Chris keeps asking me why I’m going to such great lengths on preparations for Alt Summit. He’s very supportive; buying me more decal material when I mess up the one sheet I have, meeting with one of my friends to pick up the surprise for this year’s business card (still not done) and feeding kids while I’m sewing and lettering like a maniac.
As I was planning my outfits, I decided I needed to do another printed shirt as a “resume” of what I can do (see last year’s). I was trying to come up with something cheeky like “this is what a calligrapher looks like”. Alas pretty words, not clever ones, are my expertise. So I opted for a simple “Letter Lover” in the shape of a heart. A nod to Megan’s brilliant heart sweater.
I struggled to figure out if I should go with a black decal or go blingy with a shimmery metallic. The metallic won out.
I’m loving the mixed metallics trend I’ve seen pop up here and there, so I decided I need to roll with that next week. This will be part of my Wednesday outfits at Alt Summit. I can’t wait to go! Oh wait! I can! There’s so much to do! I haven’t even started printing my business cards (letterpress plates coming tomorrow!).
Yesterday, I designed and finished this shirt, sewed another shirt and tie dye skinny jeans from scratch. All that’s left are cards, signage, one shirt and two skirts! Totally doable in 7 days.
As I was working on the design for this sweatshirt, I was thinking about the actual time it takes me to write a post like this. Just an FYI (since we’re all about blogging and prep work at the moment), here’s the breakdown:
- drafting and designing the decal: 90 minutes
- cutting and ironing: 30 minutes
- minor fixes to the fit of the sweatshirt: 5 minutes
- hair, make-up and styling: 60 minutes
- shooting and editing photos: 30 minutes
- writing the post: 30 minutes
That’s just over 4 hours for one of my smaller posts (no tutorials included). I’d like to get faster in these processes, but I don’t know how much faster I could really get sometimes. Blogging just takes a lot of time. I still love it anyway.
Outfit details:
- gold accessories: c/o Sole Society (1, 2, 3)
- silver cuff: THPSHOP
- sweater: Forever 21
- pants: H&M
- blue suede shoes: c/o Sole Society (here)
Also, Silhouette is offering 30% most items in their shop. This basically applies to supplies and extras like heat transfer and vinyl (my two favorites), stamps and more. Use code MELISSA at check out for the discount. Click here to shop. The 30% discount does NOT apply to the machines, gift cards, $10/$25 download cards, shapes, out of stock items or subscriptions.
Could you PLEASE sell shirts with this design or some thing we can print and iron onto shirts ourselves?! :) It’s absolutely gorgeous and I’d wear that shirt proudly! You can even have ISLC or the website on the back if you go the first route… :) :) :)
Love that sultry shot! All the time blogging requires is the main reason why I don’t. You are amazing, putting all the time into blogging and all your artistic endeavors. That top is boss, by the way.
i love letters :-)
Love it! And thanks so much for the time breakdown on posting—really fascinating. As a non-blogger I always wonder how long it takes for these sorts of posts, and your times make total sense. It’s a lot of (great) work!
Looks awesome!! I love both the fit/style of the shirt AND the lettering. Your productivity amazes me. Isn’t it funny though how time-consuming blogging is? A lot of people don’t realize that…
Super HOT toe cleavage!
I remember the first time you mentioned loving your “toe cleavage.” I had never had a problem with the real cleavage, and LOVE how you celebrate it. You make me smile.
Melissa, what a great way to stand out at Alt. I’m jealous that you’re going, but I know you’ll be a knockout! Remember me when you’re famous :)
You are a MACHINE! I’m beyond impressed with all you are doing to prep for ALT! I can’t wait to see you next week in SLC!
i would buy!
Such a cute sweatshirt! What exactly do you use or create the decal? Is it iron on vinyl or something like that? I would love to know! I bought a cutting machine off someone I know (alas not a silhouette but very similar) and I love to do a project like this so any tips would be appreciated!
It’s a heat transfer vinyl. You can find it at most craft supply stores. The silhouette brand stuff works perfectly with any cutter.
Thanks Melissa!
Oh wow! I would totally buy a sweater like that if you were to ever sell that design! It’s awesome!
I loved your time breakdown, I don’t think a lot of people understand how much time actually goes into blogging and even posts that seem quite simple!
This is awesome!!! Yeah, I love this. Add it to your shop!
Good choice with the metallic. When I hear about all the clothing items you make in such a short time, I feel so inspired! I’ve got a 6-month preggo belly to dress, I need to make some more clothes!
Dressing a prego belly can be so challenging, right? I did Alt Summit 8 1/2 months pregnant (3 years ago). Although it’s hard to feel both cute and comfy, everyone loves a baby bump.
Lovely top. Going metallic was a wonderful choice.
Thanks so much!!