Saturday, November 14, 2009

Crafty Goodness

Hello there lovelies!

Now, you may have noticed the lack of DIY-related posts lately, and I assure you, there is a reason for this. Two actually - my sewing machine has broken down again, and apparently learning to knit is difficult for an uncoordinated left hander! Luckily, my amazing parents are buying me a new one for my birthday, and I only have two weeks left to go before I'll be crafting like crazy again. But in the meantime, I thought I'd share the crafty goodness of other people with you all - even if you don't enjoy it, it will stop me from completely losing my mind!

People Who Inspire Me

These guys are my main muses - I love them so much! If I had more money, I'd probably buy everything in their stores. Alas, I do not (although, that just means that the rest of you are in with a shot of getting your hands on their stuff ay?)



This lady is pretty much the queen of T-shirt reconstruction. She takes regular old t-shirts, and turns them into complete fucking masterpieces. You may think I exaggerate, but I assure you I don't. She also does custom orders, and (while I'm yet to afford one, how sad) the level of customization being offered is second to none. At first glance you might think her pieces are quite expensive, but remember she's taking a t-shirt, and turning it into something completely new. Now, at this point, you might think this lady couldn't get any more awesome - but she does. In addition to her webstore, she also maintains a website full of free tutorials for fellow DIYer's, called What The Craft. Love, love love from me.

This shirt is for sale here.


Lipgloss & Black

This team of two DIYing sisters defines amazing. I love visiting their store, and marvelling at the unique ways they put items together, and give them their own personal spin. I first stumbled across Sam and Sylvia on a t-shirt surgery community on Livejournal, and have obsessively stalked them since (Sorry guys, I'm not that creepy, I swear). If you live anywhere near Toronto, unlike me, you can also find their pieces in an actual shop - a lovely looking little boutique named Perwinkle. If you get the chance, click on the link in the title, and check out the costumes they created for Halloween this year. They are possibly the best things I have ever seen.

Visit their Etsy store here.


Max California

Now this rocking lady is actually from my country - once again, I stumbled across her work on a t-shirt surgery community one day, and have unabashedly stalked her ever since. But you know, not in a creepy way. Max's t-shirt reconstructions are some of the most original pieces I have ever seen. I really admire her creativity, and her skill. Also, this might sound strange, but I really wish I had a baby right about now. Why you ask? Because this lady is designing/selling a super-cool range of baby clothes (in particular for little boys), and I just wish I had someone to dress in them! Also, she doesn't just DIY clothes - she DIY's pretty much everything. Inspiration much?

Visit her Etsy store here.


xannabotx

Oh man, has this girl got talent. Once again, found on the t-shirt surgery community and stalked. (Gosh, who knew I was such a creepy?) Ever since finding her there, I've fallen in love with her crazy, amazing creations. But what I find most inspiring is this - everything she uses to make her designs is second-hand. She is a master of upcycling quirky thrift store finds, and the only animal products in her garments are those already in the materials when they are found. I find this totally inspiring because I think working only with second-hand material would really stretch your creativity at times, but I bet it would make you feel great too. Hats off to you xannabotx!

This cardigan is for sale here.


Other cool stuff

T-shirt Surgery - If you like turning your old worn out t-shirts into something new, this is your place.
Craftgrrl - Where all kinds of crafty ladies unite under one roof. There's always something interesting here.
Cut Out And Keep -Lots of cute projects and ideas to keep you entertained.
Threadbanger - I love their videos of "How To" projects. Way to make me spend forever on Youtube guys!
Ohmystars - Another great reference for those who are t-shirt surgery inclined, or just in need of some fresh ideas.
Craftster - I mainly lurk on the forums. And fanatically save pictures of things that I like. Now you know my secret shame.

So what about you guys? Got any more awesome crafting/sewing/t-shirt surgery inspiration for me? Seriously, I need some eyecandy to distract me until my new sewing machine is within my reach. Oh man, will that day be sweet. And full of sewing. First thing I'm making is the skirt-from-pacman-shirt that I've been planning. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. Send me your crafty inspiration links, and I'll love you forever!

Until next time, xo.

P.S. To my lovely inspirers - of course, if you'd rather not be in this post just let me know and I'll fix it up.

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