Pinterest Obssession

Ok, I think I need a pinterest intervention. It's great for a visual stimulation junkie like me.  But, I have found MANY great ideas from it that will save me lots of dough in the long run. Somewhere I saw the idea of making a scarf from a sweater sleeve. I had bought this ugly orange fuzzy sweater at the Thrift Store to cover a pillow for Fall.  I don't look good in orange but I do love it so I thought I'd make a scarf out of it.

I cut the sleeves off.

Then I coated the raw edges at the shoulder with No-Fray glue. And then sewed the larger ends together, keeping the raw edges inside and unseen.

Next I took the smaller ends and held them together.....

and then twisted one end. This will make one continuous but full-bodied scarf.

Then I sewed the small ends together.

All done.

And there you have it! It's perfect for Autumn. Can't until the weather is cool enough to need it.

Duggar Book Giveaway

I'm a HUGE fan of the Duggar family! And they are having a book giveaway on their blog.  They'll be giving away their new book: "A Love That Multiplies". Check it out: http://duggarsblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/another-autographed-book-giveaway.html

I hope I win!

Movie Costume Inspiration

I'm an image addict; I confess it.  I'm totally visually oriented and I never forget an inspiring outfit.  Here are some movie images that have inspired me.

I LOVE Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The art design of the whole movie is great. Truly Scrumptious had the best outfits of the whole cast. Isn't it romantic?

Ok, there was a lot of great design in the Sound of Music that was focused on the main character, but I adore this suit worn by the Baroness. I love the way the polka-dotted fabric is wrapped around her waist with a conspicuous bow and then it's topped with the cropped jacket.  It is so flattering to her figure.

Have you seen Charade, with Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn? It's fantastic.  Audrey's wardrobe is the epitome of 60's mod but still oh-so-elegant.

I have no idea how my brother knew I'd love a leopard print hat but he bought me one years ago. I still love it, although Miss Hepburn looks rather more stunning in hers.

What movie images inspire you?  Have you re-created any movie costumes for every day wear?
And now I have a request, dear readers. I scoured the internet looking for the dress featured below and that photo is all I could find.  Remember the dress that Dottie wore in Pee Wee's Big Adventure?  I think it must've been vintage but I'm not sure. I've never seen anything like it.  It was a basic 50's shape, full skirt dress and I think it had black triangles at the waist.  If anyone can find a link to more images of this dress, I'd be so happy.

And just for fun I found this great monochrome photo of one of my favorite vintage movie stars: Doris Day!

Bats and Bugs

Last night after the thunderstorm came and went I took my dog for a walk.  She was desperate for some exercise.  As I strolled through the mist and fireflies, a rabbit ran from our approach.  Then I looked up into the night sky because something caught my eye. I realized after a few moments I was watching another fascinating creature that I hadn't yet seen, since I moved here. It wasn't a bird up there silently flying around in the dark. They were small bats, catching their insect meal. Sometimes it feels like the Lord is bringing all these amazing animals around me, just because He knows how much I get a kick out of them!

There is this striking dragonfly that comes to visit me often, when I'm working on my little garden.

After he leaves my little lizard friend comes to greet me, too.

I finally finished my carpenter bee painting. To me they look like flying black and yellow teddy bears.

 Next I hope to paint the white moth.

Apron Prize is Home

Quite a few months ago, because my wedding got in the way, I had an apron giveaway.  My aunt won the drawing for her own custom retro half-apron.  Consequently, she asked me to make the apron as a surprise for her soon-to-be daughter-in-law.  I always love sewing surprise gifts!  I was told the bride's favorite colors and I went to work.  What came out of it was a very bright fun piece with an added heirloom. I used one of my grandmother's (and her soon-to-be grandmother's) tea towels as the detachable towel on the front.  I'm told she loves it, so I'm very glad.  Here are pictures of it before it was sent and then a picture of Hannah modeling her new apron.  I hope it sees lots of cookery and baking in the years to come as sweet Hannah marries my dear cousin. Congratulations you two!

 

with the towel detached

 

 

 

If you'd like your own custom apron leave a comment or message me and I'd love to talk to you about it!

Sweet Pea's Goods

"What do you want to be when you grow up, Lara?" "An artist."  Well I guess I've finally grown up.  I'm thoroughly enjoying working with my friend, Linda, at Sweet Pea's Antiques.  It's always a delight to talk about projects and new ideas with other creative people.  She gave me the opportunity to show her my projects recently and then proceeded to buy every single one!  I'm so grateful.  I thought I'd share some pictures of what she bought and some pictures of their new temporary home at the shop (until they go home with someone). Sweet Pea's is a pink dreamland of fun antiques and crafty whimsies.  If you live in my area, it is a MUST-SEE.

It was hard to give up my vintage greeting cards but I guess I don't need 100 of them

I didn't make the shoes but they were a dandy find anyway

I took these in the middle of one of our severe summer thunderstorms

Help Me Name Baby Towel

I made this baby towel and wash mitt for my friend, Amanda, out of terry cloth.  It ties around the mother's neck so she can have her hands free to pick up and dry the baby easily.  Can you help me come up with a name? It was fun and easy to make and my friend liked it. To make it, I basically just sewed to pieces of terry cloth together; as you would if you were making a pillowcase.  Then I sewed all the way around, an inch from the outside seams to keep the fabric from rolling and appliqued the whale on. Comment with your name ideas below.
Thank you!

This is a closeup of the mitt on my shoulder and the tie at the neck