Thrift Share Monday's - May 30

Yikes!  I'm running late for my Thrift Share Monday.

So lets get right too it.

I'm having vintage sheet luck and I'm loving it!  I especially love it when I find patterns I already have but in different colors.  The bottom right I have in a blue back ground with blue and purple flowers.  Ahhhh love it!!!

I'm gonna start hoard embroidery loops for this project down the line.  This week I've had great luck finding them at thrift stores.  Here are two large ones that I'm really excited about.  In the center is my bundle of keys so you can get an idea on how large they are. 

Now comes in my finds...that I would not have found if not for my mom.  I've pretty much given up on the Goodwill.  One, their prices seem much more expensive then the other thrift shops I venture.  Two, their shelves are horrendous.  Items are always jumbled, thrown on shelves and it's a mess.  So today, me and my mom had the day off, but the kids had school (make-up snow day)...so that meant we had most of the day to roam kid-free.  She suggested we go to Goodwill since she knows I've been thrifting and didn't go to any garage sales this weekend.  I reluctantly agreed.  Our first stop I had one small find.  This super cute pitcher.  The only marking on the bottom is JAPAN, but the styling of the piece looks a lot like a sugar, creamer set I currently have on Etsy by Fred Roberts. 

Onto Thriftland....no luck.  Onto another Goodwill and got this set of Corning Ware serving stands (mom found).  I would of completely over looked them.  Plus she spotted this Corning Ware "Wildflower" casserole dish (I have another just like it.  Yay!).

Oh!  And while I was checking out at the Goodwill I get a phone call from my mom.  She's in the back of the store where the furniture is.  There is a small, in great condition, particle board (yuck I know) desk...for $10, but it perfect for the kids.  I'll post a picture of it later.  Think it's gonna get painted before I put it in my room.  I'll create a little art nook in my room for them since they always want to be up here when I'm sewing.

That's all for my thrifting this week, kinda slow, but the sheets really make up for the lack in other finds.  So how has your thrifting ventures been?

I'm linking up to Thrift Share Monday over at Apron Thrift  Girl.

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May Giveaway Day Winner

Wow!  This was soo much fun.  It was so nice reading all the compliments on how nice, lovely my giveaway was.

Thank you everyone who stopped by to check out the giveaway.

Now onto the winner.

Mr. Random Generator please choose a winner.

And the winner is

Congratulations At Home With Michelle!!

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by during Sew, Mama, Sew May Giveaway Day.

Have a great day!

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Thrift Share Monday's - May 23

Don't forget to check out my giveaway (see bag to the  right -->)

Oh my! My thrifting week wasn't as jammed packed as it's been the last couple of weeks, but I did manage some small finds.

I am loving these snack, luncheon plates!

This pack of moving post cards are soo cute, I couldn't pass them up. Too bad I'm not planning on moving anytime soon.

I've been holding this super fab Pyrex hostage (only a few weeks), and I've failed to mention it in my other post. I know. Shame on me. 

This is from the previous week, but I couldn't bring myself to mention them...it. I'm sad to say (insert Taps here) there were three of these, oh so awesome, green and black cups, but (sniff) two of them leaped off their saucers and....and....I can't say it. Now there is one. May the other two rest in peace.

See? I told you I had a slow week. This is with three Estate sales, a church rummage sale, and one garage sale. Maybe I wasn't in the mood. Who knows what happened. Maybe I know I have soo much that I've already bought that I haven't listed (but there is soo much I don't want to let go) I unconsciously made myself not find anything.

Maybe it's one thing or the other? There's plenty of times I've been out scoring a whole bunch of kitchen items with no vintage sheet luck, but this week I have had some vintage sheet love. I've scored several super nice sheets with lots of color coverage. So I can't complain too much.

So why do I keep on buying these vintage sheets? I have bought dozens upon dozens of them them, and have sold very little. Do I need an intervention? It definitely has kept me from buying regular fabric which of course is much more expensive...so I guess I'm saving money...kinda...sorta...maybe, but not really. I guess it makes me happy. The colors are comforting in a way which is really weird because most are pastels and pastels are colors that aren't high on my color list. Oh well like I said they make me happy.

Don't forget May Giveaway Day starts today, May 23, click here for the details and my giveaway.

Thank you for stopping by!

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Rough start to embroidery

Hmmm.  I started working on my contest entry for Prudent Baby's "Use Your Words" contest, and I'll admit embroidery does look somewhat easier than it actually is, but when you follow an actual stitch it does make things a bit easier.

I don't know what I initially had in mind.  I just started stitching thinking I could stitch side to side like a sewing machine would, but that made a rough looking stitch. Ew!

It's time to open my Home and Garden Embroidery book.  Then I look for what seems to be the most practical stitch for writing. 

 

The back stitched seemed to be the best option, and it looks sooo much better.  

It's time to undo the first couple of letters and back stitch them, and then see where I go with this entry.  I'll keep you posted. 

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Thrift Share Monday's - May 16

Whew!  I was starting to feel a bit disappointed when I woke up yesterday morning (Sunday) with the lack of thrifting finds, since Saturday it started off with a list of garage sales and an estate sale with little little found.

The estate sale had the most potential, but with it being the first day there was a lot of high priced, full priced items like this pencil sharpener.  At $7 I was walking away from it, but with my kids at my side they begged for it.  My son was frothing at the mouth for it, and the estate wasn't taking any offers.  So we tested it and it worked very well, and after thinking about it this was a great deal.  For years I've spent who knows how much on a variety of pencil sharpeners, battery powered, hand-held and they all were not worth the plastic they were made with, so it's time to buy a heavy sturdy one.  At the end of the day I was very happy with this purchased.  Oh!  I also got this great, new, old storage (cardboard) box.  Haha.  Look! It looks likes she's folding fabric into it! Check out the old Target price tag too (top right corner).

Saturday night I was bummed that my weekend was unsuccessful, vintage find wise so Sunday I attempted another garage sale, but nothing.  Sigh...

I decided to go back to the estate sale to see what was left, if anything good.  Everything is half-off.  Yay!!  Let's see what I could find.

This Pyrex American Heritage divided casserole dish.  No chips or cracks, with one minor scratch on the other side. 

These Tupperware mugs with lids that double as coasters.  How cool are these!  My kids love them!!  They both claimed what color is theirs.  As you can see I can't part with these. 

These 8 Pyrex milk glass mugs.  OMG!!! How I'm loving milk glass and the paint color is fantastic!!
 
This pitcher (?), coffee pot? I don't know what it would be considered, but I loved the sleek shape of it.  I looked at it Saturday, but silly me didn't want to pay $1 for it (I don't know what I was thinking), so I paid 50 cents for it the following day.  Yay!

There was this really nice metal tumbler set with pitcher that was originally priced $35. OUCH!  When I went back Sunday it was still there half off, but I still was not gonna pay $17.50 for it.  I offered $10 and was declined.  I left my name and number to have them call me if it doesn't sell.  A few hours later I get the call and score it for $10.  Awesome!!!  Now can anyone tell me anything about this set?  It's by Neocraft Everlast Metal.  I've been able to find other types of metal tumblers but nothing by Neocraft. 

Ooohhh Ahhhhh it's soooo pretty!

Oh and last but not least...

When I went back for the tumbler/pitcher set, my third trip to this estate sale, I ended up seeing this ladder that I hadn't seen in my previous two trips.  OMG!  I want this to display my non-existent quilts.  Half-off $15, $7.50 I offered $5 and got it for $6.  Whew!  Negotiating is not my thing, but it works...sometimes.  I'm soo happy!!! 

So how was your thrifting adventures?

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Small projects completed

Wow!  I feels like it's been forever since I've sewn.  Two weeks to be exact.

Last week I started rearranging my room, which made it more of a disaster than what it was.  What ends up happening is that stuff starts getting pulled out of nook and crannies that may have not been viable, and I don't want to shove stuff back...at least not yet.  

Some areas look decent but my bed and couch are still a mess.  Right now these are the catch all places for stuff until I find permanent homes for them. Like this pile of scrap sheets.  Yikes!! I'm slowly bundling pieces for scrap bundles to list in my Etsy shop, but until then....What a mess!!

So I had to pull myself away, or at least look away, from the chaos that has me stumped.  I needed to feel somewhat productive.  This meant I needed to open up my drafted email of projects; I save links in a drafted email of projects I want to work on, and since I'm attempting to organize I'm in need of some sort of storage.  So I pulled up a tutorial from Whipstich of nested fabric buckets.  I've only managed to make one so far, but that's the biggest hurdle of a new pattern.  Getting through it the first time then it's a walk in the park from there.

I've been at a stand still on my I-spy quilt, but mainly because it's gotten lost underneath the piles of unfolded fabric and vintage sheets.  Now all that's been folded, or rolled and organized.  So these pieces have been resurrected and in a safe place, their fabric bucket, and hopefully a spot to keep me reminded of them so that I can get moving on that quilt.  I have other quilts in mind already, and I'm not gonna get anywhere with them if I don't get this one going.

That's small accomplishment #1.  Next is this board.  Last week I got this cork board at a rummage sale.  My sister had mentioned not that long ago that I should have an idea board to pin up my ideas, like fabric combinations. Which I thought was a great idea.  So the second I saw this board I snatched it up for $1.  The color wasn't my thing but paint is an easy solution.  However, once I got home I realized the cork wasn't my thing either so I figured fabric would be the best.

This seemed like a quick solution, but then I saw that the board was set in-between two frames, it wasn't gonna be an easy remove board from frame and wrap fabric around.  Hmmmm... well I have craft spray adhesive so lets see if that works.  Once I got the frame painted I slightly trimmed a fat quarter a bit larger then the exposed cork and sprayed the adhesive to it, the back of the fabric, then placed it on the cork.  Next tucking in the fabric edges underneath the frame.

Yay!!!  Now I got a pretty idea board.

Now I need a reminder list of projects I want to accomplish like that quilt.  I'm thinking chalkboard fabric somewhere, for that list.  I'll have to see how that pans out.

Hows everybody out there?  Still frazzled by Blogger being down?  I'll admit I was going through withdrawal not being able to read blogs.  LOL!  No seriously....and it really wasn't funny.  :-D

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Book + loops =

Oh lord!!!  Prudent Baby is giving away another sewing machine.  UGH!!!!  It's in contest form like the last one I entered, when I made several potholders.  I think they have had another since but the machine didn't know it's alphabet, and this one does.  AHH!!

I don't know why I want a machine that knows it's alphabet AND embroider, but I do.  It's just one of those things you want.  Plus it would be nice to have a second machine so that my daughter can use one when I'm sewing.  You know how that goes.  I could not sew for days and as soon as I'm on the machine she wants to use it too.  Go figure.

So back to the contest (not officially revealed via blog, but if you subscribe to their newsletter then you know all about it), the kicker here is that this contest "Use Your Words" can not be done by a sewing machine.....well at least not by my sewing machine...since my sewing machine can't spell. So that means I'm gonna try....and I really mean try my best at embroidery by hand.  Personally that is my least favorite thing to do, sew by hand (insert big deep heavy sigh here).  But I really want this machine.

Maybe this is fate.  Last weekend I found this Home and Garden Embroidery book at a church sale for pennies, and this week I scored a few embroidery loops at a church thrift store, which I intended to use as fabric frames as seen here. 

So I think I have something in mind, but it might be on the simple side.  There's about two weeks to figure this out and procrastinate.  I'm gonna have to just run with it and see where it goes.  

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Thrift Share Monday's - May 9

(Don't forget about May Giveaway Day! )

I've been on a sewing hiatus this last week since I was on a sewing marathon the two weeks prior.  Plus my sewing area has been a disaster zone due to that marathon.  Think of Edward Scissor Hands while he cuts hair and bushes; hair and leaves flying up in the air everywhere.  Well that's what happened in my room while sewing for the Etsy fair.  I had vintage sheet bits and pieces everywhere, with a pile of large portion sheets mountain-ing up.  So I spent a good amount of my weekend rearrange furniture, folding sheets, and attempting to pick-up my room/sewing area, but you know how that goes...it's makes a bigger mess.  It's getting there...kind-of....sort-of, but still boarder line hoarder (minus trash and old food like on those shows.)  In the meantime I'm thinking up a tutorial... let see if it works out as I'm envisioning it.  

So my thrifting obsession is not helping with the neatness of my room either.  Thrifted items, with the intent to list on Etsy to resell, are quickly piling up, but that's not stopping me from going out to hunt for vintage treasures.  Seriously, think of all those things out there I would be missing if I decided not to go out thrifting.  The thought of it just hurts my heart.

And on that note here are some of my fantastic finds (it would have been a sham to miss out on some of these items).  Sorry I'm back to taking pictures at night. :-/  I'm also linking up with Apron Thrift Girl's Thrift Share Monday's

First up a pair of vintage nesting Federal Glass mixing bowls.  Look at the design color!  So deep.  They are in near mint condition. 

Got this vintage blue flower Corning Ware coffee percolator.  Very little wear.  It looks like it was never used.  I'm not much of a coffee drinker, but I'm thinking I'm gonna hold on to this for awhile.  If for anything just to admire, and my daughter wants me to keep it.  It is amazing!

Up next a super cute set of Corelle Spring Daisy hooked handle cups with plates.  I love all the little green daisies around the rim.  A few weeks back I found a similar set, of ten, in gold which I'm keeping to myself because I love the little hooked handles so much.  Gorgeous!  (And this Corelle is nearly indestructible, everyone should have a set of these for daily use)
And what are the odds?  I went to a church sales and found a super cute coupon/recipe holder tin.  Then at a separate rummage sale I found another super fantastic coupon/recipe holder.  Look one of them even has the organizing tabs still in it.  What great finds!
Looks like I'm slowly gathering a Spice of Life collection.  A few weeks back I ran across a creamer (actually another maker Gramco), which is currently listed in my Etsy shop.  Then last week I got a really great Le The tea pot. Now this really neat glass canister.  I'm excited to see what I find next from this collection.  Oh the oil & vinegar cruets would be great to find!!!  I don't think I would let those go if I found them though.
Here are some other odds and ends I found.  Gardening books, Home and Garden books, 1978 painted cutting board, canister,  oh hello and of course some vintage sheets.  :-)

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May Giveaway Day!!!

15% off in my Esty shop

for Sew, Mama, Sew readers, 

until May 31 

Code is SewMamaSew

Yay Giveaways!!!!

Check this out.  Sew Mama Sew is coordinating May Giveaway Day.

This is a day where blogs and shops all over can unite and have giveaways, handmade items or supplies that can be used to make handmade items, to their readers one day this month.

Sew Mama Sew will have a master list of all the blogs and shops participating through them so all we have to do is check out their blog on May 23, Giveaway Day, to view the list and start visiting blogs and entering giveaways. 

What a great idea!

If you are simply a blog reader then you have a go-to place to find new blogs, and sign up for giveaways.  However, if you are a blog/shop owner then you have the opportunity to get out there and be noticed, possibly get new followers, and of course also find new blogs and shops.  Believe me I love finding new blogs. I usually find several a week and that's just by reading the blogs I follow, when they have a link to another blog, and it's great, then voila I'm a follower of a new blog.

I love this!!!

So since I made sooo many vintage sheet purses/bags last month I'll be giving away one for this special event.  Up for grabs is a bag from a new, to me, pattern.  A great carry all bag...actually a "grocery" bag, based from a free pattern from BurdaStyle; the Charlie Reusable Grocery bag.  I eliminated the pocket and made it reversible, because isn't a reversible bag just awesome? I love this pattern, and the bag is nice and large.  Plus I didn't feel right making a bag without an interior lining.  Oh and just a little FYI the bottom is not squared off.

This bag has simple clean lines and perfect to carry whatever.  Going down to the pool?  No problem throw in your sunblock, towel and favorite magazine to read while sun bathing.  Going to the grocery store?  Great!  It's prefect for those large bulky chip bags.  Got kids?  Leave them at home and throw in whatever you need for a little break.  Throw in some snacks, toys, Band-Aids and whatever else you need to keep them satisfied.  :-D

This giveaway is open to everyone.  I'll ship internationally!

Simply post a comment to enter, starting today, until May 25th 11:59 pm CST.  The winner will be picked  randomly, via random.org.  If your email address is not linked to your profile then please include your email address in your comment so that I have a way to contact you if you are the winner.

So here it is!!!  The giveaway bag...inside and out.    Good luck and have fun with May Giveaway Day!

Measurements
19" across
20" from bottom to top of handle
14" from bottom to base of handle

The light pink tones you see is from the pattern on interior fabric....or exterior fabric, which ever way you decide to use it.  

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Outcome...

An Austin icon.

Ok...ok...

Brief fill-in on the local Etsy fair I participated in this last weekend.

I'm a pessimist, but I was pessimistically optimistic about this event.  I did think I was gonna do somewhat well...if not with my purses at least with my vintage finds,  but....   

There was very little traffic.  Very.....little.  I don't think anyone sold much of anything. 
 
Based on the location I did think it was going to be busier then it actually was, but I guess you never know.

Hmmm...I guess it would have been much different if it was busy and I sold nothing...right.  Close to nothing with it being dead I guess is good.

Oh well.  It was an experience and if I didn't do it I would always wonder what if.

Now it's time to list all the stuff and purses in my Etsy shop. 

This wasn't all the purses. There were still some off to the side. 

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Thrift-tacular finds

What a great weekend...well Friday for thrifting!

Two places were jam pack with vintage treasures.  My first stop was a fully load yard sale, that was benefiting a charity (sorry I don't recall the charity).  Look at these great finds. 

First we have (below) a vintage White Mountain apple slicer corer with box.  The kids are gonna love this....we are apple eaters.  Love Pink Ladies and Honey Crisp apples mmmm....























Next (below)...a vintage folk art Berggren coffee percolator....minus the middle plastic piece.  As is I think someone could use this as a great vase for flowers.

Next...a vaseline glass mixing cup.  At first I thought it was a rather odd measuring cup, but when my sister  researched this it was soo neat to see what she discovered.  This is a mixing bowl...and a small mixer would attach to the top of the cup/bowl.  See here to see what it would of looked like. 

Next...a vintage Kirchoff noise maker in fantastic condition.

And a vintage pyrex glass bottle with cover, nesting dolls and framed print of the Hill Country.

 That was just from my first stop.  Next I hit up an Estate sale...and it was great.  I even went back the following day to grab more.  I still need to take pictures from the second trip.

Here we got a milk glass pearl and tear drop vase, and a Spice of Life Corning Ware coffee pot. Super cute mushrooms place mats and...

 mushroom sugar bowl and creamer.

Got a Glasbake casserole dish and fantastic plastic tray.

Yay!  I had soo much fun and that was only Friday.  I went back Saturday to the estate sale and got a couple more great items.  I'll post those later.  But now I'll be spending the week slowly adding some of these items to my Etsy shop. 

Fun!

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