Capes, Cats, and Halloween

I've finally finished my cape/skirt set! I decided about 2 months ago I wanted a cape for fall. My first attempt, using a pattern I found online, was a complete failure. I decided to draft my own pattern instead and I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I bought this lovely thick cotton plaid material on sale (it took me ages to get all the plaid lined up properly!) and I used a super soft faux fur for the lining.

The skirt is an adaptation of this skirt (free from BurdaStyle). I also made a matching collar but I didn't wear it today since the blouse I wore already had a collar.

I wore it to a Christmas craft sale at my moms church today. My mother bought me several Christmas gifts including a lovely handmade quilt. We also bought plenty of baked goods and jam, and attended the high tea they were hosting. I have never had such good scones in all my life!! I really should have taken some pictures but I was too busy stuffing my face.

And as promised, here is my final Halloween costume. The only change I made was instead of wearing a hat I wore a white "maid's cap". Britt dressed up as a cat, using the ears I made her. We had a great evening handing out candy, knitting, and watching Arsenic and Old Lace (aren't we cool? haha).

Please ignore my cat's giant bed in the background...

Kitty cats LOVE chocolate mochas with extra chocolate ;)

Speaking of cats, my own kitty wanted to be in my outfit photos today. Isn't she a cutie? She has gotten rather whiny in her old age and needs frequent cuddles.

That's All.

Easy Sew Skirt

It was surprisingly warm today so this is what I wore to class: Top: H&M
Skirt: Made by me

Scarf: Huo (from Quebec City)
Stockings: Winners

Close up of my new hair cut. What do you think? It looks quite short when it is curled but it is a lot longer when straight.

The skirt I an wearing is dead simple to make. Here's a quick how-to:

Step 1) Measure your waist (or where you want the skirt to sit). Measure out at least twice that length of fabric.

Step 2) Sew the two short sides of the fabric, right sides together.

Step 3) Fold over one of the long sides to make a waistband (wrong sides together). Sew almost all the way around leaving an inch long opening.

Step 4) Cut a piece of elastic so that it is slightly smaller than your waist measurement. Thread this through the waistband.

Step 5) Sew the two ends of the elastic together making sure it isn't twisted. Sew the small opening closed. Now just fold over the bottom and sew a hem (or if you buy fabric that already has a finished hem, like I did, you are all finished!).

One last thing, don't forget to enter my first giveaway! Details in the previous post :)

Farmers Market?

So this morning I got up early, got dressed, did my hair and makeup, and headed out the door to catch the bus. After a long, cold walk to the bus stop, I waited for a few minutes for the bus to arrive. I was so excited, since this was to be my first trip to the farmers market since moving back to Waterloo. I was to meet my friend at the mall and we would catch the other bus from there together. And he never showed up.

I waited for about an hour until I got frustrated and left. He tells me he got on the right bus but going in the wrong direction. So no farmers market for me this week. :( Maybe next weekend...

Oh well. Here are some pictures I took of my outfit anyways. I wanted to buy some vintage style dresses at this cute little booth (at the farmers market) that sells a lot of rockabilly clothing so I wore a skirt I could wear my new crinoline under. I actually made the skirt based on some instructions in my mom's Home Ec. text book "Homemakers of Tomorrow". I believe it was published around 1954 but I could be off my a year or two. I ended up totally messing up the waist band (hence the reason the tie is at the side and the waist is actually much too large for me) but that's what I get for sewing without an actual pattern and trying to rush through it.




Skirt: Made by me :)
Scarf: Thrifted (I got it for a dollar but I am sure it's 100% silk)
Sweater: Costa Blanca
Tank top: Smart Set
Shoes: Winners
Hair Flower: Also made by me :)