"The Steez"

This week, I've decided to dedicate my blog to the term "Steez". Upon cleaning out my music library, I discovered some rap music(downloaded by someone else) on my computer entiltled "The Steez". I happened to be on the phone with my beloved sister at the time, who was just as amused as I was, so we googled it!  
Ahem..."Steez" simply means "style with ease".  And in case anyone is wondering, there are variations on how to use this word!  Example: "Check out his shoes, man, those are mad steez" or my personal favorite, "Aw s***, that car is damn steezy! I feel like a steezmonkey riding that s*** for sure!".  You may also use other variations, such as, Steeznugget, Steezbomb, Steezfaced, Steezmonster, etc. The possibilities are endless!  All of this can be yours at www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=steez
Oh, how I love today's language, what ever will they think of next?  

Anyway, my "Steez" of the week was my I-Taweh t-shirt.  My friend I-Taweh's cd is steadily climbing the charts, and his lovely wife(also my good friend) gave me one of his t-shirts so I could show my support! 
As we all know, most band t-shirts are shapeless and made for men! Naturally, I decided to do what I do best...upcycle!!!  So, I cut off the sleeves, opened  the neck nice and wide, made a waistband,  and topped it off with a fantastic braided belt made from old t-shirts!  I found a bamboo ring and used it for the belt loop.  I Wasn't sure how this would turn out because, I'll let you in on one of my secrets,  I hardly use patterns anymore.  I love to freestyle!! You might say I'm one "Steezybeezy"! Haha, yea...so, the belt took FOREVER! I hand sewed the entire thing , and I think I have a permanent dent in one of my fingers from pushing on the needle! But it was worth it, and I already have four requests! 

I also made another halter that I had wanted to post last week.  It is made from an old skirt that didn't fit anymore.  I absolutely adore this and will be making more!  It has been sewn together with the edges left raw. The stretch cotton doesn't fray, so it looks really cool.  It has a low cowl neck and african beads at the base of each strap.  The waistbelt is a gauzy,  leaf print fabric that almost looks camoflauge from a distance!  I hand stitched the pleats on it and closed it off with a tie.  Can't wait for summer to sport this one! 

And last but not least, my "Flower Power" shirt.  I already posted this, but Miss Menah wanted to see me in it, and I do believe I stated that I would wear it for the post.  As promised, here it is!  Hope everyones day is as beautiful as the sun that shines! 
As always, peace and "steezyness" ~Nenah

Flower Power

  Finally after so many distractions, I have finished my project from last week. I experienced a few moments of self pity, because of my inability to stay on task, but I pulled through.
  Last week was absolutely hectic.  I moved into another house, had a scheduled girls night out with my daughter, and started working part time at a spa. To top it off, we had musicians rehearsing in our house and I had to help cater to all the hungry band members, might I add, one of them was quite tasty, and I'm not talking food...anyways I've decided that it's OK to just be human.  My superhuman attempt was exhausting.

  That being said, my shirt turned out beautiful.  I received many compliments on it. I'm going to wear it for Fridays post along with my Friday stuff.  So this shirt, as I mentioned in last weeks post, used to be connected to a pair of shorts. The belt is braided fabric from an old sarong combined with black and white print fabric. This will be a nice warm weather shirt for those who love to bare their shoulders.

~Peace, Nenah

Happy Monday All

 This monday was so "happy" it called for a coffee, which I dont normally drink. Ugghh, and I payed for it too, sweating like crazy.  Anyway, my project for this week is to up cycle an old jumper. It is one of those that have the shorts connected to the shirt, quite pukey if you as me, but it has a lot of potential. I would like to start taking before and after photos so everyone can see the transformation, but unfortunately, I cut the shorts off a while back.  Oh well, theres always next project. Until wednesday, I bid you goodnight.

~Nenah

Cowrie Shell Tank

After spending four days visiting my sister, I am sorry to say that not much was accomplished. It had been such a long time for the both of us, we ended up spending the majority of our time catching up.
We did, however, manage to work on one of the projects I was supposed to post last week, an up cycled sun dress turned tank that needed the band sewn on.

Front of tank top on genevieve

Funny thing happened while fixing the band. I had to put it on (to allow for the stretch) and have my sister baste it. She ended up perma basting me into the shirt and we had to cut the seam to get me out!   Thankfully, after all that, and a mini vacation from my vacation, I have a completed project and we are back on board!

Back of tank top

I especially love the design, as well as colors of this tank. It reminded me of something from Africa. I found a cowrie shell flower from an old belt and used it to accent the band. The straps have been braided into two loops that catch each other in the back.
Hope you enjoy.
~ Nenah