Friday is Great Day for Thrifting!

I started last Friday when my friend Laura asked me to go to an estate sale being taped for a TV show with someone named Carie.  We didn't get on TV (thank goodness,) but we did meet Carie.  I bought a great snow globe.  Then we hit a wonderful garage sale.  I love this kind of find!

The ruler is the best part.  I used it to mark the pintucks on my last blouse and plan to use it to create a scalloped hem skirt. I have yet to try out the mini-sewers.

Today was exciting because I found something I have been searching for a long time now.

I received this book for my wedding shower almost 26 years ago in paperback and used it religously until the pages fell out.  This one is hardcover and spiral bound.

I also found a canopener that my kindergarten students can use when we "cook."  

The next find was a steal.  Garnet and sterling silver for $9.00.  My computer is undoing everything  I do right now, so I hope you don't mind if I don't rotate.

Not only do I enjoy the sales and finds, I love using this bag I made. Again, sorry about the rotation.

It folds up to fit in your purse.

It is really quick and easy to make.  The pattern called for 1/2 inch double fold bias tape.  I made several bags and preferred the 1/4 inch double fold tape.

The handles slide right on to the bag holders at the store.

New Patterns, Old Fabric

I have promised myself that I would devote this summer to using up a big chunk of my stash and getting rid of the pieces I know I won't use.  I cheated with that last blouse, but I am back to being commited.  Fortunately, Jo Ann's ran a sale over the weekend on Vogue patterns.  They are usually my favorite. 

This is a piece I picked up in a clearance rack at Jo Ann's in 2007 after admiring it for quite some time full price.  I bought this pattern to make the sleeveless wrap dress.

I am afraid that I bought the pattern because the colors were so similar, but I never felt the paisley print fit the style of the dress.  I looked for something a bit more peasant-like, yet never found anything I liked.  Then, I came across this newer Vogue and fell in love with it.  I think the combination will be unique, so I am going to give it a try.

It is definitely a far cry from peasent-like.  But, I have to have it!

You may not see the reveal for a while.  Unfortunately, I have some drapes that need to be finished.

Until then, happy sewing!

New Fabric!

I took a ten minute stroll through JoAnn's today and found a great print for a pattern I have been wanting to try out.  I know it isn't very colorful, but I love the shapes.  It will really cute with black capris.  The pattern is Simplicity 3786.  I am hoping to find some help on the web fitting the bust.  It is loose fitting, but I still have some trouble with the fit in that area because I have small shoulders compared to the rest of my body.

This project just has to look better than the last.  I don't think I can handle two failures in a row.