Monster Mouth Britches

My daughter runs holes in her jeans like it's her job. She has this strange idea in her head that she does not need to change pants when taking her martial arts classes and instead just puts her gi pants on top. as a result I get these jeans worn completely through the knees. I decided to find a few ways to fix these holes rather than tossing them. This is fix number 1: Monster Mouth Britches.

To start this fix you will need:

Jeans worn in both knees (you can do one but I think two look better)

two sewing needles

1 spool transparent thread 

1 spool of upholstery thread

1 strip of colorful fleece the width of your hole. I used 1 inch strips and they do stretch a little.

1 strip of white stiff wool fabric for teeth

buttons for eyes

scissors

pin cushion

First, cut out any loose strands that are in the hole.

Measure your fabric length for the hole. Tip: Fabric stores may give you a sample of fabric for free. Joann's sample size is 1 inch wide. More than enough for this task.

 Turn the jeans inside out and prepare to stitch with transparent thread. I prefer the transparent thread in this project because it is very forgiving to sloppy lines and stitching since holes in jeans can be inconsistent in shape and size.

 after you are finished stitching the fleece to the jeans with your transparent thread turn the jeans right side in and this will be what you see.

 The next part takes a bit of imagination. now you need to form your monster. Use your white firm wool to cut out teeth. They do not have to be perfect.

 Place the teeth inide of the monster's mouth to choose the placement and when you are satisfied sew it in.

 I also chose to secure the long teeth to the bottom of the mouth as well just in case. I have a feeling that the teeth could curl after washing. I'll be sure to update after the first wash.

 I guess he wanted to help. He just knocked all of my buttons off of the table. Shoot!

 Secure your buttons over the mouth. I used the upholstery thread for this. I originally intended to make some Frankenstein like stitches but decided against it.

 Tip: It helps to cuff the jeans to make it easier to secure the buttons.

 This monster is a girl so I made her a bow. Using thread with a knot in the end, pinch a round inch of fabric together and sew through middle to sinch. After it's through the bow, take your needle through the opening before the knot and pull tight. Do it twice for a secure hold. Do not cut the thread. Now, take the needle and sew onto monster's head.  

Sew the ends down so they stay flat.

 And here is your monster!

 Follow the same directions for the other knee if necessary. My second monster only has two teeth and no bow. 

And there you have it, Monster Mouth Britches, Fix #1 for holes in jeans.

The making of the wand!

I stumbled across another blogger who did this...tried it...and thought I would share. I went out the other day looking for a curling wand. Being the DIY/ El Cheapo that I am- I started wondering, what differentiates a "wand" from a curling iron? The answer- the clip. So I began to wonder why pay $10-$30 more for less of a product. I went home and decided to try this on a curling iron I planned on discarding.

Step 1: With your curling iron off and unplugged- assess and remove the "clip" from your curling iron. In my case, the clip was held on by screws. I simply removed the screws on either side of the base (handle end) of the clip.

 

Step 2: After removing the clip I noticed a spring toward the base (handle end) of the clip. In my case this too was screwed in. Take note that some springs are just just inserted in a "pocket" type set up.

 

Step 3: Be sure that all clip mechanisms, screw, springs and hinges are removed. Lastly I chose to wipe down my new curling wand. I have had this curling iron (pictured) for at least 7 years. As you can see it has taken a lickin'- but since it keeps on tickin' I figured what do I have to loose.

Result: In my case this barrel was WAY too large to create the great curls that I see others accomplish, but-hey, I tried!

Oh no! Say it aint so!

It seems like the word "economy" is on every one's lips these days...so much so its getting annoying. As a business person myself and being married to a Financial Planner, it gets really annoying to hear people blame things completely unrelated to the economy. How the heck is the current weather because of the economic climate...seriously? I'm no expert, my husband is but I'm not going to drum up a conversation on the economy (although I will rant  :0) let alone point fingers on who is to blame. WE ALL are to blame. We voted for our representatives and WE allowed for it to come to this. People remember two things please:

1. Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. (Prov. 17:28 KJV)


2. When you point a finger at others there are always 3 fingers pointing right back at you.
 
 
That's all.
 

:::steps down from soapbox and away from pulpit::::