Upcycled Kids Poncho

We've been getting some warm days around these parts. Around low 60s for the high..pretty dang nice. Man, but once that sun starts to set or clouds cover the sun for just a bit you can feel that chilly, mountain breeze. Its so tricky because I want to take out the dollies' summer clothes, but you know right around the corner it's probably going to snow! Crazy Utah weather :(

Anywhoo.. I was organizing my garage on one of those nice, sunny afternoons and found a hoodie I was going to donate and decided to upcycle it into something I've been wanting to try. It's nice and cozy and smooth on the inside, but was just a bit to short my my liking.  Deconstructing it a bit and adding a little bit here and there it turned into this!

 

Cute huh? She looks so cozy in it:) Its perfect for those cool evenings and was oh so easy to make!

Here's how I did it:

 

I started with a plain adult hoodie. Size small used here which made a size 2T/3T poncho.

 

 

Next I cut off the arms, pulled out the drawstring of the hood and, cut off the bottom about 3 inches to make it shorter. Didn't hem it because the fleece doesn't fray.

 

 

 

Didn't take pictures of these steps.

• I seam ripped the kangaroo pocket the positioned it higher so her little hands could fit in it.
• Sewed up the sides from where I cut the arms off then made slits on the sides where her arms would go.
• Used embroidery thread to blanket stitch the edges of the slits to make it look more finished.
• Turned hoodie part inside out then sewed it smaller to fit her head and used the original hem as a guide.
• Cut a slit does the neck and blanket stitched with embroidery thread for extra detail. Then added a little more design to the pouch by embroidering more around the edges, but used white thread to stand out.
• Still felt like it needed a little more oomph so I added lining to the hood with some vintage, floral fabric.

And that was it! New poncho!

 

 

Aww look at that grumpy little face. She was upset because I wouldn't let her climb on those rocks..crazy girl! She still looks super cute though ;o)

 

 

I love that fabric and I'm sad I'm running out boo! But at least its getting some use out of it.

 

 

I love how easily she can just throw it on now I need to make one for big dolly, but I'm probably going to need to buy a large adult hoodie. I can just see them wearing them on a cool night by a campfire:) Man now I want one too! hehe

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 

xo

Georgette

 

 



A Desk for my Dolly

Sometimes I feel like such a bad mommy.

After school one day I was prepping dinner and I glanced over to check on my dolls and Big Dolly was doing her homework on the floor. I said, "Baby why don't you do it on the kitchen table?" She replied, "Because we eat there mommy."  O....k I thought. "Well why don't you do it on the little table in your room?", I questioned once again. "My knees hit the table mommy."

 

I couldn't believe I didn't notice how big she was getting and I hadn't gotten her desk of some sort for homework time. I knew if she had a spot just for her she would be able to focus better. I checked stores in town and online and nothing caught my eye or was in my price range of course. I knew I would find an amazing vintage one in thrift stores, but was having no luck and I needed one fast.

That's when this baby came into the picture:

 

 

So one night I was browsing my local online classifieds and I just so happen to stumble upon a vintage school desk for FREE! But I knew there was some sort of catch for it being free and once I clicked on the pic sure enough it was pretty beat up.

It didn't scare me though. I knew some sanding and painting would fix it right up.

 

This was a husband and wife team project not because it was hard, but because I know for a fact that my husband is the better spray painter in the family:)

Here's the before:

 

 

We sanded all the rust and did some sanding of the wood for the paint to adhere better.
Big dolly loves her new little desk, but little dolly wants her own too! I told her once she starts school we would "make" her one also:)

 

 I love that it stores her books and supplies underneath just like at her school. Nice little project and it only cost about $5 for the paint since we had everything else on hand.
No more homework on the floor:)

Thanks for stopping by!

xo
Georgette

 



Estate Sale Heaven!

Ok first off...

 

OMG! OMG!OMG!

 

Ok had to get that off my chest first..pheww!

This past weekend I was bored and browsed my local online classifieds and the words Free estate sale items caught my eye. Without even thinking I told my hubby," I'll be back, free vintage stuff!" He totally understood.

I never just get up and leave it was so weird. It was as if something was calling me.

 

As I drove up the guy on the lawn said everything free and just want it all off my yard. My hands literally started to shake! His yard was covered with vintage clothes, jackets, books, and housewares. It was the aftermath of a weekend of trying to sell the stuff so it was the "leftovers", but in my eyes everything was treasure. I'm pretty sure my eyes were bugged out!

 

These are just some the favorites that stand out and pictures I took before my camera died:/

 

 

 

These adorable tops were the first batch I washed and that don't really need any refashioning. Vintage floral, plaid, and peter pan collars galore! Went straight to my closet:)

 

 

 

Next, these adorable granny chic bags caught my eye.

 

 

 

When I got home, upon further inspection of the bags I came across these tags! A REAL vintage COACH! I swear it was like icing on the cake:)



 

 

Next were the adorable vintage house coats. Still with the tags! I can't wait to refashion these into cute dresses.



 

 

More printed cotton tops, but I need to take them in a bit to fit me:)



 

 

I snagged some adorable flannel plaid and corduroy. Perfect for this winter. Can't wait to wear em'!



 

 

I had to dig for these killer dresses!

 

amazing..just amazing..

 

I was able to find a little bit of vintage quilts, blankets, and kitchen linens.







 

My husband loves to collect vintage cameras and I just so happen to stumble upon this beauty.



 

What isn't pictured are some old frames, wooden hangers, mason jars, scarves, belts, vintage children books, and misc. sewing supplies.

I mean TOTAL jackpot.

 

My car was packed. I had a huge smile on my face. The owners were thrilled that I got it off their yard and that I had so much respect and appreciation for their mothers belongings. Even though it was free I felt I needed to give a little something for it all. I gave them everything I had in my wallet. It wasn't much, but they appreciated it.

 

It was seriously a dream and came at the best moment in time. I was feeling a little glum lately since I'm a stay at home mama I can't really afford all the gorgeous vintage jewels I find online. I always drool and wish to have a vintage collection like these beautiful ladies.

 

I feel like it was a once in a lifetime thing for me and I soaked in every single second.

Thanks for visiting:)

 

xo

Georgette





Crazy for Polka Dots!

I have to admit I have a wee bit obsession with navy and white polka dots! Over the years I've thrifted this classic print which always seems to pull me in and I can't resist! 

 

Here's the proof that I have an addiction:

 

 

 

 

 

Well it happened again! I was was at the thrift store here on base and I caved in ...but it needed a little refashioning love.

 

 

 

The sleeves I tell ya! The sleeves!

 



 

So I just hacked those babies off and made new hems:)

 

 

that was it! ahh..much better:)

 

 

Can't wait for fall to roll around so I can pair my new top with a cute cardi:)

 

Great now a want to go thrifting after looking at all my polka dot tops..hehe.

 

What's your thrifting addiction?

 

xo

GiGi

snip here..hem there...



This deployment has been hard. I honestly believe they'll never get easier.

To distract me I found this 2.99 muumuu from thrifting and saw some potential. I loved the color and white criss cross sleeves. 

 Shortened the bottom hem, cut the sleeves and made them fitted, and added a cute belt.

30 minutes later a new dress! Best nap time craft in a while:)

Now starting on the girls' costumes so stay tuned!



~Gigi

btw-yes I chopped off all my hair and it felt sooo good:)

 





Light Summer Necklace

I've seen these tshirt necklaces everywhere and was bored one evening

and thought I would pass some time.

I think it was the best 20 minutes of craft/refashioning in awhile.

all you do is cut strips of an old tshirt seam to seam, stretch em' out, and sew two scraps around all strips so they stay together. you can find a tutorial here.

it looks really cute wrapped twice around your neck too!

 now go make one, I want like 5 more in different colors!

-Georgette



Pretty in Pink

Lately Delia Creates and KojoDesigns hosted Color my Summer series and there were so many brilliant ideas! One project caught my eye from Mary Janes and Galoshes. You must stop by her blog she has sooo many cute projects and her little girl is adorable! She came up with a yellow hat with a really easy tutorial.
 I just had to make one for my dolly! I turned a tube top that used to swallow me for the fabric and attached a little bow. I literally made it in like 20 minutes, which is always nice with two little ones.
She loved it and so did I! I think it looks like a little bonnet than an 80s visor:).

before:

after:

that little bow makes my heart smile:)  A cute accessory to wear whenever summer decides to arrive.

-Georgette

Ready for Spring

Here in Utah the weather has totally been teasing us. One day it will be 60 degrees then the next day it'll be snowing. With warmer temps creeping up on us I was inspired to make something cheery for my little girl.

I had a pretty tee with a crocheted back that a friend gave me, but I've lost some weight so It was really big. I could have just refashioned it for myself and made it smaller to fit me, but I thought why not make something for my little dolly. I really hated to cut it up since it was a gift, but it was just collecting dust in my closet and I wanted to get use out if. Plus I have a ton of material left out of it to make other things.

the grey tee is from dollar tree

So I cut some crocheted pieces out and placed them on the grey tee, pinned, then zig zag stitched them all over.

To add some extra length and coziness I cut strips off the bottom hem, sewed them right sides together, then sewed them onto the existing sleeves.



And that was it! Super easy craft made under 20 minutes!  She loved strutting around in it! She thought she was such a cool chick:)



I'm so lovin that grey and yellow! I suppose my dining room was the inspiration;)

Now she's ready for spring!

~Georgette

Frumpy to Frilly

Lately my closet has been a bit sad. Due to the lack of funds and some of my clothes are too big from loosing some weight.  On occasion when big sister is at school, little sister and I go to the airman's attic here on base.  Its a tiny little place where you can get home goods, clothes, toys for military families and everything is free! You can only fill 3 bags of stuff and only go twice a month.  Some days I find  things and some days I don't, its the luck of the draw I suppose.
One day I came home with curtains, books for my little girl, and 2 basic tees. This was one of them....

It was a size too big, but still in good shape. So I busted out my sewing machine and got to work...



And voila!

now its soft and feminine..

~ Georgette