While browsing the Sew Mama Sew blog, I stumbled across a tutorial for this tote bag from Bijou lovely. I was nervous because this was the first structured bag that I had made, but the tutorial walked me through step-by-step and was so easy to follow! I gifted this one to a friend who loves the yellow/gray combo, and now need to make one for myself :) which rarely happens! The only improvement I would make to the original would be to add interior pockets for a cell phone, keys or whatever. Otherwise it is the perfect bag to take to the market, school or playground.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Market Tote
While browsing the Sew Mama Sew blog, I stumbled across a tutorial for this tote bag from Bijou lovely. I was nervous because this was the first structured bag that I had made, but the tutorial walked me through step-by-step and was so easy to follow! I gifted this one to a friend who loves the yellow/gray combo, and now need to make one for myself :) which rarely happens! The only improvement I would make to the original would be to add interior pockets for a cell phone, keys or whatever. Otherwise it is the perfect bag to take to the market, school or playground.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Resolved to....
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| from Creating Clever |
So, my next money-saving thought was, why not commit to only buying used clothes for the next 6 months? I mean, I know I can get away with not buying clothes for 3 months or so, but then I get restless and dive head first into a shopper frenzy hopping from Nordstrom Rack, to DSW, and TJ Maxx. So the 6 month time frame will be a bit more of a challenge! You may be thinking...hmmm...what about the more personal stuff...like undergarments or swimsuits. I have the perfect solution. I can purchase "new" items with money earned from consigning my "old" items...pretty genius, huh? Luckily, I haven't purchased anything new this year...December was a different story :) I'll keep you all updated on how it turns out...in fact I made my first thrift purchase of the new year today...an adorable blue and white-ish striped dress. Crazy to think that I could be wearing it in the next few weeks here in San Diego (the Washington winter would never allow this!). I also posted a picture of another thrift steal from a few months ago, Stuart Weitzman pumps. And we're talking maybe worn once, Nordstrom tag still intact, made in Spain, classier than ever, probably from the 90's heels. I LOVE them so much and guess what...only cost me $6.99...incredible I know!
So it's possible, I'm a believer, sold on the idea that I can thrift it for at least the first half of the year to reduce financial stress! Who knows...maybe it will become a way of life!? very unlikely :)
...pretty hot, I know :)
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Vintage Crafting
While visiting my Grandma in South Dakota this past summer, I rummaged through the attic and found this treasure hidden away:
My Grandma has quite a few embroidered flour sack dish towels that I just love. The simple designs add a kind of elegance to the kitchen. The flour sack towels can be found at a local bakery for sale...I happened to purchase mine this Christmas while at Sluy's Bakery in Poulsbo, WA, famous for their bread, donuts and Scandinavian treats. The hot iron transfers still had life left in them and easily stamped onto the towels. I made a few for my Mom for Christmas, including the pears below and I just finished the strawberries for my own kitchen...it's always hard for me to hold onto my crafts, typically I end up finding my project is the perfect gift...not this time :)
If you're interested in purchasing a towel or two, let me know and we can figure out the design and colors!

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