A Make-It-Work Moment

A few years ago, I was drafted into sewing curtains for The Vault in Asheville, and dutifully (though with a bit of whining) threw myself into bolts upon bolts of fabric.  Thankfully, I spent most of my time at the machine and not pounding grommets into yards of hems.  The end result wasn't perfect, but it transformed the cinder block walls and achieved it's goal of softening the room and keeping the sound from bouncing around.

Then, wouldn't you know, after a few years, the fire marshal decided they were a fire hazard. (?!?)  So, down they came.  The room looks very cool now, with black leather wrap around couches which certainly provide a lot more seating for conversation with friends.

But what to do with all that fabric?  I certainly couldn't let it all go to waste... So...

I turned the curtains into my Halloween costume!  This picture was actually taken in a friend's kitchen, I just played around with photoshop a little bit.  And I know, McGonagall's robe is supposed to be green, but this stuff just wouldn't dye (mixing in garlic and holy water didn't help either).  My fingers take color quite nicely, though.  Anyway.  If you see me, or the three wise men in the church pageant, wearing a lot of maroon crushed velvet this Christmas, just think of it as creative frugality.

I should add that I made the costume using this technique found in Wendi Gratz's fantastic sewer/crafter's blog.