So Special

This is a scarf I just recently made for a friend. I thought it was so lovely, and delicate, that I wanted to share it. It is an upcycled clothing neck warmer. She provided both of the pieces. One was an angora sweater that she couldn't wear anymore because the sleeves were disfigured. The embroidered fabric is from an old shirt of her dad's from the Philipines. Her dad had passed away a while ago and she always kept the shirt in her closet. She finally thought it could be put to better use somehow. So I combined the two and turned them into a scarflette with sentimental value. I really enjoy when I have the opportunity to do things like this for other people.

This project reminds me of how, a couple of years ago, I made four hoodie hats for my aunt-in-law and her grandchildren. She had me use all of her old sweaters.

These sort of projects are so fun.

If this inspires you to desire a Flo Sca Special Order, I'd be more than happy to complete the request.

You can contact me at scgeraci@yahoo.com

or through my Etsy Shop www.floridascarf.etsy.com



Florida Skirt: A Tutorial

When you are a creative personality it can be hard to stick to one craft. I pride myself in how focused I have been lately. In order to release some holiday stress I decided to let myself branch out. Using my same materials and tools I created a new fashion accessory.

Just in time for the "tail end" of winter.............................The mini scarf for your mid-section!

I turned this project into an 8-step venture, but you can complete it in two.



MATERIALS: You must have a sweater and scissors.
                        You may also want to have fabric for lining, pins, needle and thread, buttons, and cord.
                         It is suggested to use a sewing machine, but you can be fully content without one.

STEP 1: Get a sweater you want to cut up.
              This can be accomplished in your own closet if need be.

STEP 2: Cut off the body of the sweater.
              The bottom edge of the sweater will be the top (waist) of your skirt. If you are crafty you'll want to save the other parts for future endeavors.
         *You can be done here if you'd like. Just pull it on over whatever pants/skirt you already have on and it's an extra layer of warmth. You can weave a ribbon through the upper portion in order to cinch and tie it.

If not continue on,

STEP 3: Cut the length up one side.

If you want your skirt to have a lining proceed to STEP 4, if not skip to STEP 6.



STEP 4: Get a lining for your skirt and cut it in the same size as the sweater layer.

              Material to line the skirt can come from anywhere. To keep it simple I stole some fabric from an old slip. It would also be savvy to use an old t-shirt. Anything that won't fray is ideal. ( you don't have to hem the bottom.) For added warmth line it with sweatshirt fabric.

STEP 5: With the "Right sides" of the fabrics facing in, pin the lining to the sweater at the top, left side, and right side. Now sew around these three sides.

              After sewing, remove the pins and turn "right side" out. If your sweater is a bit thick you might have to do a few hand stitches to hold the seam in place.

STEP 6: Get some supplies to hold the skirt together.

              *If you want to be done here get some safety pins or broaches and pin the skirt around you.

If not continue on,

STEP 7: You'll need scissors, a needle, thread, cord, and buttons. Sew the buttons on one side and loops on the other. 

              I used a row of five buttons to fasten my skirt closed. You could have as little as two. Also, I did two rows of buttons so I'd have size options. You'll cut 5 strips of cord at 10" long. Make a loop out of each cord with a knot at the end. Use the knot to sew the loop securely to the skirt. These loops should be placed evenly down the length of one side of the skirt. On the other side you will sew your buttons. Be sure you are placing the buttons down in correlation to where the loops will catch them from the other side.

STEP 8: Try your skirt on for size.
           

      (Of course you can always continue on and add anything else you'd want to adorn this piece, but I'm done)

I think I look pretty good, and you will too.

STAY WARM!.......................... and Cool.

Artistic Inspiration

I read this great book a while back. Actually, there were more pictures in the book than words, so I should say I "enjoyed" a book. It is called A Year In Japan by Kate T. Williamson. She is an artist that lived in Japan once, just to experience it. The book was adorable. Her illustrations in it were so precious I have never been able to forget them. While I was putting together my most recent batch of hoodie hats the book popped into my mind and inspired me to create this new piece. I get so excited when I make a piece that has such an enormous inspiration behind it. Imagine, Kate had to go all the way to Japan, stay there for a year, write a book of illustrations about it, publish the book, wait three years for me to find the book in the library, then buy the book, then become inspired by the book's imagery six months later, and finally make a hoodie about it. (phheww!) These kinds of connections in the universe amaze me. There are two parts of the book in particular that this piece brings to mind. The first is a peeled mango on a stick. These can apparently be purchased from vendors in Japan. I think that's lovely. And what a genious way to eat a mango. The second inspiration comes from her pages about how beautiful she found the night sky to be. I wish I could remember her exact words. At least the imagery stuck with me enough to bring about another one-of-a-kind creation.

                 Picture by Kate

If you are intrigued at all about Kate her website is http://www.katetwilliamson.com/.

Coffee and Cherries

My new thing is recycling old wool sweaters for hoodies. It's been really fun. They make me sad that it is only summer. I love winter, but only when it snows. I don't think I'm going to get much satisfaction out of an Alabama winter. None the less, it is only June and there is plenty to be thankful for in June. Most importantly there is a ton of great produce. I got crazy-inspired by a certain fruit last week, the rainier cherry. Don't you love it? Not only is it refreshing with just the right sweet/tart balance, but it has great color too. For anyone that isn't familiar the cherry is covered in pink and yellow hues. The two colors blend together and seperate, and the surface of the cherry is so adorable. Drinking dark roast coffee (with a touch of Ovaltine) and snacking on some cherries makes me happy. In my delight I was inspired to create this hoodie.