Sweater Scrap Snowmen

After making some white sweater coats, my trashcan was filled with serger scraps.  
I rolled them up into balls and made some ornaments!

Where's Laura K?

Our fabulous annual Christmas program "Winter Wonder" was last weekend.  

Can you find me in the cast photo?  Click twice to enlarge photo.

Hint:  I'm in my "usual" spot!  

Fairy Feather Fest 2012

FFF 2012 was EPIC!

Lovely Julia is a first-time fester.  She really got into the spirit!

Joanna presents her masterpiece.

Olivia and Bobbi.  Thanks for the treats!

Kaitlin and Amy.  We really need to take a closer look at Amy's gems....

On the left is "Edward Cullen Feather Fairy."  On the right is "Bearded Lady Feather Fairy..."

"Conjoined Twins Feather Fairies" complete with birth certificate.....

It's okay Amy....we don't think this is weird AT ALL....

Another first-timer - Penny...hey where is your hat?

Leah gets the prize for completing the most fairies!

Molly aka "Sexy Wings" 

Molly and Mo.  Because there is nothing like feather fairies for mother/daughter bonding...

Janice presents her masterpieces of featheriness.  Is that a word?

Kaitlin....a veteran fairy fester.

Carey had our first injury - hope your finger is okay...

Gail is another rookie - great job Girlfriend!

And sadly the fest came to a close...thank you everyone!

Quiz:  

Which FFFers arrived in wings?

Who arrived later and happened to have a pair of wings in her car that she promptly put on?

Who brought the bagels?

Whose idea was the "tunnel?"

Which festers ran through the tunnel?

Please leave answers in the comments.  

Updated Necktie Skirt

 After a decade of making necktie skirts, I thought it was time for an update.

 The new style is longer, has an exposed zipper in the back and black bias tape for a waistband.  It is actually quicker to make than my old style - Yay!

(Thanks to Kaitlin for modeling!)

Check out Kaitlin modeling for me in 2004!

Deconstruct - Reconstruct, Part 2

Here is my second attempt at deconstructing and reconstructing a black velvet pencil skirt.

I went with an asymmetric hem, adding vertical strips of vintage black lace and tatting.  I also added a black silk ribbon and a vintage key.  I pinned it on with black safety pins for a little goth touch.  (Also this makes it easy to remove...you know...just in case you need to unlock an old door or something...)

Here is the opposite side.

Another view of the front without the black lace jacket.  The beaded piece in the center is a lovely vintage piece that I have been hoarding.  Finally found a way to use it.  I think it really makes the skirt special. What do you think?

Deconstruct - Reconstruct

 I've picked up several of these black velvet skirts at thrift shops - they usually start off like this:

And after some cutting, sewing and adding vintage laces, buttons and trims, they look like this:

I have quite a stash of vintage black laces that I've collected over the years.   It's about time I invented a use for them.  Of course the MOP buttons also found their way onto the skirt as well as this darling little bow...

I'm not totally happy with the design yet - I have incorporated the lining into the center tier of the skirt and the hems are raw.    I was going for a "tattered" look, which is a stretch for me.

Since it's hard to get the hem even, the next one will have a more deliberately asymmetric hem.  Also, I think I want more fullness in the ruffle.  

Please stay tuned...

Name That Sprite!

I've made a few more of these Vendor Aprons with my stash of vintage 80's character fabrics.  

Do you recognize these guys?  They are Rainbow Brite "Sprites."  

Years ago I made bags featuring these guys and sold them on eBay.

The inside of the apron has this super-secret pocket for all of the "Large Denomination" bills that you are sure to earn at the craft show!  

Vintage Vendor Aprons!

New zippered and pocketed aprons made from vintage linens, fabrics, and trims for craft show vendors! 

 What is the message that the bluebirds bring?

"Shop" of course!

What is that?  A frog and a mushroom?

 Yes.  Amazing!  I think this is my favorite.

This one is vintage barkcloth, an embroidered bird, cross-stitched roses and a daisy pincushion.

Vintage trims and patches.  I love the red and white cross-stitched waistband.

So much fun.  More to follow....

More From Atlanta!

Leah treated the girls to blow-outs.  I requested a "like Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl" look!

Where's Ken?

Can you spot my husband?  (Click to enlarge!)  


Hint:  It's kind of obvious.

Stanton Art

Kaitlin, Will, and I have just returned from visiting our cousins in Atlanta. 


 We had a great time - this is Stanton at Pryor Fine Art.

Ken at The Great Wall of China

He is returning tomorrow afternoon.

This means I will be able to purchase his valentine candy tomorrow morning at 75% off.

Perfect timing.

Vintage China and Silk Pincushion

Many times I will see these with the fabric shattered or worse - replaced. Other times an arm is broken.



I was fortunate to find this darling about 25 years ago, in original condition. Not perfect, of course, but pretty nice.

What do you think?

More Vintage Valentines!

Vintage valentines displayed on a pretty pink birdcage.




Random Vintage Valentine Sentiment:

No one else means much to me,
It's yours alone I want to be.

Romantic Handkerchiefs

Okay, I have a LOT of vintage handkerchiefs. I have pulled out a few of the reds and pinks to share with you.


Random Vintage Valentine Sentiment:

Your voice is like a singing bird,
Sweetest thing I ever heard.

Perfect Pink Lace Vintage Dress and Hat

What does a vintage-loving girl wear on Valentine's Day?

Maybe something like this!



I wish!

Vintage Red Wool Pincushion Heart

This design is so charming and so current, it's hard to believe that it is vintage!

I made my own version of a stuffed wool heart...



It was a kit from Bird Brain Design. Easy!

Random Vintage Valentine Sentiment:

You really are so very sweet,
So charming and so clever,
I hope you'll be my Valentine
And love me just forever.