Today I'm going to Konmari my sewing pattern stash. This means taking out every. single. pattern. I own and laying them out on the floor all at once. *gulp* When they are all packed away, it sure doesn't look like I have that many.... I have an extensive collection of vintage patterns and quite a few reproduction patterns plus historical patterns that I've drafted myself. Ok. I can do this!
I included a nice pan over of all of my sewing patterns and while you can't see 100% of each cover (not enough space!!!), there are some really cute ones! I ended up deciding to purge about half of my vintage patterns. Now before you panic, they are not going to go to a donation center (alas, most places just trash vintage patterns :( ) and I'm planning on selling some of them but I haven't gotten around to that yet. I did pitch a few modern and repro patterns that I cut up and made alterations to because they won't really be useful to anyone else.
It was really liberating to let go of these patterns. I have a much different sense of style than when I started on this vintage journey and it's nice to let go of patterns that aren't me or that I don't think I'll ever make. Instead, I can just focus on the ones I really, really love!
Have you ever let go of patterns? How large is your pattern stash?
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Monday, March 7, 2016
Mix and Match for Spring
Spring has arrived in Florida! It's sunny and bright and very pollen-y. Grr! My allergies have been going haywire but it could be worse. I'm in Florida after all!
This outfit is a new combo that I've been loving lately. And I actually did a bit of sewing for it but no new pieces.
If you think this checked blouse looks familiar you're right! It started out life as a late 1940s dress (which you can see here). Since I have decided that I like war era 40s better, I decided to shorten the length of this dress a bit to help it fit an earlier look.
A bonus of this is that the dress is short enough for me to throw a skirt on top of and wear it as a top. Surprise!
Layering does not have to be limited to your top half. This is a great way to get extra looks out of your wardrobe. Just be sure that the waist band covers the waist seam on your dress and no one will know the difference!
I also took this opportunity to bust out my Erstwilder Toucan. He is so cute and definitely adds a fun factor. A great novelty brooch is an excellent way to add personality to even a modern outfit.
I love having a wardrobe full of things that I love to wear! These shoes are one of my favorite pairs. They match pretty much everything and are so comfy. So you'll probably see them again and again but that's ok.
Mixing and matching pieces is a fun wardrobe challenge. And very make do and mend on top of it! :D
And I'm getting super excited about my hair grow out process. It's coming along although I still have a few months to go. It seems to be growing faster this go around. Not sure if it actually is or if I've just been busy with other things (Konmari....) and it doesn't bother me as much.
Hope you all are starting to thaw and see peeks of spring!
This outfit is a new combo that I've been loving lately. And I actually did a bit of sewing for it but no new pieces.
If you think this checked blouse looks familiar you're right! It started out life as a late 1940s dress (which you can see here). Since I have decided that I like war era 40s better, I decided to shorten the length of this dress a bit to help it fit an earlier look.
A bonus of this is that the dress is short enough for me to throw a skirt on top of and wear it as a top. Surprise!
Layering does not have to be limited to your top half. This is a great way to get extra looks out of your wardrobe. Just be sure that the waist band covers the waist seam on your dress and no one will know the difference!
I also took this opportunity to bust out my Erstwilder Toucan. He is so cute and definitely adds a fun factor. A great novelty brooch is an excellent way to add personality to even a modern outfit.
I love having a wardrobe full of things that I love to wear! These shoes are one of my favorite pairs. They match pretty much everything and are so comfy. So you'll probably see them again and again but that's ok.
Mixing and matching pieces is a fun wardrobe challenge. And very make do and mend on top of it! :D
And I'm getting super excited about my hair grow out process. It's coming along although I still have a few months to go. It seems to be growing faster this go around. Not sure if it actually is or if I've just been busy with other things (Konmari....) and it doesn't bother me as much.
Hope you all are starting to thaw and see peeks of spring!
Friday, March 4, 2016
Which Inks for Bible Journaling?
I love stamping in my Bible! It's a super cute and easy way to add pictures and journaling and you might even have some stamps and ink in your crafting stash already! But those thin Bible pages come with some extra challenges-bleed through!
So today I'm going to show you the different kinds of inks I use in my Journaling Bible and why I like or don't like them. All of these examples are done on unprepped pages since I don't bother with page prep.
Dye Based Inks
I have a nice collection of dye based inks from my scrapbooking days. They are by a company called Close to My Heart and these ink colors coordinate with the colors of their scrapbooking papers which makes my Type A heart squee with joy. Since this is what I had already, these are the inks I started with.
I love all of the colors that I have! And these little inks are fast drying. They make nice crisp stamped images and are easy to find.
But they do bleed through. You can really see the difference between the ghosting of the pen verses the bleed through of the inks. In the ghosting, you can tell there is something on the previous page but the ink is all on the original side. With bleed through, the ink has actually seeped through the page.
Depending on the age of your dye based inks (newer=more juicy=more bleed through), the brand, the color you are using and how hard you stamp, there can be more or less bleed through. They work really well for scrapbooking and other paper crafting but not bible journaling.
I also have a Distressed ink which is dye based. Distressed inks come in loads of yummy colors and are designed to help you create a distressed look in items but you can use them just like regular inks.
I find that it stamps quite well and makes a nice, clean stamp. And the rainbow of colors is a huge plus.
I have had mixed results with the bleed through though. Mostly, I get this: part bleed through and part ghosting. Sometimes, it's pristine ghosting and sometimes it bleeds through so much that it stains the page behind it. While I still use this stamp pad, I probably won't buy anymore for use with stamps.
Pigment Based Inks
I have recently added some Tsukineko Dew Drop pigment inks to my collection and I love them! This set is actually shimmery and sooooo pretty!
Pigment based inks are thicker and sit on top of the page. This causes them to take longer to dry. I've also found the stamp pads to be juicier so I don't need to press so hard when inking up my stamp.
And the ups side is all ghosting and no bleed through! Pigment based inks are harder to find but they are great for bible journaling.
A word of caution with these Dew Drop ink pads. This brand comes in pigment based and dye based as well as chalk based (which we'll get to next) so be sure to check the packaging carefully before you purchase.
Chalk Based Inks
When I first heard of chalk based inks, I assumed that was a third type of ink. However, I have found that there are pigment basked chalk inks and dye based chalk inks and I happen to have some of each kind.
Dye Based Chalk Inks
My dye based chalk ink is also from my scrapbooking days and I have two colors-brown and dark blue. Both are designed to add a distressed look but not for stamping.
This chalk based ink is definitely less pigmented that the dye based inks and gives sort of a distressed look when stamping.
And I have found that the brown one gives very little bleed through. My blue one, however, bleeds horribly. I haven't really found other dye based chalk inks on the market but I'd be hesitant to purchase especially in deep colors.
Pigment Based Chalk Inks
Most chalk inks are pigment based like these Dew Drop chalk inks. They also come in a wide variety of colors and they are sold in packs of four coordinating colors like gelatos which I think is really fun.
Like my Close to My Heart chalk inks, they also give a softer, distressed look especially on larger stamps. I had a hard time getting the centers of the stamps inked without over inking.
But again there is no bleed through and these dried much faster than the pigment based ones. I'm definitely going to be purchasing more of these.
There are loads more brands of inks out there but I did want to share a sampling of what I have experience with. Most inks will list on the label what kind they are but if you can't find it or if it's worn off, there is a very easy way to tell if you have a dye based or pigment based ink pad.
Dye based inks (top) have a felt like ink pad while pigment based inks (bottom) have a sponge type ink pad.
Happy Stamping!
So today I'm going to show you the different kinds of inks I use in my Journaling Bible and why I like or don't like them. All of these examples are done on unprepped pages since I don't bother with page prep.
Dye Based Inks
I have a nice collection of dye based inks from my scrapbooking days. They are by a company called Close to My Heart and these ink colors coordinate with the colors of their scrapbooking papers which makes my Type A heart squee with joy. Since this is what I had already, these are the inks I started with.
I love all of the colors that I have! And these little inks are fast drying. They make nice crisp stamped images and are easy to find.
But they do bleed through. You can really see the difference between the ghosting of the pen verses the bleed through of the inks. In the ghosting, you can tell there is something on the previous page but the ink is all on the original side. With bleed through, the ink has actually seeped through the page.
Depending on the age of your dye based inks (newer=more juicy=more bleed through), the brand, the color you are using and how hard you stamp, there can be more or less bleed through. They work really well for scrapbooking and other paper crafting but not bible journaling.
I also have a Distressed ink which is dye based. Distressed inks come in loads of yummy colors and are designed to help you create a distressed look in items but you can use them just like regular inks.
I find that it stamps quite well and makes a nice, clean stamp. And the rainbow of colors is a huge plus.
I have had mixed results with the bleed through though. Mostly, I get this: part bleed through and part ghosting. Sometimes, it's pristine ghosting and sometimes it bleeds through so much that it stains the page behind it. While I still use this stamp pad, I probably won't buy anymore for use with stamps.
Pigment Based Inks
I have recently added some Tsukineko Dew Drop pigment inks to my collection and I love them! This set is actually shimmery and sooooo pretty!
Pigment based inks are thicker and sit on top of the page. This causes them to take longer to dry. I've also found the stamp pads to be juicier so I don't need to press so hard when inking up my stamp.
And the ups side is all ghosting and no bleed through! Pigment based inks are harder to find but they are great for bible journaling.
A word of caution with these Dew Drop ink pads. This brand comes in pigment based and dye based as well as chalk based (which we'll get to next) so be sure to check the packaging carefully before you purchase.
Chalk Based Inks
When I first heard of chalk based inks, I assumed that was a third type of ink. However, I have found that there are pigment basked chalk inks and dye based chalk inks and I happen to have some of each kind.
Dye Based Chalk Inks
My dye based chalk ink is also from my scrapbooking days and I have two colors-brown and dark blue. Both are designed to add a distressed look but not for stamping.
This chalk based ink is definitely less pigmented that the dye based inks and gives sort of a distressed look when stamping.
And I have found that the brown one gives very little bleed through. My blue one, however, bleeds horribly. I haven't really found other dye based chalk inks on the market but I'd be hesitant to purchase especially in deep colors.
Pigment Based Chalk Inks
Most chalk inks are pigment based like these Dew Drop chalk inks. They also come in a wide variety of colors and they are sold in packs of four coordinating colors like gelatos which I think is really fun.
Like my Close to My Heart chalk inks, they also give a softer, distressed look especially on larger stamps. I had a hard time getting the centers of the stamps inked without over inking.
But again there is no bleed through and these dried much faster than the pigment based ones. I'm definitely going to be purchasing more of these.
There are loads more brands of inks out there but I did want to share a sampling of what I have experience with. Most inks will list on the label what kind they are but if you can't find it or if it's worn off, there is a very easy way to tell if you have a dye based or pigment based ink pad.
Dye based inks (top) have a felt like ink pad while pigment based inks (bottom) have a sponge type ink pad.
Happy Stamping!
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
My Konmari Journey Part #16: Fabric and Notions
Ah, the dreaded sewing stash. Full of unrealized potential, fabrics to precious to use, impulse purchases and all of the tiny scraps we're hoarding. I have been actively working to stash bust over the last few years and my stash has remained at a mostly manageable size but we're still going to Konmari it.
This may scare a lot of seamstresses but I have some good reasons to purge my stash. Having moved to a wildly different climate than where most of this fabric was purchased, I have very different wardrobe needs. How much wool can a Florida girl wear after all?
I've also come to realize that I really don't like having two different pieces made out of the same fabric. Projects made from the leftovers never seem to get worn. So I'm going to let go of some of those leftover bits even if they are large enough to use.
And the scrap pile..... At this point in my life, I have no interest in quilting so really, why am I keeping all of these tiny scraps of stuff??? I'll keep some swatches in my swatch book and let go of the rest.
Ok, let's do it!
This may scare a lot of seamstresses but I have some good reasons to purge my stash. Having moved to a wildly different climate than where most of this fabric was purchased, I have very different wardrobe needs. How much wool can a Florida girl wear after all?
I've also come to realize that I really don't like having two different pieces made out of the same fabric. Projects made from the leftovers never seem to get worn. So I'm going to let go of some of those leftover bits even if they are large enough to use.
And the scrap pile..... At this point in my life, I have no interest in quilting so really, why am I keeping all of these tiny scraps of stuff??? I'll keep some swatches in my swatch book and let go of the rest.
Ok, let's do it!
Friday, February 26, 2016
What's Ahead
I have to admit that lately I feel like this blog has wandered a bit from its original purpose and I want to get it headed back that way! There are several reasons for this. Firstly, I always have a harder time wanting to get dressed up and taking blog photos when I'm growing out my hair. And since I can't even pin curl my hair right now due to the Florida humidity, it's been even worse.
I also seriously underestimated the amount of effort and time documenting my Konmari journey would take in terms of actual time and blog time. I actually finished the purging process on January 1 but the video editing and posting process has been dragging on and on. But I hope to have it finished in the next month or so and it will definitely be a must less frequent topic on this blog. Personally, the whole process has been great but it's just pulling too much focus on the blog.
My new found creative outlet of Bible Journaling has also been keeping me busy. I really enjoy sharing my pages on Instagram but I'm still evaluating what I want to share on the blog and on my Facebook page and how frequent these posts will be. Please let me know what you think about the bible journaling posts.
So what's ahead?
I've really been missing sewing! Now that my wardrobe is good and purged, I feel like I can start sewing again. And just in time because I'm going to have some new sewing outlets!
First off, I'm going to be starting a new job in a few weeks and it's going to be in a much more corporate setting than I'm used to. I've been told that my devision is definitely on the casual end of the dress code compared to the rest of the company but I would like to have a few more formal vintage style pieces in my wardrobe.
To that end, I've been day dreaming of 1920s dresses lately. I really want to get back to my cute 1920s bob. I feel like it's very me and very Florida friendly. Plus it looks cute with 20s looks, modern looks and even other vintage looks. So I'll be planning some more 20s dresses. Made up in a nice fabric, I think they'll be nice enough for work but oh so comfy. (And easy to make as well!)
Also, I'm considering joining the local chapter of the Adrian Empire which is a medieval recreation group similar to the SCA but with some different features and focuses. I went to a local event last weekend and had a lot of fun. The group was very friendly and chill which is perfect for me because the AE is definitely not going to be my only hobby. But I will have an excuse to do some more costuming!
So what can you expect to see here? More 20s. More sewing. More costuming. More outfits.
Do leave a comment and let me know if there's anything old you'd like to see come back on the blog or if you have a request for something new!
I also seriously underestimated the amount of effort and time documenting my Konmari journey would take in terms of actual time and blog time. I actually finished the purging process on January 1 but the video editing and posting process has been dragging on and on. But I hope to have it finished in the next month or so and it will definitely be a must less frequent topic on this blog. Personally, the whole process has been great but it's just pulling too much focus on the blog.
My new found creative outlet of Bible Journaling has also been keeping me busy. I really enjoy sharing my pages on Instagram but I'm still evaluating what I want to share on the blog and on my Facebook page and how frequent these posts will be. Please let me know what you think about the bible journaling posts.
So what's ahead?
I've really been missing sewing! Now that my wardrobe is good and purged, I feel like I can start sewing again. And just in time because I'm going to have some new sewing outlets!
First off, I'm going to be starting a new job in a few weeks and it's going to be in a much more corporate setting than I'm used to. I've been told that my devision is definitely on the casual end of the dress code compared to the rest of the company but I would like to have a few more formal vintage style pieces in my wardrobe.
To that end, I've been day dreaming of 1920s dresses lately. I really want to get back to my cute 1920s bob. I feel like it's very me and very Florida friendly. Plus it looks cute with 20s looks, modern looks and even other vintage looks. So I'll be planning some more 20s dresses. Made up in a nice fabric, I think they'll be nice enough for work but oh so comfy. (And easy to make as well!)
Also, I'm considering joining the local chapter of the Adrian Empire which is a medieval recreation group similar to the SCA but with some different features and focuses. I went to a local event last weekend and had a lot of fun. The group was very friendly and chill which is perfect for me because the AE is definitely not going to be my only hobby. But I will have an excuse to do some more costuming!
So what can you expect to see here? More 20s. More sewing. More costuming. More outfits.
Do leave a comment and let me know if there's anything old you'd like to see come back on the blog or if you have a request for something new!
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
Disney Day
It was Will's birthday last week so we decided to do another Disney day! Originally, we had planned on visiting Animal Kingdom since that was the only park we haven't been to since moving to Florida but on the way there, we decided to go to Epcot instead. Alas, I was already attired for Animal Kingdom so my outfit isn't as cute as I'd like. (Because, you know, what you're wearing is the most important part of a Disney trip.... ;) )
Anyways, I decided to just bring the video camera again so here's a little vlog of our day! Enjoy!
Anyways, I decided to just bring the video camera again so here's a little vlog of our day! Enjoy!
Friday, February 19, 2016
Bible Journaling : February
This week I'm keeping it simple and just showing you some of my recent journalings and letting you know what kinds of products I used to make them. Enjoy!
Genesis 50:15 & Romans 8:28 - "As for you, you meant evil against me but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today" "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose."- acrylic paint in blue, green and white, stamps, stickers, micron pen, white gel pen
2 Chronicles 15:15 - "And all Judah rejoiced over the oath for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought Him with their whole desire and He was found by them and the Lord gave them rest all around"- scrapbooking paper, stickers, washi, stamps
Galatians 1:10 - "For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of God" - scrapbooking paper, stamps, stickers
Revelation 4:8 - " And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say 'Holy, holy holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' " Faber-Castell gelatos, stickers, stamps
If there are any products you'd like to know more about or see a tutorial for, let me know in the comments!
Genesis 50:15 & Romans 8:28 - "As for you, you meant evil against me but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive as they are today" "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose."- acrylic paint in blue, green and white, stamps, stickers, micron pen, white gel pen
2 Chronicles 15:15 - "And all Judah rejoiced over the oath for they had sworn with all their heart and had sought Him with their whole desire and He was found by them and the Lord gave them rest all around"- scrapbooking paper, stickers, washi, stamps
Galatians 1:10 - "For am I now seeking the approval of man or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of God" - scrapbooking paper, stamps, stickers
Revelation 4:8 - " And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say 'Holy, holy holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' " Faber-Castell gelatos, stickers, stamps
If there are any products you'd like to know more about or see a tutorial for, let me know in the comments!
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