Born This Way

This post is entitled Born This Way for no reason other than the fact that the album dropped today and I've been listening to it on repeat all day while I've been working.  (HOW is it three o'clock already?!) 

Anyway, I did a lot today.  First off, serious aspect time: where is the money coming from? Ha, well.  I'd originally been stuck between doing this project and going to China, so when I decided to do this, my dearest mother allowed me a budget equivalent to the amount she would have had to put down for a deposit on the China trip.  I've been keeping track of my expenses (not so officially...), and I'm currently NOWHERE near that amount.  I've decided that once everything is complete and I've used some of the budget to thank my wonderfully fantastic and amazing mentor, Allison, I'll give the rest of the Budget to the charity along with the proceeds from sales. 

really legit looking expense summary (note: "food that one time")

Made a maxi dress today! Plus a crop top and leggings. Looking good.  I almost killed myself bringing the ironing board down into my Sewing Cave...and then learned all about melting fabrics (eep!) as I flattened out endless seams.  I even did some hand stitching today. Whoa, what? People still do that? Yeah, unfortunately.  I felt very Little Women-y sitting on the couch down here killing myself with a needle, but I love the way it turned out....

what a cute little gathered pucker--woo hand stitching! 

the dress looks guhhhreat.  can't wait to add on the appliqués on the shoulders

Speaking of which, I'm decorating a lot of my garments (well....two..and a half?) with leather cutouts and large gems (which sounds very "main stage at the golden nugget" but totally isn't) and the idea of sewing them all on seemed a bit unnecessary...SO I found this amazing product called LiquidStitch, which is this crazy strong fabric glue that I'm going to use to adhere everything. Perrrrfection.

testing LiquidStitch on some fabric for kicks

However, some of the appliqué work will need to be sewn...we made the leggings today, and it's pretty clear that the glue won't really do all the stretching we'll need it to.  We'll know for sure when it's totally dry tomorrow, but as of right now? Unclear.

leggings flopped over the ironing board (appliqués pinned on!)

I also did a lot of work on jewelry this morning...I'm off to Mod Podge the life out of the necklaces and start on my fabric wrapped bangles...