So this was an experiment in sewing – a challenge to mimic a JW Anderson shirtdress that I clipped out of a magazine. His version costs $1200. Mine cost a thrifty $20 and started out as 2 XL men’s tailored shirts. I took a lot of liberty in my design since I have no idea what the real dress looks like under the leather jacket or from behind.

My latest sweater alteration. I used an XL women’s poncho and created fitted ¾ length sleeves. I wanted to create a hood, but settled for the cowl neck. As always, I added the nested rectangles.

Several months ago I saw a fleece shawl sweater I liked that was a simple rectangle with arms. I decided to try to make one for each of my girls. They chose the color, pink and blue – no surprises there. Honestly, the design works for Stella’s size, but is a bit odd for Adin. Notice the expressions. It was torture convincing Adin to let me photograph her for my blog. Yep, Adin will never, ever wear it.

Finished a new prototype plushy. It has snap-on limbs and face with a write-on/wipe-off surface underneath. The eyes are buttons and the color shapes around the eyes have button holes so they can be removed or changed around. The stuffing includes some poly beads so it sits up nicely.

I made some simple felted wool hand warmers from a sweater I had mostly chopped up for Christmas ornaments.

Back to altering felted sweaters. This one is cropped but scoops lower in back. I added second cuffs to the sleeves because I like mine really long. And of course I had to add the nested rectangles.

Stella is helping to make crayon heart necklaces to give to friends for Valentine’s Day. Crush the crayons into small bits. Melt in 250 deg. oven. Add straws to wax (for the holes) as it is just starting to cool and set. When completely cooled and hardened, pull straw out, gently, with pliers. Smooth any rough surfaces off of crayon by rubbing on paper. Add a cord of your choice. Adin is the lucky recipient of the first necklace made.

I felted and altered an XL men’s wool sweater – cut out the turtle neck to be a wide scoop, cut off the cuffs and bottom rib, blanket stitched all raw edges, and needle felted my signature nested rectangles to the bottom.

Day 365 – I’ve arrived at the last day of my yearlong creative journey. While many projects remain incomplete, I was faithful to the goal of spending time each day making something. Today I finished piecing and gluing the playmap, although much sewing and finish work remains to be completed. Although the daily posts will end, the making will continue as I pursue new goals of publishing and manufacturing or licensing some of the projects I created this year. A big thanks to all who shared thoughts and encouragement along the way. You inspired and motivated me.
Imagine. Make. Play.