the day my sweater became my best friend.

Sometimes, I can be an odd person. I understand that. I accept that.
.
I mean, I don't buy accessories off of the shelf. I like to make them on my own-- an electric blue ric rac flower brooch to match my electric blue church skirt. A pair of ruby red button earrings to match my new shirt. It's become my "thing" to constantly find new tidbits to make my baubles and bangles, pins and clips.
.
In fact, I've been known to put on an outfit and not have an accessory anywhere to match-- so I'm in my craft room, stitching one up. I'll yell out "5 more minutes" to keep the troops at bay while I am furiously stitching. Stitch, stitch, stitch... "5 more minutes, I promise!"
.
My vintage yellow sweater has been begging me for a while. She needs a pretty little something to cover up the pretty little stain that I didn't notice until I brought her home. A whopping 10 cents at a garage sale over 14 years ago, and I have still never addressed the stain. Well, I've tried washing it out multiple times-- but after 14 years with me, it's never been able to find a way out. So, I'm going to cover it. With:


I was perusing the craft store the other day and happened upon those great fabric button covers that I used to make earrings last month. Remember those? Well, I bypassed the smaller ones and stocked up on the:

I was certain that I would be able to come up with a way to use them! I let them sit on top of my book shelf and thought about the possibilities.
.
It wasn't until after my little yellow sweater screamed at me in the mirror one morning that I came up with a plan. I grabbed my huge button covers, my little yellow sweater, and went through my sewing stash. I decided to design something that replicated a grand prize ribbon... you know, the kind that you would win at the county fair? I picked out a turquoise and yellow 1930's fabric, and some other:

After I covered the button, I cut some felt... excuse the glitter suspended inside. It was leftover from making Christmas ornaments 4 years ago. Finally, the perfect excuse to use it up! I love felt. It is the base for so many of my crafts. In fact, my mantra for the day has become:

I opened up the bias tape, and started to stitch.

Ruffles, ruffles, everywhere!

I kept those ruffles coming! Three rows of pure ruffle-ness. It was heaven.

.

When I was finished, I sewed on my extra large button, and pinned it on my sweater. She looked fantastic! I could tell she felt fantastic too, because she made me wear her to the grocery store. What a show off!

It was like a grand prize for crafty perfection!
.

And, it was so easy too. 15 minutes of crafty time- tops!