the past

I was just looking through some old photos this morning for a possible magazine ad.  It also gets me going!  Seeing some things that I have made and sold.  These are some good sewing memories!  I thought I would share some of them with you again :)

[caption id="attachment_757" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="hanky dress with a little purple tulle underskirt"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_759" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="made using a vintage tablecloth"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_760" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="items already for an open house party"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_762" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="little dream doll bed"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_765" align="aligncenter" width="450" caption="french inspired crafty candles"][/caption]

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!

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

crafty day

How would you like an invitation to my home? I will be hosting a day of sewing! I would love to help some of my friends get ready for holiday gift giving. And what better, than to give a gift that was handmade by you!

[caption id="attachment_498" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="some of my vintage pillow cases and sheets"][/caption]

This first crafty day you will learn to make a pillowcase. All you need is your own sewing machine, fabric, and basic sewing knowledge. The class cost is $15.00 and is limited to the first 8 registered students. I will provide some light drinks, snacks and a few door prizes!

Saturday, November 1, 2008
1 - 4 p.m.
at my home

I have made a few of my own pillowcases for my own three little ones. It's a great little way to decorate their room, when one year they love hotwheels and the next year they love pokemon. And for your girl friends, it's a nice gift to make up a pair of pillowcases in a sweet fabric combination that will compliment their bedroom. Since the fabric choices are unlimited, this could really be an inexpensive gift for you to make for everyone on your shopping list.

Just email me at trottgirl@sbcglobal.net if you are interested and I will then mail you a material list with your sign up confirmation.

Some other classes I would love to host before the holidays will be making a scarfe, knitting a hat, and scrappy fabric coasters. What are you interested in learning to do?