Day 283 – Although a bit oversized for a toddler, Stella was more than willing to model the completed mermaid costume. She may be less willing to hand it over to the 6 yr old for whom it was made.

Day 281 – Creating a pattern for the mermaid costume. Since I’ve never made anything with sequins, I asked for expert advice at the fabric store. The woman smiled and said “Just sew very slowly while pushing the sequins carefully aside so you don’t break too many needles.” OY.

Day 280 – Created a pattern and made a kid-size executioners robe. Since it is a costume, I am questioning the value of lining and hems.

Day 279 – Finished a t-shirt and plush creature. I like the black vinyl for this dark version. And using bead stuffing in the limbs makes them floppy instead of stiff. I’d like to come up with a secure, yet easy to use alternative to snaps.

Day 278 – Doodling instead of sewing more snaps.

Day 277 – The only way to move forward is to take the next step. In this case, I have eight sew-on snaps to align and attach in order to finish any one of these plush creatures or t-shirts. It is the most boring and dreaded step. Some day I will gift myself a snap setting tool.

Day 276 – Architectural concept plan drawn the old fashioned way. Just a scale, pencil, and tracing paper.

Day 275 – Starting the design for a kid’s mermaid costume.

Day 274 – I wanted to create a navy under layer for a shirt I made back on Day 227. But the shape and size of the gigantic XXL sleeves inspired me to shape them as wings on a fitted dress. (Little Stella was curious about the self-portrait I was trying to take for this post.)