Saturday, December 28, 2013

DIY Boot Socks and Cuffs

Have you been seeing all the cute leg warmers, boot socks and boot cuffs this winter? After getting this tall pair of boots, (which have become my faves recently) I began seeing the peek a boot socks online. I loved the look of several, but just couldn't justify the high price that came with many I saw. After all, my first thought was "sweater arms"!


So, I made myself a pair of boot socks and boot cuffs with a sweater. I stopped by a local thrift store and low and behold, there was the perfect white sweater hanging on the sale wrack at a whopping $1.50! 


I cut the arms off the sweater and eyeballed the length I needed to have just a touch of the sweater sticking out above the top of my riding boots.




Then I cut the remainder of the arm to make the boot cuff- for days when you just want the look of warm and cozy socks, but don't need the extra warmth. 
Now, here is the important step;). Get husband to help wind the bobbin with a cordless drill! Yes, I know it's redneck! Here's the thing, my main sewing machine needs a part to wind the bobbin. My other machine, well, I'd have to move a whole lotta stuff to get to it... So he helped me out! 
I have lots of scraps of vintage lace laying around, so as I hemmed the cuffs, I added a lace edging. I used a triple zigzag stitch.


The long leg warmers have two options for wearing: with lace showing or the striped end of the sleeve. I didn't have to hem that end.
Two pair from one sweater in a short time, without much precision. 
Now, I'm not saying the handmade boots socks are not worth the price, but this was a simple diy version. This was not as labor intense as knitting the whole thing.  I saved at least $30.00 to $45.00 making my own.  It would be a great way to repurpose old or stained sweaters. I've seen several pair accented with buttons and I might just add a few to one pair.


P.S. Some of you might have noticed that my blog address is a little different. I'm having technical issues and for the time being, my blog is not redirecting to theGypsyFarmGirl.com as it did before. It's still the same website/blog, only some links might not work, especially if trying to visit from Pinterest links. Thanks for hanging with me at gypsyfarmgirl.blogspot.com as I try to figure out the behind the scenes website business. 



Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Merry Christmas


Merry Christmas to all! Hope you have a wonderful day! 

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Insulator Chandelier




One of the fun features of my junky lil' gazebo, is the insulator chandelier! 


I made it several years ago out of old telephone insulators, heavy wire (think barbed wire, without the barbs), and beads. 





When we made over the gazebo, I knew this was exactly where the chandy had to hang and I think it looks right fine with the Christmas decorations.



I use small tea lights candles in the insulators to give a glowy look, although I would like to find some battery powered tea lights. I have to be careful with the burlap draped nearby and keep a close eye out. Sure don't want to burn down my gazebo.

This weekend is a little too cold for having a porch sittin'. Hope you are all warm, cozy, and safe from the massive ice storm. We just got a light sprinkling of ice, but they say more could come tonight. Right now, I'm ready for spring and warmer temperatures to enjoy sitting outside in the yard ;)


To see more of my Vintage Junky Christmas Gazebo, please click here.


 



Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Take $10 Coupon Code


Let me help you with your Christmas decorating and shopping! Use coupon code TAKETEN to receive $10.00 off any $50.00 purchase. Coupon even applies to any burlap and lace wedding bouquets! Click the link on my sidebar, click here, or search gyspyfarmgirl on etsy to start shopping.