Exciting Projects as of Late

The past few weeks I have felt the need to give myself to something artistically. So far, life post-graduation affords me fewer opportunities to engage in challenging and enlightening conversation, embark on projects (scholarly and otherwise) that require more of my focus and dedication that I think I can give, and hold myself to standards beyond those which are comfortable. Of course, these opportunities do no cease to exist after college life. It just becomes an individual responsibility, rather than one I share with professors, advisors, and classmates. In my pursuits to to again feel artistic and capable, I have found myself at the mercy of my mom's ancient sewing machine. I am by no means impressive to even the home seamstress (yet), but I have certainly been impressing myself. I finished my first project well over a week ago but life has been too full of friends and beautiful weather to spend time taking photos and blogging. But not to fear, this workless Monday has allowed me to do just that.

Unfortunately I was so excited to try my hand at this sewing thing that I forgot to take "before" pictures. I bought a perfectly ugly salmon-colored, printed jacket from Salvation Army for something like $3.99. I began tearing seams and snipping away at imperfections, and before I knew it... an apron!! My very first homemade apron!

Complete with an adorable pocket and equally adorable (and matching) straps!

I've already worn it to work in the restaurant twice now. Each day I've gotten multiple compliments and I shamelessly glow as I exclaim, "Thank you, I made it!"

Along with the ugly jacket, I also bought a few unfortunate dresses at Salvation Army. Most of them have remained untouched so far, but this one has made a remarkable transformation. Again, I'm not the most skilled seamstress. So I've been choosing dresses that already fit pretty well, but need some updating, some sexifying. This one required very few changes, but together they made a world of difference! And thank God I didn't forget the "before" pictures this time, because they are gooooood. 

Flattering, eh?

Did you notice the shoulder pads?

And how about one last look before the metamorphosis?

DRUMROLLLLL PLEASE!

TADAAAAAAA!

With pockets and everything!

It's definitely not perfect. The bottom hem in particular has its few bunches. It was a moderately difficult material to work with. 100% rayon if I remember correctly. It was pretty slick. Pinning it wasn't doing much. I opted instead to just iron it as stiff and straight as possible and do my best from there. Overall I'm extremely pleased! Something I'll wear for quite some time I think!

And just a little endnote: I didn't make these suckers myself, but I bought them today and am extremely excited for my future with them :)

Well I guess my first three blogs have been 1. the introduction 2. the shared writing and 3. the shared sewing projects. Who knows what my next posts may have in store! Based on the gratification sewing has thus far brought me, I think it's safe to assume there may be more headed your way.

Until then...