For some, this may not meet the criteria for “an outfit” as there are no gold bracelets, ballet flats or skinny jeans.  But for me, this is THE outfit. It is comfortable, sporty … did I mention super comfortable?  This is my every day, go to outfit for running errands and squeezing in an afternoon workout before picking up the kids.

I have included options for the above 60 degrees and below 60 degrees variation. Given I am in Texas, we have lots of above 60 winter days!

The jacket and running skirt are by Lululemon.  I just recently found Lululemon.  This past Spring, I was at a photo shoot for Modern Frills.  I was chatting with a mom of one of the models and commented that I loved her jacket.  She told me it was from Lululemon … and then laughed and said, “It is an investment piece.”  I sort of laughed like I knew what she was talking about … I didn’t.  When I finally made it into the Lululemon shop, I realized what she meant when I saw the price tag!

I don’t usually have “investment pieces” in my workout clothing, but Lululemon has definitely changed that!  They are a little on the pricey side, but they are completely worth it. Extremely well made, no shrinking and the fit is perfect.  I did a little hinting over the holidays and a few Lululemon items made it under our tree.  I am guessing my husband closed his eyes, handed his credit card to Ava Kate and let her pay.  No way he knew the actual price when he paid for it, but for him anything over $9.99 is a stretch.

Now for my favorite running leggings … which are by Under Armour.  I actually have 2 pairs of these … because they are that awesome.  I tried on a bunch of different brands and these are the best.  For $40 … they are worth every penny.

You may notice that all of these items are either black or some shade of grey.  The only negative is that it may appear to my friends that I am wearing the same thing, day after day.  I promise … I am not:)

I have thought about buying vintage striped linen fabric many times … probably more than I should.  I tend to obsess over stuff and that stuff is often out of my price range.  My obsessing often turns into me trying to figure out how to make … without it being too much work!  I was still in the obsessing stage when I came across some linen blend fabric in the perfect color at Ikea.  It was already cut to be a runner which is what I wanted.  In addition to being cut to runner width, it was also hemmed on opposite sides… Huge Time Saver!

It was $3.99 per yard … DONE!  After buying my fabric, I dug around in my craft supplies for what I would need…

• 1″ blue painter’s tape or masking tape
• runner fabric
• fabric paint … I used black fabric screen printing ink by Speedball
• dense short paintbrush for dabbing (not sure if this is a word, but more on that later)
• sewing machine & white thread

The first step is to measure the length needed for your runner.  Once you have measured and cut your runner to your desired length, you will need to iron your hem on both of the unfinished edges …

Once ironed, sew each unfinished edge to create a runner that has 4 hemmed edges.

Next, tape off your fabric.  I used 1 inch painter’s tape.  Lining the tape up with the hemmed edge, I ran tape along the length of the runner.  Allowing for a 1/2 inch separation, I ran another length of tape parallel to the first.  I repeated this step again so that I had 3 strips of tape running parallel with a 1/2 inch separation between each.  Your taped runner should look like this …

After taping, it will be time to dab.  I am not sure what the actual definition of dab is … for me it is an up and down blotting motion.  You shouldn’t be using a brushing stroke to apply the paint.  Get a little paint on your brush.  Have a papertowel or rag handy and dab your first couple times on that.  You don’t want too much paint to end up on your fabric or you will have a sold black line … instead of the faded, antique look.

I hope you can see in the pictures that my black lines aren’t solid and are definitely not even.  The uneven look gives them a more vintage feel.  This is the longest part of the entire project. It’s a lot of dabbing … blotting … whatever you want to call it!

Now for the most satisfying part of the project … pulling off the tape.  You can wait until the paint is dry to pull it off which is probably better.  If you are impatient like me, you can pull the tape off when it is still wet.  Be sure to not smear the paint when removing the tape if it is still wet.

And you are DONE!  I love the way my runner turned out …

I had a little bit of runner fabric left over so I decided to make some placemats …

Happy Crafting!

2011 is gone and 2012 is here!  I still can’t believe it!  2011 was a pretty fabulous year for Modern Frills.  I am so proud of my little business and am completely honored to have been able to work with so many talented ladies … Kim of The TomKat Studio, Stefanie of Anna & Blue Paperie, Glory of Glorious Treats and more.  I am very excited about what 2012 holds for Modern Frills.  I am already working on a few things and I am sure there will be a few surprises along the way.

I am all about organization, especially at the start of a new year.  My organization is spreading to my Modern Frills Blog too!  I will be blogging with a little bit of a schedule in mind.

• Mondays will be Modern Frills specific … custom orders, customer pictures, new designs … anything Modern Frills related.
• Wednesdays will be dedicated to my craft obsession.  Some crafts will be my own, but I will also share my favorite craft finds from pinterest, blogs, etc.
• Fridays will be my current love … could be a recipe, a photo, a room or a pair of boots!  You will just have to wait and see:)

I am not saying that I won’t stray from my schedule once in a while … but this should give you an idea of what to expect from me and my little blog!

And now for one of my current loves …

… gazing at her work, while she decorated her Christmas tree.  It was a great holiday!

Happy New Year!