Thrifty Thursday Again!

Yup, another trip to the thrift store. Lately I've been finding that going later in the week is when I find the best stuff. This could perhaps been a tip for some of you thrifters. Maybe it's not true for all thrift stores though. Here's my theory. On the weekend, my favorite thrift store is so packed that a lot of times you can barely get down the clothing aisles because people are trying on clothes and have their carts parked right in the middle (which is completely annoying). Anyway, every Monday is 25% off which makes it even harder to get around. I don't particularly like going on Mondays because it's almost impossible to find a cart. That means I either have to let Isaiah walk around and pull everything off shelves, or carry him around, which is not easy seeing as he weighs 25 pounds. Basically over these three days, everything can be very picked over, even though they are constantly putting new things out while you're there. I think going later in the week means they have had more time to put new things out and less shopping traffic. I suppose that's a little thrift math. More things, less people, better luck thrifting.

K, anyway, I didn't find any sheets or table clothes yesterday. I'm sure you are all sick of seeing those. But, I did find these really cool napkins.

I wish they had more of them though. Only 2!

A Royal Dalton teacup. I'll probably sell this on ebay, although I'm not sure what it's worth. I only paid like 80 cents for it, so I won't lose anything on it. Then there were these cute band books. I just love these little guys.

I also picked up 2 old children's books. There are some really cute illustrations that go along with the stories. And I just found this picture in here.

Look closer. Yeah, that's a caterpillar smoking a hookah. What's in that hookah, Mr. Caterpillar?

I'm thinking about using these for some kind of collage. Not that I collage a lot, but I think I need a Mod Podge fix. Call me crazy. Oh yeah, Zippers and this pack of Folk Art Clothing Emroidery patterns. It's interesting to say the least.

Let's see what else...hmm.. oh yeah, there will be more sheet fabric packs up on etsy today. I'm only listing 4, but if they sell, I might be able to do some more. K that's all for me today. Did you make it down to the end of the page??

Two Birds with one stone

I finally got around to taking my "action" shot for this month's InStitches Along. I had actually made the apron a while ago, before it was even announced as May's project. So for the first time, I had a project done on time! (I think I showed the apron in another post a long time ago.) I hadn't intended this to be the picture, but I thought it was funny and maybe a little disturbing at the same time. I asked John to put it on because he was BBQing, so I hand it to him and he says, "Oh man, this is a girl's apron. A man's apron is supposed to go around the neck." And where did it end up? Yup, that's right, around his neck. Coincidentally, there was a dead bird in our back yard that needed to be moved before Isaiah could get his grubby little hands on it. So, John with the apron tied around his neck, and a shovel, throws the poor dead birdy over our neighbor's fence. Not to worry, the people have not lived there in like 15 years and the house should really be condemned. But, that's a story for another day.

Thankfully, my apron remained intact and clean. I made John take it off before he went near the grill. Call me crazy, but I just didn't want him to ruin my apron, even if its purpose is to protect your clothing!

I did get some sewing done and finished two bags. The red fabric is from the stash that Sarah sent me. I loooove this fabric!

I'm running out of titles since I post about the same thing all the time

On Saturday I made the quickest trip to the thrift ever. I had a box to donate and John was with me, so while he dropped it off, I ran in and was able to find these treasures. One tablecloth and two queen sized sheets.

I think I was there, shopping, less than 5 minutes. Checking out was a different story. Anyway, they also had like 50 packs of zippers, but I didn't get any. I had intentions of going back yesterday because everything was 50% off, but, I restrained myself and got ready for our little BBQ instead. I'm sure it was a zoo and it would have been impossible to do any real treasure hunting.

All the packs with buttons and zippers that I had listed on etsy sold out. There are a few of the smaller packs left. So I'll be cutting up these new sheets and tablecloths to make more. Hopefully I'll get around to sewing something. My sewing space is "cleaner" now because I tried to make it presentable for our party. Maybe that'll inspire some creativity!

Oh, and I got another treasury this weekend. Go check it out. I think I just may have a little obsession on my hands!

It was a thrifty day!

Thrifting was very good to me yesterday. I headed right to the fabric section and found this quilt top. I hestitated on getting it at first, but I really loved that it was hand pieced. It must have took this person a looong time to do it because it's huge! I'm not sure what my plans for it are yet, but I'll figure something out. There were two really pretty tablecloths. There were a few stains, so I didn't feel bad cutting them up at all! Normally I would have felt torn about that, but the stains gave me permission to do it. I also found a huge pack of old zippers and some more bindings. I'm having a lot of luck in that department lately.

Anyway, I've put some packs together from my finds. They include some fat quarters of the table cloths and thrifted sheets, a zipper, some assorted bindings, and of course buttons. I'm going to put different size packs up, because I figured some people might not want all those things. I never realized how hard it was to cut straight before, especially when cutting something as large as sheets. Needless to say the "fat quarters" might not really be a perfect rectangle!

I hope you all have a nice weekend and a nice Memorial Day! We'll be having a nice BBQ with friends and family on Monday.

I'm a lucky girl!

I was lucky enough to win one of Sarah's birthday giveaways, and I happened to be the winner of all her gorgeous fabrics! When she announced the winners on her blog, I seriously had to check like 4 times to make sure I was reading it right. I was waiting in anticipation all week, and then yesterday I spied the postwoman from my bedroom window. She dropped the box at my door and I stealthily ran down the stairs to snatch up the box. You know, I didn't want her to think I was crazy or anything! Ms. Sarah really got the most out of this box because she stuffed it full with yummy fabrics! Thank you so much Sarah, I can't wait to get to using them (that is if I can bear cutting into them.)

I know I promised no more etsy talk, but I got my first treasury yesterday. I think I may have been obsessed with getting one after FluffyFlowers kept posting all of hers! Anyway, it's called Bloggy Blog World (don't ask, I couldn't think of anything better) and it includes items from some of my favorite bloggers. If you have an etsy shop and I missed it, let me know, because I'll be rotating items in it to showcase everyone ( I read a lot of blogs.)

thrift finds

Yesterday I went out to the thrift store so I could make amends with it for disappointing me lately. I walked out with some great finds. There were three huge packs of assorted seam/hem binding, but I ended up just leaving with two. I couldn't justify buying all three. In just two packs, look at how much there was.

I also found these cute sheets. I've been using these as linings for my bags as it is much more economical than using some of my other fabrics. Anyway, I've realized I have way too much vintage/thrifted seam binding, more than I could ever use in a lifetime. I also have a lot of sheets & fabrics too that it is starting to feel overwhelming. I was thinking of maybe putting packs together of the seam binding, buttons, and maybe some fat quarters of the sheets/fabric. If I put these on etsy, would anyone be interested in them?

These will soon probably become candles as well. I am always able to find the best teacups at my thrift store. I seriously don't know where they all come from!

Speaking of teacups, remember these? Well they'll be going into my store as well. I bought them awhile ago, but I haven't figured out what to do with them. I absolutely love, love them, but they're just taking up room in my small workspace. So, if you love them as much as I do, hop on over to the store.

And much thanks to Ms. Rebecca of Thrifty Goodness. She was my very first etsy customer. How exciting it was to see that I actually sold something! I also want to thank all of you that have given me the encouragment to open one and the good wishes for my store!

Ok.. enough etsy talk for now. Tomorrow I promise it'll be something other than etsy and scrappy bags!

Thrifty Tuesday and Etsy!

I've been a little disappointed with the thrift selection lately. Maybe it's because I go too often, but sometimes I think that's the best way to find new things! Anyway, I've taken a little break from my favorite store and went to visit another. I found these great napkins, which I think may be perfect for the scrappy bags I'm obsessed with. These came in sets of two, they had more, I just didn't buy them all. I hope someone didn't want the whole set!

Anyway, I now have a few things in my etsy shop. I had some tealight candles, but something went wrong and I have to figure it out. Anyway, go check it out and let me know what you think!Can someone tell me how to put an etsy banner on blogger? I'm blogger challeneged!

More Scrappiness

I didn't get as much sewing done as I hoped this weekend, but a lot was accomplished. On Saturday, I planted some new things in the garden and finally got the herbs (that John didn't kill) potted. I can't wait to start making tons of pesto! John also dug out the bed for the vegetable garden. I'm hoping to get some good plants at the farmer's market this week.

Anyway, I did not get the etsy shop as I hoped, but during Isaiah's nap I'll be listing a few things. I did get this wristlet made and another bag. I don't know how people keep up with their shops, it's really a lot of work! Well, I obviously have a new obsession with these type of bags, but I just love the scrappy patchwork. Plus, I can use some of my "good" fabrics and only use up a little bit!

Yesterday I had some nice quality time with my cousin away from Isaiah. I took the metro over to her place in Virginia and we sat and had a nice brunch, browsed in some shops, and visited the flea market. John and Isaiah later joined us for a delicious gluten-free dinner. My cousin may have Celiac disease, so she is on a gluten diet for a whole month. Somehow, I am now doing it too, as we have both shared the same stomach problems for years. Wish me luck on this one! It is soooo difficult! Anyone have some quick, easy recipes?

Scrappy Bag

Thanks for all your input yesterday. In the end, the vertical stripes won out. Well on the front at least. I toned down the back, with just a few horizontal stripes. That way, if you're not feeling like such a busy bag, you can turn it around. The inside is lined with some thrifted sheets that I've had sitting around for a while.

I'll be making a couple more of these to open up an etsy shop. Because, you know, etsy needs a few more handbags around. Anyway, I figure it can't hurt and my "customers" always ask me if I have a website. So, my goal this weekend is to make a few more bags and some other things, and to hopefully have a shop up and running by monday.

As for my sewing machine, I don't know if the bobbin winding thingy is working yet, so please send your "get better sewing machine" vibes my way.

Yesterday Isaiah and I went to the first Farmer's Market of the season in our town. There was a lady selling her handmade jewelry there and I'm thinking of looking into the possibility of selling my bags there. Does anyone have experience selling their wares at Farmer's markets? I know Ms. Fluffy Flowers does! What do you think of them?

thrifty thursday and a mean letter to my sewing machine

Not too much luck at the thrift store this past week. I went monday when it was 25% off, and everything was so picked over that I actually walked out with nothing (and I never do that!) Yesterday I found a few things, like this beautiful embroidered pillowcase.

It wants to be made into something, but I don't think it'll work for Martha's new bags. Also 2 more teacups waiting to become teacup candles.

I can't take credit for this idea, again it is another Martha Good Thing. And also a pyrex refridgerator dish. I adore these things and wish that they'd still make these. I hate tupperware and plastic!

And a nasty little note for my sewing machine:

Dear Sewing Machine,

I hate you I hate you I hate you. I also hate the man that "fixed" you. I don't think he really cleaned you up. Maybe just a little lube job, that's all.

Why do you have to stop winding bobbins in the middle of a sewing project?

Now I turned you off for a little break. I hope that when I power you up, you'll be ready for more sewing. Don't disappoint me when I'm on a roll, hmm k?

Love,

Mommy

(I don't really hate you, I just hate that you're not winding bobbins!)

I was working on this, which is going to become a bag at some point. I'm deciding which way it should go though. Originially I was making it so that the stripes would be horizontal, but then I turned it and like them vertical. And now, I'm going back and forth. So which way do you like it?

More Good Things

These pillowcase bags are very addicting. They can be made in about an hour, or maybe even less if you're really good. I had no hubby today to model it though! This one took a little longer, because Isaiah learned how to climb up on the couch and take things off the end table. Needless to say, he needed a little more supervision after that. Well, actually, after I found him trying to drink out of a teacup candle I had there.

Speaking of teacup candles, I made some more last night. I love making these! My thrift store always has the best teacups. I haven't had the heart to make these ones into candles because they're so pretty. But they need to be made into something, any ideas??

Saturday John and I enjoyed some good BBQ and yummy margaritas. I had originially wanted to make the Watermelon Basil margarita from Martha, but I had no basil, so I modified the recipe to my liking.

Watermelon Margaritas

Watermelon

1/2 cup tequila ( I used sauza silver)

1/4 orange flavor liquer (I used Grand Marnier)

Juice of 4 limes

2 tablespoons of simple syrup

Cut the watermelon into 1 inch cubes (doesn't have to be exact) and place in the freezer. You can leave these in until they are solid like ice cubes, but I only left mine in for about 1/2 an hour and it worked out just fine. If you would like your margarita more "frozen" just add some ice cubes. Add the watermelon and rest of ingredients into blender, and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass with a sugared rim.

Another "Good Thing"

I was so excited to get my June issue of MSL yesterday. I was flipping through and I saw this fabulous idea for pillowcase totes.

When Karyn was showing off her millions of pillowcase totes, I got excited and thrifted a whole bunch. Of course, I never made any totes, so when I saw this new idea I thought I might as well try it. Sooooooo here it is.

It was so easy and really cute. I asked John to take a picture of me holding it, but his picture sucked, so I made him model it so I could take the picture. Yeah, he didn't like it that much, but I'm a little pushy, what can I say?

I'm also on my way to getting a few things made to open an etsy shop. I've been trying to think of some orginial things to make, but so far not so much luck. Anyway, I did whip this little baby up. I used the apples & pear fabric that I looooooooove and didn't want to cut up, but John was right after all, fabric is meant to be used.

Oh, and if you are interested in some American Girl Doll books & such, I am listing something on eBay soon. I'll let you know when it's up!

Picasso has nothing on this kid!

Saturday was Isaiah's first attempt to be an artist. Did Picasso eat his paints? Because if so, Isaiah is on his way to something good. I'm glad I waited for John to help me out on this one, because if I had done it alone, Isaiah and I would both have been blue.

I made this bag for my MIL on Sunday. The idea is from Lotta Jansdotter, and the title of her book holds up to it's name, because it definitely was some simple sewing. I used some of my precious Amy Bulter fabric.

I asked John which one I should use and he said that one, and I said (of course, clutching my fabric), "But this is my favorite fabric." And to that he added "Katie, you buy fabric to use it, not to just let it sit around and stare at it." True true. So I used it, and she loved it, so I guess it was worth it. I added a lining, althought the pattern didn't call for it and also put the handles on the outside (it called for them to be sewn to the inside). I also added the flower that I had found among my sewing things. I had made it many years ago after watching an episode of "Crafters Coast to Coast" where a very talented girl made one to attach to a bag she was making. A few years later I realized, wait that's Alicia of the Posie Gets Cozy fame! Anyway, I have a few more of those flowers lying around. I had made like a million of them when that episode was first on and I was obsessed with their cuteness. Maybe I'll get around to using those sometime...

And these beauties arrived for me in the mail on Saturday. They're from LeeAnn and I just adore them! So a big Thank You to LeeAnn!

Happy Mother's Day

This weekend will be spent:

Enjoying the first of many roses

Waiting for my clematis to unfurl

Blowing more bubbles with Isaiah

Finishing up an old project

And doing whatever else I want because it's Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to you all! Have a great weekend.