What'd You Got?

Last week was a good week for fun mail and lots of good surprises and thrifty goodness!

I received my package beautiful fishy ear rings from Susan! Not only are they amazing and look fabulous on me (pictures to come soon) but the wrapping was exquisite! I didn't want to open them...yeah right. One of my friends was in the shop when I got them, and she oohd and aahd over them, and was inspired to wrap her holiday presents differently this year! I am excited too, to hear how her trip to Portland was.








Then, Dina who was running a smidgy bit late...came with the barrette bribes to your left. I about fell over. Apparently she's seriously into vintage hair accessories right now. Lucky me! The first words out of my mouth were "are they vintage?" Holy cow, yes they are. On their cute Little "donos" cards...with rhinestones and everything. I don't know how she could bear to part with them...She asked the question on her blog how could she be so lucky to have gone out with 2 good friends 2 nights in a row? Well, I'm asking the same question right now...how could I be so lucky to have a friend that would give me these wonderful gifts? And in answer to her question...it's because squirrelfriend, you are so fun to hang out with...cheery, silly, generous, and up for most anything! I am just thinking of a million times when we've laughed and laughed until we cried...good friends are an amazing thing. People you can share all your funny quirky silliness with...inside jokes, personal references that make sense to no one else...and I'm happy, as always, that I get to share the journey with people like her! I have a couple of wonderful friends...My Pal Amy and My Squirrelfriend Dina. Notice too how I have reserved those special names only for them...only one Pal and one Squirrelfriend!

OK...I also found this lovely little vintage red floral doll dress, and just as I was lamenting that I did not have a doll...I remembered my troop of naked sock monkeys. I am wanting to make outfits for all of them (a huge undertaking) so, this may be cheating a bit...but for a quarter, I'm OK with that.

And are those polyester floral 1960's thigh highs? Why yes they are! Not for any monkeys but me...99 cents!











And this incredible metal floral...and indeed red, not the orange it looks like...cake and pie carrier. The pie, or whatever, goes on top. I don't have one exactly like this...my mother found it, and let me buy it for my little collection! $7.20 (it was on sale...hehehe!)







I'm working on some living room surprises to be unveiled later this week...stay tuned!

Sunday October 8th...

Participants:

• Rozzilyn
• Susan
• Sadira

A bit of a slow start today, but we did accomplish most everything. Rozzilyn's origional project idea was to create a bulletin board for her room. With all of her drawing and creating, she needs a special space for all of her pieces of paper for sure. So, we bought the board, and left it at their house (rats) But, that was just the perfect opportunity for her to help me bake some pumpkin muffins...She's a perfect helper, measuring and mixing...breaking eggs all over her hands...truly a lot of fun.











I love to use my vintage colorful mixing bowls for any project. My father has gotten me most of them, and I just adore them to no end. I wish I had more. I really love mixing bowls, I think that dates back to my mother. When she let me help her cook, she always had the most wonderful big vintage bowls to use. Mostly ceramic, and we used them all the time, no matter how much they were "worth" they were really priceless because we had so many good memories...Now I get to create more good memories with Rozzilyn...



Plus, you know what she said? "Aunt Sadie, you're a really good cook" Who can resist that? Living alone, I don't cook as much for me as I did when I was married, and I really miss it. I have noticed this fall that I have made pies and muffins, so I actually feel really good about that! Plus, I think with Rozzie's help, that this is the best batch of muffins I've ever made...

As you can see, I am wearing my new birdie apron, and is that the tallest 9 year-old girl ever? I mean, I'm not that tall (5'4") this girl is going to be super tall! (lucky)







Mama's project...baby socks! (or rather...almost life-sized Barbie socks, for Rozzie's doll) Can you believe it? She finished this one some time ago, but it needed it's little toe stitched up, which was completed today...and she started on her next one! It is quite adorable, and now that she's done it...she can teach me! This picture is just for Kate to show her that it certainly can be done by someone in my family...with more practice, maybe we'll get as good as her.










And my projects...baking the yummy muffins with Rozz...


Putting a waistband on this perfectly wonderful Halloween-like vintage skirt. Can you believe that it's been sitting around for it's whole little skirt life just waiting for a waistband? Talk about procrastination! I think it was just the wee bit happy that I did this, and well, so am I, because now I can wear it.











I also finished my Halloween banner. I was thinking of a totally different idea, however, my mother and I were at JoAnn's this weekend (for knitting needles only...HA!) and found this wonderful vintage looking witch and moon fabric for only 99 cents a yard, so I changed my plans.







I sewed little triangles of the material to black felt and then sewed them to some black and white binding. This binding is so thin and hard to work with, about half way through this project, I was wondering what exactly I was punishing myself for? It caught and then didn't, so some of it is sewn on really well, and the other parts...well, let's just say that I'm holding my breath! I was thinking how fun it would be to make more of these little banners, but I'm not so sure now...


We all went for a lovely afternoon walk in the perfect fall weather with a hot, right out of the oven muffin. (Yes, we risked burning ourselves!) I'ts a bit like the Beverly Hillbillies around here, as I had to lend my mom my socks because she was getting a blister. Nice, just to sit down in one of the nicer neighboorhoods in town and share socks. Of course, someone we knew drove by...perfect.

I'm of to eat muffins, drink coffee...and read Amy Butler's In Stitches book, there's already a few projects that I'm drooling over. I'm sitting here listening to the gutter guys climb around on the roof replacing the old leaky gutters! (finally)

I've Been Tagged...

...yes, I've been tagged by Jolene...
And, since I have a spare few moments this Sunday before Creative Sunday officially starts...I thought I'd just squeeze it right in! The Rules:

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether or not they have words, or even if they are not any good, but they must be songs you are really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your LiveJournal/blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they are listening to...

1. Such Great Heights - Iron and Wine

2. The Flower Duet - Lakme (opera)

3. Lips Like Sugar - Echo and The Bunnymen

4. Hide and Seek - Imogen Heap

5. Paper Bag - Fiona Apple

6. Yellow - Coldplay

7. Bridges and Balloons - Joanna Newsom


I usually buy a lot of compilations techno/house/world music for the shop...and anything that I truly love, I play and play there until I kind of get sick of it. Although, it takes a little longer to truly get sick of a compilation, because there's usually so much going on in one. I know, horrible, but true! There is some music that I enjoy that I don't listen to in the shop, like opera. I love opera, and most classical music as well.

Now List 5 weird things you don't know about me...

1. I eat a handful of Junior Mints every night. I've been doing this for quite a while now, and the way I figure it is...a handful of Junior Mints a day keeps my ice cream cravings away...mostly because I have major lactose problems, and I don't like to eat too much dairy.

2. I don't have the greatest inner dialogue! I say some appalling things to myself on a daily basis. I don't feel confident, or put together or that I know what I'm doing. I often don't feel successful at my life and business...I think a lot of the times, that this is all a big farce. OK...now, with therapy, these issues are getting a bit better, and I can feel things changing. It is just in there, and I think it's weird to an extent, so I decided to list it...plus, most people really don't know that about me!

3. I love okra. Love it! Love it so much that my mother gave me some the other day, and I am not going to be able to save it to even fry it (which is one of my favorite things to do with it) because I love to eat it raw. I love it for the exact reasons most people hate it...I love the slimy texture, and the taste is divine!

4. During the holiday season, about all I can handle is reading those trashy romance novels. You know the ones with the "throbbing manhood" stuff? Seriously, I don't know what it is, if the world is just stressed out and I'm picking up on it...if I too, am stressed out, and this is all my attention can handle! If you would walk into the shop and I'm reading, I will throw it under the counter and hide it (well...now you know!)

5. I am seriously into the Fall Temptations from Bath and Body Works...Especially the Pumpkin Pie Spice. I bought the 3-in-1 bath/soap/hair...although, I don't think I'd use it as a shampoo. I got a free lotion from the new amber collection...oh excuse me...body butter! I have a coupon for something free from the fall temptations line, and I have practically been counting down the days (Monday, thank you!) And I just looked on their site, there are lip glosses in these flavors...I don't really think I could be trusted with that! Although, maybe someone would kiss me if I bought one? (ohhh...marketing is a sneaky little monkey!)

OK...since I don't know 7 people well enough in blogland...I will tag:

Dina
Kate

and ask anyone else who reads this either send me a list in the comments...or send me a link to your blog with this all filled out! I would love to hear more about all of you!!

This Weekend...

It may just be one of those weekends. You know the ones, you're just meandering through your life minding your own business...then POP out of nowhere, there's tons to do? So much that there's just no way you can do everything...









I just made this sweet little faux Obie for the black and purple brocade oriental dress I'm wearing tonight. I found it on this site, and thought...I can make that! Well...it consists of patchwork oriental fabric, quilted onto a black felt background. Since I seem to refuse to use a pattern...I do end up with oddities here and there often with things. I'm wearing it out tonight anyway...style be darned (actually, I look OK) Yes, the light is terrible too, because it's night time so, I'm inside with lights on...




Heavens, is that my shoe in the upper right hand corner? What a hack! OH...has anyone tried that Victoria Secret Sexy make-up line? I got a free coupon for some lip gloss (I've gotten so many coupons from there this year that I have quite a few panties saved up!) Well...let me tell you, it is sexy! I got it in red (yay!) and it has glitter and you apply it with a paint brush...yummers!




Here's my WIP for this weekend. I was joking with Dina that I'm going to invite people over with the sole purpose of indenturing them in my studio and forcing them to make handbags! If I do attack this pile of stuff, I should get a few bags, a X-mas card holder, a vintage top and a vintage skirt out of it...pretty good inspiration!

The New Library...

Our library is finally open...after a 6 million dollar re-do, it is back! I am having mixed feelings about this...First off, I love books...love them like old friends, snuggle up with them in bed, have meals with them...and generally bring a book along to most places I go. I read all the time, I think it has to do with getting hooked in Junior High, because our TV broke, and my mother wouldn't fix it unless I brought my math grade up.





So...in place of Laverne and Shirley re-runs I was no longer allowed to watch (and yes, I did miss Twin Peaks and a handful of other shows that are now thankfully on DVD in case I want to watch them) I started to read instead of die of boredom (I know, I was very dramatic then) I went back and read all the classics I missed when I was watching Little House on the Prairie, and became quite hooked. I now probably read 2-3 books a week depending on what time of year it is (yes, I'm incredibly smart and have an amazing imagination) And, I have a wonderful personal library myself!







I was a little surprised when I walked in and saw all the open space, although nice...it used to be filled with books...but our library thought it was a good idea to deacquisition one third of our library collection (some books which we will never be able to get back because they are no longer in print) The new stacks are beautiful, with lights across the tops of them so you can see better...but, with not many books, there's not much to see. In fact, when you walk into the entrance...you can't actually see any books at all.

They're calling it Prescott's Living Room...and at eleven hundred dollars a chair...I guess so. There are several new nice meeting rooms, including a kind of craft room for the kids, which is good because they're no longer letting us use the third floor. They put up a new large display case (which has some really frightening art in it at the moment, usually they let different community organizations use it) and a good sized place for the Library Used Book Sale. The young adult section only has 4 small shelving units (one could work through the tiny amount of books in mere months) And as you can see by the pictures, there are some fun furnishings in the children's area. They stuck the children downstairs...I guess there were too many complaints about the noise they make (mostly grumpy retired people here in Prescott and on the board of the library apparently) and gave them some cool stuff (although, I noticed one of the little stuffed books is already ripping apart) as you can see too, Rozz was having fun, but it's a bit juvenile for her...there is no place for the 9-12 year olds (plus, I'm enjoying the young adult books more than most adult books...it's all the magic and non-love drama) The ceilings are a little low down there and you kind of feel like you're in a cave...in fact, you can't walk 10 feet anywhere in the library and have the ceiling be the same height...it's a little disorienting (and I donated quite a bit of money in Rozzie's name so she, like other peoples children, could have their pictures posted in the children's section...and I certainly don't see any pictures down there at all...in fact, I heard they're not letting them hang anything on the walls down there...you know how kids hate colorful spaces) They also took the fish away, and there's been some struggle with whether or not they're bringing them back. OH...most of the library is done in teal as well. Really, I do look around and say $6 million, and this is it? Slippery cork flooring, teal trim/paint and carpet...really expensive chairs...couldn't we have gotten a decorator?

So, there's some good and bad things...It's certainly nice to be able to touch and see the books again...even if they have gotten rid of most of them and are now putting new copies of really old books in the new arrival section...they can't scare us away that easy!

An Apple A Day...

That's been happening a lot lately around here hasn't it? This is a picture of all the apples I can't get to in the tree in my back yard...because this tree grows in a large ravine, and there's just no solid ground for me to stand on, and the trunk and branches of this tree would in no way support my body! (I've lost a lot of weight...but I am not a fairy!) I feel a little sad that I can't get to these guys and make another pie, but when my mother, Rozz and I were walking to the CSA tonight, we passed 2 apple trees in her neighborhood that are loaded down with apples that no one is picking at all! Maybe I'll steal some of theirs? You would not believe how many trees like that are around town.

I am contemplating making this project for myself soon. I know I'm going to need some help ahead of time, and at Studio 3 here in town, I can pay $15 to sit with a group of experienced knitters and one lead knitter extraordinaire and get all the help I need until I finish my project...So, I am certainly checking into that. I need to get all my yarn and needles first, luckily we have some 50% off coupons for JoAnn's this week, so it's wooden circular and double pointed needles in a size 10 for me!

My house is filling with the delicious smell of salmon with capers and potato au'gratin with soy...so I must be going. I need to eat before Project Runway tonight so that I can be ready to partake in some Junior Mints while watching it! (A special treat for myself since I've now taken the rather large pile of fabric to the shop to commence in cutting out the material for bags there) And, if anyone sees any bag that I post to the blog, and you do actually want it, please let me know. I charge $16.50 for them, and will ship them to you for $4.00 extra. I am contemplating starting an etsy shop, but am a little scared, so I will be taking it a bit slow...So, please let me know!

A Bag A Day...

Well, I did it...I made a bag yesterday after all (all that silly mentioning that I was not going to do it paid off!) OK...well, I actually cut it out last night and woke up and jumped on the sewing machine first thing this morning. The liner fabric is made from a polka-dot pillow case, and the outside is some wonderful vintage 70's material. Certainly fun and colorful for the fall.

I am also tossing around an idea for a Halloween garland made from felt, and was supposed to work on it tonight at Oh Knit at mom's, but we got all involved in a walk and dinner and eating some apple pie (good excuses huh?) I did get on the computer and look at a pattern for a knitted sock monkey hat that I really want to make for myself as well. Of course, I will need to buy quite a few supplies, and then I'll be totally ready.

We were noticing the fact that tonight, well, um, we haven't been knitting at Oh Knit in quite a while. I am personally chalking it up to the theory that we don't really feel like knitting while the weather is still so beautiful because we're just enjoying these last few days of summertime before the fall sets in. I know that I really feel like settling in more when it's colder and being inside and busy with my hands then...So, I'm just going to enjoy being where I'm at for the moment...and am truly looking forward to sitting in my mother's new snug in a bug insulated home next week! (were holding a special "I can't believe I finally got my house insulated" party then!)

Well...

just when you thought I was done (believe me, I thought I was too) Ms. Susan L...over at sulu-designs informed me that she was posting her fishie ear rings. Now, I may be reliving my high school days here (oh wait...that was Kim with her yellow plastic stegosaurus ear rings wasn't it?) but are these not the most wonderful ear rings ever? Holy Cow...I told her that I was doing a happy fishie dance and singing the "I can't Wait For The Mail" song. So, the cat thinks I'm crazy (but really, don't they usually?) although, I know she'll be begging to borrow them from me...

Sunday October 1st...

Participants:

• R.C.
• Rozzilyn
• Sadira
• Susan

Well...first off let me say, what an amazing day! With pie in hand/car we made our way over to a wonderful home for an amazing afternoon (again, the same man who's son made all the shoes for Jay's runway show) We started our time together touring the outside...and as you can see, R. has created an amazing place here. He has tons of stuff to look at placed all around this amazing well taken care of (and planned...making me rethink my non-landscaping, bloom where you've fallen, yard)...with a sweet (although concerned and somewhat mischievous) looking gnome on a swing...perhaps it's the cow skull in the tree? Perhaps it's just the nature of gnomes...











A wonderful wind decoration twirls about...that, in my opinon, just enhances the view he has...

















A cute little stick hut...which I can't remember the name of at the moment...but we all decided since the javelina haven't knocked it down, they're using it as a summer home (yes, he's making all of this stuff...you should see the paintings he's done!) And the sweetest little skull that he actually carved into a piece of wood...which I forgot to take a picture of...he's descended from quite a tallented carver and other artists...so, as you can imagine, it's a great piece!

And, if I wasn't excited about the outside...the inside was spectacular. I did not take pictures because I felt a bit weird, but I'm telling you...it was amazing! He has an incredible collection of antiques (including an Italian buffet and table with carved faces and grapes on it...it seriously took my breath away) beautiful art, vintage maps, prints and photos abound...and the books? OH MY...the books! They are everywhere and they are incredible! The library (all 3 rooms) fairly reek of the most amazing smell of antique books...oh yumm, pure heaven...And yes, this even eclipsed the smell of the coffee and apple pie! He has met so many famous authors...and the Edward Gorey stuff he has just made me giddy. We had an exciting time eating, drinking, telling stories, and laughing...It was hard to go home.

Meandering around the grounds? sitting in the kitchen, and on the deck? drinking good coffee and eating apple pie? stretched out on the floor looking at rare books? This is indeed, my idea of a great afternoon. We stayed quite a while...and if we'd brought more food, we may still be there! R's passion and knowledge is inspiring...and has infused me with excitement about my own small collections!

Thank you R...a good time was had by all!

And...I was a bit creative in the evening as well...

I was making a challenge for myself this week called "A handbag a day" because I want to keep up the supply at the shop. So, I made this little western themed one, and took it to the shop today. However, the day has gone by without another handbag...so maybe tomorrow?















Here's a little close-up of the detailing...can you believe that it says Prescott Arizona on it? I made the outside from a rayon dress, and the lining was created from a gingham checked curtain.









And because I usually have nothing to wear...


A new collaged t-shirt. There's 2 little skulls there in between all of the roses...but don't you think the pink and polka-dots make it look that much more girley? It's getting to the point where it's more fun wearing things I've made than just buying things and wearing them off the rack...

I just love it!

More Pie?

...well, yes as a matter of fact, there is. I thought I was done making pies (I'm not really lying to you) and there I was last night, after a wonderful dinner and talkies with My Pal Amy, rushing home to make more. I was trying to pass off that this was going to be a difficult task to Amy, but she kindly reminded me that I did indeed teach her how to make apple pie not too long ago...and in my enthusiasm, I danced around her kitchen telling her how easy it was (I was just trying to be supportive...mostly because she's not confident in the kitchen!)

OK...it is easy

I admit...and since the Creative Sunday group is taking a little field trip to our friend's house this afternoon to look at his Edward Gorey collection of wonderful things, and just visit...We thought we'd bring a yummy treat! Yes, this would be the friend who's son did the shoes for Jay (don't worry, I'm working on either some shoes or an introduction) and since we have tons of apples still...well, why not. You know, we drive around town and people's apple trees are just loaded down with apples, and no one seems to be picking them. We are thinking about picking theirs too...because my mom just confessed that they go through about 3 jars of applesauce a week at their house!

So here are two more pies...one of which I'm not sure what exactly I'm going to do with. I would love to send it to Jolene and her family (since they're in the land of no apple trees) or my sister, or my father and Patti, or any of my sweet blog readers but, I'm not confident that pies would make a good travelling companion in the mail.

The pie that will be going with us today is in one of my little vintage cake/pie carriers. This one is decorated with little apples (perfect, no?) and looks a little more like the fall. And is that little maple leaves and an acorn (with little detailing) as well as apple cut-out's? Why yes Virginia, it is! I usually save my acorns for my amazing pumpkin and pecan pies at Thanksgiving, but I was feeling especially creative last night...and thought why not? Besides, this year, I'm working on a 3-dimensional turkey for the tops of the pies (just kidding...I do happen to have turkey canape cutters, I'll probably just use those) It's so fun to dabble in Martha Stewartness! OK...I'm off to create a bit in the studio with a cup of Pumpkin Spice coffee (thank you Dina, for the tip) and eagerly awaiting Millstone's Holiday Peppermint. I know, not organic, but it's only once a year because they're limited editions (kind of like Starbuck's Pumpkin Pie flavors as well...yumm)

My house smells just amazing right now!

ZZZZZ...

Is it the end of the week yet?
Seriously...is it?

I am quite exhausted, only because I haven't been sleeping well lately. I would like to think it's this sweet little kitty girl who, as you can see, is taking up half the bed. I was thinking that now that I am single, I would get to stretch out in my own bed (I mean, that's a perk isn't it?) but how wrong I was. It's worth it though, to roll over at any time of the night and get a snort full of hair! But, it's me really. I haven't been walking daily, so no tiring out my body, and I thought I'd been feeling well enough to take myself off the daily doses of Kava (oh...that would be a good name for a blog wouldn't it be?) so, I decided to "wean" myself off. HA. Now I am having really exhausting disturbing dreams, plus waking up at all sorts of odd hours...I am coming to realize what people mean when their loved ones need to take a medication and then they "feel" well enough to go off...and...oops, oh that's why I needed that! So, lets just say for now that there will indeed be more Kava in my future, as well as daily walks! And lucky for me, my bestie pal Amy called for a dinner invitation for tomorrow night...so I suppose I could hang around one more day at least.

And with all the nervous energy, I took on what I thought would be a daunting task, but once I started...it was easy and fun! I cleared out all my purses...and this large laundry basket is indeed full. I did keep my special Paul Frank, and Emily The Strange bags, as well as a few other special bags...but I thought since I've been making and usually carrying only the bags I've made lately, I thought why the heck do I need all these designer bags for anyway?! So, into the shop they went...Where they can find new homes. I ran this basket and another really large full bag down to the shop in the car and then drove home so I could walk to work (see, I really am serious...and this was after a long walk in the a.m.)

On a little side note, my mother's good friend here in town made all of the shoes for Jay's runway show at Olympus Fashion Week. Can you stand it?! I guess it was a real tight squeeze time-wise (as in, there was only a half hour to show time) and it was pouring rain, so when he went to drop off the 40 pairs of shoes...he actually parked on the sidewalk! He watched the entire show from the audience after delivering said shoes, and then moved his car! How can you not love New York? I wonder if this means that I will get to meet Jay?

OK...I'm off to a dinner of salmon with capers and rosemary potatoes. I hardly ever cook a real dinner for myself since there's just me...because I feel a little pathetic doing that (something to take into therapy with me next week) and watch a little What Not To Wear before heading off to dreamland, where I hopefully will stay asleep later than 11:30 pm (yes, last night I went to bed at 9:30 and woke up at 11:30 thinking it was morning already...sigh)

What'd You Got?

So...The post you've all been waiting for (he he he)

First off...The tall tin, the one in back...The one that matches the tin that I use for my buttons?! My mother found that...(I can hardly believe it matches, it made me do a little happy dance at the sale...luckily we knew the ladies that were having the sale, so they weren't too freaked out) The tin has a little hole in the lid and apparently it is for yarn. The yarn is held in the tin, and you thread the working end out the top, and that way, the yarn doesn't get tangled up. I don't usually have a problem with my yarn tangling up...but it matches!
$3



Then, these lovely rolls of heavy-weight fabric. Perfect for upholstery I'm sure...I don't know exactly what I will use it for, but that's the challenge isn't it? When I asked how much it was, the lady at the sale said, "I"ll tell you what I paid for it" and I replied, "No, don't tell me that, just tell me what you want for it" I can only imagine what it cost new...yikes!
$5/roll







Then, this lovely little pile of fabric at the same sale...I am really liking the diamond patterns, and am thinking about making a winter kitchen rug for in front of my sink...And will probably have enough left over for one under the kitchen table.
$5 for the pile





The tall table...Well, I'm not sure the word table is exactly accurate as it looks more like a table leg with little circles screwed onto the end of it, but it is the perfect size for glasses of water or tea, and fits right in between my chairs in the living room. And sice they're in the middle of the floor, I never have anywhere to put my drinks...
$1

The lovely vintage twin size bed spread....the one with the blue sort of palm tree/spray pattern on one side, and then the green pattern on the other...a lovely monogrammed linen pillowcase with "HB" on it, in pink (I have quite a collection of vintage monogrammed pieces) and some random weird blue and green vintage fabric...

$2-quilt
$0.25-pillowcase
$0.25-fabric

And finally...a little footed silver tray for Ms. Meena's foodie. She digs around in there with her little nose, and the food tends to end up all over the floor (as you can see, sheesh, I guess I could have cleaned that up a bit before I took the picture) and this will catch it before it drops onto the floor! Ms. Meena puts up with a lot around here...Constant piles of things, and things coming and going...
$1

And in answer to Dina's comment the other day...It will be interesting for me to see what I do with the bark cloth fabric as well. Usually, I fold it up and keep it all in the same place, among all the other bark cloth fabric I have stashed, and stare lovingly at it. Hmmmm, I seem to do that with a lot of my things, well, at least I'm surrounded by things that I love!

Monkeys for a friend...

Ok, I know I promised you even more "scores" today, but I finished this special little bag last night. My good friend Amy commissioned this bag...I excitedly agreed to make it for her in exchange for her purchasing all the fabric, and then me keeping all the left over fabric (because I have yet to make myself a sock monkey purse...I know, hard to believe but true!)

So, I bought the material here...Part of the Funky Monkey line...The sock monkey portraits for the outside of the bag, with the polka-dot fabric on the top of the straps (because she really liked the one I made for Rozzie) with a green banana print for the lining...And 2 inside pockets (polka-dot and portrait fabrics)...
...And is that a hand painted red banana print button you see?

Why yes, it certainly is! That was me you saw in the shop today with a tiny paint brush painting my heart out. It was really fun, as I've never painted a button before. I picked up a rather large wooden button at Wal-Mart, and it worked perfect for this purpose!


I delivered the bag this evening after work (was this the longest day in the world or what? I swear, it went really slow here in Prescott! Just the kind of day that rambled and meandered along with no real end in sight) and, I made this little card just for Amy...

Amy nicely took me out to dinner for a little treat and thank you. I thought the good conversation, plus the fresh chocolate macaroons she'd just baked (have I mentioned that her special talent is cooking?), and just being able to give her something I made that I knew she would love was enough...But really, if you want to feed me Mexican food as well, who am I to disagree?

So, tomorrow, I will post more thrifty goodness...Right now, I am eagerly awaiting Project Runway (no repeat tonight) and trying to breathe. The forest service is doing some sort of prescribed burning, and it's so smoky here, it's like living in a fireplace. I could barely see any of the mountains this morning when I woke up...And the smoke is making me a little snurflie!

Thrift magic...

Have you ever had one of those days at the thrift? Well, yesterday was one of those days! After investigating a nasty rumor that the local Goodwill is closing on Mondays (Salvation Army is for whatever reason) I've been driving by on my way to CostCo to pick up organic salad mix (which there was this week...You know, after that nasty spinach scare we were worried...not really) and I keep seeing cars in their parking lot, so I chanced it...Good thing too, because it was certainly open!

The Goodwill has color tag sales, of which I usually never find anything...But today was different! First off was these lovely vintage flannel PJ's! I absolutely love men's vintage PJ's, boxers included...I love the patterns on them, and actually have been known to wear the tops around town (well, I did in high school anyway...(come to think of it, so did my parents in the 60's, it must be genetic)...to a Thompson Twins concert...OMD opened for them, and my friends and I were trying to look all cool and Mod because a group of friends and I were going down to Phoenix for the concert, which was a stretch, because living up here, it was a little hard to find cool clothes! It's funny to me what we do to try to fit in and not look different, I wish I had the picture we took of ourselves to post. I remember we did the part in my short hair as a zig-zag, and we were almost speechless with our creativity!) So, my little friend Paul Jones must have gotten rid of his old PJ's because there they were, sitting there, in the thrift, waiting for me...And with a 50% off tag on them to boot! I was a little worried about paying the $5.99 price, but justified it because I never see vintage PJ's in good condition anymore, and was giddy when I discovered they were half off! Then I made my way to the fabric section, and there was an amazing piece of mid-century bark cloth...Pink, turquoise, black...And yes...Metallic gold! $1.99 (which is amazing because at this particular place, the single sheets are $7.99...?!?!?!) I was so happy I almost started skipping through the store. It's silly because when I find this stuff, I look all around me, like I'm some kind of secret agent and I'm sneaking around trying to get this stuff out of the store before someone discovers what I'm carrying and takes it away from me.
And, the fun was not quite over because someone must have just put out clothes...And in the sleeveless top section was this amazing salmon and pink polka-dot Vera tank! Whoo-boy, and in my size. Not that I love Vera (and yes, it certainly says Vera all over it) but, you can bet I'm wearing it today...With a denim skirt and a little white corduroy fitted jacket...What an amazing thrifting day! It was also a good weekend for yard sailing...But more on that tomorrow!

Sunday September 24th...

Participants:

• Rozzilyn
• Sadira
• Susan

The first official Creative Sunday of Fall...whoopie!

I personally got started right in (after making the muffins for the baby shower) by making a runner to drape over my "mantle". I say "mantle" because the one thing this house doesn't have that I wish it did, is a fireplace. Which I think is a little odd because the house was built in 1926, and it's a bit on the chilly side up here in Northern AZ...Usually these older homes have fireplaces (then again my first home, a 1914 craftsman didn't have one either, of course, it was only 700 sq. Ft. So there really wasn't too much room for one) so, I kind of "built" myself a little fireplace...And I now joyfully decorate the mantle each season, or really for every holiday!

I made this runner with a little pumpkin design on one side, for Halloween, and then a little Snoopy and Woodstock Thanksgiving material on the other side, so I can flip it over after next month...Not that I'm a huge Peanuts fan, but it just caught my eye. I attatched two little green and cream tassels to the end as well. I got the snoopy material at JoAnn's and was able to buy the reminant piece (almost a yard) for 86 cents ( I love it when that happens!) and the pumpkin material for $1/yard. I have a bit left over as well...If anyone wants anything made out of it, let me know.

The completion of the runner inspired me to then drag out all the Halloween decorations, and decorate the mantle and the outside of the house! (pictures of that later)







I then whipped up this little table cloth for the kitchen as well. It has silly witches on it flying around and says "punch it broomzelda!" I got the material a long time ago at a thrift and have never finished the edges...So, today was the day! I had enough material left over to make a small runner for my mom's entry way/alter for her home too...

Rozzilyn's project:
Mama picked up a Clickit at a yard sale, so she jumped in and created a really cute bag and jewelry...

These are little kits made by Legos, super cute and fun too!

This is the back of the bag...With a sneaky Rozz behind it!

My mother embroidered her new pillowcase project...no pictures yet, but it's going to be an interesting project as the pillowcase is on a bit of material that is about 6 feet long. We're guessing that it's that long so that you can cut it and adjust it to whatever size pillow you happen to be covering?

And...If I may show you my wonderful Equinox gifts?
(I thought so)

An amazing apron with little round jumping and flying birds...My Gosh this thing it cute...I giggle (and drool) over it everytime I look at it! I have so many ideas swirling around in my head to create these little guys in 3-D...Maybe some sort of fall garland? With felt? Oh boy...I'll tell you, I am excited!
And a great book called Simple Knits With a Twist...Which I am anxious to get started on...Boy, I need to sleep less...Or get some more hours and squeeze them into the day!







Here's a bit of a close up of these darling little guys.

Now, off to a bit of an afternoon rest before I get started on anymore projects (like finding a home for all the stuff that's sitting around the living room!)

The Second Song...

Well, as promised...I am putting the second song of yesterday's recital up for your enjoyment! It seems a little weird for me to be blogging during the weekend, as I usually take it off...But I've done so much this weekend! I don't exactly know why the sound is off, maybe I need to learn how to edit these clips (oh joy...a new skill!)Until then, close your eyes or mute it or something!

Last night I went "out on the town" (he he he) with my good friend Dina. We went to see a band called The High Rollers...a rockabilly good time! Although, we usually have a wonderful time together, and if I remember correctly, we've been friends for about 25 years and have been friends longer than we haven't. In fact, I once attended a birthday party for her that had a Cabbage Patch theme. Our mother's were partners in an antique business in town, and while we are not exactly the same age we're pretty close...And have shared a lot of fun life experiences together. We spent most of the evening walking around town scoping out what was up...Good exercise, and a great way to find out that a wonderful female rockabilly band is playing in Oct. Lil' Bit and the Cusotmatics that we want to see as well. Yay...Getting out of the house is fun thanks squirrelfriend!

I did attend the baby shower this morning as well, and had a wonderful time (that huge box is filled with baby clothes I found at a wonderful yard sale...I hand sewed the little card on the top, and as my potluck dish to share...I made pumpkin muffins! Ah yes, fall has officially arrived. I live for this time of year and my pumpkin muffins. Especially when I get out my muffin tins...Ones that are so vintage they have a cute design in them...I have two that I've collected from different yard sales (no more than 50 cents a piece I might add) Even Rozzilyn tried a muffin during Creative Sunday today (more projects posted tomorrow) and said that it was the best thing I'd ever made. Which I will certainly take as a compliment seeing as she usually doesn't try anything without icing on it...And looks at us as if we're trying to poison her whenever we suggest it...Which usually means even more chocolate and fun stuff for the rest of us! (darn)

Here is Rozzie's second song...




Recital 09/23...song two on Vimeo

I'm off...I've got a hair appointment as 7:15 tomorrow. Sometime I may actually sleep in on a day off, but I hate to waste any time sleeping when I could be running errands or cleaning the house (ha!)