Heck with Hallmark

Making my boss a welcome-back-to-work card, since she has been out for quite some time now.  Ran the paper through my machine on a decorative stitch and then inked some text, and appliqued some little flowers.  Hope she likes it!

So many pennies.

Mass producing lady wallets! My favorite and least favorite part of making one of a kind pieces is the detailing.  I always give myself too many options of thread colors and buttons and have a hard time choosing which one should go where.  They kind of have to tell you.

Striped Savior.

For those days when comfort comes first and foremost and leggings are calling my name, this striped savior will keep my covered and comfy. Originally the bottom of a dress I did some serious hemming on, I just added a small elastic waste band turning it into a short skirt and that was that. Blue and white pin stripe on a thin cotton, perfect for summer. Now if only the sun would come out.

The PINnacle of the night.

After complaining to myself time and time again about not having a sufficient pin cushion, and reminiscing of my Mummu's ( my Finnish grandmother who taught me how to sew), I decided to take a piece of practice embroidery and make one just like her's.  It hangs on the wall, or sits steadily on the desk, which ever is called upon it, and will take stab after stab without shedding a tear.  I won't be missing any pins and needles from here on out.

Pinching Part II

Another lady wallet.  Outer fabric and button are recycled vintage, inside is a scrap from a remnants shop. A hefty spool holds it open for a sneak peak inside.  Hopefully I will make enough of this little guys to sell!

Penny Pincher

Using up my scraps of old material, I'm making little coin purses and lady wallets. This is my first of the series of hopefully many.  Made last night, with all materials recycled from vintage clothes. Will post a more detailed picture soon! 

Lay your head upon my pillow.

Made a nightie of sorts out of an old pillow case.  I liked the floral, and it didn't quite match the decor of the room.  Just cut the closed end off, hem to desired length, and add ribbons as straps.  I also ruched the front top seam, just for kicks.

Nothing's better than napkins.

The lack of enthusiasm I have about buying paper napkins combined with my mild obsession with doing laundry has brought me to the cloth napkin.  This particular set has been salvaged from old curtains.  Just a light cotton with a zig-zag stitch around the edges will do just fine for summer suppers.

I miss you deerly.

Just picking at a bit of embroidery; not done with any traditional techniques.  I'd like to learn how to do the real thing though.  This is good practice for now.  It's the beginning of a dear family portrait done in simple line work, details to be added at a later date.

Inspiration for the first deer.

Today was blustery.

After a long pause in this blogging business, I feel I am ready to get back on track.  It took a day of rain and solitude, and more unpacking, and curtain sewing to get back into the old grind.  And does it feel good.  I made a set of two curtains for the kitchen.  Both just valances, adding enough color to brighten up the wet day.

Sorry for the glare!

Next, I made a valance style curtain for my bedroom, but this time, longer and with lace ribbons to gather it up and let the light in.