Wrapped vintage sheet hot mat

Ok this was not what I wanted or was trying to make. I was trying to make a basket. However that did not happen seeing how I bought the wrong type of cording and once I sewed on it the cording flattened out. YIKES. However wrapping and sewing all the cord took a bit of time so I was like what am I gonna do with this? Oh a hot mat. This took a bunch of time to make just the wrapping and sewing it on. Putting it together took no time at all and it was fun. I hope the the next time it does not take me as long. If it does I dont think I could put a price tag on my basket, the time out weighs the cost to make the darn thing. LOL But it looks so cool. Even if I just mad a hot mat and lets face it who gets crazy excited about those? Not to many. haha. But I do love looking at this visually. Its so pretty. I used cotton piping/cording. I was suppose to use a clothesline. We shall try again.

Thank you and answers!

Thank you all for the comments you have made. THANK YOU! I am so happy to have my baby sister in my life again. I am so happy to know that I am not the only one making contact with long lost family on Facebook. What an amazing tool we have there. I suggest if your looking for someone get on there and give out as much info as you can in your profile. THEY WILL FIND YOU!

Some of you have been asking how my sisters and I have gotten separated. My sisters and I grew up in a house full of abuse. Mental, sexual, and physical. All four of us. Neither of us got any help after wards either. Eventually 2 of my sisters my youngest and my oldest just took off away from everyone. They just left one day and not a word, not a letter, Nothing. they were gone. Then the weeks turned into months and the months turned into years. Seasons changed and threw them all I was dying inside. Cause I don't have a big family. I don't know any of my family thanks to my mother keeping up separated from them. (uncles, cousins and so forth) I can't even tell you names cause I don't know them. ( my mom has 4 brothers) If I was standing next to them....would never have a clue. All us sisters had was each other. And when that was broken, so was my heart. My older sister is still missing. HOWEVER, I have been informed recently of where she may be. Like I may have her. I am not sure. I will know at the end of Nov. She has to renew something and when she does....I will know if its her or not. Then I have to see if she wants to be my sister again. That will be the tough part. To find out if she wants to be in our lives again. Sometimes abuse takes a toll on a person and they are able to come back from it. Sometimes the abuse is so real till this day even tho it happened years ago that when you see familiar things and people it sometimes just makes it worse. I am not sure where my older sister is Mentally or physically. I just don't know and my heart and prayers go to her all the time.

My little sister is ok. She is more than ok. She is doing awesome. THE LORD made sure of it. HE SAVED HER! God is AMAZING and an awesome God. Let him fight all your battles and watch what he does with them. He turns your misery into happiness. You just have to seek him. He is the small calm voice you hear.

My little Sister found me!

I have some really exciting news to share with you. For years you have heard me talk of my two missing sisters. My younger and my older sister. Well...my youngest sister contacted me today On facebook of all things. The only reason I signed up there was to look for her. Lots of people have been finding me too. I have been looking for her for so long. 12 years. You can not imagine the joy in my heart I have right now. We chatted on the phone for a bit and shared some tears. I can't wait to talk to her again. We are not in the same state but pretty close to it. My hubby had the pleasure of listening to me cry like a baby just moments ago. My heart is so happy. Oh how I have missed her and oh the times we must catch up on. Thank you Lord. God is good. Today is the best day. I am ever so thankful. I have one of my sisters back. Horray!

July 13, 2009 BEST DAY EVER!

Handbag made from Pink Vintage Sheets

I made this from vintage pink sheets and a fat quarter of really cute fabric. I made this one a little different from the others. I included a pocket in the inside and I made one side vintage sheets and the other matching the printed fabric.

I made 3 primitive Raggedy Ann dolls

I adore taking photos in the morning. If I have the time and weather permits, I usually hold off on taking photos inside the house. I just love the outdoors. I really love early morning hours. That is my favorite time of the day. No one is really awake in the city yet and its quiet for a bit. I can actually hear the birds. There is so much nature happening in the AM hours. I love it so. I especially love the light I can capture after the sun has risen and shined its light for a few hours. The skies are so pretty. We have some really nice sunsets here too. We are very close to the Everglades. The sun sets on the west side of me and sinks into those Everglades. You can see pink sunsets all the time here. Sometimes a mixture of lavender and pink and blue. The most lovely swirls you can possible imagine. I will have to try and capture it once. I am listing these 3 dolls on Etsy. I have slacked in the doll making dept. I know I need to fix that. Those darn vintage sheets have been keeping me busy. I have also been playing with some paper crafts too. I can not wait to show you what I have been doing. I have nothing at the moment. Just lots of cutting and messing things up really. But not all. hehe

Vintage Floral Sheets found and oh how

Oh yes can you see the bright colors? The floral goodness? That vintage vibe? Me too me too! I adore these fabulous sheets I found. The photo above is a twin size set including the pillowcase.

And these, Oh my goodness. I have 3 complete sets. However I only have one pillowcase. The pillowcase is almost the most worn. I do think one of the flat sheets is a full size. I am just so excited about finding these prints and hope to make some really cute items from them.

I found this reversible apron. Its orange on the other side with the same print just on a small pocket. Its really cute. I love it. I need to wash and iron it.

I found this vintage scale and Pennsylvania Dutch Cookbook from the 60's.

This sheet is actually more yellow, my flash just washed it out.

I am now full of scrabble!

Very Autum this vintage sheet, yes? Queen size. Lots of fabric to play with.

Some of you have been asking me where I am finding my sheets. Thrift Stores. Yep. Try Goodwill Stores in your area and also locate your local thrift shops that are church ran or mom and pop's little shop. I have 4 of them really close to me. Then I have 3 others that I can go to if I feel like driving in traffic that day and have enough funds. Sometimes I don't find anything at any of the stores. (Really I dont. I know it seems as if I have been getting alot of good finds lately. I am shocked as much as you are. Many times I do come out with nothing.) Sometimes each store has a little goodie for me. I like that. It makes me feel as if it was worth driving over there. You need to pay attention to the stores specials. Some of them like Goodwill Stores will have color tags. They will then have signs usually located at the front entrance or register area and they will say red, white tags are 50% off. Now I go when they have the sales. Some days they don't have them. Your still getting a great deal tho then buying it retail or at an antique store/mall. So if you see something you like you need to purchase it right then and there. It's not going to be there when you go back. Trust me. Mostly all the stores I visit have this color tag system including the non-goodwill stores. Sometimes they use color marker. I HATE that. Sometimes they just mark willy nilly all over the item. Now since they are using permenant marker, who is going to want/use that? I noticed on some of my sheets they did that. I am just happy I am cutting them up. Some thrift stores do not carry sheets or bedding or any kind of linen. I find that strange. What do they do with it? I know they must get it donated. Everyone seems to donate everything else. I like to check my usual rounds. I explore each area including clothing. But not all clothing. I usually just skim thru the main and look for the apron section which is always very very small. I then look thru the night gown cause for some reason they like to put vintage handmade dresses in there. I then look thru skirts/dresses. I am looking for vintage. So usually this is a fast look there is mostly 90's and current clothing on the rack. This one place I go to have this unreal amount of furnutire and they are always getting in really great, awesome 1940-1960 pieces in there. I wish I could bring some home. One day. I might. They are always priced right. I find this thrift store to be the most afforable. I can spend $10.00 and have 3 bags full. Its that good. Yet, only on days like today can I say that happened. HAHA! Like I said...Sometimes.....nothing. You have to go in all the time. At least once a week. I know. I know who has the time and funds for that. Did I forget to mention flea markets and garage sales? I know. I know.

Michael Jackson LOVE

I cry when I see this. Cause I know how many people he has touched thru his music and dancing. The army he built will live on FOREVER! XO

Big News is coming soon here.

But not just yet. I have something tell you and can not tell you until it happens to just make sure it is going to happen. But I tell you this.....Its very exciting for me. I have kept this a secret from you for over a year. I wanted to share several times (several, several) but I could not. You just have to have patience with these things and let me tell you something I am not one to have patience. So this was good practice for me. A whole YEAR and I waited. Now I confess some people already know and they should SHUSHY if they don't want a virtual !spanking from me. I do think August/September is when I can share the news. I simply can not wait much longer and thankfully I won't have too. XO

Handbags & belt made from Vintage Sheets

These purses are lined with the matching polk a dot flaps.

I decided to make these bags a little more funky in shape. They are lined with white bedsheets.

I made 4 purses and a belt. I really want to keep that belt.
These are all for my craft show in Oct. I plan to offer lots of handmade goodies at my craft show and there will be nothing over $20.00.

Nightgown made in an hour: Vintage sheet style.

I made this nightgown from 2 different vintage sheets. I am using the sheets for my green showing coming up. Honest. I just am trying to get myself a few goodies from them too. I say I will make myself something and it never happens. Well its happening all right. I am sure to not see these prints for a while so I would like to have something from them. I adore them so. Everyone was still sleeping when I finished this (9 am) so I had to take the photo by myself that is why you are not seeing the full length of it. Its just above the knees. I certainly did not need to put up three photos of myself in "morning" hair/face no less but I am in a photo with Katharine Hepburn. How often does that happen?

I used Sew Mam Sew's pattern again. (free tutorial on her blog)

Vintage Celluloid hair barrettes

Dear God help me. I found another way I adore the use of celluloid. Vintage Celluloid hair barrettes! I found all these in that grab bag I purchased for 2 dollars the other day. I must say there is a bunch here. They are so adorable. I personally use hair clips all the time. To find vintage ones....celluloid no less, gush gush gush. These will not really get used as much as adored. However, I may just strike the urge to try a few. These are fab, right?

Vintage Retro sleeping bag, sheets & Mod fabric

I found this vintage mod quilted sleeping bag. I have not decided what to do with it yet. It has small damage to one of the edges. I can fix it. However I am questioning myself to even keep it a sleeping bag. I think I could use the fabric for something else. This was not handmade. It was made by The Heritage Quilt Company.

Yummy fat quarters.

Vintage White and 3 floral pillowcases. I was in need of a 3rd white sheet. They are being used so fast, I am so happy they cost 2 and 3 dollars. I have been using them for lining and interfacing and such. I must tell you these 3 pillowcases I found are not going to be repurposed. Nope. They are going to be recycled on my bed. I just can't do it. I love the prints so much that they must go on the bed. They make me smile. They are large (queen) sized too. They will match perfect with my aqua and white bed. I plan on adding little bits of color here and there to spice up my room some. I am so tired of it looking (rented) white. I am going to make 2 shams for my pillows. I am going to ask the landlord if he minds me painting the room a pretty shade of blue and get rid of this tan/beige. I need a light fixture. I went to Ikea today to get an idea of colors, fabrics, patterns and styles I want going on in my bedroom. I really like the orange color in the pillowcases and wonder if that is too bold of a color.

I found this fabric at Joann Fabrics. I really like the orange and the blue in this. Hmm..I am really leaning towards that bold.

Found Thrifting Vintage Pyrex, Sewing Kit, and Barrets

Oh my stars what a find I found. Vintage Pyrex mugs. I paid $1.50 for the 8 piece set. The plates are Corelle. They match perfectly. I was really shocked to see a whole set. A WHOLE SET and its such a pretty pattern. I adore it so.

I haven't even taken the items out of the bags yet. I plan on digging into both of these bags over the weekend. I paid $2.00 for each bag. The one above has vintage sewing items and the one below has misc hair clips. Not just any hair clips oh no....when I took a closer look they were all vintage celluloid and Bakelite plastic hair clips. Oh yes! We did get excited ever so much. I promise to show better photos to you.

I found this vintage mod-ish looking apron.

Vintage bed sheet.

Keychains, a fabric bracelet and a apron from Vintage Sheets

I made this fabric bracelet by mistake. Yep, mistake. I was trying to make a key chain and I made it wrong so I was thinking now what am I going to do with this. Bracelet came to mind. It will go in the pile of craft show stock.

I made this cute apron.

I did make keychains. I had lot of little scraps piling up so I thought these would be perfect. I am trying to use the sheets as much as possiable. No scrap is too small. I will even have fabric covered buttons to use the smallest amount. I have been dreaming/thinking of how my booth should look this year. I have lots of ideas floating around.

How to make Strawberry Jam

Classic Recipes: How To Make Strawberry JamI finally found a recipe I can make and not have to worry about it all going bad before we get to use it. I think I will be making jam this weekend. We have oodles of tasty fruit locally here that are just booming yummy. I think I shall make some strawberry jam and blackberry jam.

Handbag made from Vintage Sheets

I made this handbag from a vintage sheet. (one would think one was a little busy with the vintage sheets around here huh? haha) I created this little handbag just a few moments ago. I wanted to make something easy, cute and fast and well I did it. Yipee. The inside of this bag is fully lined with a vintage crisp cotton sheet. I wish I could keep this bag. I want it.

Vintage Sheet made into a Ruffled Apron

I made this ruffle apron from a vintage bed sheet. I shall add this to my stock of craft show goodies to sell. I am really happy with the way this came out. I had to get my son to take these photos for me seeing how most of the time when I go outside I get photos like this one:
I really need a tripod. (giggle)

What I like on Etsy.

Etsy Buy Handmade anniescupboards

One vintage pillowcase repurposed into a shirt!

I have been seeing lots of cute tops made from Sew Mama Sew's adorable and free tutorial on her blog. (right here). I just had to try to make one myself. And here it is. Now I did do a bit of altering to the pattern. I did not have enough fabric to work with to make the pleats on my shirt like she did. So I just gathered mine instead. I am in the process of making another one with pleats. I also thought how cute would this be for a dress? I must try it. I really loved this vintage pillowcase when I found it. I knew I had to do something really creative with it. Usually when I find something so pretty I can't cut into it or nothing is ever worthy enough of using the fabric. Not so. Not when you have this adorable shirt to make for yourself. And can I tell you I made this in under two hours? I did. I was happy. That is why I am going back to make another. However the dolls are calling me over to them. I am going to have to make them happy. I shall play with you soon my dears! This mama is just having too much of an obsession/fun with repurposing vintage sheets lately. And ohhh do I have it bad! XO

Another Wrap skirt but made with Vintage Sheets

I shall offer some wrap skirts at my craft show this year. This one I made with some of that left over aqua polk a dot fabric I used to make mine and I also used the same mod vintage floral sheet I used to make my fabric belt. The front two panels are sheets the back is polk a dots. The inside is all polk a dots with 2 mod birds. This is reversible. This will fit a small/medium. I need to work on a few med/large sizes next.