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HAPPY THOUGHTS

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Well, hello there! How is everyone's summer going? Around here, the time has been full but rewarding, with as many moments being spent outside as possible. Heather has reignited her love of the open water (as seen here). The lakes make her nostalgic for her high school rowing days, so we're the kind of people who kayak now. It makes my arms and back ache but my head and heart happy. My bike is getting lots of fresh air, too, as we're discovering all sorts of trails and paths that we hadn't visited before. I'm trying to say "yes" more. I'm trying to spend my time effectively, productively, and wisely. I'm also drinking a lot of Lacroix, which is making me feel exceptionally basic but hydrated.

HAPPY LINKS

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• Favorite DIY of the week: These baby bibs that look like little bandanas - they have me dead
• Speaking of babies, I'm going to be an aunt soon!!! I'm very excited, and I've already made the little babe a crocheted blanket which you can check out on Curbly.com
• There's a curated version of Amazon and it's simply convenient
• These purses/broaches/bowties on Etsy are all making me extremely hungry
• Speaking of fashion, I am in serious need of this hat that reads don't be cringy and I will wear it EVERY DAY because apparently people men in my neighborhood haven't figured that out yet (shoutout to my Instagram friend @mulberrymelissa who owns this hat because she is awesome) 
• One of my summer goals is to learn how to take care of myself better, and I found this skincare routine from New Darlings to be extremely helpful (and inspiringly transparent about struggles with acne)

I usually put this kind of post out on Friday, but let's be honest, it's crazy that I'm writing anything AT ALL because I've kind of let We Can Make Anything fall to the wayside as my life changes and evolves. But this site is my first love, my cozy spot, my home, so I'm not letting go of her entirely. Have a sweet weekend, I'm off to buy a snake plant.

xoxo,

-m.e.

P.S. I keep track of the watering and lighting needs for all my plants by using this handy printable.

diy minimal fashion | how i cloned a tank top

Happy summer!

I've been scratching a recent itch to work on more sewing projects. I'm worried it has to do with how I'm procrastinating on my wedding dress, but I'm trying not to think about that (since I definitely am procrastinating on that project). This tank top is the most recent addition to my wardrobe. It's simple, minimal, comfy - much like its predecessor. I used an existing shirt to create this new one, which is by far the easiest way I've found to sew one's own clothing (also there is no room for judgement when you see how worn this shirt is - it's incredibly comfy). A while ago I shared how I made my own t-shirt, and this method is essentially the same. 

To make this top, I used:

• Knit, stretchy fabric
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine and notions
• Marking pencil
• Existing tank top to replicate 

Step 1. | To begin, I laid my knit material down with the stretch of the fabric moving from right to left, just as my original garment moves. I laid the shirt on the fabric, then traced about 1/2 inch around the garment. I only traced one half of the garment, then folded the fabric in half along the middle. Next I cut along the outline while the fabric was still folded, cutting through both layers of fabric.

Step 2. | With my first piece cut, I traced its shape onto the fabric, and cut out an identical piece. To differentiate between the pieces, I cut one with a deeper neckline for the front, and one with narrower straps for the back. 

Step 3. | I pinned the pieces together, right-sides in. I then sewed along the sides and at the top where the straps meet, using a zig-zag stitch. It's important to use a zig-zag stitch when sewing stretchy materials. This way the seam moves with the stretching of the fabric. 

Step 4. | With the seams in place, all I had left to do was hem any raw edges. I did this with a zig-zag stitch as well. 

This fabric is so incredibly comfortable, and the length and fit of this top is just right. I'm all about DIY minimal fashion, and am so ready to sew up a whole batch of these tanks. 

Side note: I'm getting older, and caring a lot less. Like, I don't care that people tell me I need more diversity in my wardrobe, and I don't care that black and denim are the only colors I ever want to wear. So I'm resigning to just doing what I want, and wearing what I want. It feels good, and I'm ending up with a lot less clothes in my closet that I don't actually like. 

xoxo,

-m.e.

P.S. If you're into basic wardrobe pieces, learn how to make this everyday bag.