Where has this week gone? It has been an immense juggling / circus act for me and the family! How appropriate that this weeks word of the week was just that: CIRCUS. So I didn't get around to posting the word on Monday, I am considering it a complete success that I am actually posting a project!
I found this jacket (in a much different state) at a garage sale for a buck. This was the perfect challenge to give this jacket some new life!
I wish I took a before picture, but never got around to it. But I lengthened it, added a ruffle to the inside of the lining, switched around trims and buttons.. I honestly think I could keep going but.. you have to stop somewhere.
The pleating details were fun, and really add some interest to the jacket, doncha think? I feel like a cross between a circus conductor and a wandering red-headed vampire on the lookout for revenge. You know..depending on the day.
I have been saving these sparkly black buttons for just the right project and I had *just* the right amount for the spots on the jacket.
The best part of this whole project? The cost.
Jacket - Garage Sale find for $1
Lining fabrics - from the stash (so obviously, they count as free.)
Buttons - passed down to me, so again, free.
Contrast fabric at the bottom - $5. (Was $20 a yard, on serious clearance!)
Total cost of my cool Circus Act Jacket - $6
I love it, I love it.
Please go check out Krista's and Melissa's Circus projects!
I have many a things to post, but little time. I've got a lot of project juggling going on right now (somehow I am working on four big projects at the same time?) but they are all nearing completion.
And, we are moving in a week to a hilltop across Missoula that we believe will be bear free. :) And this could be THE house. You know, the one your kids bring their kids home to. I feel at peace with the whole thing, I'm not even stressed out about the move through the holidays so I think it's the right choice for us. Just to clarify, we're not actually moving because of the bears and I think we will miss them. But maybe not.. We have been renting this home and our landlords are going to be moving in themselves, so we are off to a new adventure. This whole finding of the new home and securing it has really taken up a vast majority of my time this week. I'm headed off on a business trip next week and have a to do list a bajillion things long before I can leave!
One thing on the list is finalizing up our November sponsors! If you are interested in being a sponsor, please send me an email this weekend. I'll be back tomorrow with the winner of last week's giveaway. Sorry I haven't done that yet. (see above paragraph & all..) I love my sponsor's, so many amazing businesses out there and I'm happy to be sharing some of them with you. My headband above is from one of our awesome possum sponsors coincidentally.
Hope you all have a stellar Friday night!
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oh my goodness! your jacket is sooooo great! What a wonderful find and I'm sure your hard work makes it way better than it was!
Posted by: Coralee | October 22, 2010 at 05:00 PM
Seriously TDF Jacket Sandi! love the added ruffle on the inside. Fabuous!
Posted by: Simone Howell | October 22, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Your jacket is gorgeous! Lots of lovely details.
Posted by: Sylvie | October 22, 2010 at 05:32 PM
I really like your jacket, what a great project
Posted by: Michelle | October 22, 2010 at 05:50 PM
This is super cute! Also love your shoes ;)
Posted by: Stephanie | October 22, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Beautiful re-design and best wishes as you move to your new home.
Posted by: Laurel | October 22, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Um, AMAZING! And yes, those shoes are darling.
Posted by: Mindy Gledhill | October 22, 2010 at 07:47 PM
Suddenly I feel as though I MUST go garage saling tomorrow... what a gorgeous jacket. I love Missoula. :-) Just visited this summer for the first time, it was gorgeous. The bears in the yard would freak me out big time tho, with having little kids.
Posted by: naomig | October 22, 2010 at 08:13 PM
Awesome jacket!
Posted by: jennwith4 | October 22, 2010 at 10:25 PM
I love what you've done with the jacket Sandi, especially the ruffle! Love the shoes too :)
Posted by: Amelia | October 22, 2010 at 11:40 PM
You did an amazing job on the jacket...it is so "now"! Good luck with the move...and hope you'll give us a "tour" when you are settled.
Posted by: Sew Create It - Jane | October 23, 2010 at 12:05 AM
Love that jacket! The brown fabric on the bottom and the ruffle lining is fantastic! I wish I had the imagination to do that stuff for myself! But you are an inspiration!!!
Posted by: Lisa | October 23, 2010 at 08:27 AM
oh wow - that jacket is absolutely amazing! And yeah on the new house!! Hope the move goes quickly and smoothly!
Posted by: Amber | October 23, 2010 at 10:16 AM
Love the jacket. So unique. Have fun moving. I always think of moving as an adventure. Think of all that undiscovered possibility. Hope it's smooth and all you hope for.
Posted by: Shay | October 23, 2010 at 02:10 PM
Love the jacket!! Good luck on your move!
Posted by: Shannon H | October 23, 2010 at 06:16 PM
Oh my gosh, I love your jacket, too!!! LOVE the polka dot ruffle and the buttons. Congratulations on THE house!
Posted by: Stef | October 23, 2010 at 08:06 PM
must know where the shoes and jeans are from. that jacket is adorable! amazing job, as always. I love your site.
Posted by: stacey | October 23, 2010 at 09:19 PM
Sandi you are sooo talented I just love all the beautiful idea's you come up with WOW you inspire a lot of us. Great Job on the jacket and you look adorable in it.
Posted by: karyn patrick | October 24, 2010 at 02:42 PM
This jacket is the cutest thing ever. You're amazing Sandi. I also love the bucket hats on one of the the previous posts. Love, Love, Love your blog!
Posted by: Kim Guerrier | October 25, 2010 at 02:21 PM
The jacket looks so authentic. It makes one wonder who made it in the first place, who bought it and wore it originally. Very, very fun!!!!
You have made it into a real heirloom. I love it.
Lanie
laniejane.com
Posted by: Lanie | October 26, 2010 at 06:08 PM
Ahhh, I LOVE the posts that I get to see pictures of you!! As much as I love seeing all the fun projects you are doing I love my friend even more!!! I miss ya and seeing pictures of you makes ya seem closer for just a second. Good work on the jacket! luvs!
Posted by: Carrie Ward | October 27, 2010 at 02:34 PM
so I am totally COVETING the jacket! i'm totally feeling the vampire vibe! Miss you a ton! Can't wait to stop by in a few months!
Posted by: Jacqui | October 27, 2010 at 06:22 PM
Such a great jacket! I agree...that inside ruffle is awesome. I also admire the cute red shoes.
Posted by: Amy | October 29, 2010 at 03:33 PM
I truly love the jacket, and it looked amazing on you at market! It was great to see you at fabric 2.0! ;)
Posted by: Shari | October 31, 2010 at 07:19 AM
gnashing my teeth in jacket envy.
Posted by: kristen Van Dyke | November 01, 2010 at 03:14 PM