Jersey Knits

My desk is too messy to show the entire thing. I am keeping too many aspiring projects out in the open. But besides all that, I want to venture into new territory. Shall I attempt a simple t-shirt? A while ago I found this *way too small* jersey t-shirt at the thrift store but I really liked the details.
The thrifted t-shirt has finished seams with the same fabric bias tape using slightly darker thread for the top stitching. I found a similar weight, similar color fabric in the red tag bin at JoAnns. So, we'll see how it goes. Baby steps, right?

Carrie, the blog author of Ruffled Feathers, is currently hosting a contest to win some very fall scarflette's. Not sure what a scarflette is? Better click the contest link to find out! There is one small catch to have a chance at winning one of her knitted scarf's. You need to take a picture of your feet. I gave her two photo's. One very well rested set of feet. And one oh-so-tired set of feet.

Before and After

I posted this photo a few weeks ago. I picked up this badly painted 70's blue book case for $8 at a yard sale this summer. I almost forgot to take a before photo and had already started painting at this point.

Two cans of chocolate spray paint later and we have a nice addition to our home. We really needed book storage space downstairs to hold our current reads and cookbooks. I think it turned out nicely. The size also works as well too. Its very narrow depth wise so it works out well to ground this very large print and the double doors leading to the back yard are just to the left. So traffic is not effected at all.
How do like my ivy I named Rapunzel? She may need a trim soon.

Today also marked the opening of the NieNie Benefit Sale on Etsy. One very amazing woman has graciously donated her household, mailbox, family time, and photography skills to make this possible. Over 160 items were listed today and ALL OF THEM HAVE SOLD! Isn't that so amazing?!?! I donated two- items that sold immediately. I encourage you to check back tomorrow for more listings and browse through the sold items to see the generosity of so many people.

Pay It Forward

A few weeks ago, I made my first comment on Lolly's blog and it was to be included in on her Pay It Forward gift exchange. She was really quick with making everything and these wonderful items are already strewn around my home.

Check it out! Hand made cards, fabric covered push pins and magnets, an embroidered drawstring pouch, she made me a beautiful necklace, and she sent along a laminated measurement card that you can download from her blog. Isn't it all so very cool?!?

Here's a closer look of the interior of one of the cards. I just love that stamp detail at the bottom. I want stationary made like that! Between A Very Mary and Lolly I am hooked up on the handmade cards! Love it!

So this means that it's my turn to Pay It Forward. Here are the rules:

I agree to send something fun, cute, and nice to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry. In turn, those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on. If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 blog owners to leave a comment! International readers, feel free to comment too!

You have to promise that you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, and then send something to the first three people who comment on your blog so that this continues. When the first three have commented I will email you a request for your shipping address and I will send out something that I hope will make you smile!

And here is an extra added bonus. I will randomly select one other person from the comments as well, just in case you weren't one of the first 3 people to comment and still would like to participate. That selection will happen, oh lets say, Wednesday evening. Fair enough? Just make sure I can reply to your comment via email or leave you email in the comments section so I can contact you.

Oh, and I only promise you'll get these items before Xmas. :)

Vintage Square Swap

This is the results of the Vintage Square Swap I eluded to yesterday. Last night I sorted through all the wonderful prints before I went to bed. There is 200 pieces of fabric stacked up there! And amazingly enough I did not spot a duplicate.

These are a few of my favorite prints. I'll be making a blanket/quilt out of these. I think I'll arrange the squares so they sit on a diagonal with a white background. I've never tried machine quilting before, so this maybe an easy first attempt.


Next post I'll show off my Pay It Forward goodies. :)

Travel worthy project

When life gets busy, find a project that travels well! I very cautiously cut into my cashmere stash- finally. Buttercup wanted to get to know Gray a little better. I precut all my pieces, gathered a needle and thread and put everything together in a zipper pouch. When I can grab a few minutes during lunch I recharge myself by sewing a few stitches in the beautiful autumn sunshine. Seriously, the east coast has been heaven lately.

I really wanted to visit my blog this evening, but I didn't get to take photos till dusk. Color is off, but the sunset couldn't have been more colorful.
I have some fun mail to show off soon too! I got my vintage 6x6 squares from a swap organized by Katie. I haven't even had a chance to completely go through all that goodness. And I have to properly thanks all the swappers.

AND I received my Pay It Forward package from Lolly. Awesomeness. Pictures to follow soon. This can only mean I will be continuing the tradition and Paying It Forward to some fellow blog readers. So be on the look out for that post.

My pincushions were also featured over on the Bee Square Blog. :) That's pretty fun!

So do you have a good travel project? Share and share alike.

Food Discovery

My husband doesn't care much for condiments and this includes salad dressings. And why spend the money for store bought dressings when I have all the ingredients on hand? So every time I'd like a bit of dressing for my salad I mix up a small amount. I usually place the 3 tbl of vinegar, 3 tbl of oil, salt & pepper, and any chosen herbs in a small jam jar and add a lid. Shake till combined.

Balsamic vinaigrette on the left, Golden Balsamic vinaigrette on the right.

Any leftovers that have been refrigerated come out looking like the jar on the right. A yucky mass of congealed olive oil. Blah. That was until I was watching an episode of Good Eats and Alton Brown said that mustard is a natural emulsifier. Now whole grain mustard gets special treatment in our kitchen because we don't consider it a condiment but rather an ingredient. So last night when I made my vinaigrette I added about a 1/4 tsp of whole grain mustard to the mix. And tonight when I reached back in the fridge for it- behold- no congealed mess. Not a mustard fan you say? Not a problem. My taste buds could not detect the 1/4 tsp of mustard in the dressing. So this makes me happier than a clam in sand.

More of a fall note- I bought a gallon of apple cider this weekend AND a box of ginger snaps (a.k.a. spiced wafers). Happiness is sure to ensue.

Once you get an idea...

My 8 month old nephew visited early this week and had a fondness for tags. I can see why babies really enjoy the Taggie brand toys available. During work one day this week I drew up very simple design/ directions for a new small toy for him. It was super easy and I finished it in one sitting after work. I used a very soft brushed cotton as the body, tucked the center once I finished stuffing it and finished it off with a small patch of felt embroidered in place. He'll get to play with it next Monday when he travels back through the area on their way back home from vacation.
I also want to share a new blog with everyone. Lately I have been having some great new people stop by and comment and most recently LollyChops has shared this free template along with several others.
She has a thing for sewing, beads, and birds. Something most of us have in common. :) I signed up for her Pay It Forward offer. I have seen this all around blog land and finally decided to play along. And I announce this because I am required to, well, pay it forward. So look forward to an upcoming post about that.