Halloween in January

I have started a super fun project today. It is a Halloween project. A costume to be exact.

 

 

I am going to turn this old hand me down denim coat into something Fabulous!

It was a light blue color so I started by dying it a lovely green. You see, someone gave me a garbage bag full of silk (poly) Ivy, that is what started it. Actually I think I have to give Martha Stewart credit for the original idea. She had a leafy costume in one of her Halloween issues many years ago.
 

 

  I just knew I wanted to cover this coat with the leaves off of the ivy but I couldn't decide if I should use Hot Glue to attach them or should I take the time to sew them on by hand? So the project sat and waited... for years, until I cleaned out my craft closet last weekend and found that bag of faux greenery. I just couldn't put it off anymore. I started cutting the leaves off of the vines.

 

 

There are a lot of them. A great pile of leaves.

 

 

Then I sorted them and started sewing them on.

 

 

I think hot glue would be faster but there are a few cons to using hot glue.

#1. I will burn myself. Always do.

#2. Those pesky glue web like threads that end up all over. I hate them.

#3. I am afraid the coat will weigh a ton in the end with all that glue and it might be stiff.

So hand sewing it is.

 

Here is the hem so far. I put the largest leaves along the bottom and it looks a bit like a lacy hem.

 

 

The first row of small leaves around each cuff.

 

 

I am working on the collar tonight and I have big plans for the pockets. This costume doesn't have a cohesive theme yet but it is looking very elf like. Elvish? Like something a Wood Sprite would wear. Yep...I am having a great Halloween in January.

 



Wordless Winter Wonderland

Click on this one 

 

 

 

Photos taken by Kevin Dessert

Book Challenge 2016

Last Christmas I was lucky enough to get a Kindle Fire from Santa and although I do love my "reader" I can't stand using it to read books. I have found playing games on it is much more fun. In fact I impressed myself by accomplishing the goal of reading 30 books in 2014 and since the Kindle entered my life I have read 7... I think. Terrible Just terrible.

So for 2016 I am challenging myself to read 35 books, starting with twelve in particular. I read this idea on Facebook, using my Kindle. So technology isn't all bad.

 

A book you've already read once. I choose..."Dandelion Wine" by Ray Bradbury

A book that intimidates you. I choose... "Duma Key" by Stephen King

A book you own but have never read. I choose... "The Bronze Horseman" by Paullina Simons

A book you previously abandoned. I choose... "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy

A book that was banned at some point. I choose... "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

A book published before you were born. I choose..."East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

A book chosen for you by spouse, partner, child, sibling or BFF. He chose... he hasn't picked one yet any ideas?

A book you should have read in school. I choose..."Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

A book recommended by local librarian or bookseller. He chose..."Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins

A book you've been meaning to read. I choose..."Flight Behavior" by Barbara Kingsolver

A book you can finish in a day. I choose... "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens

A book published this year(2015). I choose..."Go Set a Watchman" by Harper Lee

I also happen to own all but two of these books so I won't need to spend much and after this list I'll be able to buy even more books! Yipee!

New Year New Afghan

January 1st 2016! I started a new afghan using a pattern totally new to me, " Apache Tears". So far it has been flowing along.

 

I am thinking my next one should have more contrast but I am loving the riot of color in this cozy thing.

Update January 4th 2016