Friday, September 05, 2008

Found a jar of wonderful antique buttons yesterday!

















Thought I'd post some photos! I hope you button experts will tell me what I've got. I'm not a button expert, but I think I can sniff out a bargain when I see one! I hope, I hope.

Be sure to click on the photo to see close-ups!

G

Saturday, August 23, 2008

We went to the fair today....

To see how we did on our last minute decision to enter a few things. See the photos below!! I am very happy, and so is Dani!!

In the first photo are Dani's blue ribbon earrings. The second one is Dani's Red ribbon photo of a marigold. The next photo is my Mrs. Claus costume (red ribbon) a that I did for Hannah's school play last holiday season and my oriental grocery tote (third place) and the apron...which is going to go to KTKnits....won a blue ribbon in the fancy apron division! I also won a blue ribbon for a girl's pinafore....didn't get a photo of it...oops. And Dani won a blue ribbon for a costume head band made with autumn leaves! It was really fun and very encouraging to prepare for next years county fair. These were last minute entries, so I'm shooting for a "Best of Show" ribbon next year....and by golly, I'm gonna do it!!!!! Anyway, it was fun and a great experience for Dani and myself.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

A great giveaway for August...

Be sure to visit Calamity Jane's Closet for a great Autumn bag giveaway! Here is the link!!

Monday, August 18, 2008

We were struck by lightening Friday evening!

I won't be able to be on much until Wednesday night...that is when Verizon is supposed to come and repair our FIOS. We are without TV, Phone and Internet until they repair it.

We were all sitting in the family room Friday evening, enjoying a movie and listening to the gentle pitter-patter of rain on the windows, when all of a sudden there was a huge boom.....super bright light and the house shook.......we all jumped off of the sofas and hit the floor........scared the beegeebers right out of all of us. The house didn't catch fire, but we lost alot of electrical stuff including the FIOS box...it really took the brunt of the charge. It also knocked a curtain rod, screws and all out of the wall...really weird!! After we realized we weren't on fire or injured, I screamed....My machines!! I ran to the basement and checked them, and they survived...they were plugged into a serge protector. Best investment yet!!

Well, I have to jump off of here...I am on a public computer at the library....so more as I can find a computer until next Wednesday night..............

Love to everyone...........................just thankful to be alive today!!

G

Friday, August 15, 2008

New Apron Work in Progress





I found instructions for a vintage pattern, similar to the one Kathie makes. I love the assymetrical cutting of this apron and have been wanting to try one. Well...of course, I cant stop with the simple instructions. I had to go and do patchwork type piecing...the top fabric is printed patchwork, but I put the bottom parts in and added the rick rack and then made it reversible so you could see a pretty ruffle below the pumpkin colored fabric. I'm not done with this one yet...I'm really tired today, didn't sleep much last night. Anyway, here it is. Needs pockets and a waistband and the layers sewn together, but hopefully you can get an idea of my first apron that I've made in a while. I love working with Autumn colors. It is my favorite time of year. I'm thinking of appliqued leaves on the pumpkin colored part...but don't know if I am that ambitious! LOL

G

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

And the winner is:

KATIE!!!

So Dear Mid-Western Farmgirl, if you could email your address to me in private, I'll get your Wacky Wednesday Surprise box out in the mail to you, ASAP!!!

This is going to be fun today at The Thrifty Quaker!!! Thrift Shopping with a purpose!! I love it.

Oh, here is a pretty picture for ya'll to look at today: This is a small hickory tree outside my back window last fall...I just love the colors!


Tuesday, August 12, 2008

What I did today....



I was really super busy today. I ran out of white thread and had to put my apron on hold until I can get to the fabric store. I love the darting on the side of the apron. The print is a vintage linen table cloth. I'm going to put a short ruffle on the bottom of the apron too.




Then I finally got brave and kept one of my promises to myself. I finally canned something for the first time in my life and I am really pleased with the results. I used to watch and help my Mom can when I was a little girl, and she gave me her big pressure canner a few years ago, but for my first attempt, I made a zucchini relish...just a small batch, because I didn't want to mess up a huge batch of anything...so here is a photo. I used my husband's grandmother's recipe, and he said it tasted just like she used to make...so he was really happy about that. He even ate some extra I had on his ham steak tonight and said it was delicious. It was such a happy moment when each little jelly jar "popped" and sealed!! I really had a sense of accomplishment with this. I am going to get brave and try strawberry jam tomorrow and apple butter when the fall apples start coming in. Not brave enough to try greenbeans yet...perhaps next year, but who knows.

The second project that I finished up today was a tote bag. It is made with gorgeous cotton/linen fabric samples in a pattern called: Samarkand by Ronald Redding Designs. I had a whole stack of samples given to me, so I made them into 6"x7" squares and am doing patchwork totes out of them. I fully lined it, sewed pockets into the lining and made an unusual closure with a huge beautiful button that came on a package that I ordered from Bev. I really love the way this one turned out. Here is a peek at it! What do you think. It is a great size and will hold a laptop, or books are groceries! I have been making grocery totes like this...trying to make them beautiful and totally unique. This sucker is heavy duty and will stand up to alot of punishment! The handles are padded for extra comfort when carrying it. All of my bags have the padded handles. I really prefer them. Easier to shoulder them.

I hope everyone had an enjoyable day Monday. Tues looks like a winner too...cooler weather only in the 80's again...woo hoo!!!! I can hardly wait to go shopping for the winner on Wednesday. I was in there today and have my eye on a couple of really cute items! LOL...my daughter says I work the word cute into conversation way too much, so it is time to get out my Thesaurus and learn a few more adjectives!!




Oh, and here is what I am calling a French Bread Tote. I made it so it is taller and narrower than most grocery bags. I'm tired of my french bread tumbling out of bags..Oooolala!! Be sure to click ont he photos to get a close up look if you have time!


One last thought today (Tuesday) is the last day to sign up...............be sure to scroll down to: "Vintage Treasure Box Giveaway" and sign up!

Saturday, August 09, 2008

Oh, I am so so so tired tonight.

Didn't really do much strenuous work today, but I'm so tired I can't keep my mind from shutting down tonight. I am half way through recreating a vintage apron with a vintage table cloth and thrifted fabric. It is done in lavenders, greens and white bias tape. I'll post a photo later, but it is really in early stages right now.

I'm so out of practice with aprons. I got it a wee bit crooked! YIKES...but it is still really pretty and really, who has totally straight hips? NOT me. Now I just need to find someone with a slightly shorter right leg! LOL

Love and blessings tonight..........................oh, and thanks to everyone for commenting on the entry below............I'm going to have so much fun shopping for someone! Glad to see ya here Lisa!!

Love you all,
G

Friday, August 08, 2008

Vintage Treasure Box Give away....


Next Wednesday is Wacky Wednesday at my favorite thrift shop. Lots and lots of items are only 50 cents. I am going to take $5.00 and fill a box with thrift shop treasures and send it to one lucky farmgirl! All you have to do is sign up here on this posting and I'll draw a name out next Wednesday!! I don't know what will be in the box, but I promise you, you will LOVE it!! So if you want a chance at this box of Wacky Wednesday Goodies.......just sign up by leaving a comment below!

Here is a photo of my favorite thrift shop and a link to its website:
The Thrifty Quaker, Midlothian, VA



Love and blessings and my way of saying thanks for visiting my blog again.

Georgann

Found another vintage apron pattern for 50 cents today


Surely must be a sign. It was in the same thrift shop...my favorite one...I also found some superb flag pattern fabric from 1990 a really cool short batik jacket with chinese coins sewn on all around the bottom. A Daisy Kingdom Dress for my youngest daughter a second dress for my older daughter a gorgeous autumn leaf tray...all for $1 or less. The tray was only a quarter. Here is one of the dresses.

Here is the fabric and pattern:

Well, off to watch a movie with my sweet hubby! Talk to ya'll later.

Love and blessings to all........

Vintage Apron Patterns


I found these patterns at my favorite thrift shop the other day. Someone donated a huge amount of patterns in those manila envelopes...much more anally retentive than I...well when I opened that envelope last night, I found a surprise! There was a fourth vintage apron pattern inside! Woo Hoo!!

I have one of them on my cutting board right now and I am using a gorgeous vintage chocolate brown fabric for it. I'll post photos of it when it is done. Well have a wonderful day, I'll be sewing and loving on my girls and hubbie.

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Gene Doll......she is gorgeous!!

I have been wanting a Gene doll for many, many years, but have never been able to really afford one. To me she is the epitome of fashion dolls. She would fit right in that Sear's Catalog from 1939. She was stylized by Mel Odom to be from the late 30's to early 40's. Well on my quick in and out at The Goodwill today.....guess what I found? A gorgeous, mint condition still in all of the original packaging 2001 Love in Bloom Gene doll...................it was $35 and I balked at it and walked around and then finally decided that since this really wasn't a snap decision for me.....I would treat myself to this doll. I don't really collect dolls, but I LOVE the Gene doll. Here is a look at her in the box:
Here is a site off of the internet that shows her out of the box with her train attached....gosh I think she is so, so beautiful!!

This is what the site has to say about this doll:

"

Love In Bloom Gene

Includes doll and fashion. At her best friend's wedding reception, Gene might not have caught the bouquet-but she caught the eye of all the available men! And who can blame them, as Gene enters in this pink silk sheath, emblazoned with embroidered flowers gracing its train. She needs nothing more than her long white gloves and pretty shoes to complete the picture. Limited to 5000 worldwide. Dealer Exculsive.

Our Price $125.00

Gene 2001 Doll
Available and in stock"

For Vintage Buffs....Sears, 1939!!





These are pages from a Fall 1939 Sears catalog. Be sure to click on the photos for a close up view. Check out the prices!!
Just wanted to share them with you! Hope they make you smile as much as I did when browsing through this antique catalog. My mother gave this catalog to me when I was doing research for a book set during this time period.

The fabric behind the catalog is one of my favorite antique fabrics...it is from about the same year.

Enjoy!
G

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Today's positive thought...


Grace is a gift. I am fortunate to have been given grace by so many. I have chastised myself for not being a friend to so many for so long, those who have extended grace to me. I never actively campaigned against friendships, I just dropped out to try to heal my broken wings. I am thankful there are so many with such kind hearts. I am humbled and thankful and touched by the grace of many.
G



Mrs. Biddlebox by Linda Smith

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Daily positve posting

One way to turn around is to always post something positive at least once per day. I once read a blurb that said: "If you can't something positive, then say nothing at all." Well, it has been a long time since I have said anything. Not that there weren't positive things happening, but, I just didn't have the heart to say anything. That has changed. A major portion of my life is writing. I love to write, I remember when writing was like breathing for me...well, I want to breath again, so here goes:

Breath upon my face
warm, loving like sun above
healing, giving life.





I have always loved Haiku, 5-7-5
Hmmm....perhaps I shall write a Haiku a day. That would be good writing exercise, afterall I started out writing poetry, I can restart by writing poetry.

Monday, August 04, 2008

Been a long time...

Hello friends. Been really busy. Still sewing and designing. My most recent love? Skirts. I have been making skirts. Tiered, paneled, shirred felted, sweatered and most anything I can think of using for skirts. I'll post some photos when I get a chance, but here are a few.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Opened up my blog again.

Just increased commenting to moderated. I was looking back through my blog and there are so many things that I sewed last year...wow....can't believe I did all of that. Must have been manic!! LOL
Welcome back. I have tightened security though. It can get kind of spooky out in cyberland!
G

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Today's photo, another cute critter

I took this photo the other day and thought it really sweet. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not in love with squirrels. We have a million of them out back AND they can be very destructive. One of these little critters gnawed its way through our roof and vents and camped out in the attic a few years ago...that has been repaired, but their cute appearance melts my heart. I loved squirrels when I was a little girl. Watched them pick up nuts and bury them. I continue to be fascinated with their leaf nests in the trees. I'd love to see inside one of them. I watched one the other day try to chew a small branch and carry it up the tree. She kept dropping it and picking it up again. I knew it was a she by her very used and tender looking teats! Anyhoo...here it is:

Be sure to enlarge this photo by clicking on it.


Oh, and in other news. I have been out of town. Went to visit my hubby's mother. The visit went well, but we ended up driving back in a snow storm. Very scary, but we made it okay. The temperature has been in the 20's since the storm so we still have a thin crust of snow on the ground. We just aren't used to this "prolonged" period of cold here in Virginia....but I love it!! It invigorates me.

Hubby has been working from home alot too, which means...no rest or alone time for me to get on the computer...argh!! BUT, it is nice to have him home. I have been cooking large noon meals for the past few days, because the girls have been home too. I have made banana bread, zucchini/banana bread. Italian bread, Rosemary italian bread. Manicotti, salads, Chicken and roasted vegetable stoup just to name a few of the yummies. The girls go back to school today, so it is lunch making in about an hour...think I'll go and do it now and have it done with. It will be banana bread sandwiches with cream cheese for a change...usually a meat/cheese or peanut butter sandwich. They will have a nice surprise in their lunches today.

Sheesh, I'm just blabbering away today....crikee George, shut up!!!!

Saturday, January 12, 2008

The Saga of Railey Hill


This old home is called Railey Hill. They have removed hundreds of trees that surrounded this old home. I have been in this house...went in when there was an estate sale a couple of years ago. it is fabulous...all wood interior, 6 foot high open fireplaces. I saw the window where the Union Lt. etched his name in the glass. It is the borded up window to the left in the photo of the old house. They have razed all of the outbuildings, filled in the old well and turned this into a flatland of waste. There is a strip center going in just to the left of the house. There is already a Walgreens and BP gas station to the right of the home and a strip shopping center there too. So sad....progress? I think not. I hear the site weeping everyday when I pass it. I'm thinking it is going to be a park, at least I hope so. They did put new vinyl siding on the home which looks just like the original clapboard siding. There were rumors that the home was going to be moved to a park, but the map of the new park takes up this area. I hope it is at least turned into a park. We DON'T need another strip mall here. Ok, rant for the day is over!

Friday, January 11, 2008

My dogs survived...

They are so brave. They made it through the night and are a bit more active this morning. The little one, Cujo, has taken up this little low pitched squeaky/whimper. He sounds like a squeeze toy that you squeeze only once. They have their little collars on. The hardest part for them is being separated. The bigger one, Loki, loves to lick, so he would have Cujo's incision licked open in a second if they were together, but they are only separated by a gate in the doorway. I'll try to get a photo in a few minutes and post it. Hubby is working from home today, so that means I'll be away from my computer alot. Later,
G

Thursday, January 10, 2008

It's raining...finally here in VA we really need it.


The rain is falling gently and the house is quiet. I have stew in the pot and brownies in the oven for dinner tonight. The salad is made and chilling. All I have to do tonight is stir up some biscuits for dinner, but I might be able to talk the family into bread and butter! LOL Here is what is in my crock pot today. I'm browning stew beef, onions, garlic and rosemary to go into the crockpot with carrots, potatoes, vegetable stock and later a few peas. Well gotta go and cut the oranges. If I cut them in wedges, the family will eat them. Saves my fingernails too.

Oh, I've decided to commit to putting my dinner menus online. Check the left column and scroll down if you want to see what we are eating this week. I decided to get the best meat deals I could find which means short code dated meat...but if you use it right away or freeze it right away, there is not a thing wrong with it. I found: Filet mignon, shrimp, frozen chicken tender strips, ground pork and turkey all for way, way low in price. I asked today and Thursday Morning is meat markdown day, so I know what day I'll hit the meat market at the grocers!!! Since I am not working now...quit the fabric store, loved it but it was cutting into family time way too much... I think that my job will be to economize as much as possible, do as much as I can with as little as possible, become more aware of the grocery ads and markdowns, thrift shop for as much as I can for things only absolutely necessary stop using so many paper products and that way, I will feel like I am contributing something in a financial sense. This is something very important to me. Whenever I start menu planning, I find that we eat much better, healthier and we have a happy pappy in the house!

Love and much light to all of my friends,
G

Update on the stew: 1/10/08 10:17 pm. The stew was a delicious hit, even with my youngest picky eater. Very savory without being overly salty. Delicious!! The brownies were really good too, If all ya'll ever come to dinner, I'll fix ya'll up a tasty southern meal!! Off to bed now, very tired and the boys did great with their surgeries. The little guy (Cujo) is having a bit rougher time, but he was the first to wake up a bit. The bigger guy slept through the evening.

Talk to all ya'll tomorrow!!! I've got a splittin' headache!

Interesting photo I snapped this morning...


I know it is just a smudge on my car window, but it is kind of neat anyway...oh, and I just cleaned my windows, so there really isn't a smudge....:)

Be sure to enlarge this photo and tell me what you see.

Off to the SPCA this morning...



Taking my doggies to the neuter clinic this morning. Both will be neutered and I know much more comfortable in their skins. They aren't for breeding even though they are full blooded Tzus, with all of the crackdowns on puppymills, I look at my two and think, "I'm so glad they don't have that horrid life. We rescued them both from a puppy mill. They are sweeties. Their names are Cujo and Loki.

Final thoughts...

Thank you for visiting today. Feel free to sit for a spell and wander through my archives of sewing projects, aprons, original poems and stories, musings and vintage treasures. I really love guests in my home....and if you wish, leave me a comment so I will know you were here! AG