Author: Jennifer Elliott

ON THIS DAY: DIFFERENT QUESTIONS ABOUT ME

EDITOR’S NOTE: So about 10 years ago I started this blog — jenniferelliott14.com — and I never thought I would reach this milestone. 10 years! Holy cow! What started out as a way to connect with my readers of my only published book, “Vodka Four,” which by the way don’t read it because it’s not my best work, has evolved into posts about DIY and refashion projects. I’m still writing, just not as much as I want to since I’m easily distracted by Pinterest. Thank you to everyone who continues to read my blog, and here’s to another 10 years.

What is a question that people ask you that always gets on your nerves?
2007: When will you find a boyfriend?
2017: How’s Iowa?

Name something you have in common with your siblings.
2007: We’re all bossy and demanding, and we admit it. Although I think Becky will deny the accusation, but she is pretty bossy and demanding.
2017: We’re still pretty opinionated.

What is the greatest amount of physical pain you have ever had to endure?
2007: Menstrual cramps. Hey, cramps really hurt!
2017: I have never given birth or been run over by a car so I will still stick with menstrual cramps.

What number of drinks constitutes your limit?
2007: Four or five.
2017: I’d still go with four or five.

Do you fold your underwear?
2007: No.
2017: The answer is still no.

Who was the last person you wrote a letter to via snail mail?
2007: I have no idea. No, wait, either my friend, Jeanne, or my sister, Becky … it was a small letter saying thanks for reading my book or something.
2017: Do little notes in a care package count? I sent a care package to a friend about a month ago with little post-it notes stuck to some presents.

Name someone you consider a genius.
2007: Creators of MySpace, Google … anyone who thinks outside of the box.
2017: Dan Harmon, creator of the TV shows Community and Rick and Morty.

Name a sound that disturbs you.
2007: Nails on a chalkboard, someone hurling …
2017: Nails on a chalkboard.

Name something random that you would never do.
2007: Go swimming with sharks without a cage to protect me.
2017: I would never be involved in a KKK rally or stand in line to meet President Donald Trump.

Have you ever had the same dream more than once?
2007: Yes. And do you know what’s weird? When I’m dreaming and I realize that I’ve been through this dream before, I either take different routes to save my butt (during an action adventure dream) or make the same decision to get to the happy ending.
2017: Yes. I dream about working at the newspaper again and feel terrified when the expectations are still the same even though I haven’t paginated anything in years.

Name something that makes you happy.
2007: My cats when they sleep next to me.
2017: When my cats cuddle with me. When I’m painting or sewing or watching a movie.

If you were in an emergency situation where a woman was in labor, would you be able to deliver the baby?
2007: As long as I didn’t faint, I think I would be able to deliver the baby. That’s a huge maybe. I’m not fond of other people’s blood.
2017: My mind goes completely blank in emergency situations. I would absolutely be useless, but if push came to shove, maybe I could deliver a baby? Again, a huge maybe.

If someone who didn’t know you had to guess your name, what would it be?
2007: Kim
2017: Probably still Kim.

Name a movie you’re looking forward to watching.
2007: Superbad
2017: Pitch Perfect 3! I love Anna Kendrick so much!

Name the last movie you watched.
2007: Live Free or Die Hard
2017: Kong: Skull Island with Tom Hiddleston and Brie Larson.

What movie do you know every line to?
2007: The Cutting Edge and When Harry Met Sally. I know all the songs in The Sound of Music.
2017: Never watch The Cutting Edge with me because I will quote the entire movie.

What CD are you currently listening to you?
2007: Daughtry’s self titled CD
2017: I haven’t bought a CD for years, but I haven’t liked any of Taylor Swift’s new songs from her latest album, Reputation, which is a little disappointing.

How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
2007: Eight to 10 hours … I am not pretty with anything less than that.
2017: I still stand by this answer 10 years later.

Do you sleep on your side, stomach, or back?
2007: I start out sleeping on my stomach, but when morning comes, I’m on my back.
2017: My sleeping routine hasn’t changed in 10 years except I wear a CPAP now.

Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
2007: I’m a writer … yes.
2017: 10 years later, I find myself editing my friends’ Facebook posts and Christmas letters. I’m the worst.

Who was the last person that made you mad?
2007: Whoever asked me when I will find a boyfriend.
2017: The doctor who said my husband could be discharged from his last hospital visit but wasn’t around to approve the order.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
2007: To be naturally skinny.
2017: To be naturally skinny is still a good answer.

REFASHION: TWO QUICK DENIM PROJECTS

CUTE DENIM SHORTS FOR SUMMER! I’m back on my sewing machine, and it feels sooooo good. I’ve missed my sewing machine so much. My new workroom isn’t perfectly set up or clean, but the setup works for quick projects. I have a huge pile of clothes that need some attention for refashions, but somehow that doesn’t stop me from buying new clothes I find on clearance racks.
I purchased this pair of men’s denim shorts on clearance, knowing I could easily refashion them into a pair of cute shorts for me. I had refashioned a pair of men’s jeans into shorts, but the inseam was so incredibly tiny that I felt really uncomfortable pulling the hem down in public whenever it rode up when I walked or moved. Short girl problems, I guess.
I basically marked the length that I’m comfortable with and made a cut a few inches below the mark for the rolled cuff. I think I look ridiculously cute in shorts with a rolled cuff instead of a basic hem. As I created the rolled cuff I kept an eye on the inseam, making sure it wasn’t super tiny. Once the cuffs were pinned in place, I sewed it down and tried on my new pair of jeans shorts. I look really cute in jean shorts and tee — hello, summer!

THE SUPER BIG DENIM SKIRT: With some time to waste one day, I wandered into a somewhat spendy retail store that I normally don’t visit. But on this particular day, a staff member informed me of the ADDITIONAL 40% off clearance items. I immediately headed toward the clearance racks and started rummaging through the goods. I had a refashioned denim skirt once upon a time, but for some reason, I wasn’t thrilled with it. I fell in love with the simplicity and the white embroidered hem on this denim skirt that I grabbed for $6 (plus it was the last one on the rack!).
The biggest issue I faced with refashioning this skirt was the size — it was seriously way too big for me. When I tried the skirt on, my husband laughed at me at the enormous size and gave me permission to pay full price for skirt that would actually fit me without any alterations. I have the best husband ever. Normally, I would create a new side seam, but this meant either losing or making the front pocket incredibly small. With the skirt inside out, I studied the original side seams, pinned the extra fabric, and sewed a new original seam (if that makes any sense).
I also focused on making sure the back pockets weren’t sewn into the new side seam as I cut out a good chunk of fabric from the skirt. And I made sure the back pockets were still somewhat centered. Once the skirt fit perfectly, I debated whether I should shorten it a few inches. The original length was fine, but a few inches shorter would be near perfection. So, I took a few inches off and kept the beautiful embroidered hem and now I have the perfect jean skirt. I can dress it down with a simple tee or dress it up with a cami and cardigan or a sweater. The skirt is perfect.