Saturday, July 19, 2008

Yard Sale and Thrifting finds

Today I gave myself a $40 limit and found some great stuff!

I only went to two yard sales, then went out to the country to a friend's house and HAD to stop at a thrift shop along the way. It's not often that I get away from the city and I'm always up for a trip to a new thrift shop.

I'm so glad I stopped because I found a few great treasures! My total for the day was $30 exactly! And this is what I found...


Two pairs of pants, two pair of shorts and a bandanna. This pair of pants has already been turned into a pair of shorts! My first successful refashion!!


Two gorgeous silver trays...


...an antique top... I asked the woman if she made it and she said she found it at an antique shop. I was just getting it for the beads but now I'm not so sure I want to take it apart!



I'm not sure what I'm going to do with this skirt but I I love the material and it was only $1!

I have a growing collection of pitchers and absolutely love handmade pottery. I lucked out finding two such pieces today!

Handmade by DD in 1975.



Handmade by Kitty in 1960.

I really did buy this for the buttons! Well, if it fits, the buttons can stay where they are. But if not, the buttons are totally being used elsewhere!



Parhaps the buttons will be donated to this shirt! I definitely didn't buy this for the buttons. And it's not quite my style right now, but I have a vision of some changes. I think I like the color most.



One of my most exciting finds! At 25 cents each, I found a circa 1994 pattern, ...



circa 1966...

and a crochet instruction book circa 1974!

Plus these two old scissors at 50 cents each.

Plus I found a small shelf to display my shells and a men's bike in perfectly good shape for $10!

I think I did well!

So to recap...

Yard 1: 2 pair pants, bandana, small shelf, two silver trays, men's bike in perfectly good condition: $18

Yard 2: skirt, vintage beaded tank style top, handmade pitcher, cookie jar: $6

Thrift Shop: 2 vintage patterns, 1 vintage crochet booklet, two tops, handmade pitcher, 3 pairs of scissors: $6

More deep thoughts

I don't feel like blogging but I have to do something to keep from getting sucked into the hole that is depression. I've been fighting it for a few weeks, maybe even a few months. It seems like every time something goes wrong I get closer and closer to the line that separates my healthy life from depressed living. Which, I suppose isn't living at all.
I know I've been talking a lot about crafts and such lately, but really this blog started in order to help me look back and see how I've grown. Supposing that someday I grow! I'm kidding. Hopefully we all grow in some way or another.
I think I've mentioned that I used to give up and not even fight the first feelings of depression because I didn't think there was anything I could do about it. I basically kissed the next few months of my life goodbye and dissapeared from anything remotely social.
I now know there are a lot of things I can do. One of them is not to withdraw, as I automatically did in the past. And yet here I sit at home alone. My hubby is at our friend's house helping with his annual cookout. He'll cook all day so our friend can socialize and then he'll set off a huge display of fireworks and bask in the glory.
I'm not a crowd kind of girl. I love to just sit and talk with folks, but I'm not into the group party game mentality. I drove out into the country an hour away and then came back because it's just not my thing. My hubby understands, and he also probably can tell that I'm withdrawing.
Tomorrow is a big day though and I'll be at church. That means something different to me than it did in the past. And maybe it means something different to me than it does to others. Or to you. To me, being at church is hanging out with people that care about me, that understand me, that support me, that I support. Yes, it's singing and examining my heart and listening to what God is placing there, and I think a lot of people get that and a lot of people don't...but it's even more than that.
My church is rather large and has three services. I like to get there early and hang out with another woman who gets there even earlier! Then I'm on the greeting team, so I've got work to do. There are a number of entrances, so we cover a lot of doors! I go to one service, but during the other services invariably there are people hanging out that I've developed friendships with over time. I'm just now finding that I can say that though. I have been attending this church almost three years and attended a few seminars and have participated in a couple different ministries before I've gotten to the point that I can say I've been able to develop these friendships.
That's what I crave: the connection of friends. I think I used to walk into a situation and expect that there SHOULD be a connection with someone, anyone, and when there wasn't, I felt I was somehow to blame. I just am realizing right now that I used to expect that! And I was to blame. (For having that unrealistic expectation!)
I had a conversation just last week with a somewhat new friend who is really being challenged to study poverty. It is that kind of thing that makes me think, gives me a moment to consider...we challenge each other and it's good. When friends don't challenge each other, they are giving each other the excuse to keep from maturing. Have you ever noticed that as you mature, some of your friends don't mature at the same rate? (or even at all?) What happens to those friendships? Do they stay the same? Is there tension? Is there anger or misunderstanding? Is it "all good?"
Often there will at least be misunderstanding because they don't get why you've changed and you don't get how they can be so immature!
So I guess that's what I get from church. It's people that get me. It's people that challenge me. It's normal everyday sinners just like me just trying to figure it all out for themselves. And it's worship. It's examination. It's that inner challenge in the corners of your heart that knows that what that guy up on the altar is talking about strikes altogether too close to home. It's forgiveness and comfort and it's a safe place for me to be week after week. Even when I'm feeling like I'm feeling tonight.
When I started this post, I wanted to turn on the tv and watch it until I fell asleep and sleep all the way through services tomorrow because I want to withdraw, to hide in my state of depression and let the world get on without me. But then I'd miss the encouragement and cameraderie and compassion I experience every week at church. And that, if anything in my life right now, is one thing I cannot afford to miss.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Lunchcapades...I did good!

I went to the craft store because I had to make sure the material I was going to use to back the baby blanket was machine washable...and it isn't!! I'm so glad I checked. I don't want it to be one of those blankets that gets tucked away or hung on a wall. It should be used! What new mom is going to want to hand wash the silly thing? So I got a flannel backing in a yellow print to coordinate with the yellow stripes on the front. I was going to need to get the satin blanket binding anyway, I was just waiting until I knew for sure what color the back was going to be. So I got that and a couple ribbons in coordinating colors for the small square I'll also make. (The materials I was planning to make the blanket are in this post, but you have to scroll quite a way down to see it.)

What I hadn't planned on in today's crafting trip was the addition of another new hobby.

: s

I was in search of sewing technique books and passed the "learn to crochet" booklet section. Hm. Those pictures look gorgeous! I'm not talking about the sweater-type crocheting, though it's beautiful, I'm talking about the lace trim type of crochet. The thread crochet. So I priced out the thread/yarn and the hook and away I went! I decided not to spring for any of the $7-$19 learn-to-crochet books because I'm pretty sure I have a book about crochet, embroidery and something else already. (And then I was looking through the sewing techniques books and remembered I already have two of those somewhere at home too!)

Considering I planned to get most of what I got and I didn't get a lot of what I saw and wanted to get, (still with me?) *deep breath*, I think that was a minor victory. Or at the very least it wasn't a complete failure!!




In an aside, I thought I'd share one of my organizational techniques I'm currently using. Actually, it's not so much organizational as it is "in-car clutter maintenance." It's just a small box sitting on my passenger seat. I put my lunch bag in there, loose papers, directions; anything small that would otherwise just be floating around the place, getting lost in nooks and crannies and such. It just keeps it contained. I have to make sure I empty it out at least once a week though, otherwise I'll simply end up with another "box 'o stuff." And it's not a trash bin! That's behind the passenger seat! Can you tell I hardly ever have passengers?!

I don't think I posted these pics from my MIL's garden...



Free Rice and Deep Thoughts

First, Free Rice. I remember my little korean sister playing the free rice game last fall and thought it was a great idea...then promptly forgot about it! There is a link on my sidebar that will bring you to the site. The basic premise is that for every correct answer you give, 20 pieces of rice will be donated. For any more information on who is donating what to whom, go to the site and click on FAQs on the top menu bar. (More about my little korean sister later.)

What I like about it (besides the donation) is that it strengthens your vocabulary. What you should know before you "play" is that you can quit at any time. It will never ask you for your e-mail or give you a score or anything (though it tracks your vocab "level" on an ongoing basis). I didn't realize at first that there was no end to this game and just kept on going. I had it on my computer pretty much most of the morning and kept going back to it while I was on hold (on the phone) or waiting for my computer to think about what I wanted it to do (don't get me started!!). So you can quit at any time without your accumulated donation being forfeited!

Second: deep thoughts.
We went to our 4th marriage counseling session yesterday afternoon. We'll call this counselor "Phil." One thing Phil said which really struck me is that it's not enough to identify a problem, habit or behavior. It's good, but it's not the end of the growth process. We have to then get to the root of why it's become a problem. Otherwise, even if we change, if we don't also address the underlying cause, lasting & effective change will not occur. Maybe we never regress back to that problem, but a new one likely develops to replace it.

Take, for instance, ice cream (gee, how did I think of that?). Even though I'm no longer eating ice cream, doesn't mean I've addressed the underlying problem. Now I'm replacing it (and clothes shopping) with becoming a craft store junkie! Oi.

Right after our session, I went to the store and was pretty contemplative, having just gotten some somewhat unsettling news. This was all on my mind as I perused the materials and patterns and notions. I think it's telling that I put a lot back before I checked out. I also think it's telling that I went there without having planned it. So I'm making a little progress, but I've got a lot of work to do!

Again, I shouldn't try to sew at night!

Perhaps I should just plan, draw, make project bags, and do frivolous crafty things at night until I'm more proficient at sewing!

I picked out a shirt I haven't seen my hubby wear in YEARS, but since he was working on a side-job last night, I didn't cut into it yet. So my shorts project is currently on hold until tonight, but maybe I shouldn't even attempt it until Saturday! LOL

I found some sale fabric that would make great shorts at the fabric store last night. I know... dangerous territory, but I was very good. I even put a lot of items back before I checked out! The fabrics I purchased were either remnants or $1 or $2 per yard. I'll have to go back and find the receipt, because I forgot to post it on my running tally last night...

Right, so I found this shorts fabric at $1 per yard and a cute simple shorts pattern, and while I was waiting to get it cut, I decided to spring for extra since it was such a great color, and price. It's a nice lightwieght but "sturdy" material.

Well, it's a good thing I got so much extra because I was fed up with the pattern and just started cutting what I thought I needed based on looking at the jeans I currently fit into (bad idea #1) ...then went back to the pattern and actually used it to cut the pieces as they should be, but forgot that there were different patterns for different lengths (bad idea #2) so even though a piece says "E", I should have kept looking for "cut 1" or "cut 2." Luckily, I have enough leftover yardage I'll still be able to make at least one pair of shorts from when I get back to it!!!

I used to be so patient and never just rushed into stuff like this. I think working at night makes me rush things. Plus I really wanted to finish it last night so I could wear them this weekend to a barbeque at a friend's house. Again, caught by the deadline! Well, no finished shorts.

But I have discovered an unexpected bonus to this crafting-at-night practice I've developed. I've slept really well this week! I think putting my mind to something at night really helps tire me out so that my mind can't race while I'm staring at the ceiling wishing I were asleep! (or maybe it's the no-ice cream thing! I love ice cream with chocolate swirl or chocolate chips or chocolate anything added! Major caffeine intake I alwayse chose to ignore!!!)

So perhaps I'll find something simple I can make at night and just make a bazillion of them for a craft fair or something! Like clutch purses or the project bags (thought they'll have to be a heck of a lot better put together than the first ones I've done!) Or Blue Yonder's hankercheifs. I tried one last night from a sage green flanel remnant I found at the store yesterday and LOVE it! I'm using it today, it's very soft, very cozy and I don't even miss the puffs plus! (And I don't miss the cost or the waste either!!) And while I'm on the subject, I can't say enough great things about Blue Yonder! So I'll keep it short. Two words: Taaaa-lent! (Writing, cooking, sewing, parenting...)
Plus, if I win the AMAZING Old Red Barn quilt, I'll owe it all to her for posting it on her blog! (Have you heard about the quilt giveaway? No? Why the heck not?! Click on the icon at the top right side of the page and check it out. Now!)

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Mom's Garden. (& Dad's Carving)












Bottom of a windchime.

I have a very talented family!






Patio coffee table!



Old Red Barn Quilt Giveaway

Personally, this may be TMI (too much information), but I'm drooling right now. Wishing I had the talent, skills, gumption, and imagination to even conceive of this, much less the courage to actually attempt it! (Much less finish the fantastic piece!)

Click on the "Win this Quilt" graphic to the right of the page, at the top...and get even more incredible, yummy, awesome views of this magnificent treasure! It will bring you straight to Dana's Old Red Barn blog. Do it. Right now. Seriously.

What are you waiting for, Christmas? You don't have that much time!!! The contest ends July 22nd. (My 8th wedding anniversary, by the way.) Do it now!!

Wouldn't that be a great anniversary present? I mean, 8 years! We made it (barely) through the 7 year stretch and we're still going strong! What an incredible accomplishment! Especially if you'd been listening to me 2 months ago! (pre-How To Grow Blogspot)

Maybe I should consider the youtube video after all...or you could enter the contest in my name! Wow, what an incredible token of friendship! (if you don't know what I mean by the youtube video, that means you haven't checked out the contest site!!!!)

; )

This gal also makes yummy soap (but don't eat it) and seriously, if I don't get the quilt, ... well, I'll be dissapointed, but if I get one of the gift certificates instead, I'll not be too terribly dissapointed! What a great consolation prize!!!

I so wish I could post pictures of the quilt and soaps here, but I don't want to do anything to jeapordize my chances of winning! Just take it from me...it's fantastic!

Acutally, don't take my word for it, see for yourself already!!!

Wardrobe Wednesdays and other assorted projects and comments

Yes, I know it's Thursday, but I never seem to have the energy to boot up the laptop when I'm done sewing. Here's what I accomplished last night on my wardrobe....
Nada, Zilch, Zero. *sigh*

I got home with all kinds of energy and expectations ... and fizzled! At least where the wardrobe is concerned. I think I'm a bit discouraged with my previous refashioning attempts, but I did work on sewing projects, for which I'm greatful.

I used to keep the projects which were small enough in a large ziplock bag in a bin under the table, but to me, out of sight really is out of mind, so I've been hanging them on a rack in plain view. The only problem with that is where to put the little extras like the perfect thread, etc...


Which is how I came up with these Project bags, or Notion bags. This way, when I haven't completed the project, I can hang it back on the rack and keep all the appropriate notions with it so I don't go back later and say - now where did that zipper go? or What size buttons was I going to use?

I started out with quarters I can't imagine using on anything else and which are so old, I think they may have been handed down to me through the generations... ; )



I was so pleased to find thread and ribbon from my stash that actually coordinated with both fabrics which I'd chosen!



I decided on a small loop to go over the neck of the hanger. But then I was thinking that the rest of the bag would gape open, so I considered a button hole, but didn't want to get into that, so I simply attached a smaller loop on the other side of the bag to thread the original loop through.





I made the bags approximately 5" deep by 7" wide, but I'd make them a bit narrower next time, maybe 6" wide by 6" deep.


I also keep one hanger that I just attach clothes pins to, so I hung the extra notion bags over the neck of that hanger, and now it's pulling double duty!


I then told myself I couldn't play any longer, it was time to do something from my to-do list, so I *yawn,* cut up an old t-shirt to make my kitchen rags (in lieu of paper towels). I got 10 good size rags out of a men's large tee. At zero cost, since it was one of my hubby's work shirts, provided by the company! Woo Hoo.




Then I picked the fabrics for the baby blanket which needs to be completed by August 7th, and cut it out. It doesn't need to be heavy, because it's going to Baton Rouge, Louisianna which has rather mild winters. I decided on the measurements and cut out the two fabrics, then decided I really do need to go back to the craft store to make sure the "short hair poodle" is washable.




By that time, it was rather late, but I wanted to take some long-overdue pics of some of my favorite yard-sale finds from this past weekend, so here are my unexpected treasures!

4 vintage buttons and a cuff link on a vintage safety pin.


2 beautiful scarves, age unknown.



Vintage beaded trim. Wow!




This piece is circular, as if the lower half of a shirt was simply cut from the top. It has one tear and a few stains, but is otherwise Gorgeous! It has a scalloped trim. the fabric is so thin, I hesitate to touch it! I'll probably carefully fix it up, tighten some of the loose beads here & there and frame it. The second picture is more representative of the acutal coloring.




And it was with this piece of lace. I didn't think to get the dimentions, but it could be made into a cape of sorts. It's not long enough to be a wrap. I almost didn't take it, but I'm so glad that I did!!


And of course, I finally found a scrap jar. Remember I'm sharing my craft space with my generous hubby's "Man Town" and it just works better in the flow of the basement to have the trash barrel about 5 steps away. Not a big deal, until you're snipping off thread ends and teeny pits of fabric. Then that 5 steps becomes an irritation. Then the table stacks up with all these threads and scraps. Then it's not nice and neat anymore. I don't work well with clutter...enter the scrap jar. I had etched it years ago and it landed in the craft trunk to while away it's years. I've rescued it from boredom and a life of unfulfilment!



And lastly...

This morning I had to stop for gas. But since the last fill-up I've really been conscious of my aggressive driving style and have tried to implement some hypermiling techniques. I drive a standard transmission and one of the neat things about my car is that it gives you a signal when you should shift. In the past I've always ignored it because it tells you to shift way before I used to and you'd loose torque that way. Well, I gave it an honest 345 miles (for the most part...sometimes I slipped before I remembered my intent,) and guess what...


31.229 miles to the gallon!

It's rated to get 26 city/ 33 highway but the most I've gotten is just squeeking into the 30 range. On this tank, I've done a LOT of city driving and I have to say - I'm impressed! What a difference driving style makes!