Waldorf-Inspired Dance Rings DIY (Plus FREE)

So, I came across a fantastic post here at babble.com about the awesome dance rings that just make every movement magical.  I had a ton of ribbon that was just languishing in my craft mess cabinet and scored a GIANT BAG of yarn at the Goodwill for winter projects.

You can't see the price, but that's $9.99.  SCORE.

I'd picked up some brass rings for some reason a while ago, also from a thrift shop.

There's not one, but two flasks in that bin.  Speaks volumes.

And promptly set the fairies to making a huge mess.

We wrapped the rings just like in the post, super simple and the Tweedles could manage with a little help from Prima.

Then jazzed them up with some yarn. 

Tertia immediately went ninja with hers.

The cats are very interested.

And it was so very awesome to see the Fun.

We are ready at any time for joyful dancing.  It's an excellent transition tool for them and a great way to blow off some energy on these long, rainy days.

Happy Prima.

We managed all of this for free with supplies on hand.  The price was right and it was totally worth the small effort to get the giant payoff.  I love you, girls.

Seen here!

And here... Neat.

What the Eff, People? Where Ya' Been?

Two weeks since the last post?  Really?

Yeah.  We've been Going Through Some Stuff with the fam and all seems to be working out.  There really was no option. 

Prima turned 6 recently so we got to do the Morning Birthday Surprises, Yay!  The Tweedles have their birthday around Thanksgiving, so Prima gets to be first in this too.  Our holiday schedule is nuts:  Prima's birthday, Big Daddy's birthday, Halloween, Tweedle birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas, (some time here) Valentine's Day, my birthday.  It seems fast and furious when you have to do the Mom thing too. 

Chewing on your sisters is a major part of Jr's day. 

Plus we do our makeup.  Well, I didn't do this to MYSELF. 

My stylists take excellent care of me.  I'm so Fancy.

Plus the Napping.

And we have some secret truths. 

The love that dare not speak it's name.

Selfish Sewing Part 2 - Winter of Comfort 1

And a new long tunic for me!  Yaaaays!  So from this super-easy Burda pattern I found on sale at Joann's for $2.49 (I went nuts and got a ton), I made myself a lovely long something to wear.

Seriously, super easy.  And I had some beautiful vintage fabric that was screaming for a simple minimalist aesthetic, on account of the paisley.  Since winter is hard on the more voluptuous set (it's always so fucking hot everywhere.  Who said 74 is reasonable?  FUCK.) and everything I love is at least $85, I decided to make myself some winter clothes.

Simple, comfortable, long tunics for leggings and boots in fabric I love and exactly my size and proportions.  Really, what's the issue?  So, as my first project I made this!

Belted with a ribbon for now.

Please ignore my crafting crap in the background.  But SO PRETTY.  I cut the sleeves on the bias for fun.  The hem is a high-low:

And sewed with a tight zigzag to make it wavy.  The shoulders were way too big, so I added a pleat.  Just did it on the fly, but it doesn't suck.

Just folded over an inch and sewed down each side 3 inches.  Then top-stitched the shoulder to make it look intentional. 

I just love the delicate neckline.  And the fabric is amazing.  Thanks, Big Daddy for scoring this little gem for me!!  With a skinny brown belt, pumpkin leggings and boots this outfit will be in heavy rotation this winter.

Seen here!

And here!

Here too.

Personalized Field Bags

From Jeans!

I hemmed some shorts - well, I hacked off two pairs of jeans - and couldn't possibly throw all that POTENTIAL away.  So I hoarded them until inspiration smacked me in the gob.  And, boy howdy, it did.

The girls were allowed to choose the fabric for their straps.  I just laid out choices and they browsed, negotiated, and bargained until each got what I wanted them to have.  Because that's how I do it.  

I cut each bag from one pant leg.  I eyeballed the flaps because it's jeans ferchrissakes.  Each bag was finished with my most favorite sewing item, red bias tape.  I didn't even change the thread to sew the bottom.  I still love them. 

 Prima chose for her strap a really cute yellow floral.  Lots of pink, lavender, and white.  So she got a flower painted on hers. 

 Secunda chose Cat in the Hat.  Which is just so cool.  She doesn't even know yet how cool it is.  So she got a hat in the signature colors and style of her favorite literary cat.

Tertia wanted red.  And pink.  And orange.  And bubbles.  I got it.

Love you brave, scientific, smart, curious, honest, crazy, real girls.  Let's go play in the dirt!

Seen here!

And here.