Fabulously Green

Has Project Runway Season sparked a sudden pang to learn to sew? Whether you’re a maven with an overlock machine or a fashionable first-timer learning the difference between a needle and thread, you can find some au courant patterns that reflect your chic modern style and creative spirit. Burdastyle is an open-source pattern and how-to site featuring easy to difficult projects that are oh-so wearable.

Sew Many Goodies:

• Free instructions and downloadable pdf patterns ranging from a gorgeous Garbo Skirt to a gaga grocery bag like this one below
• A visual feast of end results (called “creations“) showing members’ takes on a pattern
• A sewpedia with pictures to help you learn lingo, styles, fabrics and more
• A forum to share tips, sewing Rx questions and offer mutual inspiration

Make it Fabulous: Style by Rescue

• Raid the Goodwill or your local thrift store for your blank canvas. Gives you the freedom to experiment, goof up without guilt.
• Raid your closet for cast-offs begging for a makeover.
• Raid your boyfriend or S.O.’s closet for neglected tees, shirts, denim. You can dye them a radical color and transform them into a to-die-for outfit.

Editor’s Note: I’ve been MIA of late I know. It started with throwing out my back and subsequent physical therapy (good God am I at that age where I tell everyone and the postman about my back ailments? Stop me now.) Between designing my client’s residence, launching a job search and gluing myself to CNN like a election junkie, while doing my physical therapy program I’ve had little desire to string words together to make a sentence. Many of you have sent me some fabulous finds and I thank you for continuing the hunt for fab green ideas! Slowly catching up so stay tuned…