A Perfectly American Endeavor

 The girls have been plotting this all week ...

A Friend Indeed

Found a dear little piece of needlework that just didn't seem happy in it's frame. While lovingly crafted, it had made it's way to the thrift store and just seemed a touch out of date. Stuck in a frame, it looked a bit fuddy-duddy rather than kitchy-cute.

I would have liked to meet these two.

Ethel placed this piece of needlework in the frame with such purpose, I wondered if I'd ever release it from it's gilded bonds. No less than 27 nails held this darling to the frame!

Inspired by other such re-creations I've spied out in blogland, the handiwork is now backed with vintage yellow calico, trimmed with handmade bias piping, and stuffed with fresh batting, I think Ethel and Margaret's friendship lives on in a sweet, new way.

Sitting in the shop (along with some new zippy pouches!) waiting for a new friendship to place claim. Friends are a good, good thing, no?

**As a side note, three cheers to Jane who took the top photo! Camera atop a tri-pod, Jane atop the first step of the staircase, and a quick lesson in pressing the big silver button. I like having cute little minions to do my bidding!

Mad for Plaid

Between the arrival of the Christmas season and my newly purring sewing machine, I just can't stop myself!

I'd been wondering what to make out of this delicious plaid wool yardage from Grandma's stash. First came some coasters backed with a happy holly-red chambray. No longer will my magazines be abused by drippy mugs! And aren't they cute? While unintentional, I like the flirty upbend at the corners.

And then came the zippy pouches. I almost don't want to put these in the shop they are so cute! Vintage metal zippers and a little tabby at the edge.

Wouldn't they even be cute as a little holiday handbag? I'm picturing a trip to the coffee shop with with a fluffy cream scarf and this little honey to stash a bit of cash, Christmas list and pen, and a cheeky tube of lip gloss. Anyone want to meet me for a cappuccino?

Stocking the Shop

Such a sweet response you gave me when I showed off my first attempt last week! So for fun, I stocked up the Etsy shop. Mostly recreations of designs I've seen others wearing, but the more I tinker the more ideas I begin to have.

I'm particularly liking simple, long necklaces lately. Somehow they pull the trusty t-shirt and jeans into a rather put-together outfit! So, take a peek. Maybe you'll just find a stocking stuffer or two.

Mulberry Wool Handbag

I found this cotton 'linen' (I tried to convince myself it was linen, but I think it's just a nice cotton) and plaid wool yardage at the thrift store the other day. I think I need to convince myself to always buy thrifted yardage if it is at all cute and a decent price. It's so interesting how the fabric acquires a life of 'becoming.' I really enjoy the process.

I made a couple of reversible bags (I do love bags!) and placed a deconstructed flower in the upper corner. I'm really happy with it. I'm picturing the bag holding a wallet, book, and maybe a moleskine journal and pencil. Perfect for a morning at the corner coffee shop.

This project had better tide me over for awhile, as my cranky machine is acting up again. Darn bobbin tension!

Vintage Simplicity - #6809

What a fantastic 1960's smock pattern. The picture on the cover cracks me up. I love how both mother and daughter spent time getting some "volume" when fixing their hair in the morning. And too bad I didn't have any clear vinyl on hand or I could have made the waterproof apron!
It is a shame it's not my size, so it's going in the shop.

Sunshine

So much fun to sew this sunshiny yellow dress for a soft little body. I can imagine it in the summer with some bloomers underneath or even layered with leggings. Aren't the front-paneled pleats so sweet?

Since it turned out too small for either of my girls, I'm placing it in the shop.

Sweet Little Smock

Embarking on a fun little enterprise ... sewing for my shop. I've been loving ebay for all the vintage patterns I can find. This is an adorable 1950's smock pattern with 3 giant front pockets. I used thrifted yardage and my Grandma's vintage cherry red buttons, too.