UGH...and DIY Scarf Pillows

I did (or should I say, didn't?) it again.

It's been over a month and I didn't post anything!

I've no excuses, really. But, I can tell you that I am at the moment preoccupied with a relocation to Massachusetts.  The boyfriend got a job transfer near there, and we selected an apartment in Salem.  I am super excited about it! It is a gorgeous place to live - quite touristy - but that's a good sign, I think.

Our new place is minutes from the marina, beach, and there is tons of parks and trails.  Also an amenity is the local dog park. Seems like we will have no troubles feeling at home there!

Lots of packing, Goodwill runs, and E-Baying going on right now.  All that to say, A Dash of Effort has been neglected :(  

These changes have brought on opportunities to declutter and think about my vision of our future home.  I already am beginning preparations for container gardening, and this time, I am opting for a minimalist approach to decorating.  That being said, I will have lots of inspiration for new posts!

Today I spent lots of time on Apartment Therapy and came across this awesome DIY scarf pillows article.

This is dangerous because I find lots of scarves at thrift stores.  Whenever I find ones I like, I am able to stave off temptation because I don't really wear scarves. But, with this tutorial...the possibilities are endless!

Do you have any DIY tips for pillows?

Repurposing = Fair Trade Everything

I recently saw the movie Blood Diamond.  The movie shows unrest in Africa as a result of the diamond industry.  While watching I was reminded of the corruption of consumerism.  Just about every item imaginable is created using means of slavery and child labor.  Beyond self-sufficiency, the reason I am adamant  about reusing items, consignment store shopping and DIY stuff, is to take a stand against slavery.  

While we can't control government policies or national politics, we can control how we spend our money.  I really try to limit it  to fair trade goods (goods using production methods providing fair treatment, wages, and working conditions to laborers).  After a while it becomes rather easy to find substitutes for everyday items.  I still have so many purchasing preferences to change.  For example, I have to find fair trade alternatives for cocoa powder, sugar, and coffee.  If we stop demanding, they will need to stop supplying.  Little by little, we can make a significant change.

It's so crazy to think how our actions influence the world.  I try not to buy anything made in China and I avoid mall and retail stores so I am not giving corporations a direct sale.  Although Consignment stores do sell second hand clothing manufactured by corporations not practicing fair trade, the profits do not at all aid them in their operations, which is why I think consignment stores are a better bet.  I hope to make my own sheets and clothing one day to further promote awareness and options for fair trade goods that everyday people can afford. That also happens to be the inspiration behind my store on Etsy.

Not only does it save money, but re-purposing helps me be content with what I have and not be greedy. As a result, I am more fulfilled, more aware, and more productive with my money and time.  

Not For Sale is an awesome campaign educating how our money fuels slavery and how we can stop it.  The organization's self titled book is an easy read and taught me so much. Buy it here.


Also check out this list of products of slave abuse from the Department of Labor.



 

Take A Gander...

...at these awesome articles sharing ideas for re-purposing and up-cycling stuff!

 

Twisted Sifter is a great place for creative minds.  I am constantly thinking.  When I am overcome by curiosity, Twisted Sifter helps me sort the contents of my mind, and can help project ideas become a reality.  The link below shows practical and convenient ways to rethink the way you use ordinary items.

http://twistedsifter.com/2012/06/creative-ways-to-repurpose-reuse-and-upcycle-old-things/


I do not have a Pinterest account.  Come on, I can barely navigate Facebook  while resisting urges to click on every.single.profile of people I may not really know.  Unending pictures of "cute" decor and recipes would kill me.  But, I did Google search "re-purposing aluminum cans" and this link appeared in search results.  Oh. My. Pinterest, you have my heart.  You'll see what I mean when you click the link below...be warned.  You will feel guilty for discarding cans from this moment forward! (sorry and you're welcome;) )


http://www.pinterest.com/ariaism/cans-upcycled-recycled-renewed-reused-repurposed/

ENJOY!

Cookie Sheet as a Snow Shovel

Connecticut is being pummeled with snow and I am loving every minute!

Well, every minute except those few I have to dig my car out before the snow plow comes...without a shovel...

 I am just one of those people who refuses to buy a snow shovel while living in an apartment. I don't want to keep a snow shovel in my basement, car, hallway, or closet. I just won't do it until I get a house.  The perfect solution?  A cookie sheet, baking pan, or serving tray.  I swear by this.  

Last year, I dug my car out of three feet of snow with a cookie tray.  It gets around the wheels and can dig a car out in a jiffy.  Yes, there is more bending required, but for me, it is much easier than a shovel!  Shovels become very heavy when packed with snow and are hard to lift.  I like the cookie sheet because it gives me more control over the weight I use to move the snow.  This morning I cleared a pathway, cleared the porch, and cleared two cars in an hour. I think that's pretty good for eight inches deep.  

Also, it makes sliding the snow off the top of the car much easier.

I wonder what my neighbors think of me . . .

 

 

AC Moore :D and other rants

Holy Majoly.

I scored big time at AC Moore. I went in to grab two sponge applicators for under 1.00 but walked out with 3 bags of stuff for 46.50.

This always happens to me.

Allow me to set the scene for you.  It is Saturday afternoon.  I have somewhere to be so I rush like crazy walking to and fro the ends of the store until I finally find the applicators.  The store gets busy with slow shop browsers.   I almost make it to the register ...

*BAM*  I see it. The tall, overflowing shelves of d.i.s.c.o.u.n.t. fabric. Not just any fabric.  Not your cheap, pastel, ugly fabric that no one will use (sorry if I offend all you pastel lovers:/ I'm a color hater...unintentionally). These are off white, navy blue crinkle pattern suedes and lined black and gray wool hemmingbone cut fabrics.

I'm almost late for work and there's a rather irritating line at the register. I wait.  and wait...and tell the cashier to put my stuff on hold because this one stop quick pick-up lady is gonna browse tomorrow for some sexy cuts of fabric (And I did) :) ... Okay, that's not ver batem..but close enough...PS when I retell stories, in my head I'm a loud, vivacious black women, so when you read this make sure you're doing the tone of voice right ;P

I want to live in a fabric mill.  Seriously. I love fabrics. I love textures.  Maybe one day I will resell fabric for a living.  That is a dream come true for me! :)

I also got lots of fabric quarters for a buck a piece.  I did this around Christmas, too.  I swear, one day I will make napkins with these quarters.  I have to.  I don't have another use for them.  As soon as I can control my sewing machine I'm gonna be napkin makin' happy! Woot Woot!

Help!

I recognize my blog needs more posts. . . which means I need more projects . . . That is my issue.

The most challenging thing about having a blog displaying personal projects is the ability to remember that you will post the projects on the blog.  I'm supposed to take pictures before, during, and after the projects, but usually my crafting comes from a genuine hastiness to just complete the darn thing after months of brainstorming.  So, the day I actually get around to crafting means the last thing on my mind is taking pictures...and then when I am all done I realize the reason I created this blog is to showcase my skill and to hopefully inspire craftiness in others.

I do many projects through out the year re-vamping old to new and constructing things which never were, but documenting all these projects is a whole project in itself!

Well, I guess I am apologizing for not keeping up as I should with my blog.  I have yet to complete the chenille pillowcases which will (eventually) be listed on my Etsy shop. 

I am also asking for your help.

I don't have the greatest pictures to help you in your decision, but you must help me decide on my next project.

Below are pictures of Indian sari fabric I purchased.

Fabric 1

    

Border Close up - Fabric 1

Fabric 2

Border Close up - Fabric2

The original plan for them was to create pillow covers for my living room.  Now  I'm thinking three things:

1. Hang fabric as tapestry on the walls
2. Create pillowcases (predictable, aren't I?)
3. Create scarves 

What do you think I should do with the fabric?

-

Ta Da! The pictures I promised you...

Okay. My last post was about using unused throws as upcycled scarves and pillow covers / seat cushions.  

Without further ado I present to you the results of thrashing my throws!

         

 The scarf came out awesome!  It doubles as the perfect shawl to wrap around my shoulders.  

You know you created something well when it receives compliments. It feels pretty good to respond with a "thank you. I made it ".  Even better, though, is the shocked faces upon my response.  

I love the edges on this scarf. I tried to capture it best I could (picture to the right). The edges are frayed white.  I love that there are no stitches showing.  Another plus when using blankets for upcycled items.

Man, I LOVE these chenille pillow cases.  They are SOOOO soft! I have an eclectic taste in patterns, but I dig the country plaid/classic neutral color combo.  The texture is perfect for winter decorating, not to mention for cuddling when watching a movie. (I'm a big time pillow hugger -   hopefully I'm not the only one...)

Chenille is delicate because you can't pull it too much while sewing and if you make too many holes it can shred.  I had to be very careful but it came out great.  The edges came out better than expected, virtually seamless.

There ya have it! A new scarf and pillow cases without leaving my home or spending additional money.  I handsew everything I make because I am still very much afraid of my sewing machine (it eats all the fabric I put in ). Yes, I know the tension must be adjusted and so on and so forth.  But, one thing I don't have much of is patience, and it is easier for me to hand sew even though it takes far longer.


The pillow cases will soon be available in my Etsy shop A Dash of Effort. I'll post a link on my blog soon.  I have some final touches on listings and products, and then I'll be open for business!

I am contemplating a give away for one of my scarves ( I made two).
 

Thanks for reading, feed back appreciated, and I'll write ya later!