I've made it to the next round of the ABC Family/Jane by Design Style Challenge! Thank you all SO much for your support. I can't thank you enough! Anyway, Challenge #4 was quite difficult but I think I pulled it off well.Task #4: "You must use every ounce of creativity you have to turn the holiday sweater into something special. Something spectacular. I don’t care if you use scissors or glue, your fat jeans or a slice of stale fruitcake. Turn that sweater into something fresh & exciting that could be the next big trend for Holiday 2012. When you think you’ve created something innovative and amazing, whether it’s a bracelet or a mini skirt, post before and after photos to your blog, along with a step-by-step description of how you came up with your creation. Ask your readers to share their own inspired creations here and mention the name of your blog."
I looked at the buttons and I thought the button idea would be a great idea for an opening for a small wallet. I've never made a wallet before so I basically winged the whole thing & below is my result.
2) Using that pattern, I traced an identical rectangle.
3) With the guiding of pins that held the two pieces together, I hand stitched one of the short sides. I then, stitched the bottom as well -- making sure you fold in the extra half inch in. (That way, the rough edges don't show.) I worked my way around & stitched the other short side. I tried making it more fun by using colored yarn.
4) I measured the width of the wallet against the front of the vest where the buttons are and cut. [I know you can also take the buttons off and sew them onto the wallet itself & make the openings, but somehow this way was easier for me.]
5) I sewed the bottom half of the strip (where the button holes are) onto one end of the width of wallet, and did the same with the button strip on the other end.
6) I closed the wallet and measured where it would fold, and pinned it.
7) Measuring cardboard, I used two small rectangles and inserted it between the fabric, one for each side of the fold.
8) Again following the guiding of the pins holding it in place, I stitched the middle, and then eventually closed it off on top. Having the cardboard inside made the wallet sturdier and less flimsy.
9) Still needing a pocket, I decided to go with the one pocket sideways. I measured the fabric on the vest as needed & cut.
10) I hand stitched the pocket on 3 sides of it, leaving a nice opening.
11) I finished it off by adding an"A" initial with fabric glitter.
With the decals on the vest, I cut each one out & pasted them onto colored paper and cardstock -- they make great Christmas cards!
Also, since collars are a great accessory right now, I thought I'd attempt my own. With the sweater vest fabric, this would be great for Holiday 2012 with a warmer feel. I measured about 1.5-2 inches of a strip of fabric - the length of it would be measured around your own neck and where you'd want it to connect. I stitched in the edges so the roughness wouldn't show, and since I didn't have any clasps, I used mine with a safety pin & it works just as great!
Using my own ombre string, I decide to use the beads on the Christmas vest & string it together to make a cute bracelet. I'm really liking the look so I might definitely try to extend it into a necklace sometime soon :)
Also, I have another exclusive clip for you from Jane by Design which will premiere on Jan 3 on ABC Family :)So help me out! Share with me & Jane by Design what some of YOUR own inspired creations are here, and remember to mention Audrey Allure! [If you help me finish the overall challenge (there are 7 in total), I'll be able to pick one of YOU as ABC Family's Trendsetter of the Week!]
The overall Style Challenge is halfway through, and I'm hoping my creations will get me to the next round -- will find out tomorrow! Until then, thanks again for all of your support; I definitely do have the best readers! xo
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