Long Time, No See...

Hello everyone!  I've missed you all!

Well, I needed some time to heal from life mishaps.  Loss of home, loss of job, marital issues, and trying to give the younger children some stability in the midst of it all!  And, I'm happy to report that God is Good, even in the middle of the mess; and that things are starting to turn around!

I am thankful to the childrens' school and neighbors and friends who have opened their homes and hearts to us all!  I love you, all!

Any hoot!  Here are some WIPs and a PhD I am working on and that have helped with my sanity!

I started this project soon after (or, maybe during) Christmas.  Hexagon piecing has always intrigued me, then I found a wonderful tutorial by Texas Freckles; and joined the Hexagon Charm Quilt Flickr Group.  I've done more than shown, but I still have a long way to go to have enough for a twin, maybe full size quilt.  It's great to do while 'waiting', or 'listening' to a movie or tv!

Then, I started a knitting project for a customer/friend.  A poncho!  This pic was taken in its beginning stage and I've come a long way since, but still working on it...

Here's some Junk Love/Thrifty projects:

a pair of pajama pants for my daughter (and, will make a pair for myself) along with nightgowns for her and I.  Purchased the full size fitted and flat sheets with 2 matching pillowcases for about $2 in its original package!

Next, is a workout and beach ensemble in dusty blue terrycloth.  It's large scraps from a crafty friend who was spring cleaning.  This terry is soooooo soft!  I made a peasant top and yoga pants with a bell leg and slits on side of pant legs.  Great for the beach!  Just to hang out in or as a cover-up!  Florida sun can be brutal during the summer!

My current project...

Rompers are 'IN', again!  I remember wearing them 'back in the day'; pant and short rompers.  I loved them then, and love them now!

Here's a close-up!  (sorry for the poor pic quality)

This is a vintage Vogue pattern circa 1960.  Of course, I will be altering and drafting this pattern to fit me and my body.  You can go along for the ride, as I work on this project!

Here is the fabric choice!  Not sure of the type fabric, but it's flow-ey and will give good 'drape' to the pattern!  I think I'm going to wear this for my second oldest daughter's high school graduation on June 1.  Yeah!

And,...

I'm still plugging away on my PhD's in my participation of Myra's PhD Challenge!  I've committed to completing four of my projects by June.  So far, this is 2 and 2 more to go!  Still quilting this one with my grandson's help (as you can see)!  I guess I'd better get crackin'!

I'm glad you all 'hung in there' with me and it's glad to be back with my online friends!  Have a Glorious weekend!

Peace, Junk Love, Happy Sewing, Quilting and Crafting!

Stacy

Junk Love...Containers

I am a container fanatic!  I need a container for EVERYTHING and EVERYTHING needs its own container!  Here's a few containers repurposed!

I know you all recognize the two longer containers...it's what Crystal Light packs come in.  I use them to travel to hold embroidery scissors, thread, needles, beads, etc.  The other Crystal Light container is holding my paper hexagons.  The large flat container (Rubbermaid "TakeAlongs") was purchased at my local Dollar General for $2 in the Clearance aisle.  It works for me!  There were only 2 of these; the one shown holds my items for working on my hexagons, while the other holds my items for working on my yo-yo's.  Or, these containers can store loads of fat quarters!  I plan to fill this large container with the hex's I'm making!

Junk Love, Repurposed!

Until next time....Peace and Junk Love!

PhD Challenge

Go over to Myra's blog to see what project I completed!  Only three more to complete my challenge!

Vintage Love Wednesday...Vintage Notions Book Review

I decided that it would be "Vintage Love" Wednesday, as I am reviewing "Vintage Notions" by Amy Barickman.

Amy's book, Vintage Notions represents a culmination of a personal journey started 20 years ago when Amy began collecting rare sewing and needle arts books, vintage home arts magazines and cookbooks, as well as sewing, textiles and handiwork projects she found at antique stores and flea markets, ultimately creating one of the largest collections of its kind.  This book was also inspired by the works of Mary Brooks Picken, who founded the Woman's Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences in 1916, the largest school in history devoted solely to teaching women how to combine the domestic arts with entrepreneurism.

This book is a great inspiration to the crafty, vintage, and today's culture who is returning to a simpler lifestyle!  The book is divided into seasons, then months/holidays.  "Thimblefuls" are inspirational essays included in each month that seem befitting for that month. Amy's book provides women with imaginative and inventive ideas that show them how to use their talents and skills in the best way possible.

You all know that I recycle and refashion, and there are some great sewing projects for each month. Wonderful projects that have been added to my "Crafty-Do List":  such as, the summer purse; lampshade; and of course, the Magic Patterns (chic, easy to make sewing patterns).  I'm also looking forward to sampling the various embroidery stitches!  This would be a great time for me to 'refresh' my skills!  I also enjoyed (and, have added) the seasonal recipes to my recipe box.  In particular, the "Planning Meals Without Meat"!

This book also features four storage pockets - one for each season.  This will be great for keeping notes and all sorts of other little vintage things.

I truly enjoyed and will further enjoy this book!  I feel that Amy celebrates the value of the crafty, domestic divas and their lives!

Junk Love Wednesday... to knit, or to crochet? or both?

That is the question!  I like both but do so much more knitting, now.  I crocheted a lot as a kid growing up and would love to do it much more!

Well, I'm sad to announce that two of my favorite local thrift stores have closed!  They've been around FOREVER it seems... but apparently, while I was ill one of the stores had a 70% storewide sale!  How did I miss that! (sobbing)

Anyway, here's my junk love find about 6 months ago!

...not the case.  Knitting needles,

...crochet hooks,

...and, a small bag of circular needles!

I can have a 'Yarn Party'!  Invite all of my friends who knit and/or crochet!  Would you like to join me?

HAPPY YARN PLAY!
Peace and Junk Love

Updates!

I completed the slouch handbag and a couple of small totes for my Etsy!

 

I've also completed the top to my bellydance costume.  I've added beadwork!

As well as the PhD Challenge, I'm currently knitting a poncho!  If you would like to check out the updates, then click on the "PhD Challenge" button on the right-side of my blog page and you will be directed.

Well, I returned to school this week and the children return to school on Monday, January 10.  I'll have some more time to work on projects!  Until then,...

HAPPY CREATIVITY!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

New Year and New Beginnings!  Actually, we are given 'new beginnings' every single day!

Giving you a sneak peek of projects I've been working on!

...cute slouch bags;

...fabric treat mats and coasters;

...these lovely fabrics will become clutch purses!

and, these will become more quilts!

Speaking of quilts, I have joined Myra's PhD Challenge for the new year!  It's a great motivator for me to virtually hang out with other quilters, sewists and complete projects!  Hurry and stop by Myra's blog if you'd like to participate.  Deadline is tonite!

Also, I will continue to contribute to "Junk Love Wednesdays"!  I would also like to thank all of you, visitors, for stopping by to check me out! ;D  The last couple of months of 2010 have been really hard for my family and I, and your visits and comments is just like you've knocked on my door to say, "Hi"!  I wish you all a Happy New Year and that all of your dreams come true in 2011!

Wishing All of You...

...a Very Merry Christmas!  Have a safe and wonderful holiday!

Junk Love With a Little Raqs Sharqi

...which is commonly known as, belly dancing!

This is what I do to release and it's good exercise for you!  I've grown up with the dance, as my mom and aunt belly danced back in the day.  The costumes are beautiful and you know I have to make my own.

I purchased this asian-inspired dress at my local thrift store.  Funny, my mom (who was visiting at the time) and another customer was admiring the dress and then asked what I was going to do with it?  I told them I was cutting it up to make a costume.  They both looked at me in disbelief, then mom said, "I'm glad I'm leaving so that I will not see when you cut this dress."

I believe the black stretch velvet piece and the flowers were added to the initial dress.  So, this might have been used for a costume previously.  Anyhow, I found a tutorial on Flickr by MishaKitty on covering a bra and she has other tutorials based on belly dance gear.

I cut the dress in half and used the two bottom pieces to make a 2-panel skirt with side ties, which I will wear over a yoga pant, a full tiered skirt, or the balloon-like pants (can't think of the name, right now).

I've cut the pieces to cover the bra and am starting to hand-stitch the fabric and will later adorn with thrift store costume jewelry and medallions!  I love the color purple and this was perfect for me!

These cute decorative fabric pieces were on the dress as closures at the top.  I'll find use for them in either this project or another.

Well, I sent pics to mom and she loved it!  I'll be sure to show the finished ensemble when I'm done!

Oh, and by the way my stage/dance name is Layan, which was given to me by my dear friend Malak!  Layan means good and wealthy life!

Thanks for visiting!  Peace and Junk Love!

Mini Mochi Topsy Turvy Cowl

Mini Mochi Topsy Turvy Cowl, originally uploaded by SEWButterfly.

Remember the cowls mom and I were knitting on her visit? Here's mine!