Re-HASH-ions #1

I would really love to think that I was able to Refashion things, but my creative skills and my aptitude with the sewing machine are just not up to scratch for that. Instead I have been working on a number of 'Re-hash-ions'- like a Refashion, but more poorly put together.

I have had a lot of time on my hands since I have been back in the UK (a broken leg does that for you!) so I have been working on a number of little projects when I have been bored. One of these projects has been to create more wearable day-time tops, which I do not have many of. However, I do have a large number of T-shirts with slogans and logos that I have inherited, but they are either an unflattering shape or men's which are too big for me so they end up becoming bed-time T-shirts.

My first go at this was to turn a extra large men's Dallas Mavericks T-shirt in to a more feminine and flattering top.

Now a bit of an oversight on my part... no before picture. However, I think we can all imagine what a men's extra large standard T-shirt looks like, right?

What I did...

First I started off by cutting a new neckline and sewing a dodgy new hem.

I then turned the T-shirt inside out, taking it in on both sides to make a closer fit shape, although I didn't want it too fitted. Luckily bad sewing did not matter at this point!

I finished it off my cutting down the original sleeves and turning them up to create a rolled sleeved look, securing it under the armpit where it can't be seen.



Personal Cards

There is something very personal about a card which relates to you, whether it be that it has been thoughtfully picked out with you in mind or has been made for you by the person giving it to you. This is why for a number of years now I have enjoyed making my own cards for others, I previously blogged about some Christmas Cards I made when I first starting doing this. I enjoy giving these cards as it is clear people are warmed by the fact it is homemade and impressed that you would put in the effort for them, even if they aren't particularly good sometimes! I feel a similar way about gifting, not getting excessive things but things that are wanted and personal, but I will talk about that in a different post! Making your own cards is also a thrifty option with cards in a shop costing you at least a £1 for a very basic one but more like £3 for one that is right whereas a pack of 10 plain cards with envelopes to work on is more like £1!

Here are a few cards that I have recently made for my friends and family:

For my friend H's Birthday and her H party!

For my Mum's Birthday

A postcard for my friend W (think I need a bit of drawing practice!!)

For my friend JP's Birthday

Last Minute Fathers Day Card

Giant Cupcake!

I got a giant cupcake mould for Christmas and last week was the first time I tried it out for RB's Birthday!

 I am sometimes a little lazy with cake making and buy my frosting from the shop, but this time I made it all from scratch and decorated it using my piping bag set which I also got for Christmas. It is a plain vanilla cake with vanilla butter cream, topped off with blue butter cream. The cupcake 'case' is made from royal icing, which I did buy, but if I made one again, I would make it myself so I could using the cupcake mould to recreate the folds in a regular case.

It went down well with everyone, they were impressed but I think my baking skills need a little more practice, namely my icing skills and how to make my sponge lighter! Any tips? I don't have an electric blender or whisk.

My Attempt at a Police Car Cake

H's AMAZING homemade apron!!

As I mentioned before I put together a baking kit for V's Christmas gift with silicone bake-ware, a frame by frame baking book and this great homemade apron that my friend H made for me. Isn't it great?! It is so beautiful, the heart on the front is even a pocket. V is going to keep it forever and if it went all the way around she'd wear it as a dress!

Homemade Christmas Cards

Glitter glue pens + plain cards/envelopes = great homemade Christmas cards for family and friends!!

For RB's parents!

For RB's sister and brother-in-law!
For my Mum & Dad!
For RB's brother!

For my sister!

Homemade T-Shirt!

During some of this summer I have been working at a summer play scheme and one day the morning activity was to make T-Shirts! The kids encouraged me to have a go at make one too!

We used Berol fabric pens which you then iron to keep the design permanent. I did mine with colourful hearts and then wrote 'Vegetarian Girl' as a tribute to this blog! We also made up our own brand names to write on the collar and I made mine 'ZoLo Designs'.
Have a go at making your own T-Shirts: Cheap and loads of fun!

First Sewing Creation

This is my first use of my sewing machine and in fact the first piece of clothing I have ever made! I am quite proud of myself really because it looks really good, well, as long as you don't look too close and see that all the stitching isn't that straight! However, it was my first go and I really enjoyed it, so I am hoping for lots more handmade pieces to add to my wardrobe!!

This is my lovely John Lewis Mini Sewing Machine that I got for Christmas.

This is a pin cushion I made out of felt to keep all my pins together. I stuffed it with scrap fabric rather than wadding.

Cake Creations

The Joys of Baking

I have never really cared for baking and until a few weeks ago I had only ever made 2 cakes. One for a leaving school party when I was 16 and one with my friend when I was 14 which turned out to be more of a birthday chocolate biscuit.

In the last 2 weeks though there have been 3 special occasions: two close friends birthdays and my sister passed her GCSE's and as I have had the time I decided I'd have a go at making them cakes rather than getting them a shop-bought one.

I struggled a little with the first cake that I made (a chocolate cake with white chocolate icing) but after that I really got into it and realised it was actually really simple, cheap and fun! I made 13 little fairy cakes (one for each GCSE) for my sister with her grades on and then a jam and butter cream cake with icing. I will now never revert back to buying cake again. They may not be as perfect looking but they are just as tasty and I feel that it is so much more special when you've put a bit of effort in!