Thursday's Treasure

Just when I thought Tuesday's trip to the Salvation Army was a bust, I spied this beauty peeking out from the linen rack! It has a few flaws, but it also has a ton of gorgeous fabric for pillows or stuffed animals or totes, etc. I think I will sell it whole, as is, for some lucky seamstress to harvest as she sees fit.

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Funny story, while I was pushing my cart around with this hanging over it, a lady came up oohing and ahhing and said, "Do you KNOW what this IS? Um, "What?" I reply- thinking maybe there was a special name for the pattern or something.

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"An old chenille BEDSPREAD!" she proclaimed. Well, I'll be! I guess that takes care of that! Teehee. Perhaps I looked so youthful that she figured I couldn't possibly be old enough to remember these. Yep, that must be it :)

Daily Dose of Cute

Who knew skunks could be so adorable? I love the way she looks like she's waiting for some affection, and he isn't quite sure what to do. Just like a man, lol.

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This porcelain couple by Lefton *should* be found in sosovintage soon. I have a bit of a back log of things to do, so I may have to keep them all to myself for a few days :)

Sweet Baby

Oh, I have such a thing for vintage baby dresses! When I find super special ones, I always buy them- and this one is GORGEOUS. That raised/flocked dotted swiss, with lace and ribbon and pearly buttons- oh my! It is sized 12 months, and looks like it was never worn; a perfect baby shower gift. Look for it in sosovintage today :)

Makeover Monday: 3/28

I'm currently working on a custom little girl's Easter basket, and this is one of the fabrics her mommy chose.

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I know, this doesn't look much like an Easter basket yet. I've had a busy weekend, so we'll just have to do this makeover in two parts. I wanted to show you how this fabric worked up, though. I'll be back later in the week with the finished project!

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Can you believe we're here at the last week of March? And we had snow this weekend! I'm looking forward to completing several orders this week. We also have school pictures on Thursday (I'm prepared this year, I think), and watch out for April Fool's Day on Friday! I'm expecting to hear a lot of "Mommy {giggle}, your shoe's untied!" or "Mommy {giggle}, there's a bug in the bathroom!"

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How is your week shaping up? I hope you have a fabulous Monday- thanks so much for popping by :)

Coming Attractions

I fell in love with the groovy graphics on this sewing machine- it's a work of art! The book is chock full of all kinds of sewing info and tips- straight out of 1971. Right on!

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Amazing sewing patterns, with all directions and pieces present- most of them uncut! From the 50's, 70's and 60's (left to right).

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And last but never least, more vintage sheet fabrics.

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All of these goodies and more will be arriving in sosovintage over the next few days :)

Vinspiration

Yes I DID make that word up. Vinspiration is what you call being inspired by vintage. Well, it's what I call it, anyway ;)

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So, here is my fabulous pink and black metal Decoware breadbox. I got this ages ago on eBay. It was supposed to go to my antique booth at the time, but I couldn't part with it.

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It was my vinspiration for these three potholders! I used a double strand of size 10 thread, and these are each double thick as well. I'd like to sell them as a set because they look so cute together- it would be like breaking up a family to sell them individually! They took so long to make, though, with the super small stitches, that I don't think anyone would buy the set for what they will cost. I'm going to have to stew over this for a bit, and work on photos to see what I can come up with. If you have any suggestions, don't hesitate to leave a comment. Or, share some of your own vinspiration! Hope you're having a wonderful weekend :)

Squealllllll!!!!!!

Remember the colossal bowlee from THIS post? Look what that creative customer did with it!! See more of Sarah's beautiful newborn photography at her website or on facebook.

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Are you a photographer seeking your own unique prop?

Contact me HERE with your request or idea!

Thursday's Treasure

Warning! Warning! The following post does not promote environmentally friendly living!

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Are you still reading? Oh good! While they may not be the best product for our planet, these bags are AMAZING for my sanity. I hate, no loathe, washing pots and pans. Really, it's like adding insult to injury to have to scrub pots and pans after cooking.

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So, whether it's broccoli or sweet potatoes, you can have your mess-free delicious veggie side dish in under 5 or 10 minutes by using these bags. You can put your seasonings and sauces right in there! It's like magic! Perfect every time.

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Less time cooking and cleaning = treasure to me!

Scarves Aplenty

Something else I seem to take my sweet time about listing: scarves. I think I have such a hard time getting these in the shop because it's so difficult to capture their beauty in photographs. These three are going to be in sosovintage soon, though- they need to find new homes :)

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A mod stripe in lovely shades of blue

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Really spectacular poppy red with houses
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Soooooo Mary Tyler Moore!

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These all have their Vera roots in common, and would make a beautiful addition to any fashionista's wardrobe. Need one of these? I'm happy to reserve the listing just for you!

The Next Big Thing

This cute, cute, cute as can be Handy Andy metal tool box will be the next "big thing" to hit the shelves in sosovintage. Wouldn't this be a super present for the handyman Dad this Father's Day? It even comes with the hammer and screwdriver from the original set, and the cool graphics are on the inside of the lid as well.

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So, woohoo!, I'm on a roll with this big thing listing- this will be my second in two weeks. Right on my slow and steady track. How about you? Have you made some progress on your goal? Toot your horn by leaving a comment!

Makeover Monday: 3/21

Today's makeover is such a fun one! I started with a 2 oz. hexagonal jar of honey, sent to me by a sosovintage customer who is getting married on a farm in June.

~*~I cut a fabric circle that coordinates with her wedding colors (more on that later!), used some of that luscious baker's twine that I adore, and these helpful adhesive dots ...

~*~ And voila~ zee honey jar is tres magnifique! See, I love it so much I'm bursting into my horrid french accent. Now to cut 120 of these circles in assorted vintage
aqua patterns...heaven!!!

Happy Housewarming

My good friend from college had us over for dinner last night- to the new home that she and her husband just built. Having never been there, I didn't know what colors she had in her kitchen. I decided to go with something bright and fun for this vintage inspired housewarming potholder. A little violet never hurt anyone, right? I'm inspired to make some of these for sosorosey, in classic 40's, 50's, and 60's kitchen colors. Crocheting with size 10 thread is a challenge for my fingers, but the end result is worth it!

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Come back tomorrow for a special Makeover Monday :)

Coming Attractions

Just a few of the new vintage sheet fabrics coming to sosovintage in the next few days. If you see a print that's perfect for an upcoming project, now is a great time to acquire large cuts- I can usually get a good yard or two of excellent fabric for customers who jump on new listings right away. If something looks interesting but you just aren't sure, I'm always happy to send additional photos, too- just ask!

Web Ad

Here is my new web ad, created in trade for fabric by a lovely lady who offered me a month of free advertising on her brand new website. The site is not yet up and running, but when it is, I'll be sure to share! I LOVE the way it turned out so much that I may consider doing some advertising in other places, too. I tried craftcult with sosorosey, but I don't think that's what I want to do this time around, with this shop. Do you vintage fabric loving sewing people have any recommendations for fabulous blogs that may be a fit for sosovintage? If so, please leave a comment!

Thursday's Treasure

Well, according to me (and many of my bloggy friends), most Pyrex is a treasure! This set is especially wonderful in that it is just like new and all three pieces have UNCHIPPED lids as well.

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And here we have.... a metal fly mold. Heehee- now there are three words I wouldn't have expected to write on my blog! Still, I thought this was quite the treasure since it's not only that hot industrial chic, it's a unique supply that can still be used today. For? Maybe crayons? Or resin pendants? Or candles or soap? According to my research, it is from the Creepy Crawly Thingmaker toy by ToyMax ... unfortunately from 1992. Won't be vintage til next year, lol. If you have a need for a metal fly mold- I'm your gal ;)

The Big (NOT) Easy

I have a problem. Well, actually I have lots of them, but today I am focusing on just one.

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I have a section of my downstairs that is being taken over by items that I have a mental block about listing and selling. These are not items that I ever bought to keep. They were purchased with the entire purpose of selling. But, I acquired them before I realized I had such a phobia of dealing with *big* things.

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Now I can already sense those of you who sell chairs and couches and bar stools and tables beginning to laugh at me. Please understand that *big* is all relative. My comfort zone is, well, sending envelopes of fabric, or boxes filled with crocheted goodies. I can even handle the occasional piece of Pyrex or set of mugs.

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But, when I begin to consider photographing magazine racks, shoeshine caddies, tool trugs, briefcases or doll trunks I start to hyperventilate a little. My mind comes up with five million other things that *must* be done, and those items continue to sit in my den without a hope or chance of finding a new home!

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Well, ENOUGH! With you all as my witnesses, I WILL photograph and list one of these cumbersome items every week until they are all in my shop. You have my word, and keeping my word is not one of my problems ;)

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Care to join me in making a public declaration of a baby step you will take toward a task that you've been afraid of or avoiding? Please do! Leave a comment and let's support each other toward our goals. The doll trunk pictured here will be my first *big* item to list... look for her soon in sosovintage!

My Kind of Order

A lovely new customer recently brought a special request to me at sosovintage. She wants to make 12 double sided napkins with vintage material, and she gave me free reign to choose the fabrics that I thought looked good together.

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... and greens...

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... and yellows...

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... and oranges.

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I had SO much fun putting this group of fabrics together; how I would love to be a full time fabric matchmaker. Anyone else out there want to make their own napkins with vintage fabrics? Just tell me your colors and let me fly...

Makeover Monday: 3/14

Two one pound skeins of cotton yarn in cranberry, rose, pale pink and khaki yield...

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... half of my new rug. It is 26" by 26", but will be about 42" long when finished. I work this with a double strand, and it's really interesting how the variegations sort themselves out. Well, that's the kind of thing I find interesting anyway, lol!

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We have a bright and sunny day today, but I have two very dreaded appointments this week... exactly why I shouldn't make my appointments way in advance. I have the dentist on Tuesday and the doctor on Wednesday. What was I thinking? Then there's a play date after school on Thursday and a dinner party on Saturday. Spring is springing! Here's hoping you are enjoying the coming new season, and that you have a fun week planned.

X Factor

Perhaps it looks easy to crochet with fabric. I won't claim that it's rocket science, but there is some skill involved. There is having knowledge of your fabric and cutting it to the width necessary for both the project and the material, there is choosing the correct hook, there is maintaining the proper tension, and probably a few other things that I can't even think of right now. But, there is also some sort of inexplicable factor that often makes me conclude that the work takes on a life of its own. Usually this is a good thing, or not a bad thing...but sometimes it's just plain odd!

~*~ This bright bowl looks normal enough in this photo. It was crocheted from a freshly laundered piece of tie dyed bed sheet. I used the exact same number and type of stitches that I always use for these bowls. I worked it the same way I always work it as I go along. Yet, this isn't quite a bowl.

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It's kind of a cave. Or a modified cornucopia. No matter how I turn it (even inside out), no matter how I stretch it, no matter how I push/pull or look at it... the result is the same. It lays on its side.
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I have been doing this crochet gig full time for years and have never had this particular thing happen. Apparently, no matter how OCD I am about my stitches, my work will always have the human factor. *whacks self on the head* Ahhh, I am not a machine! Now I need to decide whether anyone but me could appreciate and use this "sculpture"... opinions?

Such a Chore

It seems that every time we go to the store these days, I am met with "Mom, can we get this?" or "Mom, will you buy this for me?". Um, no. I find myself uttering mom-isms that I thought would never come out of my mouth. Do I look like I am made of money? Money doesn't grow on trees!

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The time has come for my child to learn more about the value of a dollar AND the value of hard work. She has a few chores that she does, but we haven't had a strict schedule or chore-policy. Until now. Mwuahahahaha.

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Fortunately for all of us, Sophie (like her mama) loves to check things off of a list. So, she has her chore list and enjoys completing her daily and weekly tasks. We're not talking about child slavery here. The only things on her list are make bed, clean up, set table and empty dishwasher. There's a space for extra points when she goes above and beyond with helping around the house.

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Since we've just started, I don't have my $ amount set for how much she will earn. So, I'm reaching out to all of you experienced moms, or those of you who still remember earning an allowance of your own... what is a fair 2011 weekly allowance for a 5 year old with said jobs? Are there allowance pitfalls I should watch out for? Any ideas and opinions are welcome!

Coming Attractions

I found a new and, dare I say, GIGANTIC, thrift store last week- about 20 miles from my home. The first time I went was a sale day- super crowded and picked over. I got the lay of the land and vowed to go back the day before sale day next time.

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Towels were the big score of my second trip, which works for me since vintage towels have been selling pretty well of late. This one has the palest pink background behind those luscious pansies.

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This is a bath hand towel. I'm pretty sure it has never even been used!

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This one is my favorite! I've never seen a towel quite like this one. I hope it finds a special new home where it will be loved :)

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All of these goodies and more will be coming to sosovintage in the next few days!

Thursday's Treasure

Yes that IS what you think it is! An orange enamelware pedestal egg cup! Before you shoot me thinking I was lucky enough to thrift this, sloooooooooow down. I treated myself to a walk through the closest antique mall the other day, and this is what I came out with. $7.50 felt a little steep- a real splurge. But I've never seen one like it. It makes me happy, and that's just priceless, right? What was your most recent "happy" purchase?

Spill It Session #4

I am a pretty mild-mannered woman. It takes a lot to get my panties in a knot. But I do have one big pet peeve that leaves me seething: tailgating. When I have a driver bearing down on my car, inches from my bumper, I have to work really hard not to get out and go postal in the middle of the road.

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I think it began when I was in my twenties, living in Utah. I was on my way to work, and it was still dark. I was the only car on the road except for the pickup behind me. We were both going the speed limit- 55. Suddenly, a herd of elk began crossing the road in front of my car. I slammed on my brakes to avoid the gigantic animals, and I somehow managed to miss them all. But, the driver of the truck was unable to keep himself from plowing into my car because he was following too closely.

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Fast forward to five years ago when I began to chauffeur my baby girl around. My fear of anything happening to her combined with my past experience to make me virtually intolerant of tailgaters. I have been known to call the police when confronted with a particularly aggressive driver. The world is a dangerous enough place, I just don't see how some people think it's ok to selfishly crank all of the odds up so many notches.

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Whew- my rant is over! We all have things that make our blood pressure rise a little, right? Please, share your pet peeve in the comments... let's vent!!!

Art Appreciation

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I do love it so when a customer sends photos of a project made with sosovintage supplies! This beautiful collage comes to us from Wendy of wendyklepper.etsy.com. She purchased THIS vintage fabric, and created the masterpiece above! It is the Victorian House Museum in Millersburg, Ohio, and the redheads in the picture are her children.
Gorgeous work, Wendy- thank you so much for sharing!

Makeover Monday: 3/7

You KNOW I have a thing for polka dots, so when I found this soft cotton full size sheet set, there was no doubt in my mind what I had to do.

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I *had* to make a large Easter basket to list in sosorosey, so that someone else's little girl can be the princess of the egg hunt, too!
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I'm not sure whether I want my first listing photo to be with the lamb or without. Do you have an opinion? I'd love to know what you think!

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Happy Monday, Friends! I'm sitting here this fine sunny morning looking forward to what should be a relatively easy week. No appointments other than a lunch date, nothing to remember except for "crazy sock day" tomorrow. I'm getting ready to head over to my favorite thrift store for sale day- I have a very special order that I'm working on, and I'm looking forward to sharing details of that with you soon.

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I hope you have a lovely day and a happy week! If you have not had a chance to enter my giveaway at the Vintage Sheet blog, don't fret- it's open for entries through March 11th. You can head on over to enter by clicking HERE.

A Bit O History

History was my absolute, hands-down, least favorite subject in school. Even worse than math. I hated memorizing all of those dates, and I failed to see anything interesting or worthwhile in all of those droning lessons. Maybe I just didn't have good history teachers. In any case, my appreciation for some aspects of history has matured, and I have my love of vintage to thank for that!

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A good example is this mid-century looking ashtray or dish that I found while thrifting last week. I fell in love with the shape and colors, and of course seeing that "67" piqued my interest. I brought it home, cranked up the ole google, and learned that Expo 67 was considered to be the most successful World's Fair of the 20th century. It was originally intended to be held in Moscow, but the Soviets cancelled and Montreal was awarded the gig in 1962. 62 Nations participated, and it set the single-day attendance record for a world's fair at 569,000 visitors.

{thank you, wikipedia}

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This little remnant of Canadian and World's Fair history can be found in sosovintage soon!

Oh Boy Oh Boy Oh Boy!

Today is the big day, my friends! I am sponsoring a giveaway over at the Vintage Sheet Blog! Come on over and enter to win- it is open to everyone. And guess what else? Once you're there, you'll also receive my special coupon code for Vintage Sheet Blog readers, good for 20% off of your fabric purchases in sosovintage for the next week. Run, run- and have fun!!

Thursday's Treasure

My Sophie is the early riser of the family. While I was still snoozing until the last possible second this morning, she was up quietly making a card for me in her room. As soon as my alarm went off, she came in and presented it to me... along with a gift wrapped package. I adore the fact that she spent her free time thinking of me, and that she can be so generous with her kindness. In the package (well put together in Christmas paper and masking tape), was her favorite plastic top. The card, in case you can't make it out, reads, "I (heart) you, Mommy. You are the best." There is just nothing better than receiving a "just because" gift!! I heart you, too, my little one!

Colossal Bowlee

A nice new customer saw THIS listing in sosorosey, and asked if I could make it a bit bigger. The original bowlee measures 4" across and 3" high. This mammoth beauty is 11" across and 10" high! It will be used to house either a wastepaper basket or a large houseplant. Isn't that fun? Off to find the right size box...

Daily Dose of Cute

Cutest bunny ever, right? I LOVE his hat!

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Here he is prancing about with a flower...

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... and here he has a bee buzzing around his cottontail!

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Would you believe this is a curtain panel? With pom pom trim? And that those bunnies are somehow flocked in a soft flannel-like material on ecru cotton? I found THREE of these about a year ago, and every single time I see this bunny in my laundry room I smile. I'm going to use them as the curtains in my craft room when I finally get it cleaned out!