This week's Sewing Saturday project should be called fun with fabric paint, because that's what it is. A weekend or two ago during Porter Flea, I noticed my friend Jessica (check out this super awesome photo shoot featuring her clothing line) had crafted white t-shirt crop tops with summery images in fabric paint, and I was hooked. Ice cream and cats (which should be dogs but that's ok) and polka dots. I talked her into showing me how - so this week, she and some friends came over to try it for ourselves.
What you need for this project.. paintbrush, fabric paint (I used Scribbles because that's what was available but Jessica suggests Jacquard), a ruler, pencil, piece of cardboard or old magazine, and a cotton tee (Jessica used a plain white shirt and cut off the bottom at a comfortable crop length - just try on and mark where it should sit). Certain kinds of fabric paint (including Jacquard) need to be set with heat, so in that case you also need an iron. Scribbles fabric paint doesn't need it, so it just depends on what you choose.
First step, decide on your design. I wanted gold zig zags on gray which is what I did. My friends did everything from drawings of their cute pets to pizza to the women of song (Nina Simone and Gal Costa and I can't remember the other one) to obscene images that Jessica talked me out of sharing. We took photos but not all of them turned out - next time we do a craft project, I'm going to make sure it's in the daytime because my nighttime photos don't work so well.. but that'll be another day!
Now you have a design in mind, trace it onto your shirt with a pencil. Pencil is the best because it's erasable on cotton and cotton blends (can't speak for synthetic fabrics). Once you've figured out what you'd like and have it down in pencil form, paint! Place your piece of cardboard or old magazine in between the layers of the shirt and use it as a back for your painting. Cardboard piece suggested over a magazine as sometimes the pages of the magazine will stick to the paint.
Acrylic paint will work if mixed with water and fabric paint, but it's suggested you use fabric paint as the acrylic might flake and wash off (if you intend to use acrylic paint in this project, go here for directions on how to use it on fabrics).
Once the painting is done, let your shirt dry for 24 hours. If it's a heat-set fabric paint - use an iron to do so, gently running the iron over the painted section for a minute or two on a low heat, non-steam setting with a scrap bit of fabric over the paint (a scrap of muslin or old t shirt or other press cloth).
Now, it's time to cut. I found my shirt at a thrift store and it's a cotton/modal blend, a stretchy knit similar to jersey. Because of the fabric content, it won't fray so it's a good option for a cutoff top. You don't have to hem it at all. I cut off my sleeves and the bottom so it hit me right above the belly button.
All done! The shirt is now washable as long as you wait at least 72 hours from time of painting to washing. 
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That's all for today. Hope you're having a great weekend!
Over the weekend, I visited the monthly flea market at the fairgrounds with my friend Lauren and her new friend (now mine) Jenna. And as always, when you're not looking for anything specific and when you have no plans to spend money, you find the most stuff.
I ended up buying a set of rocks - pieces of amethyst and several more (anyone well versed in geology who can tell me what the rest are?) in iridescent pastel hues. Now I'm on the hunt for a himalayan salt lamp to complete my small rock collection because they say it makes you breathe better plus any similarities between our living room and a museum of natural history, I count as positive.
The splurge of the day was a 1930s red bias cut gown with cut-out detailing at the neck.. I tried it on, it fit, that's all it took. But now I have to dream up some fancy occasion for it (too fancy for a dinner or a wedding, right?). A mid-century book on Art Nouveau (have always loved Aubrey Beardsley and now am getting in Charles Rennie Mackintosh) and a two dollar floral tray rounded out my smaller purchases.
Other finds include some old fabric.. lightweight crepe in a peachy hue and some nubby white fabric that has a barkcloth feel to it - both very vintage and in need of a good washing, hopefully they come out lovely. Also, a small sewing table that folds open on top to reveal spool holders and old sewing supplies. We're using it as an end table in our living room, but it'll be nice to have when I'm sitting on the couch and want to begin a new sewing project while watching a movie or something (I am 80).
Craft party tonight - painting crop tops and drinking beer with cool ladies, my old American Apparel coworkers that have way too much fun. Expect obscene drawings and a DIY from this. Happy Wednesday!
Well, this one is near and dear to my heart - we do live here, after all. My good friend Jessica of Tuft Design is a true southerner (sans accent), growing up in Alabama and relocating to Nashville, Tennessee for college several years back. When she came, she stayed. Her wanderlust stole her away to Chicago for about a year but inevitably she found herself moving back home to Nashville. And today, the local designer shares the best things that our city has to offer.
Where to eat? Well I love food and Nashville has the BEST FOOD EVER so this is an impossible question for me. I go to Mas Tacos on a weekly basis. It is literally the best taco I have ever placed in my mouth. Burger wise, Pharmacy and Burger Up do it the best round these parts. Pancake Pantry and Loveless Cafe are both Nashville southern staples that will never be beat by any hip and trendy restaurant.
Nashville has its own sushi nazi (very much like the soup nazi) and his place is called Sam's. I have actually never been inside because tales of him yelling at customers makes me too scared to go in, but that doesn't stop me from getting my coworkers to go for me. His sushi is by far the best in Nashville and so cheap!!
When I want to get kinda fancy I go to Marche or Margot, both owned by the same person and both equally delectable. When I want to be really greasy I go to Bobbie's Dairy Dip and get a corn dog and an order of fried pickles.
For dessert I love Las Paletas for creamy avocado popsicles. I live within walking distance of Jeni's, a specialty ice cream parlor based out of Ohio. I call it 'specialty' because they ask you which flavor you want on the bottom and that's pretty special. My favorite flavor combo is cherry lambic and grapefruit, yummmm.
Best coffee shop? I wouldn't call myself a coffee connoisseur, especially since I normally frequent Starbucks. The fact that my boyfriend works there and gives me free coffee all the time really doesn't help the situation either. However, when I don't feel like going across town to buy mass produced coffee, Nashville has a plethora of really great coffee places to choose from. My personal favorite (and probably everyone else's that lives in Nashville) is definitely Crema. Barista Parlor just opened down the road from me and they have good coffee too AND really amazing sausage biscuits with grape jelly on them.
Favorite afternoon excursion? This agonizingly hot summer all my friends have been frequenting waterfalls in the backwoods of Tennessee. Rutledge Falls in particular is really beautiful and far off the beaten path (like literally, you have to crawl down the side of a mountain to get to it). If you want a legit Tennessee experience, go swimming here. Chlorinated pools are for wimps.
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Favorite night time entertainment? Supper and Song at Imogene + Willie is a great way to eat Nashville's best food and listen to our best music simultaneously. The jean shop opens up their doors after hours monthly to host a candle lit concert in their backyard. Even better, it's BYOB.
Holland House is a bar that specializes in old fashioned cocktails. Even though their drinks are super fancy and they have chandeliers, this place still feels down to earth and casual to me. I go there a lot on Thursdays because of their half off drink special! I love the Chelsea Sidecar.
5 Spot is another bar that has a Motown dance party every Monday. They play everything from Otis Redding to Rolling Stones and on really special nights, Michael Jackson (in his younger years of course). They recently added a really nice patio to the back, complete with corn hole! Which apparently I suck horribly at.
Where to shop? Local Honey for vintage and local designer's wares, Old Made Good for cute gifts and furniture, and most definitely our monthly flea market held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.
Favorite neighborhood? Before I moved to East Nashville I would have said 12th South, but now I definitely favor the former.
What travel advice would you give to those visiting Nashville for the first time? Go to bars and make friends. Nashville is overwhelmingly welcoming and friendly. Almost everyone I meet here is really talented and interesting and best of all, laid back about it.
Thanks, Jessica! Don't forget to check out her blog and shop.. her clothing was featured at this year's Nashville Fashion Week and some pieces are currently for sale online (she is kind of a genius when it comes to designing and creating).
And last but not least, the better-late-than-never announcement of the Ampris Loves leather collar giveaway is.. lovely Hannah of The Braided Bandit! Congrats, Hannah - and for everyone else, you can still use the coupon code BLOOMINGLOVE for any purchases at Ampris Loves through the end of July! Carri's offering a great sale at her blog too, check it out.
With big cities and rural hamlets nestled between mountainous landscapes, deserts, and beaches, California is filled with places to visit and things to see - most especially in the lush months of summertime. San Luis Opisbo is one of the oldest cities in California, founded by a Franciscan friar in the 1700s and located along the central coast between LA and San Francisco. For this week's summer travel guide (and to herald today as the official summer solstice of the north), gorgeous photographer and student Taylor of The Little Deer lives in SLO and has agreed to share her stop-worthy favorites with us - here she is!
Where to eat? Enjoy a meal outside by the creek at Novo or a wholesome, fresh American meal at Big Sky Cafe.
Best coffee shop? I spend many hours at my favorite coffee shop, Sally Loo's Wholesome Cafe. They brew Intelligentsia coffee and have some of the finest baristas around. The sandwiches, baked goods, quiches, and soups are house made, locally grown, and always organic. How great is that!? This place is almost my second home, so if you stop in you'll most likely run into me ;)
Favorite afternoon excursion? One of my favorite parts about living here is how close we are to mountains and beaches. Shell Beach is just about the prettiest beach around, in my opinion. Hike Madonna Mountain for the best view or take a walk in Avila to the beach. The farmers market, every Thursday, is also a lovely way to spend an early afternoon.
Favorite evening entertainment? Since it is a rather small town, the city shuts down fairly early. Grab a coffee or beer at Kreuzberg and catch a film at the Palm Theatre, the first solar powered theatre in the country, that features great indie flicks. Grab some donuts at a hip 24/7 create your own donut shop called SLO Donut Company. San Luis is full of amazing local musicians, so be sure to check out Downtown Brew or Kreuzberg for any shows.
Where to shop? Ruby Rose is one of my favorite vintage shops around. It is filled to the brim with pretty furniture, vintage clothing, and fun little nick-nacks. You will certainly walk away feeling inspired! Curio for consignment clothing, Phoenix for used books, and Paper Sky for cute paper goodies. If you love antiques visit Arroyo Grande (a small town about 15 minutes away) where they have a few great antique shops, Green Vase is one of my favorites.
What travel advice would you give to those visiting SLO for the first time? Another great thing about SLO is that you are so close to many other lovely little places. If you have a bit of time, be sure to visit the other towns around as well - Morro Bay, Arroyo Grande, Shell Beach, Cambria because they all have their own little charms.
Thanks Taylor! Check out her blog and vintage shop. Also, the winner of the leather collar giveaway will be announced tomorrow - enter here!
This weekend marks the exciting Porter Flea, held at Marathon Music Works and of which I'll be taking part with loads of handmade pieces - which means no Sewing Saturday this weekend, but I figure it's an even trade-off. If you're around the Nashville area, stop by and say hello!
Welcome to the world of Ampris Loves, a place fastidiously and lovingly built by Carri in Toronto. Ampris Loves is filled with handcrafted leather collars and woven jewelry, necklaces festooned with leather petals and bracelets in pastel gemstones - plus a great selection of well curated and fairly priced vintage finds. Carri designs and crafts all the jewelry herself, making the shopping experience much more personal.
Luckily for us, Carri is offering an Ampris Loves giveaway! The winner receives a reversible leather collar necklace, as shown below, with brown leather on one side and beige suede on the other. Extremely versatile - the right way to dress up any shirt or dress ensemble. 
To enter, simply visit Ampris Loves and pick out a favorite item, then share it by commenting on this post - or tell us how you'll style this collar! The possibilities are endless. Don't forget to include your email address. Second entries can be obtained by reblogging this giveaway or sharing it via Facebook, Twitter, or Tumblr - be sure to add a second comment here with the link back to your sharing site of choice.
Giveaway ends a week from today - Wednesday, June 20th - and I will announce the winner then. The giveaway is open to everyone, so international friends feel free to enter!Also, Ampris Loves is offering a 10% discount on all purchases in her shop this week - just enter the code BLOOMINGLOVE upon checkout. A big thanks to Carri for hosting! Check out her Tumblr and Facebook here.
