Finished: Mermaid Inspired Skirt!

Once a year, every June, something magical happens in Coney Island...

Maybe not exactly magical, but a group of people have decided that mermaids and sea creatures and other mythological beings (which the streets in Coney Island are named after) should have their own themed parade and thus, the Mermaid Parade was born.

Via Instagram

I recommend googling the parade to check out some of the costumes because my pictures do NOT do these costumes justice, but only do so at home as it's legal to be topless in NYC and a lot of the women exercise that right. Also a lot of the men barely cover themselves as well. Either way, google at home.

So I wanted to dress up, but since I didn't want to go all out and/or buy new fabric, I was at a bit of a loss. In fact, I was a bit down in the dumps and even uttered that I might not dress up after all... 

That terrible idea was quickly thrown out but since I only had one free day to sew, I needed something quick and instead of it being mermaid, it needed to be mermaid inspired.

As I only had a day, I decided to forgo making a top and just wear my swimsuit. I had some icky brown jersey in the shape of a long rectangle that I decided I could work with for the bottom. I envisioned a mermaid skirt, but shorter. And high waisted since I'm terrified of cropped tops.

Anyway, after 3 hours on my serger, I think I ended up with something pretty fantastic! I cut two squares out of the rectangle and angled them a bit so they would fit my waist. I cut out two strips to create a waistband. I was worried about the ruffles, especially since I didn't want to switch to my sewing machine AND switch out the thread color. (Yes, I'm that lazy.)

Luckily I figured out how you can make ruffles on your serger and then suddenly it was done!

I was going to do my hair and make-up like I did in these photos, but my hair wouldn't cooperate in time for me to leave. I was then planning on doing my hair in the bathroom after brunch on the boardwalk, but the wind was killer that day so I just pulled it back.

I went with Naomi and she scored us these awesome seats so we were shaded the whole time and had the best view. (Hint: In case you can't spot us, try looking on top of the ticket booth.)

Via Tristan Lamour

I've never made anything this quickly before, and I'm generally pleased with how it came out. In fact, I'll have a tutorial up on it soon - so keep an eye out if you're interested in making one of your own!

My tutorial is now up - check it out and let me know what you think!

Updates: Spring Sewing Swap and more!

This is another update post. I know it's not as exciting as a new outfit I made, but look at all the fun stuff that's been happening!

First, I decided to participate in Kestrel Make's Spring Sewing Swap. I got paired up with Shannon from Shanni Loves and she sent me this amazing package. I love the fabric; I decided about ten minutes ago I should make it into a maxi skirt if I have enough. And I also adore the little earrings and lip gloss. (Because that's not thread on the left, that's LIP GLOSS!)

In proper sewing news, I am so excited to say that I've started sewing again. I have two finished objects waiting to be photographed, and since I drafted both of them myself, I'm going to put up instructions for you to make them too. I was thinking of making a pattern, but I'm not really sure I want to grade everything. I'll figure it out and I'm pumped to share new things with you guys!

In knitting news, remember the sweater that was too large even when I decreased for my waist?

I had to start it over 3 times before I finally got it so it fit me. I'm on the second sleeve now. Doesn't it look like something for a small child? I can get my hand through it so that's all that matters!

I was really awful at actively participating in Me Made May this year. I technically wore me-made outfits, like I usually do, but I couldn't be bothered to photograph anything. There are a lot of reasons for that, but they don't matter now. But look: I went to the beach and you can see both a me-made swimsuit and a me-made dress. I know you can't really see either, but this is the best photograph I've taken of myself and my clothing so far!

In other news, I'm slowly but surely working on my knitting website. I recently did a post on blocking and I put up a video tutorial on cabling. Fun stuff!

In non-crafting news, I'm leash training my cats. Grayson, pictured below, really loves it and complained very loudly this morning when I didn't have enough time this morning to let him bask in the sun on the fire escape.

Oh and I saw fireworks last night. (If you have time, stick around for the smiley face one) If you're in the states, happy fourth!