Buy it or Make it: Denim Jeans

I have been the luckiest girl lately. I am back to my pre-baby weight and size thanks to a change in my diet and making time to exercise! It means that I can fit my old jeans, but that doesn't mean I want to wear them. I'm a new girl after having a baby and my wardrobe should reflect the journey. As much I love denim, I don't like to shop for it. Isn't it a chore when it comes to finding new jeans? I also cringe at the cost of Paige Jeans, $298 for a basic pair, even though they are truly a remarkable feat of beautiful engineering. I'm a mom now and budget is the word.  Thanks to lady luck on my recent shopping spree! I went vintage shopping and scored three pairs of jeans that I am in love with! As I'm not Canadian, I wasn't familiar with these two Canadian denim manufactors, but holla! Every girl in North America should know these labels. First up, Silver Jeans Co. 

{Image from Jason in Hollywood-read this blog to keep current on billboards in LA}

The Silver Jean Co. was established twenty years ago by Michael Silver. He earned an degree in Fine Arts and went to work in the fashion industry for Western Glove Works. He learned the craft of denim and was inspired to launch his line of clothing for Men and Women. I respect that he mentions in an awesome interview on creating denim fashions that he is tireless about details such as thread, fabric, and dye.

Read more awesome interviews at Denim Blog

Buy it or Make it: Paper Bag Skirts

My love affair with paper bag skirts started at Emerson Fry. What I didn't realize was how easy this is to make at home. A paper bag skirt refers to the waist line of the skirt, which has a ruffled top that can flop over or stand tall, like it has been starched.  It can be belted or cinched tight with elastic, or both. Therefore, the first image isn't a true paper bag skirt-I just love the image.

{image from gipsy scarlet}}

Since my craft room has become an atelier {laugh now}, I am en route to sewing my own paper bag skirt. I'll publish photos when the project is done, but here are a few resources for those that want to tackle a paper bag skirt and links to those that just want to buy it!

Three Favorite Things: Simple Gifts

Last January, Alt Design Summit and Design Milk hosted a lovely webinar. At the event, I was fortunate, blessed, pick your own adjective here to describe meeting Judy of Cute & Useful. Judy is simply brilliant! She is a graphic designer, crafter, and mother. I'm very excited to introduce her guest post for Three Favorite Things!

Judy, what are your three favorite things?!

 My three favorite things are simple gifts. Simple Gifts are thoughtful, lovely, and special.

It's easy to make these simple gifts. All you need is card stock, scissors, glue, and a printer. First, print the template on card stock. The template download is at my blog, Cute & Useful.  

Next, choose a printable paper and print it, also on card stock. I made three neutral-colored printable papers special for this project (I chose them to compliment the gifts inside the boxes), or you can choose from any of my printable papers at Cute & Useful. Trace the template onto the back of the printed paper.

Cut the traced template from the printed paper and fold. The original template has dotted lines you can reference as guides, but it's pretty easy to see what to do. The tabs show where all the folds should be. 

I made all my folds before beginning to assemble. In assembly, I made the lid first, then I put glue on the side and bottom tabs and assembled. After I had the bottom tabs in place, I gently pushed the bottom against the tabletop to make it snug. I used as much glue as I needed but no more; a little glue and the tabs stuck right away -- too much and they were slippery. The glue was Elmer's. 

And then, you have a cute little box! Fill it with practically any small thing. The box on the right is filled with silver binder clips. The box on the left has beads and elastic cord to make a bracelet. Wouldn't these little boxes make a great teacher gift? Don't you think they'd be a thoughtful gift for a neighbor or friend?

What's in the box in the middle? Candy, of course! These kisses with melt-away centers are really, really...mmmmm. I think the boxes would also be fun filled with Jelly Beans for Easter. (I recently made a colorful Jelly Bean paper.)

Aren't they cute? Aren't they useful? 

It's been my pleasure posting today on Modern Girl Style. Remember to find the printable papers and template for this post at Cute & Useful. My very best to you!

Thanks, Judy! I feel so inspired! This will come in handy for giving out little gifts to friends and family! XOXO!!

Hipster Baby Hat

Did I mention that I have no time as a new mom? I wasn't able to work on drafting my dress and had to suffice with a fast project. This was just in time for record cold weather in Toronto. The Hipster Baby Hat was born out of the need to have more hats in different colors, without breaking the bank. I took my favorite baby hat and drafted a pattern from it. Five simple easy steps later, I've made hats for my friends with babies, my cousin-in-law, and just about everyone else I can think of. This project is SOOO EASY!!

Resources to Draft a Sewing Pattern

Gathered Hemlock Dress by Anthropologie

Can I ever stop posting images of beautiful dresses? I was extremely smitten by the pencil dress created by D&G (the floral dress below) & DKNY. It is truly a wardrobe staple.

As you know, I'm not an atelier sewing pro! When I need to know how to learn something, I utilize the Web. Since I'm a loving blogger, I want to share my research with you! Here is an easy resource list to help any girl learn how to draft patterns:

Drafting a Shift Dress: Step #1-Draft the Concept

{I'm not the only girl thinking about shift dress-read more at Oh Joy} 

NYC Fashion Week is in full swing and I personally love reading the updates from blogs like Habitually Chic to Olivia Palermo's Personal Blog (Did you know that Rachel Zoe launched a line of clothes? Read about it at Olivia's blog).  

{Moschino Bracelet Sleeve Shift Dress.}

The classic shift dress history began as the inner most layer of 18th century women's costume. The wealthier the 18th century girl, the finer and whiter the fabric. Most women wore the shift dress in coarse and half-bleached linens. Today's lady wears it in endless fabrics, colors, and design. Although, I've randomly decided to learn how to sew in 2012. I've been inspired by the Built by Wendy Sewing Books to draft my own patterns. 

How to Make Your Own Cali Baby T-Shirt {Or Any State You Want}!

As a new mom, I need projects that are quick and easy. This project was burning on my mind when I woke up this morning. The great thing is it took under 30 minutes to complete. This Cali Baby T-Shirt is instant gratification when you have all the supplies on hand. So stock up on these basic items so when a brainwave comes your way, you can go for it.

The Simple Steps 

Directions on How to Applique Your Project