christmas past

I can't believe that it is already December 30th.  I know everyone says that, the holiday always goes by so fast!  It was a fun Christmas day this year.  The kids just kept going and going.  We were able to just sit back and watch them have fun.

I thought I would share just a bit with you of what it was like around our house.



The kids decorated some cookies while I did some baking.  My husband is usually in charge of this activity because I would want totally take over.  They make such a mess and end up eating so much of the icing (who can blame them).  But, I love the end result, and so does Santa :)



The banister in my house is hung with care and my husband's own Christmas stocking.  This is the one that his mom made for him when he was a little boy (almost 50 years ago).  The one next to it I made when we were first married.  I put a vintage sparkly tree pin on it just yesterday.  And the stocking on the far left was also made by my mother-in-law for our first baby, who is now 10.  I strung the little button garland myself a few years ago.  It took a few nights to do, but I just love the little added color.

This picture I took just this morning.  It has been foggy here and I popped outside and this poinsetta looked like it was covered in glitter.  I looked closer and saw that it was a little morning dew.   I felt like it was just a little present from nature for me to see.  And now you too!  Happy New Year friends!!

time for a visit

I just posted a tutorial over at the Glitter and Grunge blog. I made a few of these magnets for my kids friends, and some lucky neighbors.  So if you still have some little gifties that you need to make, plan a visit and check it out!  And have yourself a merry little Christmas!

naughty or nice?

Nice of course!!  Are you still shopping, still crossing names off your list?  Me too!  I have been really good (I think) about shopping handmade this year, and making things myself for others.

If you are still looking for a little something for someone little, here are a few aprons for you to choose from.  They are $16. each.

This is a half apron made using a vintage tablecloth and trimmed with pink ric rac.  It has pockets and I also made a matching hot pad, intended for place use only.

A little Christmas apron.  I love using the pom pom's!  They just make everything look festive and fun!

I know this isn't the best picture.  We just got a new camera for my husband's trip to Grand Canyon, and I am still playing with it.  But this has been my most popular apron.  Everyone loves the scotty dog!  It even has a scotty dog button on the velcro closure and is lined with the same black polka dot as is on the ruffle.

I know this is a funny angle.  But I thought you could see the aprons colors better in this photo.

Each apron that I make is one of a kind and so much fun to create!  Beginning in January I will be making grown up size aprons, and will be hosting a new apron sewing class.  So, if you are interested in a sewing class, or would like to buy one of my three aprons that I have left, just email me: trottgirl@sbcglobal.net  UPDATE:  Scotty dog apron has been sold.

Merry Christmas and thanks for looking!

out and about

You know those spec cases that I had on my to do list?  Well I finished them and delivered them!  They turned out cute, all made from vintage tablecloths.  I just love that fabric!

And while visiting with the girls at The Tin Thimble they were unpacking a very special box, a big box filled with new Amy Butler fabrics.  Merry Christmas!  And just look at what I bought!



Aren't they just beautiful?  It was so hard to pick out just two of them.  Sharon and Emma also had all of the coordinating solid fabrics in the line to go with each print.  Which you really need, because Amy uses such unique colors in her fabrics it makes it difficult to find it any where else.



And isn't this wonderful!  They have more!  I only bought one yard of this great vintage piece of fabric.  Does it remind you of some of the new fabric designs?  Everyone gets their inspiration somewhere!  I don't even know what I will be making with this, but you know I can't pass up something so fun.  And you have to buy what you love when you see it because it might be gone tomorrow.



This is another vintage piece of fabric.  These are my two favorite colors.  It's paired up with another Amy Butler solid, making a great match!  This green solid didn't photograph very well and is actually the same bright green as on the bright green apple on the bottom right corner.



This is a fabulous piece of bark cloth that Sharon brought out to show me.  It was made to be used as a curtain panel.  I just love barkcloth, especially the florals like this one.  The colors are so funky!  I am getting quite a collection of these fabrics, that I am holding onto and waiting to find the perfect project for.



After all of that fabric shopping my girl and I had lunch out at Newcastle Produce.  The best place for local organic fresh produce and the best grilled cheese sandwich ever!  Then we walked over to see Jim Anderson and his antique junk shop.  A great place to visit where I always find something that I can't live without.  And this day was no different.  I bought the biscuit jar on the left for $9.00, and it's in great condition.  It did have a wicker handle on it, but I don't think it was the original one.  It seemed a little long so I took it off and it sits on my mantle a little better too.  All of these are marked "made in Japan".

You should plan a day of fun in Newcastle, California.  It's a cute town that remains untouched by the growth surrounding it.  And has a lot of little spots for you to explore.

the girls

I had such a great time at Indie Sac.  Thanks to all of the girls (aka Amy, Lauren, Tamie, and Stacey) who helped make this such a successful day for all involved, the vendors and the shoppers.   It was a cold and foggy day, but that did stop anyone from coming out to support all of this handmade goodness and to support shopping local. Over 700 plus people attended!  And over a barrel of food for the Sac Food Bank was collected!   I even picked up a few cool gifts myself.  And made a crafty trade.  Such a fun thing to do!

http://www.flickr.com/groups/indiesacramento/pool/show/

Click above to check out all of the great photos.  And if you weren't able to make it... here are some of the cool crafters that I met.  I'm sure you will love them as much as I did!

Cori Crooks, Artist and writer

Nancy at Queen Puff Puff

Julie of Zuiliblu

Nicole of blue bicicicletta

Rain, jewelry designer

Tram Truong, photographer

free stuff

Are you looking for a good time?  Do you have a lot of holiday shopping to do?  This Saturday is Indie Sacramento!  Just the perfect place for you to be.  It is only $1.00 for admission with a canned or boxed food.  And kids under 12 are free.  And the fun continues!

Horse drawn carriage rides

Live music and choral singers

Free swag bags to the first 200 patrons

Craft activities for kids

Door prizes and more!

When:  Saturday, December 6, 2008

10 am - 6 pm

Where:  2409 J Street

Midtown Sacramento

p.s. to see more free stuff (swag) and raffle prizes visit the Indie Sac blog!

G&g aprons

Here are two of my cute half aprons, made for the December Glitter & grunge.  The first one is made using a vintage tablecloth.  I have also made a dress, coasters, and a specs case using this same fabric.  It has gotten around!



It has little pockets across the front for cooking utensils or craft supplies.  And it comes with a matching hot pad, made just for play, not intended for real kitchen use.  It is even all trimmed up with some pink ric rac, it's hard to resist!

The second apron is made using a vintage tea towel.  I just fell in love with these retro colors and the graphic nature of the design.  Someone even took the time to crochet the edge in blue.



It too has deep pockets across the front making it perfect to keep your spatula handy and ready to use.  I also made a matching hot pad, made just for pretend play!  The hot pad can be hung from the vintage button at the waist.

Have fun looking at G&g.  There are a lot of talented artists, and a great chance for some unique Christmas shopping!

my list

Thank you all for your encouragement!  I got so much done!!  My list is pretty much checked.  Now though of course I have a new list.  It's always something isn't it?  But my kids go back to school tomorrow, so I just might get some sewing done!  Yahoo!!



Three of my boys went on a trip over their Thanksgiving vacation.  My husband Jeff, my son Q, and his grandfather, Eldridge were in Colorado over the holiday.  They rented a beautiful black Lincoln Town Car and drove to Death Valley, Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon, and then onto Denver to stay with Uncle Joe and Aunt Doris.  They got on the Amtrak Zephyr train yesterday and will be home this afternoon.  Sounds great, huh!



I am picking them up at the train station.  And every 10 minutes I hear "is it time to go yet?"  I miss my boys :)   I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

ok, now what

I dropped the ball!  I haven't posted up anything new to my etsy site in the last few days.  But I did sell two things!  I think I am overwhelming myself and I feel like I can't complete anything.  There is so much that I want/need to be doing and I feel like I just don't know where to start!  Do you want a list?  Maybe that would help me...

1.  Finish specs cases for Emma and Sharon.



2. Start a blanket/burpie gift for my girlfriend Kathryn.



3. Go to the ranch and pick olives (sounds fun, huh?  but it still makes my list).



4. Go to the bookstore and buy the new Alicia Paulson book.  I have to have this!



5.  Buy the Anna Marie Horner book, Seams to Me.



6.  Start sewing a ton of aprons for the Indie Sacramento show.  Please come!  It is going to be so much fun!



7.  Get my swag together for Indie Sacramento, and mail it.

8.  Start another etsy site, I know, I just have to do it!  More about that later. (not my stocking)



9.  I really want to sew up a plushie doll.



10.  Have the girls over for drinks tonight.



Does that sound like enough?  Is that everything?  Now where do I start, at the beginning!  Happy Thanksgiving all!

etsy day three

Do you remember seeing this box before?  It's one that I made for the first Glitter and Grunge artist challenge. Now it's on my etsy site!



This is a cigar style box that I bought at Michael's and then using spray glue, covered it in fabric.  The fabric is from Moda and is some that my quilting sister, Mary sent to me.  It was a little awkward to make, getting all of the fabric lined up evenly and making sure no raw edges were showing.

I think my favorite part of it is the yellow fabric tape measure that ties it all up.  Now, it's my newest addition to etsy.  Thanks for looking!

*etsy update* sold the box, thank you!!!

etsy day two

I went to my local thrift a few weeks ago and found a cute hand made child's half apron.  Although I liked the style of the apron, the color wasn't that great.  So, I bought it with the plan of taking it apart to use as a pattern for my own apron. So I got out my seam ripper! And here is a slightly modified version.

It has six little pockets across the front for cooking utensils.  I also made a matching pretend hot pad with a little bit of ric rac.  Thanks for looking at vintage katie jean!

busy etsy

It is my goal to post a new katie jean creation on my etsy site every day.  And this being my first day, I posted my hopscotch scarves.

This is my girl, being stylish on a cold day.  Her brother's were wearing red, white, and blue to school to celebrate Veteran's Day.  And she had to get in on the action too.  She even had this blue dress with glittered stars (from Target) that was perfect for the day.  And I had this scarf that was perfect for her!

At the boys school, there were local vet's who were being honored. And they were then invited into each classroom to share their war experiences, in a G rated way :)  A local news station was even there, and out of 600 kids, I was able to pick mine out!

I'll keep you up on what is coming out of my sewing room.  There will be more creations coming daily!

come and see me

This Saturday I will be at my last craft fair event for the month.  And at my second to last craft faire of 2008.  It goes by so fast!

Saturday, November 15

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

East Valley Church

7801 Hazel Avenue

Orangevale, CA

Ok, now the really cool thing about this craft fair, besides how huge it's going to be, they are having a wonderful, wonderful raffle.  For every $5. you spend, buying something from a vendor, that vendor will give you one raffle ticket.  So you receive one raffle for purchases $5. and under.  Additional purchases of $5. increments you will receive another raffle ticket.  So, if you spend $15.  you would receive 3 raffle tickets.  Cool huh!  And you don't even need to be present to win :)

holiday shopping

Glitter and grunge is a featured advetiser on the Modish Holiday Gift Guide. So what? you ask?  Well, when you go and check out their ad on the gift guide, located under boutiques, you will see a special discount.  Great, no? Yes!  Happy shopping!

a little Martha idea

You know this idea would appeal to me!  Just yesterday when I was at the Rosemont High Harvest Festival, I had so many comments from people about how I use my vintage hanky's.  It seems like everyone has a collection of handkerchief's that belonged to their mother or grandmother.

I have always wanted to collect monogrammed hanky's and make an ABC quilt.  Now there is even yardage that you can buy that looks like vintage hanky's all sewn together.

It is really cute, but I would love to make the real thing! Meanwhile, enjoy this quick and easy idea.

From:

That box of folded handkerchiefs at a vintage-clothing store might not look promising, but, unfolded, each one can be a piece of art. Many handkerchiefs from 1900 through the 1960s were printed with lively designs. Framed simply, they're great decorations for a wall. Here's how to do it: Wash and iron handkerchiefs; measure each of the four sides, adding 1/2 inch to each measurement. Have 1/8-inch-thick glass and 1/16-inch-thick poster board cut to these dimensions. Center the handkerchief on the poster board, and cover it with the glass, matching up the edges. Do not use tape or glue to mount the handkerchief; residue from either can stain or discolor the fabric. Use a Swiss clip to clamp the middle of one side while applying foil tape along the opposite edge, making sure the tape adheres to the glass and the poster board. Snip tape at the corners. Center a clip over the tape, then repeat the process for the remaining three sides.

Sources
Swiss Clips by JBC Imports and Marketing
Pro-sheen silver foil tape by Pro Tape
Pearl Paint
800-221-6845

i forgot

You know at the first of each month, I post some new creations on my Glitter & grunge artist page.  Well, I forgot to let you know what I made for the month of November.



It isn't anything new.  But it is something that I love and feel so good about making.  You have seen these before.  And I hope to be ordering some more of this organic fabric from Harmony Art soon.



You can buy one of these sets from me if you visit my etsy site.



Each set includes a cuddle size blanket, two burp cloths, a wash mitt, and a little stuffed toy "ella".  If you would like to see and feel these soft fabrics for yourself, just email me and I can send you a free fabric sample.  You will not be disappointed!



Thanks for looking!

this Saturday

If you have looked to your right, you have seen my katie jean events.  Well, this Saturday, I will be at the 3rd annual Rosemont High Harvest Festival and Craft Fair.  It sounds like a fun day and my own kids will be there too!

This year they are having a classic cars show, Healthy Harvest Cooking Chef Scott, a magic show, face painting, carnival games, and an e-waste recycling drive.  Katie jean will be there with 50 other vendors and student clubs!  And a raffle!  My favorite part!  Come and look for me, I will have an inside booth.

Saturday, November 8th

9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Rosemont High School

9594 Kiefer Blvd., Sacramento

This is the doll bed that I made for the Harvest Fair that was held at my kid's elementary school.  They raised money by having a silent auction.

so much to say

There is are so many different things on my to do list right now.  I feel like I should be telling you something new everyday.  Or at least twice a day.  And it just gets added to my list!

Well, I think you now how much I am into the Houston Quilt Market.  My sister, Mary, has her own shop and she took me with her last year.  It was so very cool!  I just love seeing all of the fabric and all of the new patterns and creations.

So, OK, this year, she took our Mom with her!  I know, huh!  Anyway... she did see some of my new friends from Australia.  And look what Gram brought back for my girl.

She named her Flower.  (She loves pushing the door bell while I take her picture!)  I was also given a pattern for a bunch of little dollies that go in a fabric bag.

Melly and her sister Rosalie create so many cute things.  And they use the best combination of fabrics.  If you haven't looked at their site, you just must!

More to follow about me, later!!

my goodness

I was tucking my kids into bed tonight and I was short one.  So I came down stairs and my Q was sitting up watching the presidential coverage.  How great!  I loved seeing his passion and his interest in the whole process.  And, lucky him, his choice for president won!



I was so moved by Mc Cain's speech,  well done!  And Obama was so aware of his place in history and was equally eloquent.  No matter who we voted for, what a night!

to market, to market

I love the internet!  I feel like I can be online all day!  And if you are like me :) than you are going to be doing some of your Christmas shopping online too.

So, I have started advertising more for all those holiday shoppers.  If you go to Vintage Indie Market you will see my new ad there under Children's Shoppes.  I have a special discount there for 10% off if you shop using my vintage katie jean shop over at etsy. Over the next few days I will show you some other fun and new places to shop!



Plus, I hope you all had a fun Halloween!  I would love to know what everyone was dressed up as.  My own were pretty funny.  I might sneak in an extra post to show you a few of my snaps!

thanks all!

My blog giveaway ended yesterday!  And thank you all who participated!  I loved reading all the nice things that everyone says.  It really makes my day!  And that you support my business means so much to me.

Especially now when I hear so much of just the little things that people are doing to cut corners.  I know that everyone is watching where they spend their money.  And I'm glad that people still look to buy quality, unique, handmade, items.  I think it makes gift giving (and receiving) much more personable, and fun!  So thanks all!!



And who won already!?  Tyna J.  I asked my Q to say a number between 1 and 14 (the number of replies) and he said her number!  So, Tyna J. will be receiving one of my white Christmas stockings, made using a vintage Christmas handkerchief.  Cute, yes?

thank you!

You are the best! I won the Artist Challenge over at Vintage Indie!!

I am so thankful to have your support for my business. And to show you my appreciation, I am having a giveaway! Just leave a comment on any post, and you will be automatically added. The giveaway will end on October 31st. And it is a surprise! I promise it will be something made by me :)