How we spent our summer vacation....

Well, to be more accurate, we are still spending it! We are renovating our guest bathroom, demo work started on Memorial Day, things really heated up over July 4th weekend, and are still rolling, although a bit slower. We are doing all the work ourselves (which is just our style!), and have hit a few minor snags. I hope to post on the progress over several days.

Here are a few before pictures. The catalysts for the renovate:

1. wall-to-wall carpeting (can you say "YUCK!"?)
2. 1980s flowery country-style wallpaper and awful border
3. vanity and sink that were so low, they hit me mid-thigh and I am 5'4"
4. toilet so low that you felt like you were falling when you went to sit down

Here is a picture from when I saw the house for the first time before we bought it. Decorations are not ours!























Here is a closeup of the wallpaper, and then the layer of paper underneath that I found during stripping.

"C" is for Caden.....

My first entry for "Finish-what-you-have" month (yes, I know that was for June, sue me!). Actually, as an aside, the rest of my summer will revolve around a "finish-what-you-have" theme (including publications, research, reading, books on tape, cherries, painting, and cleaning the car).

Back to your regularly scheduled post....I made this very fun, albeit smaller than I wanted, quilt for our new nephew, Caden. Of course I had the idea of using his first initial in the quilt pattern somehow (so his older brother could not one day try to take it for himself...he has his own -- sans initial), but I had to wait for the official name before I could complete the task. I am happy to report that the only "new" thing purchased specifically for this quilt was the batting. All fabrics are either vintage, leftover from other projects, or recycled clothes and linens (madras plaid shorts, a stripey pillowcase). The madras plaid shorts really inspried the colors for this quilt. I like strong primary colors for late summer -- blue, red, yellow, and of course white (which goes with just about everything). I used a simple block pattern, and used solid red blocks for the "C."
The back is a soft flannel plaid in light red, blue, yellow on a white background.

I hope Caden likes it!

Market bags are in season...

I have several market/tote bags ready to go. I am offering these up for sale so I can make room for more fabric, and well, stuff! Each is one-of-a-kind, with reinforced stitching. I have hauled lots of books in mine, and have no problems with the handles or the bottoms. I purposely make them strong to hold lots of stuff, 'cause I am always dragging around a lot of stuff!

Each bag is $25 which includes shipping (inside the continental US only). If you are interested, please send me an email for payment options. Thanks for looking!

First up: Pink Balloon Day Dreams






















Next: Sunny Days

Spring Cleaning--Crafter-Style!

Over at turkey feathers, there is quite a buzz about "Finish What You Have" Month. I am in for this. I have so many projects that have been cut out (like 20+ tote bags! eek!), a quilt that is half started, throw pillows, and of course lovely Pointy Kitty to name just a few....so I am gonig to concentrate my craft time this month to finishing stuff up (w/ the exception of a new table runner for K), so I can clean out some space. I have already resigned myself in the last year or more to not buying any new fabric (or yarn) until I use what I have. Of course, I don't hold myself accountable for any fabric/yarn/textiles to be recycled that might be found at a yard sale or thrift store. So, hopefully in a few days I will have some progress to report on!

If you are interested in "Finish What You Have" Month, jump on over to turkey feathers and give your "virtual" nod. Good luck!