Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

dancingfairygirl · Post by **dancingfairygirl** » Mon Aug 22, 2016 5:59 pm

You ladies are awesome! I always love visiting this thread.

Cherylhammer - that hat is amazing! Great work!

Ratty - I really love your pink tutu/bustle/shrug.

I wish I had more time to get crafty before heading out this week. This thread is always full of so much inspiration!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Mon Nov 14, 2016 7:54 am

I'm loving this to get rid of all my old sweaters.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Nov 20, 2016 11:29 am

For those who don't sew.

Post by **Savannah** » Mon Nov 21, 2016 5:47 pm

Ratty wrote:

I'm loving this to get rid of all my old sweaters.

Love it, Ratty! I've been thinking about doing this to a beautiful green sweater that I can't wear anymore, and this will certainly help.

PupBellum · Post by **PupBellum** » Wed Nov 23, 2016 11:50 am

Ratty wrote:

I'm loving this to get rid of all my old sweaters.

This is fantastic. I forgot to bring a hat last year and suffered a bit for it. Great way to use what I already have!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Thu Dec 01, 2016 11:21 am

This is the cutest thing ever.

Patsh · Post by **Patsh** » Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:42 pm

Ratty wrote:This is the cutest thing ever.

I was knitting as I read this, and now I want to make something like it! Maybe turning into long dreads at the nape, and arcing the bangs a bit.
Now I know what to do with the leftover yarn when the sweater's done!!

Thanks, Ratty!

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:14 am

Tickets, transportation, survival gear, art project, OH CRAP! I forgot to make some costumes.

Only kidding. I just wanted to show off a few hats. As it turns out, fur hats are easy to make. These were from the Amtrakathon.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:15 am

Don't worry I'm not showing all of them.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:17 am

I love the beaver tail.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 8:18 am

If you would like to see them all, follow this link to my Pinterest page.

burner von braun · Post by **burner von braun** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 12:31 pm

Ratty wrote:If you would like to see them all, follow this link to my Pinterest page.

Nice work Ratty!

and I like how you have the pencil in there to give it some scale

...but I don't see a link, unless I'm missing something

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Apr 22, 2017 4:33 pm

Here you go..... A bunch of pictures from 2016 and 2017 Amtrakathon gifts.

That painting with the pencil on the frame is my husband and son. You can see my boy isn't finished yet. Thus the pencil. The artist was one of my dearest friends, Beth. It will never be finished and I love it as is.

lucky420 · Post by **lucky420** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 7:54 am

I love my "lucky dog"

mgb327 · Post by **mgb327** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 8:15 am

Ratty, I see the one I have in the photos. It sits on my fridge....thankee!

gaminwench · Post by **gaminwench** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 2:16 pm

Wow, Ratty, you make awesome hats!

(no surprise, of course)

BBadger · Post by **BBadger** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 4:00 pm

Ratty wrote:If you would like to see them all, follow this link to my Pinterest page.

I like the random assortment of gadgets and knick-knacks in the background.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sun Apr 23, 2017 4:51 pm

I noticed that too. An Operation game with the pieces glued in as wall art. 2 long neck magnifying glasses. A chrome lamp shaped like a man and a pair of ladies size 4 heels. My entire house looks like that.

On closer inspection I see a wooden articulated hand, a pair of giant flip-flops and one old style chambord bottle. Shame on my hoarding self.

Patsh · Post by **Patsh** » Mon Apr 24, 2017 8:28 pm

My loveable RoadKill Lion will be joining me (and the usual 2 little drinking flamingos and gnome) for five fun days at Saguaro Man...
they're already packed!

Thanks, Ratty!

Seeing those wonderful hats makes me even sadder to have missed this year's Amtrakathon.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Tue May 09, 2017 5:02 pm

I've been whipping up some tutus for my Census co-workers. These started out as toddler dresses. Wear them as a bustle or in the front when you have your coat on.

On one of these I made a tube and ran a piece of fleece through it. On the other one I just sewed some fleece on next to the existing elastic.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Tue May 09, 2017 5:07 pm

Everybody needs a tail and hat to finish off the outfit. Stuffed animals are a great source for fur. This kids hat was 25 cents at the dollar store. The tail is the legs of another stuffed animal. (That pink teddy bear will make 4 pieces of tail fur and 2 sets of horns.) Plus a mohawk on this knit cap.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat May 27, 2017 7:40 am

Ordinary men's and ladies pants can make perfect playa outfits. 100% cotton is the best start. Lightweight pajama bottoms come in bright patterns and colors. You can never have too many pockets.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat May 27, 2017 7:43 am

Search the ladies dept at the 2nd hand store. These were plus size linen pants. (I got 2 pair so one is for night wear.)Some bright ruffles and pocket. All done.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat May 27, 2017 7:47 am

These orange shorts started out as men's swim trunks. I'm not happy about them being nylon but couldn't resist the screamin orange color. Some kitty cat trim and they will work. White shorts won't stay that way for long but everyone needs a white outfit.

BeeWeeDee · Post by **BeeWeeDee** » Wed May 31, 2017 1:12 pm

Started out trying to make a denim vest with a wild ass liner but it turns out I like the wild ass vest with denim liner better. Scraps and about 3 hours of time ended with this...

2017-05-31 13.48.55.jpg

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Wed May 31, 2017 4:03 pm

I'm lovin it. Good job of brightening up the playa.

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Sat Jul 01, 2017 7:06 pm

I haven't made any costumes this year. This is a tutu style bustle. Made on an XXL, wide belt. Cut the tule into 10 inch wide strips as it comes off the bolt. Thread it through the weave of the belt. All done.

MyDearFriend · Post by **MyDearFriend** » Mon Jul 10, 2017 7:58 pm

Ratty I love you so much.

FIGJAM · Post by **FIGJAM** » Wed Jul 12, 2017 12:26 pm

"Your reality IS my costume!!!"

Ratty · Post by **Ratty** » Tue May 01, 2018 9:05 am

Well, it's time to freshen up the costumes for this year. I posted this picture because it all came from the 2nd hand store. Quilted stiff dress, cheesy fake sequin jacket, shiny leggings, beat up boots and even fake hair.

On days when you can't pull together a costume keep it simple. You can pick a color and run with it. I love all orange or all bright yellow.

Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.

Re: Start with what you have. It's easier and cheaper.