I have a confession to make: I do not know how to sew.  There, I said it!

Now I’m not saying that every woman should know how to sew, but considering I grew up watching my stepmom make everything from blankets to baby clothes it should have been something I picked up long ago.

In my recent thrifting adventures I’ve seen so many items that would be perfect with a minor alteration, like a lifted hemline or shortened sleeve.  This made me realize that my days of going elsewhere for alterations is over and it’s time to learn how to sew for myself.  Imagine my surprise when after a brief mention to my family about this, a beautiful new sewing machine  arrived at my doorstep!  They’re so thoughtful!

This week my mission is to learn how to sew, at least well enough to successfully shorten the hemline of one dress.  Check back on Friday to see if I was able to pull it off.  I’m holding you responsible for keeping me on track!

Do you know how to sew?  Ever alter your finds yourself, or even make pieces from scratch? I would love to hear your tips!

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xo rach

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What a wonderful weekend! Saturday was the big swap and we had such a great time, but boy was I pooped after.  You can see photos of all the fun on the Ruffian Swap website here.  We gave these re-usable canvas bags out to all the swappers and I just love it so much I can’t stop wearing it!

This sweet polka dot blouse was one of the goodies I picked up at the swap.  I vowed to not partake until everyone had begun to fill their bags, so about 40 minutes in I took a look at the racks and was so excited to see this still there!  The wide cut and soft silk makes it sooo comfy.  And I love the loose fit so it falls a little longer in the back.

How was your weekend?  Have you worn anything lately that you’ve gotten from a clothing swap of sorts?  I hope your week is off to a great start!

Blouse: Scored at Ruffian Swap
Necklace: Vintage
Cigarette Pants: Urban Outfitters
Ballet Flats: Cole Haan
Bag: Gifted from Ruffian Swap

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xo rach

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While I’m off prepping for today’s Ruffian Swap, I wanted to share this wonderful article from the Times Picayune (the newspaper here in New Orleans).  I had the opportunity to tell them all about Ruffian Swap, how it came to be, and even squeezed in a mention of Ordinarily Urbane!

Check it out (click the image to go to the article):

And if you’re in New Orleans tonight, I hope you’ll join me at La Thai Uptown for Ruffian Swap’s Pour les Femmes: A Clothing and Apparel Swap for Ladies.

Happy Weekend!

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xo rach

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