a lot about me. I sometimes like to be artistic/off balance, and sometimes I like to be exact/clean finish.

This little shorts jumper was sketched using the mirror feature. It really helps when you have an idea and you want to see more of a technical type sketch. (a technical sketch is used in fashion design to show the exact seaming, topstitching, proportion, and notions used in the production of the garment)

These two sketches I made into little toddler dresses and sold through my children's line called Octopus Robot. The top dress is made from a newer flower print and a second hand men's plaid dress shirt.

 I utilized the buttons as closures in the back.
The lower dress is also made from a men's dress shirt and a newer floral print. I threw in a vintage Packman sheet at the waist if you didn't already guess the pattern!  : )







I had a lot of fun creating these dresses from the sketches. I don't usually work like that. I just like to find 2 or 3 different patterns that look pleasing to my eye, then work with a vintage pattern for the basic shape.
I sometimes add trims, buttons, and appliqués to finish off the garment.



There are so many different ways to make a garment from idea to final look. I was taught in home ec how to do things one way I didn't know all of the possibilities out there. I actually was quiet bored with sewing for several years till I was inspired again to just do what felt right to me. I didn't have to be judged or graded on what I was inspired to create.