Sometimes projects just don't turn out the way you envisioned them.

For some of us (pointing at myself), that happens more often than it should.

I purchased this really fun, 90s-tastic knit from Girl Charlee, thinking it would make a great pair of leggings. And, honestly, it will probably make a GREAT pair of leggings. Unfortunately, I decided to have a second go with Simplicity 2472.

Now, I've made this pattern once before with no success; however, I totally forgot about that project until I pulled out the pattern pieces and found them already cut out.

That should have been a red flag, but I kept going.

I made the tunic version and it came together without a hitch.

Honestly, I have no real critique of the instructions or construction. It is a simple pattern and easy to follow along. And, there are some really, really cute versions of it on Pattern Review.

For me, the problem with this garment is the overall shape. It's just not an attractive fit. The gathered sleeves look a bit dated. The baggy-to-fitted shape looks a bit awkward. Add to that this crazy abstract print and it's just hilarious. In fact, my family keeps referring to it as my "ugly shirt."

After having a good laugh over these photos, it occurred to me that it might actually work styled a bit differently... maybe with a wide belt, the right jewelry, and skinny jeans.

So, I'm not willing to give up on it just yet.

However, I WILL NEVER USE THIS PATTERN AGAIN!

And with that, I bid Simplicity 2472, "Adieu!"

Just popping in to share a little DIY fail with you.

And, today we're talking hair color.

OMGeeeeeee!!!! That's the worst kind of fail!

I feel like my hair is just too short to justify having it professionally colored. There's just nothing to work with! But... I wanted to lighten up a bit for the summer.

So, I bought this.

What could be more perfect for summer? Caramel color... brass free... ultra lightening...

I'm such a sucker for advertising promises!

This is the result.

What the heck happened here? This is red. Really red. Brassy red with no hint of caramel anywhere!

Oh, well. I'm giving it a week before deciding upon my next course of action.

The greatest thing about short hair is that mistakes grow out quickly.

Hope you're doing great! I've been thinking about you. I'm so happy to be posting... something... anything!!!

Yippee!

Over the past couple of weeks, I've been collecting your ideas for dressing up my garden entrance and you've shared some really amazing ideas!!

Rain bells, wind chimes, paint, climbing vines... I can picture it all in my mind's eye!

I was perusing my Pinterest boards and was reminded of this lovely garden gate wreath that I found, courtesy of Funky Junk Interiors.

I love everything about this wreath - the use of mason jar rings, the weathering, the naturally created color scheme. It's just perfect.

So, I set off last week to find old mason jar lids. Personal contacts, Craigslist, local thrift shoppes.

No luck.

So, I searched the internet for places to order them.

Whoa! Too expensive.

Finally, Kimberly suggested the discount store, Big Lots, and that's where I found these!

Not only were they inexpensive ($2.50 for 12), they are also a lovely bronze color - rather than the bright silver that you typically see.

I set to work forming my wreath.

With baling twine.

Fail.

With coat hanger wire.

Fail.

With a wire wreath form.

Perfect!

I looped a length of baling twine around the 2 supports on either side of my cuts to close the form so the rings will not slide off. It also serves as a great way to hang the wreath.

It's actually a little too small for the scale of the gate. But... all-in-all a simple, sweet way to dress up my garden gate and it will weather beautifully!

Usually I would be referring to my hair, but, today, we're talking clothes.

I've never dyed fabric so this was a first for me.

And, if you follow my weekly musings via Facebook, then you know I anticipated either success or disaster for this first attempt.

It turns out, I was correct.

Two of my favorite dresses had... ummm... issues.

This white one was feeling a tad yellow and sad.

And this cream and white floral...

Well... I don't really know what happened to it, but I discovered it was covered in blue and pink-ish stains the last time I wore it!

So, thanks to a little box of RIT dye, the white one is feeling lively again in a pretty spring green.

(I was hoping for a more intense green so I may try dying it again.)

 My favorite shoes are back out of storage!

And, the floral... well... let's just say, it still has issues.

What happened here?! Any ideas?

I followed the instructions online for dying rayon knit, but clearly, something went terribly wrong.

Oh, well.

I couldn't have worn it as it was anyway. Maybe I can make something out of the material.

In the meantime, I'm digging through my closet again to find something else to dye.

Maybe, ombre?

Do you have any tips or tricks to share for dying fabric or any ideas about what went wrong with the floral dress? Can it be saved? I'd love to know!