JaLaRu

Bag from a thrifted skirt

2012-01-12T11:34:00.003-06:00

First of all I love Wednesdays at Goodwill. Of course it's .99 day on color of the week. I bought 12 items and all were flannel. I'm planning on making a scrappy quilt. I got this skirt and loved the fabric. All I could see was a bag when I looked at it. I'm pretty sure it's flannel, but has this wool look to it. So I cut it out and added the big bow last night. I'm putting in on Etsy today. Thanks for stopping by.

New bag on Etsy

2012-01-11T17:02:00.004-06:00

I've added this Eco-felt bag with vintage buttons and embroidery to Etsy. It's 11.5 by 14 wide and 20.5 inch handles. This was a fun bag to create.

I've also reduced by patterns to $4.00 each. Thanks for stopping by.

Scarf for Ruby

2012-01-05T09:34:00.006-06:00

I've had this sweater for 3 years. A month before Vickie (my sister) died she had wanted me to make her a scarf from this pink sweater. Just decided it was time to make it. But the sweater wasn't long enough for me so Ruby was happy to get it. I followed this tutorial.

My vintage sheet house slippers

2012-01-03T12:23:00.005-06:00

Today I used Prudent Baby's tutorial for these comfortable and warm house slippers. I used a vintage sheet and vintage pieces of embroidery scarf on a fabric button. The lining is fleece and I used the jiffy grip on the bottom. On the inside of the shoe I used air cushion insoles. Got them on right now. Everyone needs to try these.

Backpack and hat finished

2011-12-24T13:31:00.009-06:00

The adorable monkey backpack is for my friend Rissa. When she was learning to sew she had told me she really liked this bag. So I made it for her for Christmas. This is pattern McCalls 5341. I thought it was pretty hard to make. I don't want to make it again.
The kitty hat is for her sister Maggie. This pattern is so easy. It's from Simplicity 1953. I've also made 2 of the monkey hats for my grandkids. I'll have to get a picture with them. The outside is fleece and lining is flannel.

And the winner is..................

2011-12-17T12:02:00.004-06:00

Catherine from Velvet Barnacle is the winner of my vintage sheet bag from the Sew Mama Sew giveaway.

Catherine I sent you an email, so please sent me your address.

Thanks to everyone that entered and became followers. I'll try not to disappoint.

More Doll Clothes

2011-12-14T15:49:00.005-06:00

Click here for my Sew Mama Sew giveaway.

This pretty girl has been busy trying on lots of clothes. I'll have to fix that hair before she goes back in the box. I made her this cute little flannel nightie.
I really love this trench coat from pleather at Joann's. The sleeves are too short. I think she's supposed to wear gloves with it. Think I'll add a little extra piece there. The purse came from Michael's last night for $2.99. This would be really hard to make.

Giveaway Day

2011-12-11T20:18:00.007-06:00

Sew Mama Sew is having their annual Christmas giveaway starting Monday December 12th at 6:00 am PST through December 16. Check them out tomorrow and please stop by and enter my giveaway listed below.

I will be giving away this bag I made last Spring with vintage sheets and pillowcases. I did try to sell it on Etsy. Since no one wants to buy I'll just give it away. The pin is made from vintage crochet lace and vintage button.

Just leave a comment. I would love for you to follow me and leave an extra comment. Thanks so much for stopping by and good luck.

Doll Dresses for Christmas

2011-12-09T09:27:00.003-06:00

For Christmas this year I got the grandkids B.F.C. ink Summer Splashin' dolls. They are 18" dolls but skinnier than the other dolls. I've only seen them at Target and they were $20.00. (The clothes for these are super expensive, like $15.00). I think the girls will like them better because their bodies are similar to Barbie, but bigger. They are poseable and you can put them in the water. They only come with bathing suit sandals and purse.

The regular 18" doll clothes are a couple inches too big. I have lots of doll patterns so here we go.

These are the first two I've made. Their from Simplicity 2768 view B. Doll clothes are harder to make than big clothes. Just saying.........

Owls, Dove and Bird's Nest

2011-11-21T06:50:00.004-06:00

I'm loving these owls. I've seen so many on Pinterest and etsy I just had to try them. These are for my niece Ashley to go along with her quilt.

I found the dove tutorial here and the bird's nest necklace here. Loved making the necklaces. Rissa's coming over today to make Christmas gifts for her family. Maybe she'll want to try this.

Queen Size 9 Patch

2011-11-14T20:36:00.003-06:00

I've been working on this 9-patch for about 6 months. I put it down in the summer because I was tired of working on it and it was just too hot. So lately I've really been determined to finish it. I made it for my niece Ashley. Hand quilted in about a week, because it has been pretty cold and I could cover up. Hope she likes it.

Memory Pillows

2011-11-09T11:40:00.004-06:00

When you loose someone so dear to you, sometimes it's nice to have a little special memory. My friend Angie lost her sister a few years ago. She had kept lots of clothes and wasn't sure what to do them them. Her first thought was to make purses. I tried that, some of the fabric was too stretchy and some was too thin. So we decided on pillows. I made six, 2 sets are identical.

On the backs I used plain silky fabrics and added her sister's name and name of the person it's going to. I used silky transfer fabric for the names and added lace to each. Hope everyone likes them.

Rissa's doll

2011-11-07T09:24:00.001-06:00

This is a very sweet, dear friend Rissa. She's 12 and is an awesome designer.

First she drew out her design exactly like she wanted her doll to be. She loves Coraline and wanted her doll to be similar.

I drew out the pattern for her.

She added the button (first buttons she ever sewed). I helped with the embroidery.She also made a Hello Kitty bag from some pj's at bought for $.99.

Then she designed and sewed the 2 outfits. She had sewn before and decided she loves it.

At the last minute she made this darling little blanket and a few bracelet's from ribbon.

Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween

2011-11-01T07:04:00.005-05:00

Ruby my pretty kitty. I bought her a nice little princess outfit and at the last minute she's a kitty.

Layla is a zombie. She wanted to be a chainsaw masacre, but we couldn't find a toy chainsaw.

Watch out Kitty, the zombie is going to eat you. They had a lot of fun and got way too much candy as most kids do.

I got a thing for Oilcloth

2011-10-23T22:27:00.007-05:00

I've been wanting to buy oilcloth for a while. Joann's and Hobby Lobby are the only fabric stores around here. So that's why I went to the Internet. I found what I wanted at Mendels. I got a yard of the black and white and ordered a pack of scraps. I loved the scraps the best. First I made this billfold from this tutorial.

Then this clutch from this tutorial.

The inside of my billfold. I put a zipper on one of the pockets, then added velcro to the rest. It seemed to be less bulky.

Made this little bag for the little things that are at the bottom of my purse.

This is my little sewing kit for my bag. You'd think a seamstress would have always carried one. Not me, but I needed one a few weeks ago and had to buy one at the Dollar Tree.

Dress for a chair

2011-10-16T20:54:00.004-05:00

I just love this adorable dress made for a chair. This would be so lovely in my little grandkids room. So I plan on making one. This one is at the The Rusty Rake where I have some purses. Sold 2 so far.

Patterns for Etsy

2011-10-12T15:26:00.004-05:00

Got these vintage patterns today at my favorite thrift store. I will be selling them on etsy very soon.

Amazing embroidery finds

2011-10-11T08:24:00.006-05:00

Over the weekend I found some amazing buys at yard sales around our area. Beautiful embroidery scarfs. One is has holes, but I'll put it to good use. I also found a new pair of keds leather shoes for $2.00 and a raincoat for $2.00. I had been looking everywhere for the perfect raincoat. It had to be lightweight, have a hood and pockets.

This one is a tablecloth. It was tough to iron, so I won't be using it a lot.

My cute little roosters are from an antique store for $2.00

Diaper Bag and pockets

2011-10-07T10:27:00.006-05:00

A diaper bag for Lori's friend. They picked out the fabrics. I used McCalls 4403 and twicked it a bit, by adding store bought straps and pockets to the front.

These cute little changing table pockets are from McCalls 4897. I also made an adorable cover for the car seat. I'll show off after I put it on the car seat.

Happy Birthday to Me

2011-09-15T15:54:00.005-05:00

Today is number 55. Still healthy and happy. I thank God every day for spending another day on this beautiful earth.
I painted for 2 hours this morning on Lori's house, then went to my favorite antique store and bought all of these things for me. Came back and painted another hour. What a day. I had a good one. Now it's time for the kids to get off the bus. Bye for now.

My sweet girls

2011-09-13T20:30:00.003-05:00

My 2 girls finally learned to ride their bikes. Layla learned 1 day before Ruby. She was determined to learn how first because she is the oldest. Ruby even gets up early for school so she can ride her bike for 20 minutes. They got new bikes for Christmas last year and this is the first time they rode them.

This past weekend they got to ride horses for the first time. They have been bugging me for a long time to ride. My niece brought her 2 horses over. You can see they love it so much.

A cute picture of my sweet great nephew Aiden. Love you my boy.

Pillow Tutorial

2011-08-15T09:16:00.008-05:00

It's a lot of fun trying to find the right pieces for these pillows. The lady I'm consigning with suggested custom made pillows. Maybe pieces you have from loved ones that have passed (I did this with my sister's pieces for my niece and nephew).

1. First I lay out the main piece in the middle on a white piece of fabric (I used 14 x 14 white sheet), then start building around it.

Auditioning pieces as you go.

2. Start adding other pieces to fit around the edges.

3. Zigzag around each piece, so they won't ravel.

4. Straight stitch pretty lace around the edges (some of the pieces already had lace.)

5. Sew around the outside edges of pillow

6. Then add lace of chose. This lace was new, but I love adding older laces, maybe from pillowcases.

7. Sew right sides together ( I used a pretty pillowcase for the back) and leave opening at bottom for stuffing. Stuff and hand sew the bottom.

Pillows and Purses to consign

2011-08-11T16:16:00.005-05:00

I'm working on a tutorial for my pillows. Hopefully by Saturday.

I know it's been over a week since I've blogged. I've either been babysitting or sewing. I'm been working on purses, and pillows ready to consign.
The purses are lined with pretty sheets and vintage buttons. The pillows are backed with some beautiful pillowcases.

2 more pillows finished

2011-08-03T21:58:00.004-05:00

I finished these 2 for the girls today and I have 2 more tops finished. I may put one in my shop to see how they sell and try to consign the other one. So far I've used thrifted dresser scarfs, handkerchiefs and pillowcases. The backs are thrifted sheets or pillowcases. I've been using whatever lace I already have. the yellow is thrifted and the other was bought new.

Thrifting again and a purchase from Lora

2011-07-30T15:48:00.004-05:00

These are 2 little figurines I thrifted for the girls at $.99 each.

This beautiful pillow was not thrifted. I ordered it from Lora at Eager Hands. She has lots of pretty vintage items and handmade jewelry.

These lovely sheets and pillowcases are from a cute shop in Spring Hill, TN called The Rusty Rake. She has vintage, antiques and handmade items. She ask me to consign some items. I can't wait.

Daniel's Memory pillow

2011-07-28T07:16:00.004-05:00

I hope this pillow isn't too feminine. The middle embroidery is from a pillowcase I had thrifted. The rest is from Vickie's things. I added some thrifted piping and brown fabric on the back. Used my sewing machine feather stitch to finish the edges. Hope he likes it.

Pillow for Ashley

2011-07-27T06:51:00.005-05:00

This pillow is made from pieces of Vickie's pillowcase, scarfs, and handkerchief. I made it for Ashley, in memory of her Mom. The back is a thrifted vintage pillowcase and the lace is from a scarf I thrifted. We don't know who gave her the embroidered pieces. Maybe they were made by one of my grandmothers or someone in her husband's family. We all know they were well loved. I love you Ashley.

Purses for the girls

2011-07-26T09:58:00.004-05:00

Ruby had mentioned she needed a new purse. We saw a sequined bag at Goodwill for $6.00. It was dirty and not very pretty to me. So I promised a new purse. This was thrifted fabric, added some little flowers, ribbon at the top and embroidered their initials. They both loved them.

Cover for my Mom

2011-07-23T11:40:00.003-05:00

My Mom needed a cover for her machine. Last Sunday I used her machine and she had a plastic bag for the cover. Hey it does the job, but I thought she needed something pretty. I used another pillowcase and added some vintage lace from an old doily. I'll give it to her tomorrow. Hope she likes it.

Sewing Machine Covers

2011-07-21T12:31:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to make covers for a while, so I starting searching for ideas. I really like this one by City Chic Country Mouse. She sells them in her Etsy shop.

I used 2 Martha Stewart dish towels I bought in 2008. Just sewed them right sides together and left opening and added ribbons on each side. So easy to make and love my rooster.

This one is from a pillowcase. I cut about 4 inches off the end and about an inch on the side. Then sewed back together and added the crocheted doily. Also added ribbons to the sides.

Thrifty Monday

2011-07-18T19:52:00.003-05:00

First of all I found this adorable apron with pocket. Not sure if it's homemade, but I like it.

I couldn't believe I found these awesome patterns. This one is a slip pattern dated 1931.

The first one is a Simplicity for .25 without a date. The next one is dated 1948 and the third one is 1953.

The first one is 1948, the second one has no date and the third one is 1964.

I will be putting these in my shop. Thanks for stopping by.

Finished curtains and some thrifting

2011-07-14T11:07:00.003-05:00

After hearing from Lora and Sally I decided to add the borders to my curtains. I actually went out and bought some burlap in orange. But it just didn't match the orange on the curtains ( I never take a sample with me). I had some fabric that I thrifted a few weeks ago and just went with it. It's hard to see in the pictures, but it's got blue and green in it. I put it at the top and bottom. I still feel like it needs something else.
I really love ceramic picture frames. I've been collecting them for Layla. They are from Japan.
Layla also has been collecting ceramic dolls. Ruby picked out the one in the front. It's a music box and plays "Love Me Tender".

New cushions for my back porch

2011-07-11T19:47:00.004-05:00

My back porch was in desperate need of a makeover. The old cushions were faded and the nautical stuff was old and dusty. This is the porch from 2009.

I bought this duck fabric at Hobby Lobby for $5.00 a yard. After using the fabric on my sister in laws cushions I just had to have some for myself. I got all they had in that fabric and all of the stripe they had. They match perfect. I love my blue curtains, but they really don't match. Any suggestions on changing them?

The shelf, picture frame and the vase are all Goodwill finds.

This was ugly white on the porch and I painted it with some spray paint I had. This picture frame and clock is also from Goodwill.

2 tote bags

2011-07-05T09:39:00.004-05:00

Made two more grocery totes from this wonderful tutorial. Her blog is Spider Woman Knits. I made these from vintage pillowcases for my niece Ashley. You've really got to try these. They are so easy.

It's getting there

2011-07-03T23:06:00.000-05:00

House is still going great. Electricity passed, plumbing passed and framing passed. Now it's time for the heat and air unit. They are expensive.

Fun at the pool

2011-07-03T23:04:00.000-05:00

New bag with a pretty sheet

2011-06-29T19:49:00.004-05:00

It was a hard thing to do, but I cut this pretty vintage sheet today and made this purse for a friend at church. The pocket is a vintage scarf. She just wanted a plain bag with a pocket for her cell phone.

The inside is a vintage pillowcase.

Friday Thrifting

2011-06-24T20:52:00.007-05:00

My husband and I had a great time today going to yard sales and Goodwill stores. I love these doilies. How could anyone give away something so beautiful and probably handmade.I love this tiny little electric lamp. It seems to be pretty old (made in Japan). The rabbit is in my flower bed.
A couple of Avon lotion bottles. I had the corn lotion bottle many years ago when it first came out. Guess I got tired of it. I'm using this one for hand lotion and the small one for hand cleaner.
The jewelry book is for Layla. Can't wait for us to do some of these projects. Cute little doily.

My finished Vintage Sheet Freedom Quilt

2011-06-23T07:46:00.005-05:00

It was May 25th of 2010 when Deb first gathered 12 members to make a block and send to everyone for Vintage Sheet Freedom Bee. We would end up with 12 and finish our quilt by the end of November 2010. I was only missing 1 block so decided not to wait any longer and do my own thing. I love the sheet on the back and the quilting really stands out. I did machine and hand quilting.

Here it is on my front porch.

Insulated Tote Bag

2011-06-15T07:02:00.003-05:00

I made this insulated tote bag using Punkin patterns. It was featured on Sew Mama Sew Summer Sewing. You can take in on a picnic for hot and cold or run to the store and use it for ice cream and other frozen items.

The only thing I had to buy for this project was the Insul -Bright at Joann's. It's $7.99 a yard. I had a 50% off coupon. I used a smaller zipper and adjusted the pattern size. I really wish I had bought the bigger zipper. This one keeps sticking.

More garage sale finds

2011-06-15T06:46:00.011-05:00

This scarf has a big stain on it. I'll have to get out the bleach. Cute dolls, but their arms keep falling off.

Here's a few more of the lovely dresser scarfs.
I really like this fire king casserole dish.

New grocery bag and some garage sale finds

2011-06-14T10:05:00.007-05:00

I really love this grocery bag made from a pillowcase. I got the tutorial from Spider Woman Knits. You've got to check it out. It's so easy and sturdy I got to go to some garage sales and found all of these at one sale. I got lots of them. I will add the rest of them later. They had handkerchiefs, scarfs and wall hangings. Some of them had lots of stains that I hadn't been able to get out yet.

Matching dresses for the girls

2011-06-09T21:18:00.004-05:00

I've been finding some great fabrics at Hobby Lobby lately. I've been shopping there a lot more. I used Simplicity 2167 view A for both dresses. The aprons are from thrifted dresser scarves.

The dress was simple to make. I didn't add the sash and I didn't attach the apron like the pattern.

My balloon flowers are beautiful this year. The blooms wilt after 1 day.

New seat cushions

2011-06-08T06:08:00.004-05:00

My sister-in-law needed some seat cushions to fit her new chairs with round seats. I found this lovely duck fabric at Hobby Lobby for $5 a yard. I just needed 3/4 of a yard. I already had these square buttons to cover. How do you like the little bugs on the buttons? Hope she likes them.

My girls and more from the reunion

2011-06-06T15:51:00.003-05:00

My silly girls in my sewing room. They let me sit here for an hour and sew. They played like little angels. Here they were eating lemon cake with whipped cream and acting like zombies.

My daddy and 2 of my cousins.

My cousin Josh and his beautiful wife Celena.

Marlin Reunion

2011-06-04T22:01:00.005-05:00

The Marlin's (my Dad's side) had a family reunion today hosted by my brother Jeff. Most of them live right here in my county. We never see each other. I see my Aunt Mildred if I go to Walmart because she works there. We all lead such busy lives. I all of you so much and had a great time today.

Sharon and Bonnie came all the way from Oklahoma.

These 4 little cousins had such a great time. They were singing for me. Check out on You Tube.

Thrifting with the girls

2011-06-01T18:49:00.004-05:00

We had a great time today thrifting and playing at McDonald's. We went to "Our Thrift Store" and found these cute musical kitchens.

A couple of picture frames for the girl's room.

Layla had to have this wall clock. It has a bumble bee second hand. It's possibly for a baby's room but they don't care.

Rooster thrifts

2011-05-29T19:05:00.009-05:00

Some thrifting adventures from the last few weeks. I also found another set of pink flower full size sheets. They are in perfect condition.

This rooster is "Made in Japan" for .99 at Goodwill.

I'm loving all of the adorable roosters I've found lately. The next two sets came from Goodwill at .49 each. They look really old, the paint is coming off. Love it. Both sets are salt and pepper shakers.

This cute little salt and pepper shaker came from an antique store for $2.00. They were made in France.

This one may not be old but I like it. It could hold soap or a scrubber by the sink.

2011-05-25T22:24:00.002-05:00

Check out my etsy shop. I have lowered prices. Thanks for stopping by.

Thrifting and my sweet grandchildren

2011-05-25T21:55:00.004-05:00

First of all I have been really busy this past week. I've been sewing pillows and scarfs for a friend.

I found this old pattern to put in my shop.

This adorable print is from 1974 and is still in plastic. The picture itself is 10x14 and the border makes it 12x16. It will be going in my shop also.
I had Layla today and we played outside and went to her favorite park and had a picnic. Afterwards we picked up Ruby and Jakob and all of us went swimming. The water was still a little cool. They didn't care about that.
Jakob graduated from the 8th grade Monday night and won an award in his guitar class. He was very surprised about that.

Ruby birthday

2011-05-16T13:03:00.007-05:00

My sweet little Ruby turned 5 on Saturday. We had her party on Sunday.

Her Grandpa "Coo Coo the Clown" dressed up for her. As you can see she was very happy. I made her a rainbow cake by following this on youtube. It turned out really good and it's exactly what she wanted.

Aiden trying to kill the horse and get candy.

Ruby loved her pinata horse. She didn't really want it smashed.

Her birthday was Saturday and we let her open our gifts that day. Layla already has a dsi so now Ruby won't be borrowing her's.

They are a little creepy

2011-05-14T22:01:00.005-05:00

The 13 year locust are out and about. We don't have many so far. But a lot of people around here do. They have those beady little eyes that creep you out. You know Layla is a bug lover, but one of these flew on her shirt yesterday and she freaked out. Only about 3 more weeks of them.

Diaper Bag

2011-05-12T06:30:00.000-05:00

This diaper bag is for my friend Leigh Ann. It's hard to see, but it has a big pocket across the front. I made the same bag here and here. I actually made it 2 more times, but didn't get pictures. The hardest part is sewing the bottom. Made from McCalls 4401.

Fun on the playground

2011-05-11T09:37:00.004-05:00

These pictures are a weird shade of blue. They were taken with my cell phone and the sun was going down fast.
Layla had been playing softball and we played on the playground for an hour before the sun went down. They played hide and sick and acted silly.

I got shocked every time I touched the slide.

Lunch and thrifting

2011-05-10T20:30:00.004-05:00

Had lunch today with my friend Jenene. It had been a while and we had a great lunch and a lot of catching up to do. Afterwards a little thrifting. Love the aqua vase and the little canister (my second one). They were .99 each.

The scarf is a little yellowed for .99. The little girl and Barbie doll pattern was .59. The original price .50 from 1964. I would have been 8 years old then and would have loved the matching clothes for Barbie and me.

My new bag

2011-05-03T13:30:00.004-05:00

I've been in love with this sheet since I bought it here. Perfect for a Spring bag. I used velcro closing this time. Not sure if I'll like it, but I wanted to try it out. Inside is also a sheet. I've used this one for many projects. Still have some left.

My pretty Layla

2011-05-01T20:49:00.007-05:00

I haven't gotten many pictures of Layla lately. I have Ruby a lot and take more of her. Today at Mom and Dad's we spent some time together. We were looking for fossils and she found lots of them.

Layla and Roscoe. He liked helping her.

Cross-stitched tablecloth

2011-05-01T20:44:00.004-05:00

I am in love with this tablecloth. It's from Goodwill and only $2.00. Someone put a lot of work in it. Can't wait to try it on my table.

Made 2 blue dresses for me

2011-04-27T10:10:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the bad pictures. It's been cloudy and rainy for the past 2 days.

I made myself 2 new dresses for Easter. The top dress is pretty and made from thrifted dotted swiss. I used Butterick 6525 which I had thrifted from Goodwill for .99. I really think it would look better on a slimmer person.
I ended up wearing this dress I made from a thrifed sheet. I really love the sleeves. Made from Butterick 5211. I thought is was pretty easy to make.

2 pillowcase dresses

2011-04-26T09:51:00.003-05:00

I listed these pillowcases I thrifted on the last post. The girls saw them and had to have a dress. Layla picked the polka dot and umbrella. Ruby the one at the top. I made my own pattern from another dress they had.

I love these umbrella buttons.

Thrifted Pillowcases

2011-04-20T08:30:00.003-05:00

I found these amazing pillowcases yesterday at Goodwill. They are handmade and looked like they had never been used. I washed them and they all had to be ironed. I'm thinking little sun dresses with the cute borders. The green one is my favorite and the little birds are upside down. So I would have to change that for a dress.
I found 2 of the yellow pillowcases. They are larger than normal and I'm thinking of using them for cushion covers.

Interview with Lora

2011-04-19T20:21:00.005-05:00

Go over and visit Lora from Eager Hands and check out my interview. I'm giving a 20% discount in my shop for a week. See her blog for coupon. Thanks Lora.

2 bags for a friend

2011-04-16T09:10:00.005-05:00

A friend from church brought 2 fabrics and wanted a bag. She didn't care what kind. First I made the bag at the top. It's 8" high. I added the pin made from the lining fabric.
Then, I was thinking she may want a bigger bag, because she mentioned taking it to the zoo and to carry baby items. So I decided to make a bigger bag. I'll give her both of them. Still have fabric left. Hope she likes them.

Thrifted Recipe Box

2011-04-12T12:57:00.005-05:00

I found this amazing little recipe box ($1.29). Very rusty, but I like it. Guess what was inside? Look at last picture.
It was full of cake and frosting recipes. Some of them were from newspapers and dated back to 1945. A lot of them are handwritten. Can't wait to make something.

Pillowcase top and skirt

2011-04-11T09:21:00.005-05:00

The top is from Simplicity 5531. I made it here for Ruby. I embroidered both pillowcases last year here and hadn't used them for anything. Ruby is really into hummingbirds lately, so this was perfect for her. I measured how long I wanted the skirt to be and added elastic. Very easy.
I will get Ruby to try them on and get a good picture.

Monday Thrift Finds

2011-04-04T22:01:00.006-05:00

This is an adorable little yellow apron with hand crocheted peach lace. I will be putting this in my shop.
Not the best picture, but this is a dresser scarf embroidered on both ends. Shop? maybe.
2.5 yards 60" wide of the blue dotted swiss and the peach dotted swiss is 4 yards 45" wide. Picked up this pattern from 2000. I think one of these fabrics will become the sleeveless dress for Easter.

Lori's new house

2011-04-02T22:55:00.004-05:00

About a year and half ago we thought we were moving this house for Lori, but it never happened. There were issues with permits, fences, and land. Now it's really happening and their getting the house they dreamed of. All of the outside is finished and now for the inside.
Layla showing off her new home.

Easter Bags in my shop

2011-03-31T21:35:00.009-05:00

Just added these 2 Easter Bags to my shop. They are both from a curtain from Pottery Barn. The fur is so soft and sweet. They are both lined. The top bag has bunnies on both sides. The bottom bunny is appliqued to the fabric on one side and a carrot on the other side.

Baby shower gifts

2011-03-31T09:50:00.006-05:00

First of all my camera is in the shop, so I'm back to my first digital camera (uses batteries). I been making a lot of things lately and need to do some catching up.

A friend from church is having a baby shower Saturday. I went through my stash and found this shower curtain I thrifted a few years ago. This is a huge diaper bag with pockets on the front and on the inside. Vintage sheet used for the lining. The only thing I had to buy was the straps.

Found this tutorial from Lots of Pink Here. It was really easy. Thrifted fabric of course.
The diaper clutch was from Diary of a Quilter. It took a little time, but so worth it.

Latest Thrifted Sheets

2011-03-26T10:19:00.005-05:00

I've been finding some very cute sheets and pillowcases lately. The two at the top are pillowcases. Love them both.
These two are my favorite sheets. They are both fitted sheets, but who cares. I made a dress for Easter from this sheet (different color) and it was fitted also.

Spring Break with the grandkids

2011-03-25T06:22:00.004-05:00

Spring break is this week, so I've spent some special time with each grandchild. Layla was Tuesday and Wednesday. We went to Bowie Park and walked the nature trails. They had special activities this week. She colored a camo lizard and then we walked and found a hiding place for the lizard.
Ruby's day was Thursday and today. We went to the same park, but much colder. Activity yesterday was making a bracelet from nature. We took a piece of wide cellophane tape and added things from the trails to make an adorable bracelet.

I will pick up Jakob later today. He'll want to get on my computer. Perfect.

Layla's Dotted Swiss Dress

2011-03-23T06:29:00.010-05:00

Made another dress from this Simplicity pattern. I used some fabric from 2 years ago on their Christmas dresses (I still have enough for another dress). Layla picked out the ruffle at the top. The bottom border is from a curtain.

Purse for Auction

2011-03-19T14:09:00.007-05:00

I made this bag for an auction today for some friends having a hard time. Hope it gets lots of money for them. I've been working on this design for a while and I really like it. I'll have some for sale in my etsy shop soon.

Update: Bag sold for $65 at auction

Backpack with embroidered pocket

2011-03-15T12:38:00.005-05:00

I made this adorable backpack for Halley. I haven't seen her in a while so I'll be mailing it out today. Fabric from Hobby Lobby. They have lots of new designer look fabric. The front pocket is a vintage embroidered scarf. Hope she likes it.

10% off in my Shop

2011-03-14T09:05:00.005-05:00

Until the end of March I will offer a 10% discount to all followers. Enter code vintagegiveaway.

Thanks so much to everyone.

Giveaway at The Vintage Sheet Blog

2011-03-12T15:06:00.003-06:00

The Vintage sheet Blog is having a giveaway the month of March. This is a purse I made from a vintage sheet. Go to her blog and enter. This giveway ends on March 19th. Good luck.

New bags in my shop

2011-03-10T13:40:00.005-06:00

Just added these 2 bags to my shop. I really enjoyed making these. Each has it's own little pin made from vintage embroidered lace from pillowcases. See more pictures on etsy. Hope you like them as much as I do. Almost kept the first one.

New skirt and a new bag

2011-03-07T17:34:00.009-06:00

The bag pattern is from Margaret Sling bag altered to my liking by Oh Fransson. I got my inspiration for the hand stitched scraps from Artsy Crafty Babe. She's good at everything. Her bag is really beautiful.

Skirt for Ruby made with fabric given to me and Simplicity pattern 2483. I also made the little rosette on her skirt. It's a hairbow of a pin.
I've also got a skirt cut out for Layla. I've been pretty busy as you can see. I've got a bag to make for an auction on March 19th for a friend of the family.

Scrap bag and foundation piecing

2011-03-03T07:36:00.009-06:00

I've be using some of my sheet scraps to make new fabric. The purse is just long strips no particular size and cut out pattern as usual. I used McCalls 5119. I had a hard time with the handles and sides. They got stretched out too much. I'll use it for my Easter bag.
Vintage button on each side and snaps on the inside. Vintage sheet for the lining.
This morning I'm working on the smaller pieces. I love foundation piecing. So much fun and not much thinking involved.

All Things Vintage Sheets Giveaway A Day

2011-03-01T12:56:00.007-06:00

All Things Vintage Sheets is having a giveaway every day in March. Check out today's giveaway from Pink Fawn.

That 60's feel

2011-03-01T08:21:00.005-06:00

This dress reminds me of one of my dresses from the 60's. I've had this thrifted sheet for a while. Just looking for the right dress pattern. The bottom fabric was thrifted last week. I used Simplicity 3859. Pretty easy, but it does have a zipper in it.

Halter Dress for Spring

2011-02-26T21:35:00.005-06:00

Ruby really didn't want to pose for this, but here she is in all of her cuteness.

This was the easiest dress I've ever made. It's from Simplicity 5531. It took all of 30 minutes to make. I had bought this Tommy Hilfiger sheet probably 3 years ago. I knew It should be something for Layla and Ruby. I've got enough sheet left to make more dresses.

Love that border (no hemming involved.)

Bunches of Thrifted Sheets

2011-02-23T18:26:00.003-06:00

These pictures tell it all. My very lovely thrifted sheets.

This is my favorite

Sunday with family

2011-02-21T20:54:00.007-06:00

Picture is a little blurry, but look how cute. My husband and Aiden sharing potato chips.

I had such a wonderful time yesterday at my brother's house. He invited us all for dinner. His daughter Sarah is celebrating her 17th birthday. Hard to believe.

He lives next door to our Mom and Dad. After dinner we went for a long walk on my Dad's property.

I just love walking on their place. That's where I grew up. They didn't have the lake when I was there, but we enjoy it now.

Thrift Finds

2011-02-16T20:18:00.009-06:00

I've really been finding lots of good stuff at Goodwill lately. This is a small soap dish.

I really love this Holly Hobby vase. Layla will love it too.

The next two items are musical. They are both "Made in Japan". The first one plays "Mary Had A Little Lamb". We can't figure out the song on the duck figurine.

This is really cute. Looks like a tea cozy. I just loved the colors.

New wristlet

2011-02-11T13:23:00.006-06:00

I made this little wristlet today from Butterick 5475. It has a lot of pieces to it. It wasn't that hard to make but sometimes a trial and error thing. I took out seams more than once. I would probably make it again. It has a spot for phone, credit cards, and money.

New Ruffled Bag

2011-02-10T09:58:00.007-06:00

I've added this bag to etsy. It's made from 2 recycled sheets. The outside is the green and blue vintage sheet I just thrifted. Also used a vintage butonn from an estate sale. It makes a great retro bag. The ruffles are so sassy. Yes, we got snow and a lot of ice.

Thrifted sheet and rooster stuff

2011-02-08T12:30:00.008-06:00

This is one of my favorite sheets. I love the colors. Thrifted from Goodwill. The first 2 plates came from an antique store for about $2.00

One of the ladies at Goodwill yesterday had a basket full of things she was putting out. This was hiding in there for .99.

Ruby and her horse

2011-02-07T14:24:00.006-06:00

We take advantage of every warm day we have and Ruby usually wants to see the horse. When she sees us walking down the road here she comes to see Ruby and follows as far as she can. Ruby can't wait to be living next door to her favorite horse.

Thrifting for Layla

2011-02-01T20:36:00.004-06:00

Layla has started collecting vintage items. The delicate the better. Made in Japan even better. This little cute angel was a .99 find and she loves it. This one is Jasco 1978 for .99. This one came from an antique store for $3.00. (Made in Japan)

Vintage Bee quilt ideas

2011-01-31T09:58:00.005-06:00

First I'd like to show you my newest block from Tina Warren in the Vintage Sheet Freedom Bee. (Still 2 more to come). I just couldn't wait to get started on them so I embroidered each members name and the state or country. Who knows I may start putting some of these together.

Ruby's Tooth Fairy Pillow

2011-01-29T10:55:00.002-06:00

It's almost that time when Ruby will be losing a tooth. This is the second one I've made from Jill Tracy's Pattern. It is so easy. I let Layla made her pillow, but Ruby wanted me to make her pillow. I used a blanket stitch on the sewing machine to do the edges and embroidered the face instead of using felt. Of course she loved it.

Dutch Girl for the Little Girls

2011-01-25T09:59:00.011-06:00

The girls have been wanting to do some quilting so I let them choose a pattern. Of course they wanted to do the Little Dutch Girl with a kitty. I ironed the pieces on, cut them out, and ironed them. Now they can start sewing. Maybe they could do a little pillow. I'll keep you updated. The pattern came from "The Ultimate Sunbonnet Sue Collection".

Grandmother's Flower Garden finished

2011-01-19T19:33:00.006-06:00

I'm so happy the way this turned out. I had bought the quilt top at a yard sale last summer. It was all hand pieced by a lady that was in a nursing home. I took it to the Stitchers Garden Quilt Shop and the lady there thought a lot of the fabrics were from the 30's and 40's. We matched up a vintage 1930's fabric for backing, then I hand quilted around the flowers.

Fun in the Snow

2011-01-12T11:58:00.004-06:00

We don't get a lot of snow in middle Tennessee, but when we do we're getting out and playing. My area had about 4 inches and it's sticking around. The temps have been in the 20's since it snowed Sunday night. It should warm up Friday to 35. Personally I have cabin fever. I haven't been anywhere since Sunday night at church. I did enjoy playing with the grandkids yesterday.

Thanks Lora

2011-01-09T22:27:00.005-06:00

Look at the beautiful things I ordered from Lora . I love them. Please check out her etsy shop. She has so many beautiful vintage items and handmade jewelry.

New skirts for Layla and Ruby

2011-01-06T11:08:00.006-06:00

Last night I made this adorable skirt for Ruby. Don't she look cute? First I bought a skirt at Goodwill for .99. Then I made a pattern from it. They both wore them to school today.

New Birdie Bag on etsy

2011-01-03T13:10:00.005-06:00

Just added this Birdie Bag to etsy. It's hand embroidered and fully lined with pockets.

Wonderful day for grandkids, a dog and horses

2011-01-02T19:10:00.007-06:00

Saturday January 1st 2011 was such a beautiful day here in Tennessee. Temps were close to 70. We have had temperatures below freezing for the month of December. So it was time to go outside.
One neighbors has these 3 beautiful horses and this little one loves the girls. Actually their new house (which has been started finally) will be next to these horses and they'll get to see them every day.

Another neighbor's dog runs down to our house when she hears Layla and Ruby out. Layla loves her so much. She's spoiling her rotten. She even gave her a full body massage.

My new purse and a backpack

2010-12-27T21:10:00.004-06:00

Had to get a new camera. It got dunked in a cup of water on Christmas Day. I really like my new one. It's Panasonic Lumix from Best Buy.

I got to do a little sewing over the holidays. So I made a purse for me. Got this cute fabric at Hobby Lobby (they've got new designer fabrics). Then I quilted it so it would be super soft. It's got lots of pockets (just what I need).

Then I made this backpack from vintage pillowcase outside and lining. The pocket is also a pillocase. Now I need to find some cording or ribbon for the strawstring and loop down through the botton tabs.