#TransformationTuesday Gelly Roll Fun +Sewing DIY: Turn a Dress to Tank

First of all... HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  In the spirit of new, this post is about trying new things. Take my Sakura Gelly Roll pens-to-planner cover experiment as example number one! I've used their classic white gel pen for years (no, gel pens never went out of style- lol), but recently got pens from the metallic and the souffle lines and was waiting to try them out on something fun. What better place to test them than on a plain and boring 2017 planner cover? Only a few days in and I'm already on the mission of adding color and pazazz to year 2017. As you can see [from the photos in the gallery below], the souffle ink is transparent while it's being applied and has a solid, vibrant 3D pop once dry. I am happy with my doodle results and now love using my cute, new weekly-yearly planner. The only thing I noticed after applying on the plastic surface was scratching of the souffle ink and smearing of the metallic ink. To avoid this, I suggest covering with an archival laminate or adhere some sort of adhesive to protect your newly decorated surface!

  On to example number two! I also tried my hand at sewing apparel (by request) to start off the year. The red, brown, and yellow tank top shown in the slideshow of photos belongs to my mother. It is one of her favorite summer tops, so she wanted me to make her another one... using the bottom fabric of a dress she wasn't as crazy about. "OK, sure..." I agreed, but was terrified by the thought of completely messing it up. I did it anyway, and though I made some errors, they were either very minor or easy to undo and fix. The only way to improve your skills and build cofidence with something like this is to practice and you have to try and start somewhere in order to do that! There are several ways to sew apparel: with a pattern/kit, with a completed piece/mock up as a guide, make your own pattern design from scratch with measurements, or just freely make something on the whim/drape and pin. Easy for me, I was able to use the already made tank top as a guide. This is one of the easier methods and I show photos of my step-by-step process below.

  Materials for this DIY:

1. Fabric (about 2.5 yards suggested)
2. Thread to match fabric
3. Fabric-friendly scissors
4. Straight Pins
5. Cloth tape measure
6. ​Iron and ironing board
7. Large, cleared tabletop area for workspace
8. Tank top pattern or a mock up piece of choice as a guide

*Optional items* (I used, but not required to complete tank top)

• Sewing machine (highly recommended)
• 18"x24" cutting mat
• Rotary cutter, 45mm blade
• 6"x18" ruler
• ​Sewing gauge
• Prym Dritz Superboard, 40"x72"​

  Thanks so much for checking out this post and I hope it helps with whatever creative projects you might be working on!  Until next time... peace!