"You put your whole self in..." [Life lessons from the Hokey Pokey]

We all know how it goes:  "You put your whole self in, you take your whole self out, you put your whole self in and you shake it all about..."  So what does it mean and why am I writing about it?

Well, it's been a whole year since I became a stay-at-home mom and I've been getting a little stir crazy lately.  Maybe it's the weather, or maybe it's just been a long crazy summer for us - but whatever the reason, I've been taking on project after project to occupy my time and keep my sanity over the last couple months.

Working on another project yesterday.

Don't get me wrong, being a mother is hard work.  And staying home with my 4-year-old son will keep me busy throughout the day, but I'm one of those people who thrives in a fast-paced environment.  I feel like my life is missing something if I'm not constantly working on something or trying to accomplish a goal.  I need that instant gratification that I used to get when I met a deadline, helped a client, or cleared the files in my in-tray.  It's not the same when I'm doing a project for myself.

So, I've started job hunting again.  But the thing is - I don't know what I want to do or if I even really want a job.

I was good at what I used to do, but my heart wasn't in it.  It was just something I had to do to pay the bills.  And now I find myself applying to the same kind of jobs - not because I want to, but because it's something I know I can do.

That got me thinking, "If I don't put my whole self in it, will it really be worth it if I get it?"  Would I really get the fulfillment I'm looking for by throwing myself into some job?  Or would it be better to wait it out until the opportunity that I really want is available?

There was one job that I did apply for that I really, REALLY am hoping to get.  So far, I haven't heard any word from them yet but I'm still crossing my fingers for it.  It is something entirely different from my previous career path so I know it'll be a learning experience for me.

We're not so strapped for cash right now that I need to find a job right away, but it would allow us a little more room to live comfortably.  So the question is, should I get a job I don't really care for, or should I do what makes me happy (when I figure out what that is)?  What do you think?

P.S.  Here's a couple pictures of yesterday's project, a transparent messenger bag I made for my god-daughter.  I don't have a tutorial yet because I kind of just made it up as I went along, but I'll be perfecting it and putting a tutorial together for you soon!

DIY Fabric Panel Shorts

So remember those shorts I showed you in my last post?  If you don't, here's another look at them:

Well, as promised, I'll be showing you how I made these bad boys so you can make a pair too!  They're actually very easy to make, all you need is a pair of shorts, some fabric, scissors, pins, and a needle and thread.

So the first thing you need to do is measure and cut your fabric.  What I did was place the fabric over one side of the shorts and cut around the area, using it as a guideline.  Be sure to cut your fabric a little bigger so you can fold the raw edges under to get a cleaner line.

The next step is to fold and pin the edges of the fabric to the shorts.  This will keep your fabric in place as you sew.

Now we're sewing!  I'm still a beginner at this sewing biz so I just used a basic stitch - nothing fancy.  So, using your needle and thread, sew your fabric to your shorts, taking the pins out as you go along.

And, that's it!  You've got some fancy new shorts to rock this summer!  Oh, and don't forget to add a little flair to the back too!  (Use the same method for the back pocket).

 Well I hope you liked this tutorial as much as I enjoyed making it!  It is really so easy to do - I finished the pair I wore in about an hour while I was waiting for the parade to start.  I really love the fact that you can use different colors, washes, and fabric to create unique looks.

So whaddaya waiting for?  Get that fabric and start creating!

DIY No-Sew Lace Skirt

Okay, so I hope you're really excited about this post because I am SO excited for this!  Maybe it's because I've been wanting to do this project for months now, or maybe because I just downed a large chocolate chip frappe, but whatever!  I'm PUMPED!  Whooo!

Alright, now before we get started let me show you where my inspiration for this came from...the same place where we get most of our ideas nowadays:  Pinterest.  I saw this photo months ago (I thought I had pinned it but I didn't so I found it again today) and I just KNEW that I needed to recreate the look.  I mean, how can you not be inspired by this?

You're dying, right?  White lace, chambray, gold, tan - it looks so sophisticated yet so simple.  It's not too girly, not too casual.  Definitely perfect for shopping, running errands, and meeting friends for brunch/lunch.

Okay, now that I know you're pumped about this too, let's move on to the project!  Yeahhhhhhhh!!!!!

The supplies are pretty basic.  You'll need a plain white skirt, some lace trim, scissors, and a bottle of permanent fabric glue. 

Notes:

*For this skirt I bought 20 yards of trim and still have a couple yards leftover. 

*When working with trim, it is best to sew it on rather than glue, but for those of us who aren't so handy or patient with a sewing machine, I find that this fabric glue works fine.  You may have to do some touch ups after you try it on, but its easy enough.

Step One.  If your skirt is made to stretch and hug your body, use a box to stretch it out, otherwise it will not fit on you when you try to put it on.  If your skirt is a little loose and not a bodycon type of skirt, you can just lay it flat.

Step Two.  Use the lace trim and measure from one side of the skirt to the other (seam to seam) and cut several pieces of trim to the same length.

Step Three.  Starting from the bottom (now we're here!), lay out the pieces of trim to figure out your placement and then glue.  Wait for the glue to dry completely (about a day), flip it over, and repeat the same process on the other side.

And that's it.  You've got a brand new lace skirt to wear this spring/summer!  I'll be following up with a "Styling the DIY Lace Skirt" post soon so you can see how versatile this skirt really is.

Well, I hope this inspired you to create something!  Be sure to pin this project and share with others!  Til' next time!

♥ Duckie.