Strangled by a Scarecrow

A Goodwill shopping trip unearthed multiple pieces including a men's plaid button down 3x shirt for 1 quarter! My first intent was to give it to my dad to wear for outside/farm work [but it was way too large]. Plan B - make a hot pad...then I realized I should utilize the entire shirt for a single project, rather than sewing multiple hot pads of the same pattern. Plan C - make a scarf!!

I want to incorporate the functions of the shirt into the scarf. To do so, I included exposed pockets, buttons, and the cuffs. 

The cuffs are buttoned and sewn shut for a finished look.

Two panels were cut from the shirt [one including the buttons, the other including button holes] and sewn together on one side.  The opposite is buttoned as it would be as a shirt. 

Shirt - Scarf

This complete look only cost 25c!! 

My loving aunt made a joke saying "you look like you're being strangled by a scarecrow" 

haha Great Humor! 

Oh Brother, New Sewing Projects!

My latest hobby? Sewing! I absolutely love sewing with my Brother sewing machine. It was a recent birthday gift and I have not been able to stop the pedal! 

It's been a while since I have sewn [took a sewing class in high school] so I want to start out with basic sewing projects. My first projects include sewing hot pads. The hot pads pictured below are made from material purchased at Walmart and are filled with cotton batting. 

Practice makes perfect! 

I am in love with owls and they happen to be one of the Kappa [my sorority] symbols. The adorable feathered creatures inspired these decorative pillows. Aren't they a hoot?

I cut and used old decorative pillows from my bedroom to construct this little hoot. The original decorative pillows for my room were made out of napkins and place mats I purchased at the local Dollar Store. Napkins + Place mats = Decorative Pillows =   A Cut Owl Pillow!

I cut the material and left the edges raw for a rustic and natural look. 

The second pillow is quite startled to see you!

This little guy is made from material remnants. His eyes and a beak made out of felt and button embellishments.

Thank you for supporting Java Journal. Hope you enjoyed this post :)

Happy Sewing & God Bless!

Warm & Fashionable Layers

As winter progresses the temperature decreases! Its that time of year to bundle up in layers. Forget bulky and uncomfortable layering -stay warm and fashionable with these Goodwill looks!

                                            

This brown knit wrap sweater is one of my favorite fall/winter pieces in my closet. I love pairing it with brown leggings and cowgirl boots - they're the perfect composition for studying in the library and looking fashionable without sacrificing comfort. Pictured above, the wrap sweater is paired with a brown long sleeve shirt and creme scarf. The creme scarf sets off the creme tones in the sweater. I recently purchased these bracelets from Goodwill. The turquoise, caramel, and pumpkins tones add a simple pop of color. Afraid of color? - Add a bracelet with the same coloring such as the bracelet pictured below. The different shades of brown and black compliment the brown tones in the sweater.

                     

Goodwill Fashion

Brown Long Sleeve Top $1.38

Brown Knit Sweater 25c [steal!]

Bracelets $1.38

Scarf  free gift

Total {$3.01} 

Where else can you beat that price?!

I am a fan of neutral tones [who says neutral has to be boring?] Pictured above is a taupe Merona jacket paired with a light violet cashmere sweater. The ensemble is accented with a canvas belt that is included in the previous post. To top it off - literally - is a creme scarf with a beautiful creased pattern. Pair with fitted khakis or skinny jeans and leather boots!

Like to accessorize? Add this! The gold chain and establishments compliment the belt and the shades of purple floral mirrors the light violet sweater. 

Goodwill Fashion

Jacket 25c

Cashmere Sweater 25c

Canvas Belt $1.38 

Scarf FREE with a purchase of shoes

Necklace $1.38

{Total $3.26}

Leather is in! This leather jacket screams fashion forward and will never look outdated because of it classy muted burgundy red color. This color of leather is best paired with a silver hinged cuff and chain necklace as pictured above. The jacket is layered with a brown crew neck sweater too add an additional warm yet fashionable layer. 

The hinged cuff has an interesting leaf pattern - makes a beautiful cuff for fall. 

The silver chain necklace enhances the edgy aura of the leather jacket.

Goodwill Fashion

Jacket   25c

Sweater    25c

Bangle  $3.38

Necklace  $3.38

{Total - $7.26}

Happy New Year & God Bless

-L