Five Favorites for Friday

1. This clever idea for an anti-layer tube top from Cheri at I Am Momma. Smart! Is it me, or are shirts so low-cut these days? Seems like I need to wear a tank top under my shirt half the time, but this is a super idea for the summer when I don't want to wear another layer. And it's so easy--it's the bottom part of a t-shirt, so no hemming is required! That's my kind of sewing project.

2. I adore this DIY Yardstick Coat Rack from Mandi at Save it For A Rainy Day.

Isn't it awesome? And it looks easy to make--Mandi's tutorial is great. I posted a tabletop made of yardsticks last year but this project is great because it only takes five yardsticks to make. And again has me seriously regretting my decision to pass by a bunch of great painted sticks at an antique show last year. Ugh.

3. The only good thing about LOST ending is that now I won't have to choose between LOST and Glee on Tuesday nights! I've mentioned before how much I love the vintage style the costumer chooses for the character of Emma Pillsbury, and I'm not alone--check out What Would Emma Pillsbury Wear?

On the blog, the author identifies the fashions Emma wears and where they (or similar items) are available, and runs inspiration contests that people enter by making Polyvore collections. If you're looking to copy Emma's style, it's a great resource and lots of fun eye candy!

4.This very cool button lampshade from a scrapbook store called Making Memories Unforgettable in Tucson, AZ, as seen on the One Lucky Day blog.

Wouldn't this be a neat thing to do with an old lampshade that has torn or soiled fabric? If you click on the picture to enlarge it, you can see that the buttons are simply strung on wire and then the ends are wrapped around the metal shade form. I LOVE this! It looks like the store actually teaches a class on how to make the shade, for anyone lucky enough to live nearby.

5. My new zipper flower headband from Target.

I saw this a few weeks ago but didn't buy it because I knew I could make it for cheaper (the crafter's mantra, right?). Only problem is finding the old zippers with metal teeth, and then actually finding the time to add yet another project to my sky-high pile. So I took the easy route, forked over $10 and bought the sucker. (I'm not giving up hope of making my own if I can ever find the zippers). If you want a zipper flower headband of your own, there are a ton of cute versions on etsy!