Friday, June 18, 2010

Sew Summer Essentials: Dress

I've joined the Summer Essentials Sew-Along that is going on over here:
http://wardrobereimagined.blogspot.com/2010/06/summer-essentials-sew-along.html

The basic gist is that you make 5 items from the 6 categories by August. The catagories are:
Poolside Pretties;
Clam Diggers and co.;
Sweet and Sassy Skirts;
The Sundress;
Tee, Tunics and Blouses;
Those Summer Nights.

Due to the lack of inexpensive and pretty fabric round these parts 2 or 3 of my pieces will be recons. I think I'm gonna try to go for 6 items altogether as recons aren't as intensive as from-scratch sewing.
Without further ado here is my first recon project - My Sundress!

Before:
It's a nice enough dress but I just don't like shirt collars plus it's all a bit tired looking.


After:

A sweet heart neckline and gathered straps for a more pin-up style. It's a few inches shorter now to boot, sitting about 2" above my knee, which is much better on my 5, 1" frame.

I like it much better. What do you guys think?
Skirt next I think and it shall have a scalloped hem. This is the inspiration (plus a tutorial link) that I'll be using: http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=333760.0

Oh and the necklace is from my new line of pennant necklaces. Check them on my mini on etsy if you likey.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Get thee to a Gallery

The Science Gallery to be exact. This is the final week that you can see the woolly wonder of the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef.
I truly enjoyed this exhibition and if you are interested in any manner of wool craft I would say it's a must see.
The exhibition highlights environmental issues surrounding coral and reef formation using ingenious methods which yield awe inspiring results. Given my interest in both marine biology and crafting it was a real treat for me.

The Bleached reef highlights the phenomenon of coral bleaching which happens as a result of stress to the coral by environmental conditions or over feeding by coral predators such as certain starfish.

The Toxic Reef is an effort to portray the damage that plastic is doing to our seas and the ocean floor.
The frightening inspiration for this piece is what is known as, the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. This patch is great indeed (in the physical sense). It is 1.5 times the size of Ireland.
A swirling mass of non-degradable waste caused by currents to collect off the coast of Hawaii, the GPGP will be a reminder of a throw-away mentality that will still be choking our seas in many hundred of years time. Small pieces (relatively speaking) break off and litter the nearest shores while other bits sink to the ocean floor and become a permanent fixture in our planets geological strata.
Knock on effects such as the blocking out of light to the plant and animal life below by the 30 meter deep plastic pain in ass will also come to bear their sticky petroleum-based fruit. The patch will of course result in a dead zone similar to areas blighted by acid blooms like those off our own coast. Sorry I'm ranting. Crafting, yes.. I digress.

There were many other wonders made from beads and glowing tubing, all a feast for the eyes and a splendid marvel for all and for any hookers (crochet hooks, people) out there- a real inspiration.
Not to forget of course the Irish reef which celebrated our homegrown talent and homegrown reefs off the west.
Hyperbolic mathematics are explained in diagrams and by helpful staff if you are particularly eager. Kids, both young and young at heart, can try their hand at applying the idea to making a paper soccer ball at an activity table up stairs. So go, play, enjoy and tell me what you thought.

Oh there is also a lecture tomorrow on Ireland's cold water coral reefs which I know I'll be going to. Check out the website for a list of events to come: http://sciencegallery.com/this_is_science_gallery

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Sailboats and Salutations

Hope you are all having a smashing bank holiday weekend (or a smashing regular weekend if you're not from round these parts.)
I spent yesterday at the Maritime Festival in Dublin with a friend and her family. Lots of sails and sailors. My crafty self felt very at home.
This photo was taken from on-board an Irish Navy gunboat. Despite the imposing sky it was actually a very warm day.

I came home after my delightful outing to find that I had sold and item and my Curious Corvid lavender bag had been featured on a blog round-up of black crows. Ah, twas a great day altogether!
Check out the rest of the round-up from the lovely Vabo's Blog. http://vabodesign.blogspot.com/2010/06/76-day-12-whatever-tickles-my-fancy.html