silly as it sounds...

refashion

i am so enamored with this idea.  it all started when amy, shannon and i wandered the portland saturday market in march; i haven't had the guts to actually DO it yet though.  until now.

i dared myself.

usually i get to buy new clothes when i go to CHA...but not this time.  THIS time i've challenged myself to actually refashion whatever clothes i have, using only materials i already own, and create new wardrobe!  okay, well, maybe not a new wardrobe....but at least a few fun pieces!  my room is a disaster zone. but i go to bed tonite with one brand new skirt made from an old jean skirt i didn't like the length on & some delicious fabric scraps,

and a brand new tote bag made from an old Gap sweater from a thrift store (it's almost done...just have to finish handles), and 2 aprons half way accomplished.   i am having SO MUCH FUN!!!!  i was pretty perplexed when i was working out how to get the skirt ruffle the way i was envisioning it in my head...i am not so 3-D minded...i totally sucked at physics in high school.  seriously. my brain just goes all wonky on me (you want me to imagine WHAT?!) and i get really confused.  but after a lot of googling and a really thorough read of my totally awesome and retro Reader's Digest Complete Guide To Sewing from 1976, i had a total AHA moment and it all fell into place!  :D  i felt so smahhhht!  lol anyway, i found some rad links along the way, so thought i'd share:

Lots of Fun Tips Here

Fun Little Tutorials and a good read

Wardrobe Refashion Jackpot

Want This Book Now

Rockin Aussie Refashioners

I Am Making THIS Awesome Skirt NEXT!!
i'm totally stoked to make that one.  i have a bunch of thrifted button down shirts that i knew i was collecting for a reason...now i know!  :D  can't wait to do that one.  i will probably end up making a couple of them, even.

this is so fun...i can't believe how many ideas are jumping out at me, now that i'm looking at my wardrobe with new eyes!  :D

refashioning.
do you refashion?
show me!  :D
i am quickly becoming addicted.....

For Those Who Gave Their Lives In the Cause of Freedom

I hope that I will live my life to be worthy of the choice you made.

Today is Memorial Day here in America.

Today marks the end of the deadliest month for Fort Lewis, WA soldiers since the war has started.

Today my brother in law, Joe, is still serving diligently and honorably in Afghanistan, far and away from his precious new wife and the whole of his family.  (i'll add another post later today with recent pictures of him in afghanistan)

Today my brother in law, Walter Jr., currently serves in the Air Force, stationed in Washington, DC.  This marks his 15th year of service for our country.  He was Seargant/Service Member of the Year for 2006!  (Congratulations and thank you so much, Walter!)

Today we are on our way to the National Memorial Cemetery here in western Washington to attend the services and lay a flower at my grandpa's headstone.  He served in WWII, and, while he didn't die in combat and was blessed to live past his 80th year, his service is remembered nonetheless.

As is that of my father in law, Walter, who served in the Air Force for 20 years and 3 months before retiring with great honor as Master Seargeant.

As is that of my sister in law (Walter's wife), who also served in the Air Force.  her blog is here:  Melissa Bennett

As is my other brother in law, Craig, who served 20 years, as well, and retired as an E7 in the Army.

As is even another brother in law, Jeremy, who also served in the Air Force.

Today is an important day.

Today is a day

To remember.

this is my grandfather who is interred in california, who we will not be able to visit today.

but i am proud to say that both of my grandfathers served in the miltary during  WWII. 

the grandfather we will honor today at the cemetery, Fred Patton Oakley, a Navy man.

here is my great-grandfather:

he was a chauffer for military officials in WWI.  that made me giggle.  no wonder i have driving in my blood. *wink*

as i said, later today i will be back to post some more photos...

until then.

a heartfelt thank you.