30 For 30 Remix Picks!

**Don't forget about the Simply Share It Link Party happening here* 

I'm really excited to be participating in Kendi Everyday's 30 for 30 remix challenge. Kendi's already done the other three seasons and just has winter to go, and this will be my first time jumping on board. Plus, it's a great opportunity for me to figure out some new remixing style ideas; it seems that everyone in grad school dresses really well- the hoodies and sweats that are so common in undergrad aren't present at all.

Here's a quick rundown of the rules. You pick 30 items from your closet, shoes included, accessories not included, and those are the only items you can wear for 30 days. You're also not supposed to shop at all! I tried to pick items that I can mix and match...and remix and rematch.

Don't compare my picks to Kendi's picks, though. It turns out that her winter-in-Texas wardrobe is a lot more like summer-in-Wisconsin than winter-in-Wisconsin. For example, she has three pairs of heels in her 30. I decided to heels out entirely, and I'm not exactly sure how often I'll actually be able to wear the flats I did include. We shall see.
 

Tops

This might seem like a lot of short sleeved tops, but I wear a cardigan almost every day- either that or I'm sitting in an overheated classroom. Which brings us to...

Cardigans and Jackets

Pants

Skirts and Dresses

Shoes 

 

I'm already starting to second guess a couple things. Not all of these are my very favorites, but I'm hoping they'll be easy to remix in different ways, especially with the different jackets and cardigans. I'm not including tank tops, my ugly winter boots, or my big winter coat in the 30 items; these things are staples/necessities.
So, not including some last minute changes that might happen by tomorrow, you'll be seeing a lot more of these pieces in the next 30 days...starting tomorrow!

Simply Share It Link Party #3

It's Monday, and it's also time for the Simply Share It Party. Remember to check back on Thursday for features from today's party!

Just a few guidelines before we get started:

Simply Share It Link Party #3

1. Link up as many projects/recipes as you like. It's anything goes- just no giveaways or shops, please.

2. Grab the button below to link back to the party! I'd love to see lots and lots of link ups, so spread the word!

<a href="http://simplystepback.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54571250@N06/5343140822/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled by SimplyStepBack, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled" height="150" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5343140822_cff663262b_m.jpg" /></a><br /> <br />

3. Try and visit a few other blogs from the list after you link up. Also, if you're not already a follower, I'd love it if you became one! That way you'll be able to keep up with future linky parties, projects, and features.

Can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Sweet Links Saturday: Fashion Blogs

I follow a large amount of blogs. These are mostly sewing and craft blogs, some librarian-type blogs (you'd be surprised how interesting and fun those are, really!), and a few fashion blogs. Some are a mix of all three.

Someone recently asked me for recommendations for following fashion blogs, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorites. These aren't high-end, designer fashion- I think they're even better than that. These girls share their wearable yet creative outfits, often daily, sometimes at really affordable prices. I think you'll enjoy them.

What Would A Nerd Wear

This is one I can often relate to; Tania calls her blog "an archive of grad student style" but really, it's just good style for anyone. I love her post on grad student wardrobe essentials.

Totally Tessa

Tessa is 17 and has a wardrobe that any well-dressed adult would love to have. Her daily outfits are super cute and her writing's fun, too.

The Pleated Poppy

Maybe more of a sewing blog than a style blog, but Lindsey hosts the weekly What I Wore Wednesday link party that's become super popular and definitely worth checking out.

I'm Clothed Much

Elaine tries to create modest outfits with a low budget.

Kendi Everyday

If you've noticed me blogging about the 30 for 30, visit Kendi's blog for more info and really great daily outfits, too.

My Edit

I just started following this blog, but I'm loving Jentine's style already.

Vegetable Barley Crockpot Soup

I made this soup earlier this week, and I really loved it. It's so easy and economical, and it's meatless but still filling. Enjoy!

Vegetable Barley Soup Recipe

1 cupped chopped onion
1 medium carrot, sliced
1 stalk sliced celery
2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
1 15 oz can red beans, rinsed and drained
1 15 oz can of corn
1/2 cup regular barley (not quick cooking)
2 tsp dried Italian seasoning, crushed
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
5 cups vegetable or chicken broth

In slow cooker, combine onion, carrot, celery, mushrooms, red beens, corn, barley, Italian seasoning, pepper, and garlic. Pour broth over mixture in cooker. Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Simply Share It Link Party #2 Features

Thanks for linking up with the Simply Share It party on Monday! You guys more than quadrupled the amount of links that I had for the first party, so way to go. It's lots of fun to visit your blogs and see what you've come up with! Today I'm going to share some of my favorite links from the party, but make sure to go back and check out the rest, too.

If you've been featured below, please go ahead and grab the feature button.

<br /><a href="http://simplystepback.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" style="width: 125px; height: 125px;" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5369947989_b1b967667a_m.jpg" /></a><br />

Simply Share It #2 Features!

Rosette Flowers by Stef of It's All In My Head

You guys know I love fabric flowers, and these turned out so classy, especially added to the pedestals and added to a pretty Valentine's Day display.

Appliqued Flower Girl Shirt by Tara of Tara Being Tara

Tara made this shirt for the flower girl in her upcoming wedding, and I think that she made the idea look really fresh and cute. It makes me want an appliqued top!

First Knitted Sweater by Kathy of Emerging as (Super) Woman

I'm so impressed by this sweater, as I can't imagine knitting a whole garment. Love the little collar, too!

Thanks for linking up!

What I Wore Wednesday: Too Blue?

If you've been keeping up with my WIWW posts, this outfit might seem a little familiar. You can see its partner outfit (of sorts) here. Maybe I'm getting excited for the 30 for 30 challenge that's coming up and starting on February 1st, but this outfit and my last post for WIWW have a bit of the remixing going on already.

The "is it too much blue" question comes in when I add my favorite blue hat, which I wore for much of the day.

And then when I add these blue sneakers, which got a little grody from my trek in the snowy slushy salty streets. (You can check out this post for my bundled-up-for-winter look. Yes, I still look like that when I'm outside. Every day. Is it summer yet?)

Hat: Forever 21 ($2.50)

Sweater: Kohls ($3)

White Shirt: Secondhand

Skinny Belt: Secondhand

Jeans: Kohls (a few years back)

Sneakers: Payless?? (also a few years back)

Project Tuesday: Flower Headband

This isn't my first flower headband...you can also check out this white one, this all-fabric one, and these bobby pins, too. I've even been known to buy one that's ridiculously large. But every time I want to do a non-sewing project, I gravitate toward my glue gun and fabric flowers.

I followed the same tutorial that I used for my white frayed rosette headband. However, this time I used a non-fraying stretch knit. I bought it from a remnant bin and found when I got it home that it was too cheap looking to make into anything wearable. It's sat around till now.

I made a couple adjustments to the tutorial. I just used one long strip of the red knit, and tied the knot at the end. Then, instead of gluing along the edges, I found that if I wrap it first, and then get the glue into the cracks from the back of the flower, I avoid the dreaded unsightly glue-blob you see below. This isn't even a bad one...

Usually when I make fabric flower projects like this, you guys tell me that you can't wait to make them for your four year olds. That's cool. I'll just be a little juvenile and wear it myself. :)

Simply Share It Link Party #2

It's Monday, and time for the Simply Share It Link Party #2! Let's beat last weeks record of...two participants.  Link up your projects or recipes, and make sure to check back on Thursday for features from the linkup.

Just a few guidelines before we get started:

Simply Share It Link Party #2

1. Like I said above, it's anything goes- just no giveaways or shops, please.

2. Grab the button below to link back to the party! I'd love to see lots and lots of link ups, so spread the word!

<a href="http://simplystepback.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54571250@N06/5343140822/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled by SimplyStepBack, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled" height="150" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5343140822_cff663262b_m.jpg" /></a><br /> <br />

3. Try and visit a few other blogs from the list after you link up. Also, if you're not already a follower, I'd love it if you became one! That way you'll be able to keep up with future linky parties, projects, and features.

Can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Sweet Links Saturday: Terrariums

Who doesn't love a cute little terrarium? One year, my old roommate made a bunch of them out of little jars and lined them up on the windowsill. Everyone asked about her "jars of dirt," but some of them were really cute!

Here's a couple creative ideas for making them.

Terrarium Links

This is a great idea from Instructables.com. Reuse a lightbulb to make your terrarium! Check out the slideshow for more pics.

This idea is a little more work intensive, but has a complete tutorial from Countryliving.com. You might not notice on first glance, but this terrarium is made from picture frames!

Serger Shirt Refit

So I'm still working on my serger. And it feels a little less difficult, but not much. However, I successfully completed a small project! I started with this shirt from the thrift store, which is several sizes too large, and sized it down.

Refitting it with the serger was so easy! I followed my own easy t-shirt refit tutorial, and it looks a lot more professional with the serger. Not the most exciting project, but it's a start!

Simply Share It #1 Features!

On Monday I hosted my first ever link party, Simply Share It! Every Thursday I'll feature a few of my favorite projects.

Only two people linked up on Monday, though- so I'm featuring 100% of participants! If you've been featured, feel free to grab the feature button below.

 

First up is Emily's Cute Octopus from her blog the cute octopus. She even has a pattern for you, as well as lots of cute pictures of her own creations!

Next, check out Manika's project, an adorable appliqued frock.

Thanks for linking up! Make sure and grab a button, and come back on Monday for another Simply Share It party!



What I Wore Wednesday: Department Store Fashion

Yesss...it's another belted cardigan post. But at least I'm not wearing jeans this time! And it's a short sleeved cardigan and skinny belt...so it's totally different. I mentioned last week that between semesters of school, I work as a receptionist. Luckily for me, this works out all right with my librarian-esque style. I just swap out the jeans for a pair of dress pants and I'm good to go in the business casual world.

I'm certain that "department store fashion" can't possibly be an oxymoron. Every item in today's outfit isn't just a department store find...it's a clearance department store find. I often find that my favorite fashion bloggers are usually shopping Anthropologie, JCrew, and ModCloth, among others. While those aren't extremely expensive, they're out of my price range, so I'm all about copy-catting from a thrift or department store.

The brown pinstriped pants are from Shopko ($8), as are the not-pictured purple flats I wore with it ($7). The white scoopneck is one of those buy-it-in-every-color (and 2 or 3 in black and white) deals from Kohls for $5 or less. I just got the blue cardigan from Kohls for $3. Plain pieces, but I think they come together nicely.

What have you worn lately? I can't wait to see it linked up over at The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday!

Tuesday Tutorial: Shirt Sleeve Flowers

When I posted the T-Shirt to Cowl Scarf, many of you requested a tutorial for how to make the flower from the long sleeve. I think you'll agree that it's very simple to make! I wasn't even sure quite how to go about making the tutorial for it. Once you've got the shirt cut up, there's really just two easy steps.

How to Make a Flower from a Shirt Sleeve:

1. Cut the sleeve off a long-sleeved t-shirt (this is actually a 3/4 length), and turn it inside out.

2. Slowly turn it right side out, but don't pull it all the way through. Leave it kind of bunchy, pulling out parts here and there to shape the flower the way you like it. After all, we're making a pretty abstract flower here.

Here it is with the sleeve pulled all the way through.

3. Add some hand stitches here and there across the back to hold the shape. Since the flower's probably pretty irregularly shaped, you might have to trial-and-error where to put the stitches. If you're a non-sewer, whip out your hot glue gun.

4. Add a pin to the back with your glue gun- or just pin on a safety pin for a quick finish. Now you're all set to add it to your t-shirt cowl scarf (or anything else you like).

Simply Share It Link Party #1

Welcome to the first-ever Simply Share It Link Party! I'm really excited to be hosting a linky party. It's anything goes; feel free to link up as many craft or sewing projects or recipes as you like. I'm out of town right now, so I had to schedule this ahead- hopefully it works! If it doesn't, I'll be able to check in later in the day and fix it up.

Check back on Thursday for features from the linkup.

Just a few guidelines before we get started:

Simply Share It Link Party #1

1. Like I said above, it's anything goes- just no giveaways or shops, please.

2. Grab the button below to link back to the party! I'd love to see lots and lots of link ups, so spread the word!

<a href="http://simplystepback.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54571250@N06/5343140822/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled by SimplyStepBack, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled" height="150" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5343140822_cff663262b_m.jpg" /></a><br /> <br />

3. Try and visit a few other blogs from the list after you link up. Also, if you're not already a follower, I'd love it if you became one! That way you'll be able to keep up with future linky parties and features.

Can't wait to see what you've come up with!

Saturday Links of the Week: Blog How Tos

I'm going to be organizing my blogging a little differently this year. Every Saturday I'm going to showcase some of my favorite links. I follow a lot of different blogs, and I'm always saving links, tutorials, and fun project ideas.

This week I'm going to share some blog how-to's. I know very little about html, and every time I want to do somethign outside the standard template, I rely on tutorials from some of my favorite bloggers!

Blogging Tips and Tricks

Do you back up your blog? Design it Chic shows you how to do so- the last thing you want is to lose all your work. Not only that, this blog has lots of helpful blog tips and tutorials- all worth checking out. Another of my favorite Design it Chic tutes shows you how to write html to get your links to open in new windows- something I often forget to do! This is a great tip, and keeps your visitors from losing your site.

 I love following Mandy of Mandipidy (formerly Mandy's Yellow Corner. I had no trouble following her Blog Button tutorial when I made my blog buttons. She has several different blogging tutorials, most related to the design of your blog (not to mention some other really super DIY craft and sewing tutes). Check them out here!

Easy Chai Tea Recipe

I found this recipe in an old issue of Real Simple magazine and can't wait to try it! Chai tea made from a chai flavored tea bag just doesn't cut it.

Easy Chai Tea Recipe

8 Cardamom seeds
8 cloves
4 black peppercorns
1 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
 2 cups whole milk
4 bags black tea
8 tsp sugar (or more to taste)

Crush cardamom, cloves, and peppercorns in a resealable plastic bag with a heavy skillet.

Place crushed spices in a medium saucepan, along with cinnamon sticks, ginger, milk, and 2 cups water; bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add the tea bags, cover, and let steep for 10 minutes.

Strain into cups. To each cup, and 2 tsps sugar or more, to taste.

Make and refridgerate for up to 2 days; reheat in saucepan or microwave.

What I Wore Wednesday

A fun shopping day with my friends yielded some great post-Christmas finds, including this cute sheer button down (don't worry, I layered).  Between semesters, I work as a receptionist, and this was a good top to work into my sometimes-dull business casual attire. I wore it with black pants for most of the day, but forgot to take a pic...oops.

After work, I changed to a pair of jeans- I like this look better anyway.

Both the jeans and non-pictured dress pants are from Kohls. Speaking of dress pants, I could really use some new ones, but those might be just as hard to find as a new pair of jeans! I'm never sure what size dress pants to get; they always run so big. The black cardigan is also from Kohls (can't resist their 60-80% off clearance racks), and the new red top (which came with the ribbon belt) is from Maurices- a post-Christmas steal for $7. You can't see my shoes in the pic, but I went with a pair of black flats that I got for $1 at a rummage sale.

Don't forget to check out everyone's What I Wore Wednesday outfits over at The Pleated Poppy's link party!

Etched Glass Beer Mugs

I've seen some great tutorials for glass etching using Armor Etch (check out How About Orange and Young House Love for my two favorites), and thought it'd be a great Christmas gift idea. I bought some Roadhouse Beer Mugs, planning to personalize them for my dad for Christmas...and I did.

The project was much harder than I'd figured though! I followed Young House Love's advice and used painter's tape to make my stencil with an Exacto knife. I had a terrible time getting crisp lines, and consequently, my etching isn't very straight and crisp either. I've heard that contact paper is easier to use- or, of course, you could buy the actual stencil material that's sold near the Armor Etch. Regardless, my dad seems to like them, especially chilling them in the freezer for ice-cold beer.

Emily over at the cute octopus coincidentally posted a glass etching tutorial today, too!

Heads Up: "Simply Share It" Link Party!

I just want to let you guys know that I'll be having a link party (Simply Share It!) every Monday starting next week.  Keep an eye out for it- I'd love it if you linked up a recent project or recipe! I'll be posting weekly features from the link ups, too. It's anything goes, excepting giveaways or shops. Grab the button below, and if you're not a follower, make sure to become one so you don't miss it!

<a href="http://simplystepback.blogspot.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.flickr.com/photos/54571250@N06/5343140822/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="untitled by SimplyStepBack, on Flickr"><img alt="untitled" height="150" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5343140822_cff663262b_m.jpg" /></a><br /> <br />

Sweet Serger Links

So it turns out the serger is kind of...difficult. It's a whole different beast than the regular sewing machine, which I also have some struggles with. And the books I was able to get from the library assume quite a bit of knowledge already.

A google search yielded few links that I found truly useful, but here's a few that, if you're in the same boat as me, you might find helpful. And if you're interested in any more of the craft, sewing, and recipe links that I save on a daily basis, remember to check out my Delicious links page (also available from the Favorite Links tab above).

Serger Help and Hints

All About Sergers on Sew Mama Sew

If you're interested in sergers, confused by the lingo (overlock, differential feed, what?!?), or thinking of buying a serger, this is a good place to get a quick introduction to what's important.

How to Do a Rolled Hem on StitchCraft

Gathering with a Serger on Everything Your Mama Made and More

Gathering and ruffles are super easy on a serger! All I've done yet is sew seams and sew chunks of fabric together...and this option made that a lot more fun.

Easy Serger Projects

I've found it tough to find projects for the beginning serger. Most serger projects also require use of a regular sewing machine, and also can be done using only a regular sewing machine- it'll just take you a lot longer than with the help of a serger. These tutorials show how you can use your serger to help you out.

Hobo Bag by Dana from Made

Dana uses her serger in ways that even the beginner can handle to make some really cute varieties of this bag.

Twenty Minute Skirt by Kathleen from Grosgrain

Kathleen shows how you can use your serger to finish the raw edges of a garment, speed things up, and make the finished product look even more professional.

Serger Scarf on Craft Stylish

Here's one you can make using only your serger- no regular machine necessary.

Serger Rosettes on Craftside

These are taken from the Singer book Quick and Easy Sewing with Your Serger (which I want)

What do you guys think? Do you have a serger? How did you start learning?

Embroidered Ruffle Pouch

You might remember the embroidered ruffle pouch I posted a while back. I couldn't show you the embroidery then, because I was afraid my cousin would see it before I gave it to her for Christmas! I didn't want her recognizing her initials. Here's the pouch again, with the embroidery visible.

Like I've said, I'm new to embroidery, and I really enjoy it! My favorite inspiration is Mollie Johnson and her great blog, Wild Olive. Definitely worth checking out!

Top 10 in 2010

I started my blog in the summer of 2010, and most of the most popular posts happened towards the end of the year. You might remember some of these- it turns out you guys really like tutorials (but no surprise there). I've really enjoyed blogging (even more than I thought I would), and I can't wait to see what fun stuff will come up for 2011.

Here's the Top 10 most visited posts in 2010!

1. Tutorial: Make an Upcycled Sweater Dress from a Men's Sweater

2. Tutorial: Quick Refit for a Too-Big Top

3. Tutorial: Easy Ruffled Scarf

4. Tutorial: Easy Flower Bobby Pins

5. T-Shirt to Cowl Scarf

6. Tutorial: Lace Keyhole Top from Polo

7. Embellished Ruffle Top

8. Purse Week: Ruffled Clutch

9. Rosette Headband

10. Envelopes from Magazine Pages