Pinterest

As much as I hate to admit this, Pinterest has been my wedding crutch. Although the ratio of things Pinned to things being used is pretty slim, I did one DIY Pinterest project that I’m actually really excited with. I changed the world.

Our wedding theme is travel, so there are flags and maps and globes throughout out the invitations, program, website, decorations, and so on. When I found this Pin and blog post about a chalkboard globe, I got really excited about what a great sign this could be as part of our reception. However, I already knew how expensive globes are to buy (at least in the DC metro region). “Pick up a cheap globe” must work better in other parts of the country. So until my Matron of Honor mentioned that they inherited an old globe with their new house, I didn’t think I’d be able to do this.

The globe they inherited must be from the early 1990s – Germany is one country, but the USSR still exists. I felt a bit sad about covering up that history, but did it anyway!

Although the author of the blog painted her globe with a paint brush, The Mechanic said that spray paint would be easier and more cost-effective. What would we do with a whole can of chalkboard paint in a rental apartment? Good point. So I bought Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Flat Black Spray and a primer. Then I waited for a weekend when it wasn’t too humid, nor too windy, so I could set up “shop” by our dumpster and do some spray painting.

: Spraying the gray primer first.

: Looking somewhat like the Death Star, we hung the globe in the window of The Mechanic’s bike locker van to dry a bit before we moved it inside.

I was really pleased with the way this project turned out! The globe looks amazing, and the acrylic stand that I initially didn’t like, looks so chic with the black matte globe. Although I had said we could offer it to The Mechanic’s niece, I want to keep it for myself!

: Oh yeah – matte black chalkboard paint globe. Awesome.

: Lookin’ cool.

You’ll have to wait another week to see it in action, but trust me, it looks really fun. I can’t wait for our wedding guests to see it!

The Mechanic is away for the weekend, and today was my compressed Friday off, so I dedicated the entire day to fashion, rather than transportation. Except for walking to the market, I haven’t gone anywhere – kind of a treat!

I’m anxious to get started on my next bicycle fashion project, this Cynthia Rowley dress. I’m doing the sleeveless version. I love everything trimmed in piping or edged in contrasting trim, so I’m excited that this dress actually calls for piping in the seams! You might be able to guess where I’m going with this – yes, reflective piping! But I can’t decide what fabric to pick!

Cynthia Rowley Dress

I know what I want – blue or gray, since the piping is silvery; a small, non-directional pattern (or something that won’t look dumb if it’s cut in different directions); and sophisticated enough that I can wear it to meet clients. But since I’m limited to a small JoAnn Fabrics near me, or the internet, I’m having some trouble. If only I’d had this pattern when I was in New York!

I spent what seemed like hours trolling website for fabrics, and I’ve narrowed it down to three so far. But I can’t decide which I like the best.

Option 1 – Expressions Circles

I love this Expression Circles print because I love this sort of “bubbles” design, and anything with circles. I think it will work well with the shapes of the pattern pieces, and the trim should go well with the pale blue.

Option 2 – Imperial Medallions

Option 2, the Imperial Medallions, is the kind of print I really love – symmetrical, circles, and historic. It would look great with the trim, but I’m not sure if it would be too busy as a full dress. But I really love it.

Timeless Treasures

But I love the clouds print too. I really wanted something blue, since my bike skirt is black and white, but this is so great. I’m mildly obsessed with Shadowplay NYC and their NASA imagery fabric and clothing – if I could find a starscape fabric that isn’t too childish, I’d consider that.

Shadowplay NYC Retro Galaxy dress

I decided to think on it and feed my design brain by catching up on my fashion scrapbook.

Scrapbooking

As old-fashioned as it now is, thanks to Pinterest, I cut out pictures of my favorite things from fashion magazines, and collage them into books. I’ve been doing this since the mid-80s (oops, did I just age myself?!), and love to look through them over and over again, when I need inspiration. It’s funny how I always seem to like the same things.

I still can’t decide which fabric I like! I’ll probably cruise through JoAnn’s again, before I commit. So what do you think? Which print would you recommend?