DIY: Girl purse from a skirt

I made this a good while back, it was only as I was repairing it, that I decided I should feature it on the blog.

L had this skirt when she was in preschool. My mom got it for her and it was a favorite. She wore it, until one day, she ripped one of the tiers and I couldn't fix it but I hated to throw the skirt away.

I found some pink purse handles at JoAnn's and decided that I could re-purpose this favorite.

Step one: Turn skirt inside out. Cut to size if needed. I think a skirt with an A-line will work best, but having said that, a straight one would work too.

Step two: Turn the skirt inside out and sew the bottom closed. I double stitched mine. You could reinforce the bottom too, if you wanted to.

Step three: Decide if you want to have a closure of some sort on the top. Since this was an adjustable waist skirt, I rigged up a closure using the existing button holes. I will be the first to admit, that this did not survive for very long. L and I have decided she does not need a closure, she can stuff more in it without one.

Step four: Figure out the placement of your handles. I used very sturdy bias tape this time. The first time, I used some of the fabric from the lower hem, that I had cut off. My first attempt was stylish and held up for a good while, but my recent repair went more for substance, less style. Really it is a personal preference. I would double or triple stitch the handle loops and back stitch for good measure.

And Viola! You have a purse from a skirt. L carries this around all the time. She loves it.

unTangled up in Blue

H and I have become those parents and our kids each have an iPod touch. They inherited H and I's old ones. Part me loves the way the kids have embraced technology and the other part of me is contrary and thinks that technology is ebbing into their lives too quickly.

I will say, the iPod does make traveling with kids so much easier. They can bring their movies, tv programs, music and games with them. It does make the long car trip and the plane trips very pleasant for everyone.

The only hurdle for me are the ear buds. Where are they in the backpack, the panic attacks when the kids can't find them. This has been an issue. First I addressed it by being the party to carry the ear buds, then I taught then to wrap them around the iPod. Inevitably they get loose and sink to the bottom of the backpack or the far corner buried under books.

Before our trip to the sunshine state, I decided to address this issue.

Behold the fleece lined denim iPod pouch. The vintage buttons are a nice touch.

The process was very easy.

1. I used a pair of E's jeans. He has the uncanny ability to split the knees of his jeans in such a way, that I cannot patch or repair them. So I decided to put the latest casualty to good use. He wears a size 6-7 slim. These were 6's. I laid the iPod on the leg of the pants, even with the yellow hem stitching at the base of the leg. Once I cut it to the desired length, I then split the leg open at the inner seam. Measure or eyeball the desired width and trim accordingly. In my case I wanted a snug but not tight fit. Remember this is all about little fingers being able to execute the storage and removal process solo.

2. Find some fleece you like. In my case I used some scrap I had. L got pink and E got black monster truck. I used the denim piece as my pattern and cut the fleece to match. Stitch with coordinating thread all the way around. Wrong sides to wrong sides. Then fold in half and stitch following the existing yellow stitching. Making the pouch. I back stitched at the upper corner for extra security.

3. Cut a small strip of fleece. I find using the selvage edge is good way to go. Less stretch and you are going to get rid of that bit anyway, why not put it to use. Carefully stitch into the pouch, about 3/4 inches in. I doubled stitched and back stitched each time. This is going to get lots and lots of tugging and pulling. It needs to be tough.

4. Find a large and preferably slightly raised button and hand stitch it to the front of the pouch. Take your time and do this right. Using embroidery floss won't hurt. Remember this is going to get lots and lots of tugging too.

Then enjoy. This will easily hold your iPod and head phones. No more missing ear buds and your screen is protected.

E today at tea, had arranged the pouch in such a way that it acted as a stand, holding his iPod at the perfect viewing angle. Only my budding engineer could come up with that creative use for my quick denim iPod carrying case.

I would say this process took about 1/2 hour or so. It truly is a quick fix project.

Umba Box: My Review, Month 2

Last month, I blogged about Umba Box and indicated I would commit to at least three months with them. This month, I got in the mail a surprise collection of body products, all homemade and very generously sized.

Rinse Bath & Body are homemade body products, which based on this box, stack up with their chemical laden cousins. I have had the box for about 10 days, but did not have time to really focus on the contents until the other night.

The cute bath Truffle I am saving for this weekend but it smells divine as I sniffed it and I am dying to give it a try. We are huge fans of LUSH bath bomb in this house and I am excited to see how it stacks up. Price wise they are equivalent and the plus, they are wrapped like Hersey kisses, making them easy to store.

I have been loving the skin stick. Basically a giant sized chap stick made of shea butter and beeswax - with some essential oils. Fantastic. I have been using it on my lips, hands and elbows. I love that it moisturizes and isn't at all greasy. I also love that it isn't basically scent neutral. I am a light on the fragrance girl.

The item I was most skeptical about was the Cafe Mocha facial mask scrub. It smells like burnt coffee. I used water to form the paste, but next time I am going to try yogurt or maybe even soy milk. I made the paste, slowly adding small splashes of water and then put it on my face. I let it dry, for at least 10 minutes. It was good and dry by the time I got in the shower.

While I was not thrilled with the Starbucks like smell which at that point permeated my bathroom, I am sold on the results. My skin was noticeably smoother and brighter. In short it worked - it is salt free and no harsh chemicals. It is also not oatmeal based. I worry about oatmeal based skin products.

In generally, while I am very careful about what I eat, I am not as picky about my skin products and their level of gluten freeness. I probably should be. I am careful to avoid things at LUSH or other places which contain beer or oatmeal.

Rinse uses all natural components and they also have some vegan products.

The story card enclosed was very informative and again this is a woman owned and operated business. Heather started making soap as a hobby in 2002 and then expanding. According to the card Rinse products are available at over 200 boutiques nationwide and online.

I love this, a small woman owned business, making quality body care products.

I also love that I can pronounce all the ingredients, pronounce them and actually could probably buy most of them at Whole Foods. I like the back to nature skin care approach. More to the point, I think my skin responses well to gentle cleaning...

While when I initially opened the box, I wasn't completely sold on the idea of a coffee mask and a giant chap stick, after I tried them out, I am really enjoying the products. In terms of making a purchase, I am more likely to buy the skin stick. It is something I have never really tried before, but really like and the stick makes it the perfect way for me to take my lotion along in my purse or gym bag or writing desk for that matter.

So I wonder what Umba Box will have in store for me next month?

rockibot - Nerd Herder Gadget Wallet

No one answered my Facebook poll, so I guess that means people either like what I post, don't particularly care or dislike polls. Anyway, too bad, ship has sailed and I will write about what I want to write about. I have decided to write more posts, which deal with cool things I discover and like and use all the time.

A few years back, at the urging of my good friend and college roomie, SS, I joined Facebook. Reluctantly, I might add. I was not sold on social media, at all. I hardly used my cell phone, couldn't text a word. Fast forward to 2012 and I have embraced social media, love my Iphone, rarely talk on the phone but text like there is no tomorrow. Now I hang out regularly on Twitter, update my Facebook, tried google+ and decided it was for the birds. Then along came Pinterest. At first I ignored the rumbles and praise of the online bulletin board. Then I joined, thanks to an invite from a Twitter pal and I have been pinning ever since.

I think most guys don't get Pinterest. In fact it was a topic at my NYE party and the men close to me, just look at me when I have spoken about it. "You pin stuff",  "it is like a bulletin board you share?"

"Can you buy stuff?" Well yes and no!

My new nerd herder gadget wallet is an example of something someone pinned, I followed the link to the rockibot etsy site and I ordered it, along with the wristet. I loved the concept. A wallet, which controls your smart phone, ear buds, has a place to tuck a few bucks, your flash memory and off you go. Easy to keep track of in my purse and makes for an easy transfer from purse, to writing bag, less to carry when I run out to pick the kiddos, perfect for trips to the park.

Also as L pointed out, I will hopefully now, stop yelling in exasperation, "Where IS MY PHONE." as I root through my purse, bag or coat pockets. I have been using it all week and I love it. I even carry it up to my room in the evening, effectively keeping the ear buds and audio playing device always together. No more frantically searching for ear buds when I want to listen to my audio book or music after the kiddos have gone to bed.

I also have to give kudos to rockibot, not only do they make a great little gadget herder, they have exceptional customer service. First of all I got an email letting me know my item had shipped, shipping was quick, and my nerd herder came all wrapped up in this pretty package.

I loved the little present. It felt decadent to unwrap it, even though I knew what I was opening. I also thought the little card and pencil were very cute.

On Twitter the other day I chimed in on a Twitter conversation about buying local and American made. That is my goal for 2012, to support local artisans and shop owners but to also put more energy into searching out and supporting small artisans, hand making beautiful items in the United States and around the world. Corporations have lost touch with their customers and perhaps it is time to show those corporations we just don't need then as much as they think we do. Also as a creative person, I enjoy supporting other creative people.