Categotry Archives: handmade

2

ADVENTURE PANTS

by

DON’T FORGET TO VISIT MY ETSY SHOP!

When I was backpacking through Europe, I got used to owning only one pair of pants and wearing them till they fell apart. Initially I selected dark, sensible colors, but by the time I was about to leave France I got a little more daring and opted for bright fuchsia.  Now I’m up to three sets of trousers, but I still like the idea of everything I wear being as versatile as possible. I want to go on adventures and get messy along the way, but still look awesome when I get there.

Cue the new adventure pants!

adventure pants adventure pants adventure pants back

Continue reading →

They were heavily modeled on my beloved fuchsia pants, only even better! I didn’t use a pattern, but I’ve made enough pants for myself that I can just cut fabric into the right shape without having to do any prep. The fabric, which I got in the Fashion District, is super stretchy, so I can climb things or lay on the couch comfortably. Even after wearing them for days on end, I don’t really need a belt, although my sheriff buffalo belt is too cool not to wear. The fabric was originally a dark grey but I put it through a couple dye baths to create a wonderfully deep purple that will hide dirt and wear well while still being colorful.

In the spirit of thriftiness, the front pockets are made out of a silky pair of Jason’s boxers that had a big tear. So yes, every time I put my hands in my pockets I am technically digging around in his undies.

adventure pants back pocket adventure pants back pocket adventure pants back pocket

I always like to do something special on the back pockets of pants I make, and it’s never the same thing twice. I usually come up with a design based on my initials, but I also like the idea of telling a story. So these pants have a star shooting across the back. It’s a nice design with plenty of pleasant symbolism. I also did a lot of handstitching details on the pants–Xs along the back yoke and front pockets, a backstitch down the outside leg seams, and a slip stitch on the cuffs. I happened to have the embroidery thread in my stash but it wasn’t quite the color I had in mind. Luckily, after a washing the extra dye in the fabric toned down the brightness of the thread.

adventure pants side adventure pants detail adventure pants detail

3

TEAL AND GOLD SUNDRESS

by

When I got this moderately-stretchy jersey I was planning on making some baggy pants for Burning Man, but upon arriving back in New Orleans realized that most of my clothes were made for the California summer. I needed something loose and flowing to cope with the heat and humidity, so I whipped up this dress right away.

teal and gold sundress teal and gold sundress teal and gold sundress

Continue reading →

As always, this was my own design without any patterns or assists.

The stripes on the fabric are a light gold. It’s not too flashy but does make the dress a little more ritzy.

There was a bit of a challenge keeping this dress from looking frumpy–in order to keep the dress from sticking to my sweaty body I cut it a little on the large side. It took some critical thinking, but now I feel completely chic in this dress. I can tie the belt tight or leave it loose for air flow, so it’s got a bit of versatility. I can’t help but be impressed at how these thin straps always stay right over my bra straps.

teal and gold sundress teal and gold sundress teal and gold sundress

I love the pockets! This was my first time with full, gathered pockets and I think they turned out very well. I wore this dress to a party last night and was able to fit TWO cans of beer in each pocket (I was also wearing roller skates and had kitty whiskers drawn on my face, just to give you the complete picture).

4

COVERED BIKE LOCK

by

Back in March I got a new Kryptonite U-lock for my bicycle. It’s long enough that I can lock up two bikes without any problems and it’s great that I don’t have to worry about if my bike will still be where I left it. However, my ride is about combining form and function, and I knew I had to do something to spice up my lock.

bicycle lock Continue reading →

It’s covered in strips of foam I got at the craft store. They are hot glued on, which seems to be pretty secure. At the curve they are cut to conform to the metal without overlapping, which was the only part that really took any craftiness.

bicycle lock before bicycle lock bicycle lock

I thought about covering the base of the lock in a blue foam, but there might be some benefit in having the Kryptonite logo to deter any bike thieves. I might still go for it, leaving an opening for “Kryptonite” to show through.

This project was super easy, took less than 30 minutes, and cost $2 for the two sheets of foam, of which I have lots leftover.It really helps to complete the look I have going for my bike, either when I have the lock strapped to my rack or locked up on a stand. I’d love to see photos if anyone else tries this!

1 2 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 23 24