Flea Market Friday! Bluebirds, Retro Sewing Patterns, and Scrapbooking?

Is this an awesome card or what?!  I love, repeat love, BLUEBIRDS!  I've always enjoyed birds..well, I haven't enjoyed real birds expect from afar...really afar.  But, bluebirds, well, I love them.  I started collecting them after my mom passed away almost six years ago.  You see she carried a little Bluebird of Happiness in her purse for years.  I don't know where or from whom she got it, but I think she must of thought of it as a sort of good luck charm.  After she died, I got this little glass sculpture and thus began my collection.  Over the years I have hunted them in flea markets, junk shops, antique malls, and even garage sales.  They are much harder to find than one might think.  I scored today, however.  My flea market Friday trip to Good JuJu paid off!  Have a look at my treasure.

Two BB of Happiness atop a glass heart

Today's find within my collection

I have never seen a BBH (Bluebird of Happiness) like this before.  There are actually two birds sitting on top of a heart.  Have you?  I think they are pretty cool.

Beside this BBH Big-Time Find today, I also found a few vintage sewing patterns.  As I wrote in a previous post, I am participating in the Hepburn Hepburn Project at Rhinestones and Telephones.  So, I am on the lookout for Hepburn-esque patterns.  I think I found two today.  Both are coats.  I'm not sure which one I will actually make.  I am leaning toward Simplicity 5301 because there isn't a collar to deal with...okay, it also says, "Simple To Sew."  Of course Simplicity 5526 states it is a "Look Slimmer Pattern."  Looking slimmer is always a plus.  What do you think?  Let's have a vote!  Comment your vote for which pattern I should use and state if you think your choice is more Katherine or Audrey-esque!

Look Slimmer Pattern or Simple to Sew?

Okay, one last thing.  I finally got signed up for an online journaling class.  It's called Discovering Myself.  Although I've started doing the ATCs recently, I've never done scrapbooking or journaling before, but I am super excited about this class.   I stumbled across Bonnie's blog (Bonnie VanEsch Designs AKA Scrapping Till The Cows Come Home) and found her designs and blog itself absolutely beautiful!  The class doesn't begin until September 24, so if you are interested, check it out! 

I hope you all have a fabulous and safe holiday weekend!

Toodles for now!

TGIF MAN! And The Winner Is...

Happy Friday!  I am glad it is Friday, but sadly, that means that the Rewind is over.  Boo hiss.  But, I think it has been a great success and I am so thankful for all who participated and those who tuned in to check it out!  Friday also means that I have randomly picked the winner of the ridiculously expensive prizes!  Yes, technology was thrown out the window and I stuck my hand in a bowl filled with the participants' names and poof....the winner is....drum roll...DIANNA!  Congrats!  Let's have a look what she has won....

1970 Better Homes & Garden Hardback

Whooo!  Totally 70s Man!

Is that far out or what?!  The sewing book is actually really cool.  There are pockets in the back and a few "scrapbook" like pages where the original owner wrote her own notes and glued fashion clippings.  And the owl, well, how is that not quintessentially 1970s?  It is macrame man!  Dianna:  please email your address and I will send these (and maybe a few extras) to you!

Since announcing this 1970s Rewind, I have periodically posted photos of myself, my family, as well as 1970s "stuff" that are significant to me.  So, today I am posting a few more "me" pictures.  The first picture is of my mother, my sister, and me at Christmas circa 1977 maybe.  We are wearing the skirts my mom made for us...another Holly Hobbie type outfit.  I remember them being really thick, like they were padded.

Yes, that's me with the Mr. Spock haircut.  Again, thanks Sissy...she looks like Mary here from Little House on the Prairie (when Mary was going blind..remember?). 
One more picture of me as a kid.  Here I am...not happy.  Obviously this photo was taken before my sister decided to play Beauty Shop Barbie on me.

In the next several years, my facial expressions hardly changed.  My mother used to warn me that "a bird was going to come along and sit on your bottom lip...and poop!"  I just hated having my photo taken!  I guess I still do!

Well, for my Rewind Project, I used this vintage sewing pattern.  Actually, finding this pattern is really what inspired this event.  This Simplicity pattern is from 1971.  It was intact and surprisingly easy to follow.  I made bag 2 as well as matching SPATS!  Yes, spats!  They turned out so cool!  I'm convinced the Brady girls wore spats instead of matching boots all the time.  Think about it,  spats to match all your skirts and you wouldn't have to wear boots!  The spats just go over your shoes and make them look like boots!  Is that cool or what?!  What do you think?

Groovy!

Marcia Marcia Marcia!

I was a child in the 1970s.  My recollections are obviously different from those who were teens or even adults back then.  My childhood was filled with watching television, movies, playing outside in the country with my friends and relatives, riding bikes, go carts, and swimming at our town pool....even though I was convinced Jaws lived in the drain.  I also remember my mom working so hard.  She had to.  She raised my sister and me alone.  My father died just one month shy of my second birthday.  He was thirty-one years old.  It was 1972.   This post is dedicated to my parents...they were both superheroes.

  

Thanks again to all!  This has been a fun project.  I really hope you all join in on the next Rewind Projects!  I'm not sure when, but I'm sure we will be rewinding to the 1940s!  Doesn't that sound fun!!

Toodles for now.

Cell Phone Cases, a Purse, a Favicon, a Participant Event, and Badly Dressed "Women." What A Day!

Hello!  I hope everyone (in America) had a great...and safe...holiday weekend!  To those not in the USA, I hope you had a great weekend, too!  I can tell you that my dog is glad the fireworks are over.  He has been petrified since July 1st!  He's finally able to come out from his hiding place under the bed and resume his domination over the cat.  Go get her Wallace!

I accomplished a few sewing related things over the extended weekend.  First, I finished the third, or is it the fourth, cell phone case?  I have been tweaking the design since the first one I made was completely unpractical for me.  My final (I hope) design is the same size, but instead of batting, I used two layers of flannel.  I tried one layer and found this too light weight.  For this final design, I also slipped a piece a stencil plastic in between the layers on the backside in order to stiffen this part of the case.  I used Velcro and sewed both pieces on with invisible thread.  The button is for decorative purposes only.  It serves no function.  I've given the case to a friend who has the same phone as me.  She has been tasked to carry her phone in this case and report back its practicality, etc.  What do you think?  Oh, this time I got the birds going the "right" direction. 

I also got my hands on some of the fabric I bought Friday.  I decided to try Simplicity 2396A Sweet Pea Totes  with the black and red fabric.  I found this pattern was written well and surprisingly easy to follow.  I really like the design of the bag and I love the pleats.  One thing I might change when I do another is to lengthen the straps.  They are a bit short for my taste.  The fabric is delicious. 

I'm very pleased with this bag.  I might have to keep this one for myself!

Have you noticed my favicon?  That's the little image that appears in your open tab or toolbar when you are on a site that has its own unique icon.  Mine is a shrunken version of my profile image.  As I have stated numerous times, I am not a super techno savvy mama.  This favicon was a HUGE accomplishment for me.  I have been working on it for days.  Last night when I clicked and finally saw the image, I nearly jumped out of bed!  I felt like I had won the lotto or something!  Now that I am an expert, I am willing to help any of you who would like their own favicon for their site.  Send me an email and I will let you know how I made mine!

BREAKING NEWS!!  I've got a participant event I am working on.  I'm sorting out some details, but I'll give you a hint...are you a Gen X'er? A Babyboomer? Do you still wear your favorite Chic jeans from the 80's?  Do you drool over Audry Hepburn fashion?  Mull over these questions and come back for the reveal!  I hope to post the details in the next day or two!

Okay, one last thing....I saw these "people" today as I walked into work.  I say people because I'm not quite sure if they are horribly dressed women or men in ugly women diguises...Happy Birthday America!  Only here can you walk down the street in slippers, rollars, and outfits like these!

Toodles for now!

Flea Market Friday! I'm Pooped!

Well, I returned to the land of the living today.  With the kidney stone far behind (hopefully never to return), I succeeded in Flea Market Friday!  I spent the day shopping "vintage" style and also managed to sneak into my favorite fabric shop, where I picked up some fabulous yardage as well as a few fat quarters.  During my retro shopping, I focused on purses; so many variations.  While I did not buy any, I photographed a lot of them and will post these tomorrow.  I did purchase a vintage sewing pattern, a few books, and a 1937 McCall's catalogue.  This was my most expensive purchase.

This magazine style catalogue is so cool!  I wish you could see it in person! 

Check out this 1971 Simplicity pattern for bags and spats!  "Marsha, Marsha, Marsha!"

Alright, I have got to hit the hay.  I am wiped out!  I will post pictures of the great bags I saw today, as well as some of the other great stuff I found!

Toodles for now.

Can One Have Too Many Purses?

As you know, I normally spend my Fridays shopping at flea markets, thrift stores, garage  and estate sales, as well as vintage outlets.  Today, however,  I was busy getting organized for my own garage sale!  Believe it or not, I have never had a garage sale!  I'm not sure I knew how involved it would be.  Every year my neighborhood has a "hood" sale on the same three days.  I have never participated before, but I decided to have a go this year after my next door neighbor told me she made $400 last year.  Can you believe that?  Even half that would be great for the new camera fund right?  I will keep you posted on well I do tomorrow.  I will also post any items that I don't sell tomorrow in case anyone is interested in cake decorating supplies, gumpaste cutters and molds, pans and stands, as well as vintage cake decorating books.  Sorry, I've just realized if I can clear out this stuff, I would have more room for fabric!!

 Simplicity

I stayed up late last night and finished the Simplicity Pleated Purse.  I am really happy with how it turned out.  I found the pattern pretty straightforward and fairly easy to follow, with the exception of the inside pocket.  Luckily, I learned how to do an inside zipper pocket when I made the black and gray purse just last week.  I actually used the zipper from the deconstructed skirt for this inside pocket.  I absolutely love the fabric and to think that the entire purse was made from the fabric of a $2.00 skirt I bought at Goodwill makes it even sweeter!  I will definately make this purse again, but maybe shorten it a bit.  As a vertically challenged person, this bag kind of hangs a bit low for me. 

Have a look at the photos and let me know what you think! 

Notice my Sew Loquacious tag?

Sew, You're Having a Kidney Stone?

Jupiter

I've been in labor for three days.  No, I'm not having another baby, but a KIDNEY STONE the size of JUPITER!  Well, this boulder is definately not going to pass on its own, so I will be having it professionally removed next week.  Aren't I lucky?  Actually, the pain is bearable most of the time as long as I stay on top of it with the pain medication.  So, although I can't go to work while on these meds, I have managed to complete a few sewing projects in between naps.  Let me know what you think (maybe not a good idea to sew and or handle sharp objects while medicated?).

Dana's box Bag

I made this box bag for my hairdresser and friend, Dana.  I bought the fabric months ago knowing that I would make something for her with it.  I came across the tutorial for the bag at Stacy Sews Diary of a Fabric Junkie.  The directions were fairly easy to follow.  I'm sure that I will be making many more of these bags in the future!

Simplicity 2617

I also finished another purse.  I followed the   Simplicity 2617 pattern, however I did not quilt my bag.  I think it turned out pretty nice...and I managed to insert an inside zipper in the lining...a first for me!!

Inside Zipper

Oh, my "big" daughter received the black and white skirt and pink tunic top yesterday.  Suprise!  She likes them and they both fit!  As a matter of fact, she is wearing the skirt now.  Yeah!

Alright, until next time, toodles!

Angela

Simplicity 2616: Done Deal

I hope everyone had a fun and safe Memorial Day weekend.  Mine was spent working.  The long hours paid off and justice has been served.  That said, I spent this evening finishing up Simplicity 2616.  I decided to make View D.  I found the instructions actually fairly easy to follow and didn't run into much trouble at all, although I may not have inserted the elastic tight enough.  If, after I wear the top, I decide the shoulders and neck should be tighter, I will open up the casings and pull the elastic to shorten.  I really like the fabric I chose.  It is a cream colored linen-look with embroidered black flowers.  The downside here is that it is a bit heavy.  What do you think of this look? 

Bottom line on this pattern:  Pretty easy.  I will definately sew another view using a different fabric. 

I'd like to thank Rachel from One Pretty Thing for her kind words regarding my Adjustable Strap Tutorial.  She found my tute at Craftaholics Anonymous and then posted it on her site!  I'd love to see photos of any projects made using my tute! 

I hope you've noticed my "Grab" button!  I finally figured it out!  Yeah!  I was feeling pretty techno hip with this accomplishment until I realized that my "Email Me" button isn't functional!  Any suggestions?

Bye for now.

Angela

Tutorial Posted at Craftaholics Anonymous!

The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem.  Therefore, I can no longer tread along in denial; I don't mean that river in Africa.  No, I will admit:  I am a Craftaholic!  Thanks to Linda at Craftaholics Anonymous for selecting my Adjustable Fabric Strap Tutorial for Reader's Week on her blog!  I was sew excited when she notified me!  Check out her blog for several great tutorials all week!  I know you'll want to stick around longer because Linda always has cool stuff!

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I am still recouperating from my trip to Oklahoma!  I had never really been to OK before and I must say, it was more than Okay!  Honestly, I can't thank Stephanie and Matt enough for their hospitality and generosity.  We had a fantastic time and so enjoyed our time with you and all the clan! 

Simplicity 2616

Sew, now that the graduations are over...what's next?  Simplicity 2616 is:

I've already picked up some great fabric.  It is a cream colored linen with a black floral embroidered pattern.  I hope to get started as soon as possible and hopefully write a Pattern Translation as I go.  Sew, stay tuned!

You may have noticed a few changes to my blog design.  As I've posted before, I have a hard time "leaving things alone."  I guess as I am learning about blogging and web design, I want to try to change things up a bit and put my own mark on my blog instead of leaving everything up to Blogger and other template designers.  So, I managed to make my own "button."  However, I haven't figured out how to make the "Grab My Button" part of it.  Anyone out there with some easy (I mean EASY) instructions or tutorials would be sew appreciated!

TTYL

Angela 

Ye of Little Faith...

I want to give a big shout out to Deb, my sewing guru. I took my top into her today and she confirmed that I HAD DONE NOTHING WRONG! That's right...even lacking the math gene, I did not mess up the measurements for the top or the lace! Deb said that 1 3/8 yards of lace trim is definitely not enough to go around the top of the top. In other words, Butterick messed up when writing the pattern! I feel vindicated. Now, I just need to finish the top. I had made a long ruffle out of the top fabric and sewed that around the top. This ruffle matches the ruffle I made to go around the bottoms of both sleeves. I need to clean up my edges and then finish the top by adding the elastic. Deb shared a cool trick for making the casing for the elastic at the same time making a clean edge...use bias tape! This is such a great idea. I can't wait to finish this top!

I do feel obligated to complete the top as indicated in the pattern, however. I mean if I am going to write a "review" for the pattern, I better actually make the top shown. With this in mind, I purchased more fabric today as well as more (a lot more) lace trim. Once I complete the original top, I will try the pattern again with this new fabric. Sew, stay tuned.

Check out the purse I completed last night. I changed up the Simplicity pattern a little for my bag. The pattern "called for" prequilted fabric, however I used some great home dec fabric. I also made the handles longer. What do you think?

Halter Weather?

Yesterday I wore sandals and a short sleeved shirt out shopping. It was 63 degrees in the sexy city. Today it is below freezing and it continues to snow! You gotta love the Midwest!

I started working on the halter a few days ago. I finished up this morning and, believe it or not, no curse words were spoken during this project! I had some trouble understanding the instructions on how to attach the front to the back at the shoulders, but, with some trial and error (big time), I figured it out and then it made sense. Another first for me, was darts! I've shied away from projects, mostly bags, that have darts. This time, however, I read ( and reread) the section in one of my sewing books (Teach Yourself Visually Sewing) about darts and success: darts where they are supposed to be! Now I just need to figure out how to alter this part of the pattern to make the bosom area a bit bigger. The halter fit, but it was snug in this area...or maybe the darts just need to be lowered a little...the model on the cover of the pattern appears to be a wee bit younger than myself! Ah, gravity!

I've added a few photos of two bags I made using a Simplicity pattern for size and shape, but then added my own spin to them by using bias tape on the pockets. Check them out by clicking on Bias Tape Purses.

Until next time, stay warm! Spring will come, I promise.

Angela

A Tutorial....Finally

Well, I wrote a tutorial today about making an adjustable purse strap using fabric slides. I followed Nancy's steps to the letter, except for the length, and the strap turned out great! I'm not sure my how-to explains the process as descriptively as Nancy does in the 12 Easy Sew Bags episode I've watched over and over (and over) again, but I think it comes close. The bag I made (red and khaki plaid) is not from a pattern, although I did use Simplicity pattern #2830 for the size and shape, but the design is my own.
I used this same Simplicity pattern for size and shape for another bag I made this fall. I used bias tape on this bag, which was a first. I really like how it turned out. It is the black and white bag shown above. (I wish I could find a tutorial on how to add photos to posts)

Have a look at the how-to and let me know what you think. I've also added a few project photos of a summer halter top I made out of scrap fabric. I think it turned out really cute. I am definately going to try that one again in an adult size (for me and my tan)!

A.