Window shopping

Since fabric shopping is just about all I want to do these days, I'm trying to keep my spending under control by doing some online "window shopping."  Today I hit the fabric for sale on Etsy, and found so many sweet whimsical prints, I wish I could have them all!  Here are my favorites (see below the picture for details, and to see them on Etsy.)

1.  Sea Critters from the Seven Seas Collection by Cloud 9

2.  The Woodlands by Khristian A Howell for Anthology Fabrics

3.  High Seas Blue from the Seven Seas Collection by Cloud 9

4.  Elephants Organic Cotton by Ed Emberley

5.  Where's My Stache Natural by Alexander Henry

6.  Hill and Dale from the Taali collection by Monaluna

7.  Giraffe Print in Corn Yellow and White by Premier Prints

8.  Zig Zag in Corn Yellow and Ash by Premier Prints

9.  Suburbia Kitchen in Earth by Caleb Gray for Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Aren't they just adorable?  Happy Tuesday!

Fav fab finds

I just wanted to pop in and share a few of my favorite fabric finds...

One: Timeless Treasures Washi Waves Cream/Aqua

Two: Heirloom Fez Indigo

Three: Lanikai Chevron Teal

Four: Woodland Trails Owl Blue

Five: Amy Butler Lark Dreamer Kasbah Midnight Blue

Six: Amy Butler Lark Dreamer Nanna Chic Cloud Blue

Seven: Michael Miller It's a Boy Thing Thar She Blows Sea

Eight: Michael Miller Lush Modern Lotus Sky

Nine: Anna Maria Horner LouLouThi Velveteen In The Clearing Jade

Ten: Hello Pilgrim Dotted Circles Blue

I must have been feeling blue today!  I know I can't get them all, but it certainly will be hard to choose!  What do you all think?

Thrifty Tuesday

Today my sister and I made a trip to our local flea market.  I was tempted by so many different vintage fabrics, doilies, notions, and buttons; but somehow I managed to make it out without spending more than five dollars (it's a miracle!)  In the end, I settled on a gorgeous yellow lace runner and a mixed pack of vintage handkerchiefs.  

 

I can't wait to come up with some ways to use these in upcoming projects!  Although some of the hankies are so beautifully embroidered, I might not have the heart to cut them up.  I'm thinking of framing some of them along with some vintage needle cases to hang in my future sewing room.  I've also been attempting to think of projects all afternoon that would create a need for me to go and pick up some extra buttons and notions I found.  I'm sure I'll come up with something!

After much deliberation, I decided that I've held off for long enough, and I took a peek at some fabric online today.  I have built up a small collection of sewing patterns that I had every intention of using when I purchased them, but lost my nerve before I even started.  For some reason, sewing clothes from scratch intimidates the bajeezus out of me.  While I've taken on a few clothing projects, I've really stayed away from this challenge by sewing projects that don't require fit, or by modifying garments that came to me pre-assembled.  Now's the time to take on these patterns!  In order to do this, I just have to get some new fabric (yes, it's an excuse to go fabric shopping, but I'm going to seize the opportunity!)  I'll keep you all posted as I take on these new and exciting projects!

Blue jean blues

Today I searched high and low for a new pair of jeans.  Actually, I only went to one store (but I did look really hard there!) and I came home empty-handed.  But while I was there I was struck with the idea to try to improve the fit of a pair of jeans that I've had in my closet forever and haven't really worn.  I picked these jeans up at a second-hand store last year sometime, and I've only worn them a few times.  They were a little too long for me, and I wasn't crazy about the way the flares fit.  Here they are before the transformation:

The photos were a challenge today, since I was working solo (except for Oliver, who's a trusty sidekick, but not such a whiz with a camera.)  I had a tough time trying to photograph my own legs.  My legless dress form didn't really didn't have a prayer for this pants-only photo shoot.  Anyway, here is the best "after" shot:

I didn't make any major changes, but I took in the flares so they're more of a boot cut/skinny jean now, and I shortened the legs a little.  I didn't sew the cuffs in place, but I like the cuffed look and it was rainy this afternoon, so I wore them that way today.  I hope I get some more use out of these jeans now!

On an unrelated note, I stopped in the craft store this afternoon and I could not leave without picking up some trim.  They were priced at three yards for a dollar!  Three yards!  For one dollar!  Here's a peek at what I got: 

I'm particularly fond of the teal scalloped lace.  I can't wait to make something with these!  I'll be sure to let you all know when I do!  Thanks for stopping by!

Tote bag throwback

Things have been a little crazy lately.  I've been traveling a ton, playing a ton, and posting lots of cool things to share with you all.

...that last one might not be completely truthful.  I wish it was!  I'll try to snap some pictures to share on my next couple of trips, which are quickly approaching.  But in the midst of audition season, I have been spending much more time behind this instrument:

and much less time behind this instrument:

Therefore, I decided to share another project that I completed some time ago.  Since I have had embroidery on the brain lately (more projects to come later this month...) I wanted to share one of my favorite past embroidery projects.  I'm a steadfast supporter of reusable grocery bags, so I bought this plain canvas tote and made it a little more fruity.

 

The patterns for the fruit as well as the text came from this delightful book by Jenny Hart.  The border was a last minute addition...because fruits like to be organized, right?  This was one of my most practical and enjoyable projects.  I'm thinking this bag might need a veggie-themed pal!

I'm off to Cleveland tomorrow for Audition #4, so I'll catch up with y'all when I return!  Have a great weekend!  (...I think there is a football game or something?)