Congratulations Will!

William starts high school in the fall...and he picked out this tie himself.

Vintage Patchwork Bag

I purchased a bundle of patchwork at the Retro Indie Market. It was the very end of the day and our booth had slowed down considerably so I took some time to shop. When I asked how much for the fabric and heard "three dollars," I took it even though I wasn't sure what it was.

When I got home and unrolled the piece I discovered that it was probably a former curtain. Someone had cut into it and made perhaps a vest or a jacket. Rather than pinning the pattern to the fabric, "she" had traced around the pieces with a red marker. So what I had purchased was cut up and the pieces required for the jacket were obviously gone. Red marker was also evident.

But come on... THREE DOLLARS!



I took out the trusty seam ripper and removed the damaged pieces. With what remained I made two of these schoolbags, a handbag (below) and a zipper pouch. Not bad eh?

I used a vintage (damaged) tablecloth for the linings and altogether feel like a proud recycler. Only the magnets were new purchases.




By the way... I would LOVE to see that jacket!

Kaitlin's Birthday!

Vintage Bag

I love books and magazines and I purchase plenty - especially sewing and decorating titles, but I rarely make any of the projects.

In fact, I recently challenged myself to recall even ONE project ever made from any of the hundreds of titles in my library and I couldn't identify a single one.

I do plenty of sewing of course. I just seem to prefer making "my own designs." I always have. So, why do I need all of these books and magazines?



A couple of months ago I told myself that I would make something from the next magazine I purchased. Otherwise, I wouldn't buy it. So, when I saw this title at my local Barnes & Noble I decided to try to purse on the cover. Isn't it cute?

I drafted the patterns and marked and cut out the fabrics carefully. It was a little tricky because the instructions are metric.

This was a good exercise for me.

After the project was done I thought, "Okay, there I've done it. A completed project from a magazine." It turned out pretty much like the design on the cover. Although it is nice, it doesn't really look like "me."

So I hung it on a drawer knob and forgot about it.

Later Kaitlin was over and she spotted it from the hall. MOM!!!! This is AMAZING!!!! Go figure. So now my precious daughter has a new bag.

I also concluded that there is nothing wrong with reading these books and magazines just for fun. My mom enjoyed reading cookbooks. Same thing, right?

I love a happy ending.

Cupcake Couture!

Kennedy, Sarah and Olivia

My local Bernina store, "Sew From The Heart" held a fashion event today called "Cupcake Couture."



I was expecting that grandmas would be making Easter dresses etc for their granddaughters and that this would be a great opportunity for the girls to model.



Now, my neighborhood has the CUTEST GIRLS EVER and even though I don't have any granddaughters of my own, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to make some skirts so that we could participate in the event.



I made three daisy skirts - the girls seemed to really like them.



Of course the cupcakes made the day just perfect!

Thank you "Sew From The Heart!"

Cupcake Couture April 8th!

Blowgun Tournament!

On Friday night Will was prepared to defend his championship title. Would he be able to beat this group of tough competitors?



Alas, Will came in second to "Sparky" McGurk (in the red tank top.)
We'll get you next time, Sparky!

Mama Klu's Saturday Adventure Series - Chapter 2

Last weekend, Daniel, Ryan and I went to the Scottsdale Arts Festival.

It was a gorgeous day!

Mama Klu's Saturday Adventure Series - Chapter 1

After a delicious lunch at Postino in Phoenix; Kaitlin, Ryan, Joanna and I headed for Zinnia's at Melrose where Amy and Jill joined us for shopping!



There is a vintage clothing store inside called Antique Sugar. The girls had a great time trying on dresses. Here are Ryan and Joanna getting ready for the prom.





Amy as Olive Oyl...



Kaitlin as Princess Jasmine...



Ryan as Princess Marigold.

Okay, I just made that name up...



Kaitlin couldn't resist this hat. Could you?



The girls carried on with coffee at Lola Coffee Bar and I headed home. Gotta plan the next adventure...

Retro Indie Market Report!

Last weekend I traveled to Florida to visit my dad and to work with my friend, Darlene at the Retro Indie Market.


Where's Darlene?

The event was held in a large historic school building. We were on the second floor.



All of my photos were taken before the show opened. Afterward, we were just too busy to get out!

Darlene is an antique dealer. Here are some shots of her booth:





Here are some of the booths near us - I wish I had more photos!




These dolls sold out quickly. They were only $15.00!!!! So cute!



This is Amanda, one of the organizers of the event.



This is a vendor named Stefanie...


and her booth...



The line of shoppers waiting to get in stretched around the block. It was a little bit cold for Florida and they were anxious to get in!



Were there cupcakes? Of COURSE there were cupcakes!



Thank you to Michelle and Amanda and everyone who made this event such a success!

More photos here.

Blue Hearts

My collection of crocheted heart pincushions is, I admit, a little excessive. Here are the blues.

Red Necktie Handbag

Trying to keep a red/pink/purple theme going until Valentine's Day. Don't know if I can keep it up. OXOX

For a Special Girl....

...because nothing says "You are Special" like a custom designed backpack in your favorite colors and featuring your favorite characters.

And nothing goes together better than pink velveteen and red piping.

Purple Necktie Skirt

Sometimes my customers aren't sure about the waistband tie. I have designed it to go in the back (over the zipper) and to tie in a mock Windsor knot or a simple overhand.

Valentine Handbag

So cute! All novelty neckties. Look closely and you'll see the "Conversation Hearts."

Aqua Handbag

I'm coming off a 2-week sewing binge. Don't know what got into me. After making an aqua necktie skirt I did a re-design on the handbag pattern. It's a slightly different size and shape.

And don't think it's easy to find aqua neckties...

What do you think?