Just Bliss

Value Village beckoned a couple of weeks back.  It had been a while since I'd been on a good bargain hunt, and I was craving the chase.  And so, it would seem, was half of the city on the day I finally made it.  There was, apparently, a 50% off sale, and the place was an absolute zoo.  It was also pretty picked over, but I did find the following treasures:

I have a bit of an owl thing, and I also have a bit of a kitschy Japanese figurine things, so, these amazing salt and pepper shakers have found an honoured place in the kitchen.

I have stacks of beautiful vintage teacups, but I do like having spares for projects.  This set of four are gorgeous and will make a very pretty something or other.

I also have piles of vintage linens, which I convert into various things.  I'm currently crocheting another rag rug, and I have plans on quilting some throw pillows using the granny-chic prints.  But I really had to pick these up for the nostalgia; we had sheets like these growing up, and I still love them.

My collection of vintage pattern books is getting out of hand, but I just can't resist!  And look at these beauties.  Inspiration abounds.

Happy Hunting!

xo

s.



Crochet beachwear is all the rage. 
These guys look hot.  Like sunstrokey.

Nothing chic here, just straight up granny. 
And I still kind of want to make them.

When quilting (and lady mullets) go too far.

The family that wears matching sweaters has no choice but to stick together.

Projects and inspiration - quilting

Last year, my New Year's goal was to learn how to crochet.  Check.  This year, I want to learn how to quilt.  Part of my interest in doing so is the legacy left to us by Jeff's grandmother.  We have been very fortunate to have inherited some of Winifred's magical quilts.  The first was this stunner that she made for Jeff in advance of his wedding day.  Sadly, she passed away many years before Jeff and I even met, but somehow, she managed to capture some of me in the quilt too.

Mountains and trees and deer.  Amazing.

 

A little threadbare, but I love the fabric and colours she chose. 

Others are more utilitarian, but my favourite is one that was more or less relegated to a junk pile.  After collecting one of her beautiful old bookshelves from its place of storage, I was delighted to find this beauty being used as a storage cover.  It has been, as they say, well loved.  I desperately want to revitalise it, and I also want to start a legacy of my own.

Gus loves the quilt. 
Gus also loves eating the quilt.

 

I'm less concerned about 'theme' than most.

Knowing this (and because he is wonderful) Jeff bought me a certificate for a quilting class at Patch Halifax.  I had a tremendous amount of creating a quilt as you go pillowcase.  I immediately went out and picked myself up the necessary accessories (I do love accessories) to be able to quilt at home.  The class also inspired me to begin working on the restoration of the quilt.  First, I trimmed the torn, aged and dissolving edges.  I hope to patch the threadbare sections with bits and bobs leftover from other projects, and edge the quilt in bias tape that was in a grab-bag of goodies at Value Village.  I feel like it will be slow going, but that it will be a truly granny-chic masterpiece when all is said and done!

Granny chic to the max.

Here's to inspiration.

xoxo

s.

Launched! Etsy is live.

Holy smokes guys.  After years of humming, hawing, rationalising, procrastinating, planning, abandoning plans and reinitialising plans, I can finally say, I have an Etsy shop!!

The shop is going to be focused on creations from vintage patterns, re-purposed fabrics and upcycled treasures.  From there, we will see...now that the genie is out of the bottle, who knows what will inspire me next.

Some tidbits from the shop:



I love the bee trim on the pocket

I've been busy making aprons using pillowcases and vintage napkins.  I think they've turned out pretty spiffy.  Viva l'apron revolution! (or however that might translate). 


Jeff was very accommodating in helping me with the photo shoot.  I noticed in going back over the shots, he was particularly thorough in capturing a lot of the back detail.  Such a sweet boy.

Hope you'll drop on by and have a look!

xo
s.

My butt is about to become an Etsy superstar.

I've also been working on:

Upcycled Sweater Beds

Saucy Pin-Up Girl Tree Ornaments

Fin & Batty Finnegan Pillows

And Granny Chic Vintage Teacup Candles