Homespun Things...upcycling a denim jacket...

It all started when I was Pinterest-ing one day, scrolling through trims for Chanel-a-like jackets. I will make one in my lifetime. I've promised myself. This bit of froth and frou-frou caught my eye, and I've dreamt about it ever since.

Finally an opportunity presented itself. Not a Chanel jacket sadly, but a marked down denim jacket in KMart, for just $7. Just the ticket for a bit of upcycling.

I'd purchased the feather trim some time ago, knowing that if I did so, the 'jacket' would find it's way to me. The Universe provides. I know that. You know that. No harm in being ready!

I cropped the jacket to just under the bustline, and likewise, trimmed the sleeves to mid-forearm. That's the best length for me.

Trim was pinned and I thought I was ready to go.

However a quick try-on showed that due to the jacket being shortened, it was sort of tent-like, especially at that under-the-boob level.

I unpinned the trim, inserted a couple of darts, and I was off and running...well, stitching actually.

Two broken sewing machine needles, several broken pins (don't buy those ones at the checkout at Spotlight, they're s**t), and a small amount of bad language later, I was done!

Cute undone as it is above...

Or done up as here below.

I'm feeling rahther Zsa Zsa Gabor.

A bit of fun. Life is short, right?

...Mimi...

Budgeting and Insourcing.....Beads and Bulk Cooking!

We found ourselves in lockdown again here. 

Thankfully, for a mercifully brief couple of days. Phew. It does sometimes feel like this cycle will never end, right?

I personally don't mind lockdown. We have excellent supply chains where I live, including 8 supermarkets within five minutes drive. In addition, I always, always, have a minimum of one months supplies of pantry goods on hand. So there is no panic in our household.

I used this time to concentrate on some beading projects I've been working on.

I buy these statement necklaces from an Australian company called Erstwilder. Their releases are wildly popular, and usually sell out within weeks, sometimes within hours. This latest release was inspired by the Art Nouveau era, a particular favourite of mine.

I wasn't loving the chain or the, to my eye, 'unfinished' look of this Klimt inspired Tree of Life necklace, but I knew just how to fix it.

The addition first, of some apricot faceted vintage beads to replace a portion of the chain, helped enormously.

...I then played with several versions of the drop on the pointed bottom end, before settling on this, to bring out the red in the rectangles featured in the center of the piece.

I love this very much.

Second was this Magnolia necklace, which I chose to upcycle with a lucky find of marbled pink, heart shaped beads on a necklace somewhat similar to rosary beads.

I just adore this elegant version of what was already a very beautiful piece.

I became bored with beading one afternoon, and decided to bake.

This cake is called School Cake, as it was once served in School Cafeterias in the UK. It reminded me of the basic butter cake my Nanna used to make. It's delicious slightly warmed (I'd say 15 seconds in the microwave).

That accomplished, it was back to my beads, and this peacock feather necklace and earrings...sigh...just stunning. But again, what to do with that chain??

I found this black chain and aurora borealis bead necklace in my stash, and it was a match made in heaven, as they say....

The peacock ring, also from my own stash, makes this a truly beautiful Demi-Parure to treasure.

Meanwhile, Hubster returned from a supermarket trip, bearing roses. I always put them next to a mirror to double the joy. Do you do this?

My dwarf cumquat tree rewarded me with these little darlings which will be preserved and used as a side for a special chicken or pork dish, or as decorations on a cake.

See those Chrysanthemums? They were a marked down find at the supermarket too. So pretty in that ginger jar with matching graphics.

A mile (just about) of lasagna was made too. I can't make one lasagna. I just can't. Family members happily received their share.

How do you spend lockdowns or other enforced stay-at-home times?

...Mimi...