McNerdy Makes

02/13/2023

Kicking off a new series and I just wanted to convey my appreciation for all of the amazing comments and support the last few days 🥰 Now let’s debunk some myths about medieval Irish clothing.

02/06/2023

Thought I’d share this for anyone who’d like the information about medieval Irish clothing. Trying to do all that I can to keep this knowledge alive 🇮🇪 If you’re in need of trim, make sure to check out The Real Calontir Trim.

12/27/2022

Voting is now open for the robot-designed Hobbit gown. Let me know which one I’m making next! Will it be…?

1) Pumpkin Lady Who’s Definitely Not Basic
2) Daenerys Targaryen and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
3) Mushroom Hat Lady, Who Also Appears to be Having a Bad Day
4) A Very Surprising Hamilton Spencer
5) A Regency Hobbit of Many Colors

Voting closes at midnight CST on January 1st 2023. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!
Love, Kayla

12/06/2022

https://youtu.be/LcR6obR0nE0
The newest video has gone live and I couldn't be happier with the results! Lots of hand sewing in my future lol

Hi, everyone! I'm so happy to finally bring this project to life. I just started my journey in the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) and I am absolutely...

12/01/2022

And sew it begins… one down, about a bazillion more to go. Wish me luck 😂

05/17/2022

Found this old white board and got to planning! Some big changes have happened in the last few weeks: two moves, one of which I’m still in the process of and getting situated. I’m still here and setting up my brand new studio and workshop and so excited to get back to making content! Big things coming soon!

04/07/2022

Hi, everyone! I'm so excited about the DIY Hero Maker contest and the Top 5 voting ends tonight! Here's a little video explaining more about what I do. Please consider voting with the link below or sharing this video to help spread the word. You all rock so much!
https://diyhero.org/2022/kayla-arlt

04/05/2022

Currently in 5th place!!! Thank you all so much and I am so beyond grateful for the continued support. Please help by voting daily or sharing the link so I can make a difference in reducing waste in our landfills.

Will Kayla Arlt be featured in Make Magazine, and take home $25,000 and the title of DIY Hero?

03/30/2022

Holy cow, guys! Thank you all so much for your support and I couldn’t have done it without you! I made the first round of cuts and the second is tomorrow. Please consider helping me by voting and/or sharing this post to help me make a difference in reducing waste in the environment. I could really do so much with $25k and I can’t wait to show you all of my plans 🥰

Will Kayla Arlt be featured in Make Magazine, and take home $25,000 and the title of DIY Hero?

03/16/2022

Hey, everyone! I’ve entered a contest as a DIY maker. The winner gets $25,000 and I could really impact recycling in Nebraska with the prize money to help get some equipment for processing plastic. I really want to help the environment and reduce the amount of waste in our landfills. It would mean the world to me if you could vote or share this post so that others can vote too ❤️ thank you so much!

Will Kayla Arlt be featured in Make Magazine, and take home $25,000 and the title of DIY Hero?

12/22/2021

Happy Yule and Blessed Be! It’s a yearly tradition in the McNerdy Manor to have a wonderful feast and bring in the coming light with the burning of our Yule log while listening to a playlist of songs with a theme of ‘fire’ in the title. Some of our favorites include “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, “Through the Fire and Flames”, and (after Joey has retreated to the warm house) “The Roof is on Fire.” 😂. Blessings to you all for a warm and happy holiday season ❤️

11/13/2021

Almost three years ago, I had a vision. I saw this elven fantasy gown in my head and I had never touched a sewing machine in my life. So I taught myself how to sew and this was the second gown I ever made. I’ve made many more since then but this one will always hold a special place in my heart. Greatly inspired by the works of and who has since become one of my best friends, I spent six months hand embroidering every vine, leaf and flower on this dress. Special thanks to for making me realize I had never posted the amazing photos of this gown and many more thanks to for the spectacular photography skills.