Rrrowr! Who knew a T-shirt could look so good?

Recycled T-shirt corset
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

Some people are coming back from summer vacation, but I'm apparently returning from a blogging vacation. I feel bad that I've only posted a few times this summer. What can I say? That people in my family died? That my house is falling apart? That my job ramped up in intensity? Sure, but that's not the point. The point is to bring you fun, fresh ideas from the crafty corners of the world. So without further ado...

I visited my friend Jen at Saturday's Mamaw Menagerie and saw her cool cycling-related creations. I had seen her reflective ankle cuffs/garters before (and proudly sport one on my evening rides), but this was the first time that I had seen her amazing corset tops made out of recycled T-shirts (see picture). They're inspired by the T-shirt corsets that Natalie Chanin features in her fabulous book "Alabama Stitch," but they include a few unexpected twists.



Jen specializes in unique apparel and accessories for cyclists, and the corsets feature reflective trim both front and back and handy jersey pockets in the rear (cleverly made from the old T-shirt sleeves). As Jen says, "Be safe. Be seen. Be sexy."

For more information, visit Jen's website: http://www.cotterindustries.com.

On a fun note, the card table in this photo is one of my past projects. I sold it to Jen at the inaugural Mamaw Menagerie in 2007.

Sewing classes this fall in Gainesville

Sewing class
Originally uploaded by sassycrafter

I'll be teaching two sewing classes this fall through the UF Leisure Course Program. The classes are ideal for anyone who wants to learn to sew or who would like a basic refresher course.

Sewing: Learn to Use a Sewing Machine
Saturday, Oct. 24 -- 9 a.m. to noon
Take the mystery out of sewing and learn how to use a sewing machine. Course is taught by Kim Taylor, aka “The Sassy Crafter” (http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com), who will teach the basics of threading the machine, winding a bobbin, straight stitching, back stitching, zig-zag stitching and other key topics. You'll even leave with a finished project!

Sewing: Learn to Work with Patterns
Saturday, Oct. 24 -- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a great class for anyone who already knows how to use a sewing machine but doesn’t know how to work with patterns. The class is taught by Kim Taylor, aka “The Sassy Crafter” (http://sassycrafter.blogspot.com), who will teach you the basics of working with commercial patterns, whether you want to make clothes, crafts, or other fun things. The instructor will guide each student through making a pair of simple drawstring pants (great for casual wear or pajamas).

If you don't have your own sewing machine, I have three sewing machines that can be reserved for an additional fee of $15 per class. You must email me to reserve a machine in advance. (Email: sassycrafter-at-gmail-dot-com.)

The classes are offered on the same day and can be taken back to back if you're interested in both.

For full details and to register, visit the UF Leisure Course site.