More Leggings

Another pair of too short leggings with holes in both knees.

This is the work in progress, the paper is my pattern for figuring out lengths and positioning.
I cut long strips from an old T-shirt and overlocked both edges with a rolled hem on the overlock machine using contrasting thread. These I cut into smaller strips which I sandwiched between two layers of fabric.
This is how I sew the patches on the knees. I use a sleeve board to pin the patch in place really well, then I turn the pants inside out and scrunch down from the waist to get at the knees.
Here is the finished product:

Legging resurrection

I was going through my daughter's dresser and found several of these leggings that had become too short and had holes in the knees--but still fit her at the waist.

I've also confiscated a few of my son's T-shirts that have become too small and also have holes in them. So I cut circle ruffles from the T-shirt to apply to the leggings.
Here is the finished "new" pants with ruffles and a heart shaped patch.

Halloween costume: Medusa Headdress

My daughter wanted to be Medusa for Halloween, so I made her a snake headdress. I used large gauge floral wire and some green fabric to make seven stuffed snakes. I sewed the wire to the seam allowance at the head of the snake before turning it so the wire was inside. Then I stuffed the snakes with polyfil and sewed the opening closed. I also sewed some of the fabric close to the wire.

I built a frame by wrapping more floral wire around my daughter's head--and leaving enough wire to adjust it later as the snake tails would add bulk. The photo shows how I would wrap the snake tails around the headband. But first I needed to paint them.
I painted them with acrylic paint mixed with a fabric paint medium. When the snakes were painted I set the paint by steaming them with steam from the iron.
I sewed on little beads for the eyes. The tongues are leather cord, cut at the end to make a split. (the tongues were inserted in the initial sewing)
And here it is, a dramatic Medusa headdress with snakes that can be adjusted. My daughter loved changing their positions.