crafts | jeanofalltrades

Tag Archives: crafts

March 6, 2011 · 7:50 pm

Windows 7 Takes Fashion World by Storm

Okay, maybe not exactly. Unless if by “Windows 7” I mean “Jean” and by “fashion world” I mean “her closet.”

I took a little trip to Goodwill this weekend and decided to get creative. I found a cute blazer from Canadian Chain, Smart Set, and snapped it up for $8.99 (partially out of a sense of nostalgia and partially because it really is a versatile blazer). Then I found a cream-colored cable-knit sweater for my pillow project. And then, I hit the jackpot: a black men’s XXXL (yes, that’s four x’s) t-shirt. Someone out there didn’t appreciate his Windows 7 t-shirt (obviously company swag acquired in a giveaway promotion-type thing). Well, it set me back $1.99. And now it’s a skirt. You can see how well it goes with my new blazer.

Blazer: Smart Set (via Goodwill)
Skirt: Former t-shirt (via Goodwill)
Necklace: Fremont Sunday Market street vendor
Boots: Liz & Co.

Here’s how I did it. First, I washed the thing thoroughly! Then, I cut off the sleeves, sides, and neck so I had two giant squares of fabric. I re-sewed the pieces together (along one side) and sewed a 2″ wide elastic band to the top (as an exposed waistband). I stitched the second side closed and left a slit in the bottom. The shirt was the right length so I kept the bottom hem as-is, but you could cut and hem it to any length you want.

I’m a lousy tailor so this (as with all my projects) gets an E for easy. If it were difficult, I wouldn’t have succeeded. I also don’t use patterns (a possible explanation as to why I’m no good with a sewing machine) so I had no idea how this would turn out. I was picturing something more A-line and flouncy, but I suppose that would require more fabric. I was pleasantly surprised to end up with a pencil skirt. I liked the nerdy, high-tech connection, so that’s why I chose a Windows logo, but you could do the same thing with a sports jersey, a t-shirt advertising a good cause, or your even favorite brew.

3 Comments

Filed under Crafts, DIY, Fashion, Technology

Tagged as crafts, DIY, fashion, skirt, style, technology

January 29, 2011 · 4:25 am

Style Guide

Welcome to Jean of all Trades. I’m Jean. I’m a generalist. Style is the thread that weaves together my various interests. I suppose you could say I’m interested in aesthetics. I don’t get too philosophical about it though; I just look for beauty in everyday things.

Initially, I wanted to write about fashion, but fashion is only one part of the style I’m pursuing. I like to put outfits together creatively and see how they affect me. I like to see others enjoying how they look and how they carry themselves when they change the way they look. It’s not about vanity, but self-expression. I don’t have a specific fashion style. My style changes depending on my mood, the season, and what I’ve found on sale.

I love art. I enjoy looking at a piece and exploring the color and juxtaposition of shapes in space. Paintings, sculpture, and photography of many styles interest me. I create art, and I absorb art. The best gift I gave myself this year is a membership to the Seattle Art Museum. To be able to surround myself with art and open my mind to new experiences is priceless.

To me, the line between arts and crafts is fuzzy. Textile arts, functional art, the things that women make and use around the house – these are often labeled crafts. I don’t like how they seem to be less respected and lumped into the creative world’s hobby bin. I recently bought a sewing machine and I’m trying my hand at simple creations: purses, skirts, pillows. I’ve gained a lot of respect for people who create with fabric. It’s not easy!

Music is a mood-altering drug. The styles of music affect people profoundly. It’s an amazing creative outlet that I wish I could be part of. I’m not musically inclined, but I’m a good listener. And I’ll share with you the music I find.

Now that I’m listening to good music, admiring and creating art, and wearing clothes that express who I am, I’m going to relax in a modern minimalist living room and revel in the calm. Well, maybe not exactly. But the way I decorate my living space is another area where style is a major player. I’ll talk about it on these pages too.