Estate Sale finds

Today I snuck out of the house and left the children with my brother for a bit to go to an estate sale in town. They had big mystery bags of yarn that I didn't feel like sorting through so I grabbed a couple and hoped I would get lucky. Now I am wishing I had grabbed them all. They were mainly wool and cotton in decent colors with only a little bit of cheap acrylics and pinks thrown in. I also picked up some DPN's in larger sizes that I didn't already have and a wide variety of scissors.

I found this tablecloth(?) that seems to tie down with these cute embroideries, thought I think the embroidered bits might get cut out and turned into a quilt. For the kitchen I picked up a marble rolling pin and these copper owl salt and pepper shakers. I am not sure if I will keep the shakers but they were too cute to leave behind.

Thrift Store Bounty

Today I made a very profitable trip to the thrift store. I picked up a total of 13 patterns at $.29 each. Including these older patterns from the 60's - 80's and a scrubs pattern. I also found some pretty mystery yarn that I think is perhaps a cotton/acrylic blend. My final discovery was these "Embracable Apron Clips". Apparently you just make you apron with a sleeve in it, then slick on of these through and voila! it just clips around your waist. No need to make a waist tie, "A must for every woman's wardrobe" and "Saves time and energy!". So I just might have to whip up an apron or two sometime soon.

Thrift Store Square Quilt

I decided I felt the need to finally use this tablecloth I bought back in February and I wanted to make something for myself, in a selfish mood I guess. I finally decided it wasn't quite enough fabric to make a skirt or some other type of clothing with so I decided I would use it in a quilt. Yesterday I was at Goodwill and spotted some brown mystery fabric for $1.00, and then found the other fabrics for the top at JoAnn in a bundle. Since the table cloth is about 50" square I needed to piece the top somehow because the brown fabric was only 44" wide after some fiddling I decided on a nice simple modern look. As you see it here I have the three layers basted together and there are masking tapes stripes to give me a guide when I do the quilting. I still haven't decided if I will use a straight stitch or zigzag while quilting, any thoughts? As I got out the Pfaff so I could get it quilted I realized I have no pedal because I forgot to bring one home when I visited my mom so instead of quilting I was only able to get the binding sewn together.

I have decided on trying out some circles in various sizes, starting with a large platter and getting smaller, to quilt my green and pink quilt but that will have to wait until I get the pedal for the Pfaff as well because it is the only machine I have with a walking foot.

Lucky find, Polo dress

Today I had actually headed out to the fabric store specifically to buy this fabric. It had been on the $5/yard shelf and I decided I wanted to get enough to back a quilt. When I got to the $5 rack it was gone, very sad, until I turned around and saw it on the $2/yard table. So I now have 4.25 yards to someday back a quilt with when I have time to make a nice big quilt for myself. 

I have also been working on turning this mens' 6XL polo into a polo dress for myself. I got it trimmed down and the sleeves on only to discover I had sewn one sleeve inside out. I have that sleeve off but I still need to figure out what to do about the small hole near the collar. Any ideas? Applique? buttons? reshape the collar?

Linen hoodie

I stopped by the thrift store today with an eye out for clothes to refashion when I happened upon this little guy and decided he needed to come home with me. Technically he is a toy for Clara but he makes a lovely chiming noise that we can all enjoy. I also picked up a large T-shirt to refit and a lightweight linen hooded thing. I think it would make a nice coverup for the summer but I am not sure how to go about slimming it down a bit. As you can see it is a bit wide at the shoulders and not at all flattering. However, it is a fairly loose knit and I am afraid of what will happen if I start cutting into it. I think a serger is definitely called for but other than that I am at a loss, suggestions? Of course I could just unravel it and use the yarn to make a shawl or something but that would be a bit more work and it might not get done for a very long time (if ever).

re-fitted T's

I finally got some refashioning done today. Nothing too elaborate, just shrank some thrifted T's down to size. They were all originally XL's or so I love how this results in a nice long shirt. Length is good. The grey one was my first try and is a bit tight in the bust but still fits, thats ok it is really just for working in around the house anyway. I feel like I would like to do something more with the black one, maybe change the neckline? add something? but I just don't know. Any suggestions? The skirt was going to be a refashion but it turns out it fit me so I think I will count my blessings it hangs to about mid calf. I love our local thrift store all of these were a dollar or less each!

First I took a T- that fit well but was wearing out and cut off the sleeves. Then I lay the body on the T-shirt I am going to cut down and cut around the old shirt, starting at the hem, leaving a seam allowance. Then I put the old sleeves on top of the sleeves of the shirt I am refitting leaving a seam allowance and starting all the way down to the cuff.

We did some serious reorganizing of furniture yesterday. So now my "office" and craft room have been combined. I really should have been working on getting everything sorted out and cleaned up but I couldn't resist doing a little sewing.  I also dread getting everything plugged in, the outlet placement in this house is definitely substandard. 

Thrift store booty

 I had a good day at the thrift store yesterday. First I found this pretty table cloth, then I found this label maker, now all I need is some labeling tape and watch out! I also may have gone a little bit crazy buying zippers but now if I need one I should be able to find one that works. I also have been wanting to try out some zippered pouches. Historically zippers and I don't get along but I am willing to give it another try. I also picked up another sewing machine, a Singer 403 (I think). So far the motor runs well but it needs some cleaning and oiling before I make a judgement. Luckily it shares parts with the 503a mostly. The final pic is not a thrift store find but the quilt top I am working on for the Simply Charming mini quilt in a bag swap. I have finished the applique and now I need to piece the back together then decide how I am going to quilt it. Any thoughts?