Friday, July 29, 2011

Shakin' things up a little...

I spend loads of time in this room -- a smallish bedroom near the kitchen (thank goodness) turned TV room.  It's where I watch Netflex and the news and where I kick off my shoes and prop up my feet as well as my "pretend" office, where I blog and create these annoying run-on sentences.   





















These pics were taken a little while back.  It's really looking a little shabby and not as in "chic".
Anyway, I need to shake things up a bit in here.  You know when it's time and, trust me, (that sounded just like my son) it's time.

The furniture has to stay -- I'm not that tired of it yet.  The rug stays, too, but I think I'll change the wall color and window treatments, put some new slips on the loveseat, and re-accessorize...j

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I'm linking up here...
 


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Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Vintage Cup O' Joe


My husband and I drink perked coffee.  No fancy Starbucks brew for us.  We take ours the old-fashioned way. 


So, we were really irked this morning when our second new percolator in less than two years bit the dust. Fifty-six dollars, times two, down the drain.  They sure don't make 'em like they used to.



Lucky for us, I'd found this sixty-something year old percolator a month or so ago.  I think I paid $10 for it.  I had been too nervous to plug it up.  I never really thought it would work, anyway, I just thought it was cute.  



However, desperate times call for desperate measures. 

A morning without coffee is like....
 Well, I can't even answer that until after my coffee.   



We plugged her in.  Expecting what?  Sparks and an explosion, maybe?  I was just thinking, please let the fire be small. 








 I really wasn't expecting a hot cup o' joe.
But, that's just what we got.  It was great.  She's hired.  


update*update*update*update*update


Gail @ My Repurposed Life had another idea for my little pot.  Check this out...

(click here for how-to's)

 
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Saturday, July 23, 2011

Upcycled Laundry/Vegetable/Grocery BAG


I've had my grandson for the last couple of weeks so I've "been away".  He's headed home today and has some dirty clothes to take with him so we decided to do this little project together before he left.
 


What could have been a twenty minute project, if not for Noah's "help", turned into a good forty-five-er... but where's the fun in fast? 


We upcycled an old sweatshirt into a bag that he'll use for his dirty clothes.  The same bag could be used for toys, veggies or groceries as well.  


I folded the shirt in half and free-handed the pattern with a marker.


Noah supervised the cutting out of the bag.





I cut slits for ventilation.  


For the fun monogram I used yarn and a zig-zag stitch.





The stitching around the outside was done in the same blue as the yarn. I used a short stitch, for strength, 1/4 inch from the edge.


This type of fabric won't fray so there's no need to finish the edges...



Cute, and free, and useful.  


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I'll be hooking up here...


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Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Put A (Vintage) Bird On It

 Two things I love (along with those I'm related to and that cute guy I married) are anything with a bird on it and everything vintage.  Hang around my blog very long and I'll prove it to ya.  



I've managed to do both for this post.  Twice. 
If I were being graded on my ability to feed my fetish I'd have a 4.0 GPA for sure.

First, there's the baby diaper set I made for my sweet nephew's expected baby boy.  I used a vintage pattern, recycled mens dress shirts, and a cute little bird applique. A+, since I'm grading myself...










Then, there's my new apron with, yes, a bird on it. The fabric is awesome.  It looks vintage but isn't.  I found it on the remnant table at Hancock's for $5 a yard and loved it so much I haven't wanted to cut into it.  I think I'll give myself another A+ just for being brave enough to take a whack at it.








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 Tips for Upcycling Clothes
  • Go with the flow.  Use the details already there.  It'll add character without the work.
  • Use spray fabric sizing before sewing. The extra body makes it easier to sew and the fabric has a nice, crisp finish.


  • Double check all buttons to make sure they are secure, especially when making children's clothes.
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A friend of my daughter's shared this YouTube video with me.  It's just too stupid (and funny) not to pass along...




I get the message.  Feel free to subtract a few points for this one.  I desire it.


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Catch me here -



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