A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that I was wrestling with a decision. Today with part excitement and part trepidation I am sharing what I have determined.
For the past several years the hubby has participated in the St Baldrick's Foundation's fund raising event and I have been there to support him. Each time I have watched on the sidelines as hundreds of men, women and children have had their heads shaved and raised thousands of dollars to support children's cancer research. I have stood as a spectator and felt that perhaps I should participate, someday.
Someday.
Someday is that day that is never today and ambiguously guarantees to come or to not come. We feel comfortable in the knowledge that it is our choice to make someday happen or to forever leave it out there in the future. A promise to ourselves that we have yet to keep. One we may never keep. Someday is a safe day it is the void between doing and not doing.
I like someday. It is the day that I can pretend to be amazing without ever having to be brave enough to follow through. But living life is about having real experiences and not pretend ones. Someday is really just a facade that can become a horrible trap. If we let it persuade us that it is a real day. If we don't own up to the responsibility to make someday actually happen.
And so. I am joining the ranks of shavies this year.
Yep. I just said I am going to have my head shaved. It feels pretty weird to write that.
The event takes place at Fido Irish Pub on March 13th. Exactly one month from the date of this post.
At this point some of you may be thinking what is the big deal? While others of you may be thinking you would never in a million years do such a thing. For both camps I can only offer.....
One of my "Somedays" is here.
One of my hesitations to do this of course is the actual being bald part. But I am equally intimidated by the idea of asking people for their financial support. Again some of you may be thinking "What is the big deal?" All I can say is that for me it feels awkward. But, the fund raising part is of course the real point of the whole thing. To help find cures for children literally fighting for their lives.
So I am asking. I am hoping to reach 100 people who are willing to donate just $10.00. If I do that I will reach my goal. If you would like to be one of my 100 please visit my fund raising page here.
Thank you for reading this and considering a donation.
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And now on with the Upcycling
Upcycled T-shirt Patchwork Kaftan Dress
It's horrible to admit this but ever since I broke my foot, and even before that I guess, my weight has been creeping upwards at a slow but steady pace. I am trying to head in the other direction but currently still enjoy wearing the soft and stretchy knit fabrics the best. And while you may never want to leave the house in a garment that could fit two people in it, (I have no such aversions) you can't beat a kaftan for all around comfort. Pair the styling with knit t-shirts and it's practically P.J's.
AKA - Delightfully compfy!
By the way whoever invented leggings was kind of an evil genius. Don't you think?
Anyway....
For this project you will need:
Two men's t-shirts of the same size. They should be big enough to fit very loosely around your hips. Collect any other knit scraps as desired. You will also need a sewing machine and basic sewing tools (tape measure, pins, scissors, etc)
Step 1 - Mark and cut t-shirts as diagram shows below.
Step 2 - Set the bottom pieces aside. Trim the sleeve hems off of the open sleeves.
Step 3 - Line up the two top pieces with center fronts and sleeve edges. Use a non permanent fabric marker to mark the sew line on both pieces at the same time. Use marker to mark a cut line 5/8" from the sewing line. Be sure to mark the cut line on opposite sides of the sew line on the two pieces. Carefully cut along cutting line on both pieces.
Step 4 - With wrong sides of fabric together pin the "keep" sections from the diagram together matching edges and shoulder seams. Sew with a 5/8" seam.
You should now have the top portion of the kaftan looking like this diagram. Write down your measurements for A and B as described in diagram.
Step 5 - Now it is time for a little math and creativity. Gather all your fabric scraps and left over t-shirt parts and lay them out in a pattern that you like. It is easiest to work with squares and rectangles but you don't have too. All you have to do is end up with two large pieces that match your A by B measurements. Any time you are planning to sew two pieces together just be sure to add your 5/8" seam allowance to both pieces before cutting.
Step 6 - Once you have two patchwork pieces that measure A by B you are ready to pin and sew them to your shoulder / neck piece. At this point you should have one big rectangle with the t-shirt neck hole in the middle.
Step 7 - Finish raw edges by pressing and stitching approximately 1 1/2" fold around all four sides.
Step 8 - Fold garment at shoulder seam with wrong sides together matching side seams and bottom hem. Follow stitching pattern in diagram below. If desired add two button hole slits in front only for optional belt.
Thanks so much for stopping by and as always,
Happy Upcycling,
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen nor touched but are felt in the heart. – Helen Keller.
