Flash Back: T Shirt Reconstruction

I recently got back into the track after around 14 months away. I miss roller derby a lot. I decided to make my return to a different league. Why? The friends that I made in derby that I kept in touch with either are no longer skating or they are skating with another league. It wouldn't be the same as when I was last there so a change of scenery should help me stay motivated. I am nowhere near ready to play competitively, but exercise is always good. Meet my new crew!

Central Alberta Roller Derby Association 

Now, on to the t shirts. These are very old, think early 2010. I watched a lot of ThreadBanger and bought some books on sewing. (the old crew is back to it and I enjoy their new videos) I am reviewing my old altered t shirts and going to work on some more. Putting my name and number on some new shirts will help my new team mates get to know me.

Here is a video that shows you how to make a pattern.

Tunic Large Mens T

Remove sleeves and cut a flattering neckline.

Turn inside out, measure and mark.

Pin then trim!

Sew sides, leaving arm holes open.

I used little scraps of fabric to gather fronts of straps. I tied a double knot and trimmed ends. 

Dress from XXL Mens T

First remove collar and sleeves.

Measure and trim to size or use elastic to fit it if you want it baggy, like I did. 

Use sleeves to make bust area, trim and pin. 

Cut strips from scrap fabric and sew them to top for ties.

Sew... top and add elastic.

Ta Da! 

I wear it with a bandeau so its not too revealing. 

Now to get out my stencils, paint and scissors to make some more tops!

It's been a while.

Hey people! I know I haven't updated you for a while. I have been thinking a lot. Thinking about art and crafts. Thinking about jewelry and my classes. Thinking about sewing and mending. Thinking about my fitness and diet. Thinking about roller derby. Thinking about how my "To Do List" is getting crazy long. Yep. I have become a little overwhelmed. Usually, that makes me get lazy and procrastinate. NOT THIS TIME! I am going to include you all in my daily activities, hopefully not too boring.
I need to get back into the 365 routine. It's not hard, it's just easy to set it aside for "later". Which is now.
My workspace is a little cluttered with stuff for jewelry.


As far as my jewelry classes go, I have cancelled a few lately. I put up lots of new advertising around the store and updated the books. It hasn't made much improvement.
I have new steam punk inspired pieces on the go. It's very free form, forgiving, and anything goes. I find this type of creating liberating. Like mail art, no rules.



Keys and gears, easily customized and all one of a kind.



I also took a serger course this week to learn to use my new toy.
I have some awesome ideas. Sew, sew, sew... Pictures soon!

Now for the fun stuff. Diet and fitness. I need it because I over eat like it's an event. I got on a program that's geared towards derby girls. High protein with 5 meals a day. Also regular exercise. I already eat 5 or more meals a day, it's the other stuff I need to work on.


Today I jogged around the block with my dog. Did sit ups, planks, jumping jacks, pushups and a bunch of stretching in the yard. Then took the dog for another walk.

I have been too lazy for the past few months. Roller derby practice twice a week is not enough for me. I think if I start acting more like an athlete I might feel more like one. I will share my progress. I am open to suggestions.




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Freaky Friday Double Header - *UPDATED!

Thats right! Another bout this month. I survived last Saturday's game so I guess its time for another. The second Nightshades game as a team! I am so proud to be skating with these ladies. Its going to be very exciting! We kicked ass in Winnipeg and now we are ready to do it at home.

Red Deer Roller Derby Association

VS

St. Albert Heavenly Rollers

There will be a coed game afterwards. RED VS BLACK. They usually come up with very interesting names for the teams, I will update as soon as I know. I will also update with pictures and scores! Wish me luck!

UPDATE!

Nightshades take the win in this nail biting, extremely close game! It was exciting, our first home game together. Considering that it was a holiday, our crowd was around 1,000 fans. Which included a very vocal Heavenly Rollers section. Although it was chaotic and confusing at times, we worked together as a team and fought hard for our win. I am so proud to be a part of this team. I know we will grow and become an even more amazing force.

FINAL SCORE:

NIGHTSHADES: 142

HEAVENLY ROLLERS: 124

I also would like to say that the Heavenly Rollers are great girls.

It was nice to chat with them at the after party.

Derby Deeds Done Dirt Cheap! UPDATE!

Calgary Roller Derby Association

VS.

Red Deer Roller Derby Association

I will be playing in this game tomorrow in Calgary. Should be so much fun! I am pumped! Updates will be posted as soon as the game is over!

Here is the facebook event if you need information.

****UPDATE!!!

WE TOOK THE WIN!

It was a very fun, hard hitting game. (I even made a couple of good hits!) Hellion has a lot of taller and bigger girls. When lining up next to most of the Belladonnas, it looks like our short stature would cause us a disadvantage. After the second jam it was clear that it was not the case. The pack pace was pretty fast and sometimes chaotic. Our strategy and teamwork won this game. Some of our fans heard people talking about us being an intimidating and agile team. I agree.

FINAL SCORE:

BELLADONNAS: 202

HELLION REBELION: 64

I hope we can get our hands on a video of this game. I really would love to see it myself. When I find a group picture I will update this post again.

Mail Art 365!

I am determined to catch up with Mail Art 365. I am not quite sure how far behind I am, but its around a month or so. I am slowly getting there. I love mail art. I hope it is enjoyed by the people I send it to. Here are the rest of my postcards on the 365 blog. Let me know if you want some art from me! I am always needing more addresses.

If you want to get into mail art check out IUOMA. Great place to network!

Yesterday's Mail Art!

Here are the cards I made yesterday. I was on a roll! Made 3 right before a roller derby scrimmage practice and 3 after. I posted them last night on Mail Art 365. There is a lot going on for me right now. Roller derby 3 or more times a week, teaching 2 or 3 jewelry classes a week, working 2 days a week, and babysitting a few times a week. Oh also this month I have 2 roller derby games! No posters for these games yet. I will take pictures and keep you all posted. Anyway, I am now back into routine and I can squeeze in mail art now that my craft room is all moved and put away. Pictures right away!

Artistamps!

Worked on this for a few hours today! Sorry for the absence on the mail art scene. All of a sudden real life crept up on me and dragged me out of my creative dream world. I hate being too busy to be creative. Its #5 on my priority list, under food, sleep, family, and roller derby. Phew, I had a bit of time to make some jewelry and from that sprang a few orders. Which is great! I am so excited for the market to start in May. I might reprint some of my mail art and sell them as postcards... good idea??? Hmm, we will see.

I have a few pieces of mail art on the go today! Featuring my new artistamps. Hopefully I will post them tonight or tomorrow morning.

Roller Derby: Red River Deep Freeze

Another awesome weekend of roller derby. The RDRDA Nightshades headed across a couple of provinces to play the Murder City Maidens.

*Winnipeg Roller Derby League

The third floor of the convention center was dark, with spotlights on the track. The start of the game was postponed 20 minutes to get over 2000 people into the stands. As the Nightshades were introduced, only a hand full of people cheered while low booing came from the crowd. Smiling and waving, it didn't shake our confidence. We were ready to play! When the Maidens entered the track the crowd exploded into a frenzy. They have an amazing fanbase. This is the largest crowd I had ever seen at a roller derby bout.
It was an exciting game! The score was close for most of the game. Big hits, pile ups, and penalties. One Maiden's skate flew into the "suicide seating" section after a hit from Nightshades Gunpowder Gertie.
The fans kept their passion for their local girls known. So much excitement during this bout, the refs scolded our team for being " too intense". When I considered this as on our best behavior. No major injuries or players ejected from the game. Both teams played hard! We were so pleased to roll away with this victory! Especially since it was the Nightshades first game.

FINAL SCORE:
Murder City Maidens: 111
Nightshades: 133

The game was featured in the Sunday Winnipeg Free Press. Full 2 pages.

Here is a close up of the picture of me that made it. I am in the Blue.

This great shot ended up on Facebook. It was taken by Winnipeg photographer James Carey Lauder. There aren't many good action shots around of me.

I am so proud of RDRDA's Nightshades! I hope to play many more games with these girls.



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Stark Raving Plaid Update!

It was an amazing game! The Belladonnas train hard and their work paid off at the game last night! The Lassies played hard and hit hard. It was a fight for every point, for each team. The Belladonnas had solid defence. I believe that was the main reason in the gap for the final score. They also ran their offensive plays flawlessly. The Lassies did not make it easy for them in any way.

I stood behind the bench watching, screaming, cheering and pacing. Sometimes acting as water girl. The venue was packed! Over 1000 people packing the stands, seats, and some left standing. Roller derby is getting a lot more popular around here. Some found the score confusing but one thing was clear, the Belladonnas rocked it!

FINAL SCORE:

BELLADONNAS 200

THRASHING LASSIES 58

Great job everyone! I'd also like to shout out to the referees, NSO's, security and all other volunteers. THANK YOU!